ULEC News - Workshop: Designing Meaningful Assessment for a Range of Language Learners

In an online survey in 2016 Ukrainian language teachers across the country reported a desire for professional development about assessment (Bilash, 2016). See Figure 1.

After the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, ULEC set to organize such a seminar. Two years in the making, finally on May 2, 2024, ULEC hosted a face-to-face workshop focussed on "Designing Meaningful Assessment for a Range of Language Learners" for teachers from across Alberta under the skillful facilitation of Nadia Prokopchuk, EAL Program Specialist & Academic Advisor in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan.

With extensive experience in language education, curriculum writing, and administration, Nadia shared her expertise on how teachers can design unit plans, lessons, and assessments that cater to Ukrainian language learners.

The workshop emphasized the importance of knowing your learners, as outlined by TESOL, and using initial assessments to create language profiles based on descriptors from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The workshop included an overview of the initial assessment process and a segment on writing language outcomes that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound or SMART, intended to help teachers create realistic assessments based on each student's starting point.

The workshop provided an opportunity for teachers to engage in collaborative discussions, sharing their experiences and challenges. The participants were divided into groups and after a presentation of each block of new information, each group was given a practical task to consolidate their understanding. This collective brainstorming allowed participants to gain insights from their peers and apply shared knowledge to their unique classroom contexts. At the end of the workshop, each participant received a handout with a list of practical tools and strategies.

The workshop was a valuable professional development opportunity, enhancing teachers' ability to effectively assess and support Ukrainian language learners.

Click here to view more photos from the workshop.