Inaugural professorial lecture of Professor Fumiyo Nakatsuhara

What will the lecture be about?

Millions of language learners take language tests annually and English language assessment is a key UK industry. Globally, language assessments are considered powerful tools for driving reforms in language education systems at both national and regional levels.

This inaugural professorial lecture will discuss how assessment can be effectively used to transform educational systems. Professor Nakatsuhara’s work has focused on ensuring that language testing is valid and fair for those taking part, as tests can have a major influence on careers and education.

Professor Nakatsuhara will delve into the research project that developed and validated a new English speaking test for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), in partnership with and commissioned by the British Council. With TMG's £109 million investment, the test will benefit 240,000 junior high school students annually, promoting English speaking skills and addressing a longstanding educational challenge.

Join us after the lecture for refreshments and the opportunity to chat with Professor Nakatsuhara and ask any questions you may have about her lecture.

· When? Thursday 28 November 2024, from 5.30pm

· Where? PM06, Postgraduate Centre, Luton campus

Speaker bio – Professor Fumiyo Nakatsuhara:

Professor Fumiyo Nakatsuhara is a Professor of Language Assessment and Deputy Director of the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA). With extensive experience in language test development and validation, she has led numerous international projects for ministries, universities, and examination boards, influencing millions of language learners worldwide. Her research on online speaking testing laid the foundation for the current IELTS Speaking test, taken by 3.75 million test-takers annually, and her work in Japan and Uruguay has significantly impacted their English education systems.

Among other roles, she is an Expert Member of the European Association for Language Testing and Assessment and serves on the editorial boards of Language Testing and Language Assessment Quarterly. Professor Nakatsuhara is also an Academic Advisor for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Two of her journal papers were highlighted in Fulcher’s Research Timeline as pivotal works in speaking assessment since 1864.

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