Student choice in the languages classroom

When designing assessment for your language classes, incorporating structured student choice, linked to syllabus outcomes and with clear expectations and learning goals, can be a powerful way to support learning. Student choice in assessment where students are given options, or may even negotiate their own, can have the following benefits for students:

• Increased motivation and engagement with a greater sense of ownership

• Support for various learning styles

• Select contexts to use language relevant to their world

• Encourages critical thinking as they plan and reflect on how they will demonstrate their skills

• Differentiated content for different language proficiency and interests

• Builds confidence by using language in ways they feel comfortable with

• Links language to identity and culture

To ensure fairness in assessment while offering student choice is achievable with clear, consistent criteria, design and support. The key is the what (learning outcomes) stays the same, while the how (task) varies. This can be achieved through:

• using a common set or marking guidelines, regardless of the format students choose

• focus on skills not the task, ensuring all options demonstrate the same core language skills

• clearly communicate what the learning goals and success criteria looks like before students choose, such as language use, vocabulary, grammar and cultural awareness

• use templates and scaffolds, so all students can succeed

• provide a limited set of task options which are aligned with the same outcomes, have the same language content and skills and can be assessed using the same marking guidelines, for example using an assessment choice board

• incorporate opportunities for self reflection and peer feedback using the marking guidelines during the unit

use moderation processes to ensure consistent teacher judgement.

'When you're giving your students choice, you're giving them opportunities to become more engaged, to find avenues of learning that excite them, that make them want to learn more.' - Student-Centered World.