Chilean Pre-Service and Novice EFL Teachers’ Metaphoric Representations about Assessment in English Language Learning and Teaching

Abstract

The general objective of this research is to reveal the Chilean pre-service and novice EFL teachers’ metaphoric representations about assessment in English language learning and teaching. Due to the object of study’s subjective characteristics, the qualitative methodology was considered. The participants of this research were, first of all, 64 pre-service EFL teachers, who were carrying out the professional practicum course in three Chilean universities. Likewise, 50 novice EFL teachers were invited to contribute to this study. The two groups of participants were originally from southern and central Chile. A questionnaire of metaphoric representations focused on assessment in English language learning and teaching was used to collect data. The results of this study indicate that the metaphoric representations held by both groups of participants perceive English language learning assessment from a process and product-oriented vision. Regarding the differences between these representations, the pre-service EFL teachers’ responses have a greater inclination towards a product-oriented assessment. On the other hand, the novice EFL teachers emphasize the need to consider the learners’ diversity within assessment. The analysis of metaphoric representations, in undergraduate language teacher education, can be a beneficial tool to promote reflection on pedagogical and disciplinary competencies, particularly on those linked to the assessment of English language receptive and productive skills. © 2022 Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. All rights reserved.