Site LogoBanner Image
Site Login
Forgotten password?

Current Location: Home arrow Exams arrow Assessment matters

Assessment matters

In this eight-part series, Adrian Tennant takes us through the sometimes controversial topic of assessment in English language teaching, from tools for assessment, such as Portfolios and Can Do statements, to specific methods of assessment, such as diagnostic tests.

Titles in the series, which we will publish over the coming months:

  • What is assessment?
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Preparing students
  • Assessing young learners
  • Assessing tasks and lessons
  • Assessing skills
  • Portfolios
  • CEFR 'Can do' statements

In this subsection

  • Assessment matters: Assessing skills

    The Staff Room

    This month, Adrian Tennant looks at how teachers test the four skills or reading, writing, listening and speaking and the fairness of assessment techniques. He also explores the various methods employed by teachers and potential improvements for skills assessments.

  • Assessment matters: Assessing tasks and lessons

    The Staff Room

    Adrian Tennant looks at ways in which teachers can assess lessons in order to judge the success of both their classroom delivery and students’ learning.

  • Assessment matters: Diagnostic tests

    The Staff Room

    Adrian Tennant considers 'diagnostic tests', sometimes referred to as 'level tests' or 'placement tests', comparing them to other forms of assessment as well as giving some practical suggestions.

  • Assessment matters: Portfolios

    The Staff Room

    Student portfolios, as a form of assessment, are becoming more popular. But what exactly are they? Adrian Tennant explains how portfolios can be organized and maintained, how they can help with assessment, and outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of using them for assessment.

  • Assessment matters: Preparing students for tests and exams

    The Staff Room

    Adrian Tennant looks at how most exams test a student’s ability to do tests, and gives some practical tips aimed at helping you prepare your students.

  • Assessment matters: Self-assessment and 'Can do' statements

    The Staff Room

    In the final part of this series, Adrian Tennant takes a look at self-assessment and, in particular, ‘Can do’ statements: a current buzzword and term now employed by the Common European Framework (CEF).

  • Assessment matters: What is assessment?

    The first in a new series of articles that deal with assessment. In this article Adrian Tennant takes a look at what is meant by assessment. Many people assume that assessment is simply another word for testing but this article outlines its role as an important aspect of teaching and learning.

  • Assessment matters: Assessing young learners

    The Staff Room

    In this article Adrian Tennant looks at how young learners feel about assessment; marks, grades and comments; ongoing assessment; self-assessment and the general benefits of assessment for this age group.