Asian Association for Language Assessment

This talk introduces the concept of Learning Oriented Assessment – LOA. It will be argued that LOA can be used to inform the planning  and implementation of educational reforms at a national level, with a  particular focus on language assessment to support learning. By using  this conceptualization, language professionals are encouraged to  reimagine the ecology of language learning in their own educational contexts, and to implement educational reforms  that lead to more effective learning outcomes based on internationally  recognised levels of achievement.

Criterion-referencing is central to this approach and a fundamental  principle is to ensure that assessment goals are closely aligned to  specific learning outcomes. In other words, a framework of reference  with a learning ladder at its core is needed so that progress can be understood in relation to  increasing levels of communicative language ability expressed in can-do terms (rather than traditional pass/fail grades).

When implemented effectively, the model offers teachers and learners a  meaningful picture of progression and the capacity to measure learning  more accurately and consistently. It also empowers key stakeholders to  work more collaboratively in a systemic way to raise standards over time.

Finally, the audience will be invited to reflect on LOA in their own  schools and classrooms and to consider the role that digital technology  will play in future to stimulate greater creativity in learning and  teaching and to deliver innovative assessment systems that achieve  better impact by design.