Here’s a new blog post from Duolingo. It expresses the same point I’ve been making here for a month, which is that due to recent regulatory changes in Canada students are now free to choose whatever English test they desire, as long as their target school accepts it. No longer are they forced to choose from a small number of expensive tests.
Says the green owl:
“Students can use any English language proficiency test accepted for admission by the academic institution they’re applying to – we know because we asked IRCC and they confirmed that for us!”
And:
“At just $65 USD, the DET is much more cost-effective than other tests, which range from $300 to $400 USD. Plus, there are no travel costs to go to a test center or hidden fees for sending scores to multiple schools.”
Legacy tastemakers have expressed the idea that despite the changes students will continue to take their tests. They suggest that students like their tests because they include items that closely resemble what students do on campus. Sometimes they say that students like their tests because the time they spend preparing for them gets them ready for their studies. Other times they say that their test is “the gold standard” or that it is “fit for purpose.”
This is magical thinking.
Students are practical and pragmatic. Indeed, they are some of the most pragmatic and practical people on the planet. They will choose the most affordable and accessible test almost every single time.
As I’ve mentioned here before, this is a “break glass in case of emergency” situation for firms that compete with Duolingo. They ought to have a plan already.