Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA): A Practical Overview Introduction to CBA Learning Environment Learning Environment Portfolios Portfolios Learner Journals Learner Journals Performance Assessment Performance Assessment Self/Peer-assessment Self/Peer-assessment Web-Based Assessment Web-Based Assessment Researching CBA Researching CBA

2 How can we make assessment more meaningful and effective? The goal of assessment is to improve learning. Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) is a practical, meaningful method of evaluating and improving learning in our classrooms. CBA helps teachers to discover what has been learned, and to identify areas which need further attention. We can use CBA throughout the school year, in the classroom (continuous assessment). CBA can be used for performance assessment.

3 February 2016 Slide number 3 Start With a Cartoon

4 The Teacher’s Juggling Act Teachers have many jobs: Syllabus (making sure it gets covered) Administration Classroom management Class management Textbooks (choosing and using) Teaching !!! Assessment Formal, standardized, summative assessment Class-based, informal, formative assessment Professional development

5 How can teachers use CBA? Classroom (Learning Environment) Needs Analyses Teaching Method Analysis Student-Centred Needs Analyses Self- and Peer-Assessment Portfolios Learner Journals or Dairies. Speaking Journals Oral Assessment. Presentations Web-based Assessment

Classroom Needs Analyses The learning environment greatly affects learning. Before we start to think about assessing the students, we can look at the learning environment: Is it user-friendly (comfortable, easy-to-study)? Does it promote cooperation or competition? Is it stressful or peaceful? Does it motivate students to learn? Does it promote students’ self-esteem? Does it promote the love of learning? What are the teacher’s needs? What are the students’ needs? 6

Classroom Needs Analyses Click on the links below to view slides about how to analyse the learning environment. 7

Teacher-Reflection. Checklists Teacher-Journals Observation (colleague) Observation (video) Classroom environment Student perceptions and attitude change 8 Click on the links below to view slides about teacher reflection.

Self/Peer-assessment Click on the links below to view slides about self/peer-assessment 7:34 AM9

Portfolios 10 Click on the links below to view slides and videos about portfolios

Learner Journals 11 Click on the links below to view slides and videos about learner journals

Speaking Journals 12 Click on the links below to view videos and listen to audio files about Speaking Journals The Speaking Journal is a practical example of the use of technology in encouraging learners to use the target language for authentic and mean ingful purposes. It is completed by students once week, in their own time, outside of class. The teacher or the students can decide on topics and format (mp3, wmv, flv, etc.). The teacher or the students can also decide on how long the entries should be. The goals is the development of fluency through practice, but this can be modified. Speaking Journals give students the opportunity to produce a product they are satisfied with by re- recording as many times as they wish (process).

Oral Assessment Click on the links below to view slides and videos about oral assessment. 13

Web-based Assessment 14 Click on the links below to view slides about web-based assessment

3 February 2016 Slide number 15 Time for Another Cartoon

 CBA doesn’t have to happen all at once.  You can start with one type (e.g. portfolios), and then add other types as you get used to them.  CBA can be adapted to any situation, even the test-driven classroom.  Find ways of getting it to help you and your students.  Experiment, explore, enjoy! 16 Finally …

17 Thank you for your time! Assessment sheets can be downloaded from: Dr. Finch can be contacted at: The videos seen in this presentation are at: Presentations can be viewed at: Articles can be read at:

18 And one more …