Using Alternative Assessments to Teach and Assess for Proficiency in the Experience Age

Abstract

The experience age is changing both the way we teach world languages and the way we assess second language learners. In intermediate and advanced proficiency-level content classes taught in the target language, alternative assessments effectively interweave proficiency and content outcomes, and they place communication in the target language at the forefront. This chapter describes a variety of alternative assessments for second language (L2) learners of intermediate and advanced proficiency, their alignment with course outcomes, and how those assessments impact the selection of active discussion instructional activities by backward design. It offers practical tips for creating and implementing alternative assessments.