Assessing Language Learners

Start with authentic assessment

The mind map Assessments of ELs is a starting point for this page. It brings together authentic assessment, reasons for using it and steps for creating an assessment. It also includes performance-based assessments, portfolio assessments and high-stakes testing. Use those branches to see which approaches you want to explore further.

Next, look at Assessments for EL students. Its description of authentic assessment focuses on applying learned knowledge to real-world tasks. Compare that idea with the branches in the first map, noting how each resource presents it.

Explore other assessment approaches

Assessing English Language Learners discusses performance-based assessment in relation to classroom instruction and everyday tasks. For a different perspective, Assessment of English Learners includes standards-based assessment and instruction. The flowchart Initial, Ongoing, and High-Stakes adds an overview of stages and types of assessment, including initial identification.

The page also includes ESL language assessment at the university level, which considers language and thought and places assessment in a social context. Other mind maps address principles for assessing children’s language learning, including the idea that assessment should support learning and teaching.

Use the resources together

This topic is part of the wider unit on language assessment and testing in education and pedagogy. The maps and flowchart offer ways to study assessment approaches within that unit. You could compare their treatment of authentic assessment, performance-based assessment and initial assessment, then use the note on benefits and difficulties in assessing English learners alongside them.

There are no quizzes listed on this topic page. A free account lets you make your own quizzes and mind maps, as well as save quiz scores. Use a map to organize the ideas, then write quiz questions to practice recalling them. Choose a resource and begin with the approach you want to study.