Non-standardized Assessment
In addition to proficiency levels (NRS, for example), you can also track progress with informal assessments.
Capstone Projects
Authentic, hands-on activities to practice a variety of skills.
For example: To end a unit about local community, learners can plan a trip by city bus. They must use a city map, the local bus route, and perhaps customer service to finalize their trip.
Other capstone ideas:
- monthly budget
- resume
- health history form
- questions for a parent-teacher conference
Mock Experiences
Practice language in an authentic, simulated environment. These activities can be time-consuming, but are a wonderful way to offer real-life language practice. These are also great events to highlight – take pictures, invite local media, etc.
You can plan a mock experience for almost any topic of study:
- health clinic visit
- job interview
- parent teacher conference
- making a store return
- customer service phone call
- scheduling an appointment
Learner Portfolios
This is a collaborative process between learners and tutors/instructors. Learners choose work they want to keep in their portfolio, as a marker of progress. Learners may also include photos from capstone projects or mock experiences.
This is a great way for learners to be involved in regularly tracking their own progress.
