TESOL Assessment Glossary.

 

Unpacking Assessment

 

In the world of education, particularly for English learners (ELs), clear and fair assessment practices are crucial. But navigating terms like "assessment," "measurement," and "test" can be confusing. This blog post, drawing on concepts from Gottlieb (pp. 20-38, pp. 123-128), will provide a breakdown of these terms and the principles that guide effective assessment for ELs.

Understanding the Terminology:

 

Assessment: The broader process of gathering information about a student's knowledge, skills, and understanding. It encompasses various methods like tests, observations, and portfolios.

Measurement: The act of quantifying a student's performance. This often involves assigning scores or grades. While measurement is a part of assessment, not all assessments involve numerical scores.

Test: A specific tool within assessment that typically involves a set of questions or tasks designed to measure a specific skill or knowledge area. Tests can be standardized or teacher-created.

Evaluation: The interpretation of assessment data to make informed decisions about instruction and student progress. It involves analyzing scores, observations, and other data to understand a student's strengths and weaknesses.

The 5 Pillars of Effective Assessment:

Now that we understand the terms, let's explore the five key principles that ensure effective assessment for ELs (adapted from Gottlieb):

 

Validity: Does the assessment measure what it claims to measure? For ELs, this means ensuring the assessment truly reflects their English proficiency, not just their background knowledge or test-taking skills.

Reliability: Does the assessment yield consistent results over time and across different scorers? This means the assessment should be well-designed and minimize the impact of random factors on scores.

Practicality: Is the assessment time-efficient and cost-effective to administer and score? This is particularly important when dealing with large class sizes and limited resources.

Equivalency: Does the assessment provide a fair comparison of student performance across different backgrounds and languages? This is crucial to avoid bias against ELs.

Washback: How does the assessment influence teaching and learning? Ideally, assessments should provide valuable feedback that informs instruction and motivates students to learn.

Considerations for Assessing ELs Fairly:

 

Multiple Measures: Utilize a variety of assessment methods (observations, portfolios, performance tasks) alongside traditional tests to get a holistic picture of student abilities.

Accommodations: Provide appropriate accommodations like extended time, translated instructions, or use of dictionaries to ensure a fair testing environment for ELs.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences that might affect how students approach tasks or respond to questions.

Focus on Progress: Assessment should not only measure achievement but also track progress over time, celebrating improvements in English language skills.

By understanding these core assessment principles and considerations, educators can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students, especially English learners.

Remember: This blog post provides a foundational understanding. Feel free to explore Gottlieb's work (pp. 20-38, pp. 123-128) for a deeper dive into each concept and its practical applications in the classroom.

 

 Reference

Gottlieb, M. (2016). Assessing English language learners: bridges to educational equity : connecting academic language proficiency to student achievement. Second Edition. Thousand Oaks, California, Corwin, A SAGE Company.