Unit 18 assessment types and tasks

     As teachers we need to know what is assessment and tasks. On the one hand, assessment means judging learner’s performance by collecting information about it. Teacher assesses learners in two different ways. First, informal assessment is when we observe learners to see how well they are doing something. Second, formal assessment refers to exams and assigning them grades and marks. On the other hand, tasks are the tasks we use for assessing them. There are several reasons for assessing learners formally. At the beginning we use the diagnostic test which is used to assess what they know and don’t know. Another is called the placement test which is used to place a learner in a correct course according to his/her level of knowledge. The progress test is used to find out how well learners have learnt it. Then, we need to assess learner’s work. One way is through a portfolio. Another kind of test is the summative test or achievement test which is taken at the end of a course. Proficiency tests are taken by learners that want to see how well they are at language. As a teacher, I consider that we need to asses regularly to our students. At the beginning of the course I could make them to take a diagnostic test. I could give them feedback to increase confidence. Also, I think that the exams have to be practical and relevant. To sum up, a teacher must know how to evaluate their students in order to assess what they learn during the course of course he/she needs to follow a syllabus.

Visit these links for more information:

• Educationoasis.com,. (2014). Types of Tests. Retrieved 6 December 2014, from http://www.educationoasis.com/curriculum/assessment
• Scholastic Teachers,. (2014). Formal vs. Informal Assessments | Scholastic.com. Retrieved 6 December 2014, from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/formal-versus-informal-assessment