What are the major goals of authentic assessments? How could they (including online assessment tools, apps, and devices) bring value to the teaching and learning of ELL/bilingual students? Provide an advantage and disadvantage of one form of authentic assessment from your observations or readings
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The major goals of authentic assessments are to evaluate students' abilities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, to assess their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their educational progress. Authentic assessments aim to measure students' abilities to transfer what they have learned to practical situations, rather than just regurgitating memorized information.
Online assessment tools, apps, and devices offer various advantages for the teaching and learning of English Language Learners (ELL) and bilingual students. Firstly, these digital tools can provide flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to access assessments from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly beneficial for ELL students who might have limited mobility or face other barriers to attending physical classrooms. Additionally, online platforms can offer interactive and multimedia components that can enhance engagement and cater to different learning styles, providing a more inclusive assessment experience. These tools also allow for immediate feedback, which can be crucial for ELL students as they often require ongoing guidance and clarification. Moreover, technology can support the use of translation tools or language learning apps, enabling students to overcome language barriers and allowing them to fully comprehend assessment instructions and content.
However, one potential disadvantage of online assessment tools is the possibility of technical issues or connectivity problems that may hinder students' ability to complete or submit their assessments. Additionally, some ELL students may struggle with using technology or lack access to devices or the internet, creating inequalities in their assessment experiences. Ensuring equal access and providing technical support to all students is essential to mitigate these disadvantages.
One form of authentic assessment that I observed and found valuable for ELL students is performance-based assessments, specifically in the form of oral presentations. These assessments allow students to demonstrate their language proficiency in real-life situations, providing an authentic and comprehensive evaluation of their communication skills. Oral presentations require ELL students to use their language skills to effectively express their thoughts and ideas, promoting vocabulary development, fluency, and confidence in English. Moreover, these assessments can encourage peer interaction and learning, as classmates listen and respond to each other's presentations.
However, a disadvantage of oral presentations as an authentic assessment is the potential for anxiety or stress among ELL students. Public speaking is generally a challenging task, and for ELL students, it can add an additional layer of pressure due to language proficiency concerns. Some students may feel self-conscious or struggle with fluency, which can impact their overall presentation performance and potentially affect their assessment scores. Providing a supportive and inclusive environment, offering guidance, and ensuring that students have practiced and feel prepared can help alleviate this disadvantage.
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