Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ell-assessment
As educators, we are constantly seeking effective ways to support our diverse student populations. For those of us working with English Language Learners (ELLs), creating assessments that accurately reflect their understanding and progress can be a significant challenge. Thankfully, Coursera’s “Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind” course offers a comprehensive and practical approach to this crucial aspect of teaching.
This course is a game-changer for anyone who wants to design assessments that are not only rigorous but also equitable and responsive to the unique needs of ELL students. From the very first module, “Introduction to Authentic Assessment with the ELL in Mind,” you’re grounded in the fundamental principles of assessment and its specific impact on language learners. The course expertly guides you through identifying the purpose of different assessment types and understanding the nuances of authentic assessment, while also acknowledging the common difficulties encountered when assessing ELLs.
What truly sets this course apart is its structured progression. Week by week, it builds upon essential concepts. In “Formative and Summative Assessment with the ELL in Mind,” you’ll learn to employ a variety of formative assessments and design summative assessments that consider language acquisition. The “Alternative Assessments with the ELL in Mind” module is particularly valuable, providing actionable strategies for creating modified assessments, utilizing visual aids, and implementing support strategies to ensure all ELLs, regardless of their language level, can demonstrate their knowledge.
The course doesn’t shy away from the often-debated topic of grading. “Grading with the ELL in Mind” delves into peer- and self-assessment, and importantly, how to design effective rubrics that align with both content and language objectives. It even tackles the delicate subject of linguistic error correction in assessment.
My personal highlight was the “Project Based Assessment with the ELL in Mind” module. Learning how to align project-based learning and assessment to learning outcomes, and mastering scaffolding strategies for these types of assignments, felt incredibly empowering. It provided a framework for engaging ELLs in meaningful, long-term projects that truly showcase their abilities.
The final module, “Assessment,” serves as a capstone, encouraging you to synthesize all the learned material and apply it to your own teaching context. The course culminates in a final exam and an optional peer review, solidifying your understanding.
Overall, “Assessing Achievement with the ELL in Mind” is an indispensable resource. It’s practical, research-based, and directly applicable to the classroom. If you’re an educator committed to inclusive and effective assessment practices for your ELL students, this course comes with my highest recommendation. It equips you with the knowledge and tools to ensure every student has the opportunity to shine.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ell-assessment