Assessment—Forms and Considerations
Although not every student loves to hear this word, assessment is an essential element in any classroom. This is a chance for teachers to check student understanding, for students to receive feedback, and for administrators to evaluate the success of a program. When designing and administrating assessments, here are a few things to consider.
Assessment vs. Test
Usually, when we hear the word, “assessment”, we picture students sitting down at a desk, pencil in hand, marking away at multiple-choice questions. Yes, tests are certainly one form of assessment. However, while every test is an assessment, not every assessment is a test. Teachers should be constantly assessing their students, both formally and informally. Every time a student participates in class, you can assess their use of vocab, grammar, or pronunciation. Every observation of student work is an opportunity to evaluate student understanding and progress.
Validity
It is important to ensure that your assessments are valid. Ask yourself, “Does this assessment measure what it claims to measure?”
Here are a couple types of validity:
Face: Do administrators and students think this assessment is valid?
Content: Does this assessment reflect what students learned in class?
Authenticity
Does this assessment reflect how students should use language in the real world? Are the reading passages authentic? Are the listening samples authentic? Are the speaking and writing tasks authentic?
Feasibility
Is your assessment practical? Do students have time to complete the assessment? Do you have time to conduct it? Do you have time to grade it? Do you have the resources necessary?
Washback
Washback is simply the results or consequences of an assessment.
Negative washback: Students may be stressed about an assessment and perform poorly on it and other assignments. A poorly designed assessment may lower student confidence. Teachers may also become distracted by an upcoming assessment and teach students, not to meet class objectives, but to perform well on an exam. Assessments are tools, not objectives.
Positive washback: Assessments can provide a progress check so teachers can revise lesson plans to fit the actual needs of their students. Students can also receive positive and constructive feedback that builds confidence and raises awareness of weaknesses.
Alternatives to Tests
Although tests may be an efficient and easy way to assess students, you may consider implementing some of the following alternatives:
Self-assessment: This assessment does not measure student abilities, but rather their perceptions of their abilities. This can help you know how confident your students are feeling with course content and skills.
Writing portfolios: Collecting a portfolio of student work can help you to assess student progress over the course. It can also help you compare student competency across genres. In a writing portfolio, consider including rough drafts and revisions to reflect the writing process, not simply product.
Projects: Presentations, research reports, book clubs… be creative and fun with ways to get your students using language in authentic ways!
Remember, no matter the form of assessment you choose, an assessment should measure how well students are achieving course goals and objectives. When designing prompts and rubrics, always keep course goals in mind.
