This work refers to informal assessment in and outside the classroom, and it will look at when and how to carry out this kind of assessment of both linguistic and non-linguistic factors. .
Informal assessment is: .
Informal assessment is a way of collecting information about our students" performance in normal classes. This is done without establishing test condition. Informal assessment can be done over a period of time like a term or and academic year.
When we are in the classroom with our students we assess their performance when speaking, writing, reading or listening. We can see which students are performing well and which students are finding difficulties. However, to carry out an effective informal assessment we need a systematic observation.
• First of all, we need to work out what we are going to assess, it is impossible to assess all students at the same time.
• Then we must establish clear criteria for assessing students.
• Finally it is important to link the informal assessment we do with the formal assessment (test) and with self-assessment done by the students.
Informal assessment is not: .
• It is not a way of avoiding test, which allows the teachers to make decisions about students base on informal observation.
• It is not a single system which can be used by all teachers in all contexts in all schools. Each teacher needs to find a system which is suitable to their particular situation .
WHEN AND WHAT TO ASSESS.
The classroom is obviously the most important place to assess students informally. Students spend more time there than in any other learning environment and there we can monitor students" performance in all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. However we can also assess outside the classroom, for example looking at students" work or collecting material.
One of the first things we need to do is to think about classroom management, because the time we have for assessment is limited.