English language testing and assessment of e-learning in Mongolia [Innovation and digital technologies in Languages for Specific Purposes]

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the results involved in language testing and assessment of e-learning. Assessment and language testing are necessary not only for testing language proficiency, but also for achieving the program's objectives and aims. With the rapid development of modern science and technology, and in the aftermath of the global pandemic, there is an ever increasing need to expand the use of e-learning in education. Several studies have been done comparing the assessment and effectiveness of e-learning with traditional classroom training, but it is highly questionable since many have not recognized the effectiveness of e-learning. Therefore, this paper seeks to examine the current trends in English language teaching in Mongolian Universities and the results and evaluation of a course based on e-learning at the Mongolian National University of Education (MNUE). Focus group discussions (online), document content analysis, and direct observation were used to identify the realities of English language teaching in the universities, the challenges faced in the training, and to analyze the questionnaires on e-learning evaluation. Common findings of the difficulties in e-learning include internet access and students' preference for speaking their mother tongue in English classes. However, the majority of professional language students who participated in the study learned better through e-learning and suggested that foreign language courses could be based on e-learning. As a sample, in the classroom, proficiency testing was done for 40 students who are studying General English II (pre-intermediate) and an assessment revealed 87.5% of them failed (B2 level). Then they were assessed again by online testing and 80% of the students passed. This sample study suggests that we should improve our assessment of e-learning. E-learning has to be given its due credit and acknowledged