Week 11. Assessing Learning

I think common assessment techniques don’t measure students’ knowledge, most of them measure either grammar, reading comprehension or listening but not all of them. I remember when I was in high school I memorized formulas, concepts, practices, etc and with that was enough to pass the test. The problem is that a week or so after the test I had forgotten everything.

I like the idea of alternative assessment, because it reveals what students can do in language, it uses real life situations, and students have to practice what they have learned throughout a period. It’s good because the students can evaluate their own learning and their learning processes.

Features of alternative assessment:

·         Assessment is based on authentic tasks that demonstrate learners' ability to accomplish communication goals.

·         Instructor and learners focus on communication, not on right and wrong answers.

·         Learners help to set the criteria for successful completion of communication tasks.

·         Learners have opportunities to assess themselves and their peers.

The idea to let students assess themselves encourages them to become independent learners and can increase their motivation; some elements teachers can use are goal setting, guided practice with assessment tools, and portfolios.

The change from common assessment techniques to alternative assessment takes time for both the teacher and students so it’s important that the teacher goes step by step introducing rubrics first and explaining to the students everything very clear.