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1. The Reflective Portfolio: Two Case Studies from the United Arab Emirates

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   This article explains the benefits of using portfolios, an alternative assessment tool, to assess writing. The author identifies the characteristics of alternative assessment. Portfolios evaluate student progress over time and can include revisions. They are based on activities that show what students can do with language. Portfolios emphasize strengths and involve reflection by the student. Case studies show how portfolios were used in English courses at two universities. The authors advise allowing time for reflection and training in self-evaluation.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Formative Assessment Strategies for the Student-centered Classroom

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

   This session, "Formative Assessment Strategies for the Student-centered Classroom," explores formative assessment as an essential element of student-centered classrooms.

5. English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 3

   Format(s): Text

   This issues addresses velocity and the velocipede, the TOEFL and Grammar, and statistics and research design.

6. A Case Study of Reflective Journals in a University Level Writing Course in Hungary

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article is about the author’s experience using learning logs and in-class journaling for her college-level ESL writing class in Hungary. Her purpose was to gather information on the students’ writing experiences, both before and during the class, and to address issues raised in the logs and journals. She taught the class with a reflective-teaching, learner-centered style and a process-learning curriculum.

7. Written Peer Response in L2 Writing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article argues that peer reviews of student writing should be done in writing and orally, as opposed to only in writing or only orally. Peer reviewing usually addresses the organization and style of student writing. The author discusses eight advantages to managing a peer-review process this way.

8. Motivating Students by Modifying Evaluation Methods

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This author identifies three key elements to student assessment—overly critical correcting, expectations, and competitive scoring—that prevent success in the ESL environment, based on the typical Chinese educational structure. The article discusses several techniques, mostly learner-centered, that a teacher can use to provide effective assessments while also creating an environment of trust, confidence, and fairness, where a student feels safe to take risks.

9. Module 5: Learner Feedback

   In: Shaping the Way We Teach English: Successful Practices Around the World Format(s): Text, Video

   This Module of the Shaping the Way we Teach English Series contains a lesson plan and accompanying video that is focused on formative feedback.

10. Teacher Resources

    In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

    In this special section of Forum, four commercial publications are presented. Topics include techniques to help middle school students with reading, student involvement and choice; an introduction to the concept of genre (of interest to ESL teachers, writing teachers, etc., including genre-based assessment and the importance of audience in writing); the use of literature circles with elementary learners to foster discussion and love of literature; and a book of EFL methodology.

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