Assessment

ASSESSMENT Evaluation is an overall, umbrella term since we can evaluate all the factors that influence the learning process: the syllabus, objectives, course design, materials, methodology, teacher performance and assessment. Assessment is the measuring of : students’performance and progress. This term collocates with continues, overall, ongoing . Testing: is the instance through which we measure student´s ability, knowledge of performance in a given domain. Tests are instruments while evaluation and assessment are processes. Tests are one of the most popular instruments used in formal assessment. Another instrument is the exam which in general is more comprehensible than a test since we speak of Mid year exams, Final exams. Exams can be written or oral while tests are written. Both assessment and evaluation are part of the teaching process and they are strongly related since we have to assess what we teach. Key aspects to be considered when Redding your notes. Kinds of assessment: Formal, Informal and Self-assessment- Traditional and Alternative Assessment- Formative and Summative assessment. What to assess? Linguistic and non linguistic factors (eg. Responsibility, behaviour, cooperation with the T and SS) When to assess? (assessment is an ongoing process and it has to be part of the teaching learning process) Who assesses? (the T is not the only one to assess: colleagues, SS, chief of department, the Ministry of Education may assess) Why to assess? (relate this to feedback and the wasback effect that tests have: they provide information to the T-to know whether to continue with the syllabus or to go back; to SS and their parents_ to know how they are doing, to the authorities of school, etc) Tests: Characteristics of good tests: reliability, validity, practicality and washback. Kinds of tests: as regards how to interpret results:norm-referenced and criterion referenced. as regards contents to be included: integrative and discreet point. as regards the moment they are administered and their aims: diagnostic, entrance, placement, progress, selection,…..