1. RELANG A new teaching experience for Armenia
Lusine Flyan
Armenia

2. Workshop Description
A RELANG workshop on constructing valid language tests and examinations based on the CEFR was held at the Yerevan Brusov State University of Languages and Social Sciences (YSULS), March 2015.
The workshop was given in the context of the ECML - EU RELANG project: Relating language examinations to the common European reference levels of language proficiency: promoting quality assurance in education and facilitating mobility.
The Workshop focused on linking foreign language school-leaving and university entrance examinations to the CEFR.

3. RELANG EXPERTS
José Noijons Gilles Breton

4. Participants of the Workshops
Plenary session participants- 60 people
Workshop groups- 28 participants
X Language testers and examiners, item writers; about 13 % of all participants.
X Teachers and teacher trainers YSULS; about 40 % of all participants.
X Teachers and teacher trainers other universities; about 20 % of all participants.
X Representatives of schools; about 20 % of all participants.
X Other stakeholders; about 7 % of all participants.

5. The Outcomes of the RELANG Workshop
the participants learnt the principles and techniques of valid test construction according to the levels of CEFR
the participants learnt to analyze the test data and test-analysis according to CEFR
the participants learnt to link tests and examinations to CEFR.
The knowledge and skills acquired by the participants throughout the workshop are used for developing the country policy in language education and language assessment.
The outcomes of the workshop were monitored by the YSULS and RA Ministry of Education and Science.

6. The Output of the RELANG Workshop
Creation of Armenian national cluster of RELANG experts promoting quality assurance in developing language examinations linked to the CEFR with support through an online platform
Utilization of the ECML materials on Relating Examinations to the CEFR

7. Participants’ Feedback
The course was very useful and informative. The fundamental principles of test construction were clearly presented and practical assignments helps to understand and implement this knowledge
As a teacher at primary school, I now understand, realise more clearly what is expected from students at higher grades. And this will be very helpful for me to organise my work and curriculum
Sehr nützlich bei weiteren Testerstellungen
Cette formation nous aidera à continuer notre pédagogie et à conformer aux règles établies au CECRL qui sont déjà bien réfléchies et pratiquées par plusieurs professeurs de l'Europe
The workshop helped us to once again realise the importance of correct testing and the degree to which tests are linked to the CEFR (and many more things!!)

8. Participants’ Feedback
Everything was quite clear but I understood that there is much work to do later, as we have been provided with a lot of materials which should be studied later.
The experts are very well prepared. We hope to meet them again and again.
I would like to especially specify the importance of the workshop within the frames of aim/standard setting and wish that in spite of any objective obstacles that might arise to organise another workshop for all the participants to become real professionals
" The quality of the ECML experts was very very good" " The materials provided for the event were very very useful"
The quality of the ECML experts was very good and the way they present information and conduct workshops was really good and pleasant.

9. Participants’ Feedback
I gave this rating as in my opinion the three day conference was really efficient, especially the practical part of it, as well as analyzing the tests.
I consider this workshop to be extremely successful since this was a combination of theory and practice. I greatly enjoyed the practical part since this is when I harvested most information and data
War sehr informativ und besonders nützlich war die Arbeit an den Testen.
I've got a detailed explanation on CEFR principles. I have a clear understanding of adapting tests to corresponding demands of CEFR levels.
I have found the course very useful as it has equipped me with necessary skills and techniques not only as a teacher but also as an assessor.

10. ARMENIAN RELANG SNAPSHOTS