Adapting assessment to prepare students for international standardized tests at an english language institute

Abstract

This internship introduced an initiative aimed at updating and implementing assessment batteries to measure language proficiency and provide extensive and timely feedback to students at a language academy in Bogotá. The assessment proposal sought to incorporate dynamic elements to measure students’ progress quarterly, thus surpassing traditional methods. A key feature of the assessment batteries was the inclusion of mechanisms to provide detailed and prompt feedback, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, as well as suggesting strategies for the development of specific language skills. By addressing specific areas of improvement in a timely manner, students were able to advance toward comprehensive language skills mastery. This initiative proposed an evaluation program tailored to the diverse needs of the students. The periodic assessment process allowed instructors to adjust their teaching strategies and materials based on real-time feedback. Additionally, it aimed to revitalize the language center’s evaluation process with a holistic approach, offering meaningful feedback and establishing an evaluation cycle.