DMMA - Dynamic Model of Multilingual Assessment

Wider research context / theoretical framework Our project is grounded in the field of applied linguistics, which focuses on all language- related problems in society and the solutions language theory can offer. Dynamic model of Multilingualism Assessment (DMMA) investigates the development of assessment criteria for multilingual development and multicompetence from a complexity and dynamic systems theoretical perspective (CDST), primarily based on the Dynamic Model of Multilingualism (DMM; Herdina & Jessner 2002). Multilingualism is defined as the contact between and the use of three or more languages. Hypotheses / research questions / objectives We hypothesize that DMMA as an assessment tool based on CDST principles is required to shed light on the challenges of testing multicompetence from a holistic, that is not from a monolingual and purely linguistic perspective. Our main objective is to develop a set of tools that enables us to measure multilingual proficiency and multilingual development in the German speaking educational context (i.e., pre-school and primary school level). Approach / methods The project is based on research on both linguistic and cognitive development, testing and assessment theory. Our operational definition of assessment criteria derives from insights gained by modelling multilingualism and multicompetence developed by CDST. By using CDST based qualitative measures a comprehensive battery of criteria to assess both language and cognition related processes and outcomes will be developed. This battery will include insights gained from interviews conducted with experts involved in testing language development in the German-speaking context. Level of originality / innovation In this ground breaking project, our focus on a CDST approach applied to multilingual assessment is highly innovative. By integrating CDST in both modelling and testing, we develop novel methodologies to study multilingualism and multicompetence from a holistic research perspective in the hope of guaranteeing a greater level of fairness and equal opportunities in the educational system in an increasingly globalized world. Our project is of exceptional interdisciplinary significance, and its results will be relevant to sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, speech therapy and education. Primary researchers involved Our project builds on the expertise of the two authors of the DMM, P. Herdina and U. Jessner-Schmid, at the University of Innsbruck (Austria) and the international cooperations with S.Coetzee-Van Rooy (South Africa) and W.Scharff Rethfeldt (Germany). The team- leaders longtime experience in carrying out projects on multilingualism research is complemented by P.Herdinas expertise in CDST and the highly qualified team at Innsbruck University.