Assessment

To evaluate student learning at the end of a period

To identify misconceptions and learning gaps

To heavily weight student performance

To administer standardized tests

Proficiency Test

Placement Test

Achievement Test

Specific aspects of language

Overall ability in a language

Students' course objectives

Material covered in a curriculum

To place students into particular levels

To test global competence in a language

To diagnose specific aspects of a language

To evaluate student learning at the end of a period

Practicality

Reliability

Validity

Authenticity

It diagnoses specific aspects of language.

It places students into particular levels of a curriculum.

It measures overall ability in a language.

It evaluates whether course objectives have been met.

To identify misconceptions and learning gaps

To place students into particular levels or sections of a curriculum

To diagnose specific aspects of a language

To evaluate student learning at the end of a period

Practicality

Reliability

Validity

Authenticity

Formative assessments are heavily weighted, while summative assessments are not.

Formative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of a period, while summative assessments identify misconceptions and learning gaps.

Formative assessments are administered at the end of a unit, while summative assessments are administered along the way.

Formative assessments assess how to close learning gaps, while summative assessments evaluate student learning at the conclusion of an instructional period.

It has no impact on teaching practices and learning behaviors.

It encourages teachers to focus on specific aspects of language learning found in assessments

It discourages learners from adequately preparing for tests.

It decreases the importance of assessments in language education.