Informal and Alternative Assessment in English Language
Teaching
Assessment plays a central role in English Language Teaching
(ELT). Traditionally, assessment has often been associated with formal tests,
exams, and grades. However, modern language teaching increasingly recognizes
that learning cannot be fully measured through standardized tests alone.
This is where informal and alternative assessment come into play. These
approaches provide teachers with a deeper understanding of learners’ progress,
skills, and needs while promoting a more supportive and learner-centered
classroom environment.
This article explores the meaning of informal and
alternative assessment, their importance in ELT, practical examples, benefits,
challenges, and tips for effective implementation.
Understanding Informal Assessment
Informal assessment refers to the ongoing, day-to-day
evaluation of students’ learning that occurs naturally during classroom
activities. Unlike formal tests, informal assessment does not usually involve
grades or strict scoring systems. Instead, it focuses on observing,
listening, and interacting with learners as they use language in real
contexts.
Key Characteristics of Informal Assessment
- Continuous
and ongoing
- Low-stakes
or non-graded
- Embedded
in classroom activities
- Focuses
on skills and progress rather than scores
- Flexible
and adaptable
Informal assessment allows teachers to collect valuable
information without interrupting the learning process. It answers questions
such as:
- Are
students understanding the lesson?
- Can
they use the target language meaningfully?
- Where
do they need support?
Examples of Informal Assessment in ELT
- Teacher
observation during pair or group work
- Asking
concept-check questions
- Monitoring
speaking activities
- Listening
to students read aloud
- Reviewing
homework informally
- Classroom
discussions and questioning
For example, while students are doing a role-play activity,
the teacher may note pronunciation issues, vocabulary gaps, or fluency
improvements. These observations help guide future instruction.
What Is Alternative Assessment?
Alternative assessment refers to assessment methods
that go beyond traditional tests and exams. It emphasizes performance,
process, and real-life language use. Learners demonstrate what they can do
with the language rather than simply recalling information.
Alternative assessment often overlaps with informal
assessment, but it may include more structured tools, such as rubrics or
portfolios.
Key Features of Alternative Assessment
- Performance-based
- Learner-centered
- Often
authentic and real-world oriented
- Focuses
on skills, creativity, and communication
- Encourages
reflection and self-awareness
Alternative assessment aligns closely with communicative
language teaching and task-based learning, making it highly suitable for ESL
and EFL contexts.
Types of Informal and Alternative Assessment
1. Observation
Observation is one of the most powerful informal assessment
tools. Teachers observe learners during activities such as discussions, games,
presentations, or collaborative tasks.
What teachers can assess:
- Speaking
fluency and accuracy
- Interaction
skills
- Participation
and confidence
- Use of
strategies
Using simple checklists or anecdotal notes can help
teachers track progress systematically.
2. Portfolios
A portfolio is a collection of students’ work over
time. It may include:
- Writing
samples
- Audio
recordings
- Projects
- Reading
logs
- Self-reflections
Portfolios allow teachers and learners to see growth and
improvement clearly. They are especially useful for writing and speaking
assessment.
Benefits of portfolios:
- Show
long-term progress
- Encourage
learner reflection
- Promote
learner ownership
- Support
differentiated assessment
3. Self-Assessment
Self-assessment encourages learners to reflect on their own
learning. Students evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and progress using
checklists, journals, or reflection questions.
Examples:
- “I
can describe my daily routine confidently.”
- “I
need more practice with past tense verbs.”
Self-assessment:
- Develops
learner autonomy
- Builds
metacognitive skills
- Increases
motivation
In ELT, self-assessment works best when learners are guided
and trained to assess realistically.
4. Peer Assessment
Peer assessment involves students giving feedback to each
other. This can be done during:
- Speaking
activities
- Writing
tasks
- Presentations
With clear criteria, peer assessment helps learners:
- Become
more aware of language features
- Develop
critical thinking
- Learn
from classmates
Teachers should model constructive feedback and emphasize
respect and encouragement.
5. Performance-Based Tasks
Performance-based assessment requires students to use
English in meaningful tasks, such as:
- Role-plays
- Oral
presentations
- Debates
- Projects
- Interviews
These tasks assess real communicative ability rather than
memorization. Rubrics are often used to evaluate performance fairly and
consistently.
6. Learning Journals
Learning journals allow students to write regularly about
what they learn, difficulties they face, and strategies they use. These
journals provide insight into learners’ thinking and emotional engagement with
language learning.
Why Informal and Alternative Assessment Matter in ELT
1. They Reflect Real Language Use
Language is meant to be used for communication. Informal and
alternative assessment capture how learners use English in real contexts,
not just how well they perform on paper tests.
2. They Reduce Learner Anxiety
Traditional tests often create stress and fear. Low-stakes
assessment:
- Encourages
risk-taking
- Builds
confidence
- Creates
a supportive learning environment
Students are more willing to speak and participate when they
are not constantly judged by grades.
3. They Support Formative Assessment
Informal and alternative assessments are essential for formative
assessment, which aims to improve learning during the process, not just
evaluate it at the end.
Teachers can:
- Adjust
lessons
- Provide
timely feedback
- Address
individual needs
4. They Promote Learner Autonomy
When students participate in self- and peer assessment, they
become active partners in the learning process. This leads to greater
responsibility and independence.
5. They Value Individual Progress
Not all learners develop at the same pace. Informal and
alternative assessment focus on growth, not comparison, making them more
inclusive and fair.
Challenges of Informal and Alternative Assessment
Despite their advantages, these approaches come with
challenges:
- Time-consuming
for teachers
- Subjectivity
if criteria are unclear
- Difficult
to manage in large classes
- Requires
teacher training and planning
However, these challenges can be overcome with simple tools
such as rubrics, checklists, and clear learning objectives.
Practical Tips for Teachers
- Start
small: Use observation or exit tickets first
- Use
simple rubrics and checklists
- Align
assessment with learning objectives
- Give
clear instructions and criteria
- Combine
informal, alternative, and formal assessment
- Provide
constructive, specific feedback
- Involve
students gradually in self- and peer assessment
Conclusion
Informal and alternative assessment are powerful tools in
English Language Teaching. They move assessment beyond tests and grades and
focus on real learning, communication, and progress. By integrating
observation, portfolios, performance tasks, and learner reflection into
everyday teaching, educators can create a more meaningful, inclusive, and
effective assessment system.
For ELT teachers, especially those aiming to build learner
confidence and communicative competence, informal and alternative assessment
are not optional extras—they are essential components of modern language
education.
