Assessing Speaking Skills

Assessing Speaking Skills

1. Assessment Tools

   • Checklist
     • offer a yes/no format in relation to student demonstration of specific criteria.
       • They can be used to record observations of an individual, a group or a whole class.
   • Rating scales
     • allow teachers to indicate the degree or frequency of the behaviours, skills and strategies displayed by the learner
       • Teachers can use rating scales to record observations and students can use them as self-assessment tools
   • Rubrics
     • Rubrics assess student learning and communicate expectations directly, clearly, and concisely to students
       • When developing a rubric, consider the following:
         • What are the specific outcomes in the task?
         •  Do the students have some experience with this or a similar task?
         • What do other responses along the performance quality continuum look like?
       • When developing the scoring criteria and quality levels of a rubric consider the following
         • Level 4 Standard of excellence leve
         • Level 3 Approaching standard of excellence level
         • Level 2 Meets acceptable standard
         • Level 1 Does not yet meet acceptable standard
   • Tools Purpose
     • provide tools for systematic recording of observations
     • provide tools for self-assessment
     • provide samples of criteria for students
     • clarify students' instructional needs
   • Tips to develop the tools
     • Use simple formats
     • Ensure that the characteristics and descriptors listed are clear, specific and observable
     • Encourage students to assist with constructing appropriate criteria
     • Leave space to record anecdotal notes or comments
     • Provide guidance to students to use and create their own checklists