Language Assessment Practices

Chapter 11: Language Assessment Practices

Introduction

• Assessment is crucial for educational reform and raising standards globally.

• Should promote growth, improvement, and enhance the quality of learning.

• Needs to be varied, challenging, and integral to a positive learning experience.

• Designed to reflect and support student learning.

Assessment and Language Curriculum

• Department of Basic Education's (DBE) principles outlined in CAPS.

• Stipulates formally recorded assessment tasks required each term.

• Promotion requirements set by the National Policy Pertaining to Programme and Promotion Requirements (N4PR).

• Learners learning English as a First Additional Language (FAL) need to achieve level 3 (40-49%).

• Focus on sound language assessment practices that apply to any language curriculum.

Understanding Assessment

• Defined by the National Protocol for Assessment as a process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information.

• Brainard's perspective highlights the need to 'sit beside' learners to understand their true comprehension.