An investigation into the implementation of alternative assessment in the young learner classroom

Date

2011

Author

Çetin, Lynn Marie Bethard

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The purpose of this study was to explore and develop a better understanding of the implementation of alternative assessment in the young learner classroom. This in-depth, qualitative study focuses on teachers’ practices and beliefs, as well as the student perspective and the role of alternative assessment in the instructional process. Case studies were carried out on nine different English language teachers and their use of alternative assessment strategies and tools over a six month period in their first, second, third, fourth and fifth grade English classrooms. Data was collected through interviews, observations and relevant documents. Findings show that teachers use a variety of different alternative assessment methods and tools with varying degrees of regularity and effectiveness. Teachers believe that alternative assessment shows learning and interaction between thinking and learning, emphasizes the student as an individual and encourages active and autonomous learners. They also believe it promotes differentiated learning, clarifies expectations and motivates learners and teachers. Teachers believe that alternative assessment has a positive impact on the learning process and outcomes, as well as on the affective and cognitive development of the students. Six classroom implementation factors were determined to impact on the use of alternative assessment in the classroom: language ability, cognitive ability, planning, time, training and classroom environment.

Subject Keywords

Language and languages, Language and languages, Second language acquisition.

URI

http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12613245/index.pdf
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/20687

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis