Assessment noun, assess verb
To discover, judge, test or form an opinion on learners’ ability, proficiency or progress either formally or informally.
Continuous assessment
A type of testing which is different from a final examination. Some or all of the work that learners do during a course is considered by the teacher on a regular basis and contributes to the final grade given to learners. It may also include regular monitoring of classroom performance and contribution.
Diagnostic assessment
A type of testing aimed at identifying – diagnosing – aspects of language and skills where learners have weaknesses (or strengths) which subsequently informs the teachers’ future lesson planning.
Formal assessment
When a teacher judges learners’ work through a test and then gives a formal report or grade to learners, to say how successful or unsuccessful they have been.
Formative assessment
When a teacher uses information on learners’ progress during a course to adapt their teaching and/or to give learners feedback on their learning.
Informal assessment
When a teacher decides whether a learner is doing well or not, or whether a course is successful or not, by observing learners rather than setting a test or writing an official report or giving a grade.
Peer assessment
When learners give feedback on each other’s language, work, learning strategies, performance.
Performance assessment
Typically this involves observation of classroom performance to assess how well learners express themselves during specific tasks by checking performance against criteria. Teachers can evaluate if learners achieved the purpose of the task.
Portfolio assessment
This is a type of formative assessment and also continuous assessment. It consists of a collection of learners’ work done over a course or a year which shows evidence of development of their language skills.
Self-assessment
When learners decide for themselves how good they think their progress or language use is.
Summative assessment
A type of assessment done at the end of a course where the focus is on learners receiving a grade for their work rather than receiving feedback on their progress.
Assessment chart/Assessment profile
A chart designed by the teacher and used for diagnostic purposes. The chart includes learners’ names and assessment criteria. The teacher uses it to monitor and record comments on learners’ progress and achievement in English. The comments are based on observation of learners working during class time, and/or on samples of written work done for homework. See chart, pupil profile chart.
Assessment criteria
The qualities against which a learner’s performance is judged for assessment. For example, assessment criteria for judging learners’ writing may be: accuracy of grammar, use of vocabulary, spelling and punctuation, organisation of ideas.