This book presents an empirical study that develops and validates a learning-oriented self-assessment instrument for assessing the strategic competence (SC) of young language learners in oral communication, specifically within the context of early English education in China.

The instrument’s development followed a multi-phased research design, encompassing three interconnected stages: conceptualisation, operationalisation and validation. Each phase employed distinct methods, data collection techniques and analyses tailored to specific research objectives. By adopting an integrative approach, this book clarifies the crucial yet elusive concept of SC. It not only contributes to the field of language assessment but also underscores the importance of explicit SC instruction in language education for young learners.

Focusing on real-world classroom scenarios and offering practical solutions for integrating SC instruction into current teaching paradigms, this book will appeal to educators, researchers and policymakers interested in language testing and assessment, foreign language education and applied linguistics.

Jun Wang is a lecturer in English language at the School of Languages, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, China. Her research interests include strategic competence, assessing young language learners and speaking assessments.

Yan Jin is a professor of linguistics and applied linguistics at the School of Foreign Languages, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Her research focuses on the theory and practice of language testing and assessment, particularly the development and validation of large-scale language tests.