Assessment in ELT

Course Overview

This course involves participants with the theory and practice of the major components of assessment, addressing all four skill areas. Assessment topics covered include diagnostic, proficiency, achievement, formative, summative, standardized, strength-based, and differentiated assessments. Participants also explore rubric and test creation, effective feedback, and test analysis. Course participants must put theory into practice by creating different types of assessments and feedback that fit their teaching context.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate among major types of assessment.
  • Create samples of different types of assessment for use in the classroom, including alternative assessment.
  • Analyze assessment of the four language skill areas.
  • Develop assessment tasks appropriate for participant teaching contexts.

Course Scope and Sequence

  • Week 1: Course introduction and cohort building. Assessment principles.
  • Week 2: Assessing writing and speaking. Employing rubrics and checklists.
  • Week 3: Assessing reading and listening. Peer- and self-assessment.
  • Week 4: Integrated skills assessment. Project work. Portfolio assessment.
  • Week 5: Assessment evaluation. Item analysis, differentiation, and alignment.

Course Requirements

Course participants will be required to:

  1. Complete all reading assignments.
  2. Participate in weekly online discussions by posting thoughts and reflections about the readings and commenting on the posts of other course participants.
  3. Submit weekly assignments. 
  4. Give constructive and substantive feedback on fellow participants’ assignments.