Teaching & Assessment

Assessment is a Subset of Teaching

Assessment

Measuring a person’s ability, knowledge, performance in a given

domain

Informal

• Unplanned• Feedback• Coaching procedures

“Close, but not quite”

“Yes! That’s right”

Formal

• Exercise or procedures designed to tap into learner skills and knowledge

• Planned, systematic• Provide understanding of Ss achievement. – Test– Journal– portfolio– System of observing learner oral/written

participation

TESTING

Testing is a Subset of Assessment,

SO….

Testing is a subset of Assessment is a Subset ofTeaching

Test

• A type of assessment• A tool for measuring ability, knowledge or

performance within a given domain.• Time constrained• Limited sample of behavior

Formative Assessment

• Evaluating Ss in the process of ‘forming’ their skills and competencies

GOAL: to help Ss continue forming competencies

KEY: Delivery—of FB helpful in continued growth

Internalization—of FB for future growth

Summative Assessment

• Occur at the end of a unit or semester

GOAL: Measure what Ss have gained

Challenge!

• Make assessment learning experiences• Instill formative attitudes in yourself & your Ss

Norm-referenced testing

• Mean (average), Median (middle score, Standard deviations (extent of variance in scores), Percentile rank

• Place Ss in mathematical continuum in rank order

Fixed, predetermined answersLarge #’s of test takersMoney & Efficiency are main concern

Criterion-referenced tests

• Provide Ss FB on specific course or lesson objectives

• Time & effort on part of teacher to provide Ss useful feedback

Assessment Construction

To measure language proficiency one must consider:

• When• Where• With Whom• What Topics• What effect• Why the language is to be used

Traditional Assessment Alternative Assessment

One shot, standardized exams Continuous long-term assessment

Timed, multiple-choice format Untimed, free-response format

Decontextualized test items Contextualized communicative tasks

Scores suffice for feedback Individualized feedback & washback

Norm-referenced scores Criterion-referenced scores

Focus on the right answer Open-ended, creative answers

Summative Formative

Product oriented Process oriented

Non-interactive performance Interactive performance

Fosters extrinsic motivation Fosters intrinsic motivation

Appropriate & Periodic Assessment

1 increases motivation serving as milestones for Ss progress/achievement

2 aids in reinforcements and retention of information

3 Confirms strengths and pinpoint areas for growth

4 Promotes Ss autonomy by encouraging self assessment and goal setting

Techniques & Procedures

Formative Summative

Informal

Formal

•Standardized proficiency tests•Final exams•Portfolios•Journals•Speeches (prepared & rehearsed)•Oral presentations (prepared but NOT rehearsed)•Impromptu Ss responses to T questions•Ss written responses (one paragraph) to assigned reading•Drafting and revising writing•Final essays after several drafts•Ss oral responses to T questions after video taped lecture•Whole class open ended discussion of a topic

Techniques & Procedures• Standardized proficiency tests• Final exams• Portfolios• Journals• Speeches (prepared & rehearsed)• Oral presentations (prepared but NOT rehearsed)• Impromptu Ss responses to T questions• Ss written responses (one paragraph) to assigned reading• Drafting and revising writing• Final essays after several drafts• Ss oral responses to T questions after video taped lecture• Whole class open ended discussion of a topic