Module 10: Alternative Assessment

Summary

Module 10 explores alternative assessment methods in language learning, focusing on self-record-keeping, peer feedback, portfolios, and performance assessment. These methods encourage real-world language use, student autonomy, and increased motivation. They also allow for direct demonstration of progress to students, educators, and the community. The video script includes examples of teachers facilitating peer feedback and portfolio management, emphasizing the importance of clear guidelines and criteria for effective assessment.

Takeaways

• 📝 Alternative assessment directly evaluates learners' language skills, as opposed to traditional paper-pencil tests that measure knowledge about the language.
• 🌟 It encourages real-world use of the target language, enhancing learners' ability to apply what they've learned in class.
• 💡 Alternative assessment can increase learners' motivation by making them more responsible for and self-directed in their learning.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 It provides opportunities for learners to display their progress to others, including family members and the community.
• 🔍 Module 10 focuses on four types of alternative assessment: self record-keeping, peer feedback and assessment, portfolios, and performance assessment.
• 📊 Self record-keeping involves students tracking their own progress, which can set clear expectations and improve accountability.
• 🤝 Peer feedback allows students to correct each other's work, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• 📚 Portfolios serve as a comprehensive collection of student work, offering a clear view of progress over time.
• 🎭 Performance assessment involves the use of multiple language skills simultaneously, with criteria provided for evaluation.
• 👩‍🏫 The teacher's role in alternative assessment includes setting clear guidelines, acting as a resource, and providing constructive feedback.
• 📈 Effective alternative assessment requires practice but can lead to increased student engagement and tangible evidence of progress.

Q & A

What is alternative assessment in the context of language learning?

Alternative assessment is a method to directly evaluate learners' language skills, as opposed to traditional paper-pencil tests that show knowledge about the language. It demonstrates learners' ability to use the language in real-life situations.

Why is alternative assessment beneficial for language learners?

Alternative assessment is beneficial because it allows learners to make real use of the target language for actual purposes, potentially increasing their motivation to learn, and it provides an opportunity to display student progress to others, including the school, community, and family members.

What are the four types of alternative assessment discussed in Module 10?

The four types of alternative assessment discussed in Module 10 are self record-keeping, peer feedback and assessment, portfolios, and performance assessment.

How do self record-keeping and peer feedback contribute to learning?

Self record-keeping allows students to track their own progress, while peer feedback enables students to correct each other's work, both of which can lead to increased responsibility for learning and improved understanding of the material.

What is the role of a teacher in peer feedback sessions?

The teacher's role in peer feedback sessions is to provide clear guidelines, ensure students know what they are looking for, and how to give constructive feedback on the work being assessed.

What is a portfolio in the context of alternative assessment?

A portfolio is a collection of student work that serves as a record of their progress and achievements. It can be used to showcase student work and progress to teachers, parents, and other stakeholders.

How can portfolios be used for formative and summative assessment?

Portfolios can be used for formative assessment by allowing teachers to give ongoing feedback on student work, and for summative assessment by providing evidence of student progress that can be used to assign grades.

What is performance assessment and how does it differ from other forms of alternative assessment?

Performance assessment involves students completing a task that requires the use of multiple language skills simultaneously. It differs from other forms of alternative assessment in that it often involves a public display or presentation of the student's work, which is then evaluated by the teacher and peers.

What criteria might be used to evaluate a performance assessment?

Criteria for evaluating a performance assessment might include preparation for the task, clarity, loudness, speed, eye contact, body language, and the effectiveness of opening and closing statements.

How can alternative assessment techniques help to motivate students?

Alternative assessment techniques can motivate students by allowing them to take more responsibility for their own learning, by making the learning process more interactive and relevant to real-life situations, and by providing direct evidence of their progress to others.

What are some common forms of alternative assessment other than those discussed in Module 10?

Other common forms of alternative assessment include observations, conferencing and dialogue, and learning journals.