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1. A Paradigm Shift: From Paper-and-Pencil Tests to Performance-Based Assessment

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article describes how The Language Center at the Espirito Santo Federal University changed from using traditional pencil-and-paper tests to performance testing, based on authentic tasks. The change was prompted because people thought that their testing did not reflect a communicative approach to language teaching. The Assessment Project lasted for two years; the author discusses its participants, goals, stages (including pilot testing), and results. Content and construct validity improved, leading to positive washback. Learning objectives and criteria for passing were clarified.

2. Beyond the Plagiarism Checker: Helping Nonnative English Speakers (NNESs) Avoid Plagiarism

   In: English Teaching Forum 2018, Volume 56, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article gives detailed practical suggestions for helping students recognize and avoid plagiarism, use paraphrasing and summarizing effectively, incorporate direct quotes into their writing, and cite sources. 

3. Workshops: An Alternative to Student Writing Conferences

   In: English Teaching Forum 2018, Volume 56, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This Teaching Technique describes how teachers can use mini-workshops in place of student writing conferences and explains potential benefits of doing so.

4. Error Correction and Feedback in the EFL Writing Classroom: Comparing Instructor and Student Preferences

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses what EFL instructors and their students like and dislike about error correction and paper marking and discusses what this means for classroom teaching. The article lists the benefits and drawbacks of error correction for students’ writing and argues for the need to look at preferred methods for both teachers and students. It reports on a study of university EFL instructors and discusses these teachers’ beliefs regarding important aspects of writing and their preference for paper-marking techniques.

5. Assess and Motivate: Student Portfolios and Self-Assessments in the EFL Classroom

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   "Assess and Motivate: Student Portfolios and Self-Assessments in the EFL Classroom" explores the use of portfolios and self-assessments that document the completion of performance-based tasks as a great way to motivate students and measure learning.

6. Language Teaching through Critical Thinking and Self-Awareness

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   This article contains a wealth of activities that will help students develop critical thinking skills. These fun and dynamic activities raise students’ self-awareness regarding their perceptions, assumptions, prejudices, and values. The author addresses the teacher's role in helping students think differently and consider ideas from multiple points of view. To encourage critical thinking, assessment should not rely on summary and definition questions, but those that require analysis, hypothesis, and evaluation. A rationale for the importance of critical thinking is provided from a cognitive perspective.

7. L1 and L2 Writing Differences: From Understanding to Practice

   In: English Teaching Forum 2020, Volume 58, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article presents L1 and L2 writing differences in three categories (word-level, sentence-level, and global-level) and provides tips and activities designed to transfer that information into practice.

8. Dynamic Ways to Check Answers and Share Responses in the EFL Classroom

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   This session, "Dynamic Ways to Check Answers and Share Responses in the EFL Classroom," reviews ways to check answers and share responses in a variety of ways to keep students focused and engaged in their learning.

9. Effective Assessment Practices for Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in an Online Environment

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   The American English Webinar and Facebook Live sessions are hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of English Language Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

10. Looking for the Big Picture: Macrostrategies for L2 Teacher Observation and Feedback

    In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 4 Format(s): Text

    The authors describe the typical type of teacher observation and assessment used today -- top down, one-way communication from supervisor to teacher that looks at the weaknesses in the teaching. The authors believe that observation and feedback can be something more. They present six strategies for supervisors (e.g., recognizing subjectiveness, talking across the data, providing alternatives and resources). Additional suggestions include structured intervention and supervisor portfolios.

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