Purpose
To recognize doctoral dissertation research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge about second or foreign-language tests and testing and/or the use and development of such tests and testing.
Award Value
- $2,500 (U.S. dollars)
- Round-trip economy airfare, expenses and hotel accommodations for 3 nights at the Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), where the award is presented
Eligibility
To be considered for the award:
- The candidate's institution must have accepted the dissertation within 3 years before the date of the award application.
- The research must have been completed as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree, or its equivalent, at an accredited university.
- Although the dissertation under consideration must be in English, the research may be related to second- or foreign-language testing of any language.
Note: Candidates who have submitted abstracts for this award in previous years are not eligible.
Important Dates
- September 15 — Deadline for receipt of summary and abstract, letter from advisor and official proof of dissertation acceptance
- October 20 — Call to finalists to submit their dissertations
- November 8 — Deadline for receipt of dissertations
- January 31 — Selection of award recipient
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following:
- A typed summary of the dissertation, not to exceed 5,000 words, including tables and figures, but excluding references, and a 150-word abstract of the research.
- The summary should include brief descriptions of theoretical background and rationale, purposes of the research, methods (including data analyses), results, and implications of the results.
- The number of words for the summary and abstract should be clearly indicated. Submissions exceeding the word limit will not be considered.
- Proof of acceptance of the dissertation by the candidate's university. Evidence of acceptance can include an official transcript from the university, the dissertation committee's signed acceptance form or a copy of the university diploma. Questions regarding proof of acceptance may be sent to TOEFLGrantsandAwards@ets.org.
- A completed application form.
- A completed, signed letter from the dissertation advisor or director, using the template form.
Note: Materials should be submitted electronically to TOEFLGrantsandAwards@ets.org.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are evaluated by an independent panel of judges that does not include ETS staff. Evaluations are made according to these criteria:
- Scholarly or professional significance to the field of second or foreign-language testing and/or test use and development
- Originality and creativity
- Technical quality
- Quality of presentation
Note: ETS and the TOEFL® Committee of Examiners reserve the right to decline selection of a recipient should there be no suitable applicants.
For Further Information
To request further information write to TOEFLGrantsandAwards@ets.org.