Woman participating in Aptis language retention study

Measuring the impact of time and experience on second language proficiency

Are you a former Aptis test-taker curious about how your English language skills have evolved over time? If you took an Aptis test between two and eleven years ago, we invite you to participate in a groundbreaking research study exploring how English language skills change over time. 

Join our study, take a free Aptis test, and help us uncover the fascinating patterns of language retention and attrition.

The study

This research project is headed by Dr Karen Dunn, Dr Emma Bruce and Dr Pearl Leung from English Language Research (ELR) at the British Council and will delve into the factors influencing language retention among individuals who have previously taken the Aptis English language test. By examining the performance of past test-takers on a new Aptis assessment, we will explore how various factors, such as language use, exposure, and engagement, impact long-term language proficiency.

Research project running dates: 15 November 2024 – 31 January 2025 

Why participate?

  • Gain insights into your own language journey: Discover how your English language skills have changed over time.
  • Contribute to valuable research: Your participation will help us understand the complex dynamics of language learning and retention.
  • Support ongoing language assessment development: Your involvement will contribute to improving future language assessments.

What's involved?

  • Complete a questionnaire: You will provide information about your language learning experiences, language use habits, and other relevant factors.
  • Retake the Aptis test: You will be asked to complete a new Aptis assessment to measure your current English language proficiency. This includes the Grammar and Vocabulary and two or more of the following components: Listening; Speaking; Reading and Writing. Click on the following link for more information about the test: https://www.britishcouncil.org/exam/english/aptis 

Benefits for participants

  • Receive personalised feedback: The results from your Aptis candidate report will include a numerical score and a CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level for each of the skills tested, helping you identify areas for improvement.
  • Gain access to exclusive study results: Be among the first to discover the findings of this important research.

 

Two students participate in Aptis language retention study

About Aptis

Developed by British Council experts in language testing, Aptis is underpinned by the latest research in assessment. It provides reliable results to enable better decision-making about your language training, benchmarking or selection processes.

Aptis is trusted by governments and organisations in more than 85 countries for validating and raising the standards of English. 

Find out which institutions recognise Aptis tests 

About English Language Research (ELR) at the British Council

The Aptis test system has from the outset been developed with a strong commitment to research, validation, and documentation. English Language Research, headed by Professor Barry O’Sullivan OBE was established as a part of this goal, and works to position the British Council as a global leader and product innovator in the field of English language assessment, supporting the British Council’s work in assessment and testing across the world.

About Dr. Karen Dunn, Senior Researcher and Head of Data, English Language Research

Karen is a senior researcher and head of the English Language Research Data Science & Insights hub at the British Council. She oversees a team of experts specialising in the quantitative analysis of language and assessment data, working to shape and implement the organisation's thought leadership agenda in statistical methodology, educational measurement, and data science. Karen collaborates with colleagues across the UK and internationally, delivering high-quality analysis for specialised interest groups focused on language education and assessment.

Dr. Emma Bruce, Researcher, Research and Validation of IELTS

Emma’s specific focus is on research and validation of IELTS. Research interests include English for academic purposes, online testing and assessment and the impact of tests and assessment in different contexts of use. Before joining the British Council Emma worked in the tertiary sector in the UK and Hong Kong as an EAP Lecturer and later Head of Assessment.

Dr. Pearl Leung, Emerging Researcher: Data Analyst, English Language Research

Pearl is an Emerging Researcher in the English Language Research Group. Her work contributes to research design and data analysis in various research projects taking place in English Language Research, especially in data collection, data manipulation, and data analysis. Prior to joining the British Council, Pearl worked in data management where she gained experience working with administrative data. In addition to data, Pearl’s research interest is in bi/multilingualism. She is particularly interested in language use in inner speech, and emotions in multiple languages. Her education background is in education and applied linguistics. She had also served as an English as a second/foreign language teacher.  

If you took the Aptis test between two and eleven years ago and are interested in participating, please fill out a letter of interest. Your involvement will make a significant contribution to our understanding of language retention and help shape the future of language assessment.

For more information, contact aptismexico@britishcouncil.org 
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