The ITACE for Lecturers consists of a computer test, a writing test and an oral test.
PART 1: COMPUTER TEST
The computer test (max. 1.5 h) consists of the following components:
- Grammar and vocabulary
- Multiple choice
- Fill in the blanks (one or more words as required)
- Listening
- Comprehension questions with multiple choice
- Fill in the blanks (transcription)
- Reading
- Comprehension questions with multiple choice
- Text rearrangement questions
All test items are randomly selected from a database and are based on academic texts accessible to participants from a variety of disciplines.
Participants are not allowed to use dictionaries, online sources, or any other aids during the computer test.
In order to familiarize yourself with the different types of questions, you can click here to access a sample computer test.
Note: The sample test is merely meant as an example of the question types used in the ITACE for Lecturers computer test. As it only contains one example of each question type, this sample test is not intended as a practice test, which means it is not representative of your performance on the complete ITACE computer test.
PART 2: WRITING
The writing test (1 hour) involves writing a short academic text. The assignment allows participants to contextualize the topic in their own field of research or teaching experience.
The text is to be written in MS Word and participants are allowed to use all MS Word functions, including the spellchecker. However, other aids (dictionaries, internet, etc.) are not allowed.
Assessment of the text is based on the following evaluation criteria:
- Vocabulary (control and range)
- Grammar (accuracy and range)
- Spelling and punctuation
- Coherence and flow
Sample writing task
You wish to obtain funds to do research abroad for one year. Write a 300-word text to the funding body explaining where you plan to go, what your research plans would be, and which researchers or institutes you would like to collaborate with. Illustrate the added value your visit will have for your research.
PART 3: ORAL
The oral test (30 mins) is a face-to-face test which consists of two different assignments.
- Presentation task:
Participants prepare a short presentation within a teaching context. They can draw inspiration from their own lectures or research. - Argumentation task:
Participants are asked to discuss their views on a general or academic issue to be chosen from two available topics.
Participants are given 15 minutes to prepare for the oral test. They are not allowed to use dictionaries, websites or any other aids, but they do receive pen and paper to make notes that can be used during the presentation. The test itself takes approximately 15 minutes and is recorded to allow assessment by an additional rater if necessary.
Assessment of the oral test is based on the following evaluation criteria:
- Vocabulary (control and range)
- Grammar (accuracy and range)
- Fluency
- Pronunciation and intonation
- Coherence and flow
Sample presentation task
Give a short presentation (5 mins) on the following topic.
Pretend you are teaching an introductory lecture. Explain and illustrate a concept that will play an important role in the course.
Sample argumentation task
1. Restricting access to university (or certain university courses)
More than half of first year students at Flemish universities will not proceed successfully to the second year. Only medicine and dentistry do better. Medicine, for instance, has a pass rate of about 87%. These are currently the only two degree programmes for which students have to take an entrance exam. Should Belgian universities follow international examples and limit university access based on selective admission requirements such as entrance exams or secondary school performance?2. GM food
Genetically modified food is developed because of some perceived advantage either to producers or consumers, e.g. lower prices, longer shelf life or higher nutritional value. However, critics argue that the process of combining genes from different species goes against the natural selection process that occurs in traditional cultivation. As a result, no accurate predictions can be made about the long-term effects of GM food. Should GM food be banned?