Assessment plays a crucial role in shaping how children learn and how teachers guide their progress. This course explores alternative approaches to assessment that move beyond traditional tests and exams, focusing instead on learner-centred methods that capture a fuller picture of children’s language development.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with tools such as portfolios, journals, self-assessment, peer assessment, and performance-based tasks. The programme combines theory with practice, encouraging teachers to design developmentally appropriate activities that are both fair and motivating. Special attention will be given to inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and using assessment results to support ongoing learning.

Through interactive workshops, collaborative design tasks, and peer reflection, teachers will leave with practical strategies for implementing alternative assessment in their classrooms—making evaluation not just a measure of learning, but a meaningful part of the learning process itself.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and purposes of alternative assessment in young learner contexts.
  
  

• Apply tools such as portfolios, self-assessment, peer assessment, and performance-based tasks.
  
  

• Design developmentally appropriate, learner-centered assessment activities.
  
  

• Use assessment data to inform instruction and support language growth.
  
  

• Reflect critically on traditional vs. alternative assessment practices in their own teaching.

Day 1 – Introduction to Alternative Assessment

• Icebreakers and participant introductions.
  
  

• Course aims and expectations.
  
  

• Lecture-discussion: What is alternative assessment?
  
  

• Interactive activity: Comparing traditional vs. alternative assessments.
  
  

Day 2 – Portfolios and Learning Journals

• Exploring portfolios as a tool for ongoing assessment.
  
  

• Workshop: Designing learner portfolios and journals.
  
  

• Peer sharing: Sample portfolio tasks for different age groups.
  
  

Day 3 – Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment

• The role of reflection and agency in young learners.
  
  

• Workshop: Creating child-friendly self-assessment tools (smiley scales, checklists, learning diaries).
  
  

• Designing peer feedback activities for classroom use (Group activity).
  
  

Day 4 – Performance-Based Assessment

• Exploring role-plays, projects, and presentations as assessment tools.
  
  

• Hands-on workshop: Designing performance tasks that align with language objectives.
  
  

• Discussion: Ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity in assessment.
  
  

Day 5 – Integration, Reflection, and Showcase

• Designing a full alternative assessment plan for a unit (Group task).
  
  

• Showcase presentations of group designs.
  
  

• Circle reflection: Challenges and opportunities in implementing alternative assessment.
  
  

• Networking and cultural sharing.
  
  

• Awarding of certificates.

Day 6 – Cultural Excursion

• Cultural visit in the local area
  
  

• Opportunities for networking and intercultural exchange

Here are the important specifics regarding attendance, scheduling, activities, and what you will need.