Assessment
Assessment is the systematic process of gathering information about learner performance to make informed decisions about teaching and learning. In language education, a key distinction separates assessment of learning (summative — certifying what has been achieved) from assessment for learning (formative — using evidence to guide ongoing instruction).
In the older method-based proposals referred to above, testing has the role of assessment of learning (i.e. achievement testing) while in the more recent proposals a more dynamic role for assessment is assumed — assessment for learning — where teaching and assessment inform each other at every stage of the teaching/learning process. — Richards (2013)
Key Types
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formative Assessment | Diagnose and guide teaching in progress | Observation, exit tickets, peer feedback |
| Summative Assessment | Certify achievement at end of course | End-of-course exam, IELTS |
| Diagnostic Testing | Identify specific strengths and weaknesses | Error analysis, placement diagnostics |
| Achievement Test | Measure mastery of course content | End-of-unit quiz |
| Proficiency Test | Measure general language ability | IELTS, Cambridge exams |
Core Qualities
Any assessment should be evaluated against Validity (does it measure what it claims to?), Reliability (does it produce consistent results?), practicality (is it feasible?), and Washback (what effect does it have on teaching and learning?).