Date: 19 September

Time: 4-5pm ICT (UTC+7)

Assessment is an ongoing process that involves planning, discussion, consensus building, reflection, measuring, analyzing, and improving based on the data and artifacts gathered about a learning objective (Martell & Calderon, 2005). It increases student interest and engagement in discussions and helps teachers guide their students. Assessment encompasses a range of activities including testing, performances, project ratings, and observations (Orlich, Harder, Callahan & Gibson, 2004).

Assessing young learners is a necessary component in learning and the classroom environment. To narrow potential gaps between educators and learners in their perceptions of assessment, learning, instruction, and expectations, we can explore language assessment literacy (LAL). It is important to consider students’ perspectives and other stakeholders to better evaluate decisions.

In recent years, the use of technology in assessing young learners has become more prominent. Some examples include game-based environments, digital storytelling, VR language learning, online quizzes, and others. The benefits include promoting motivation, increased curiosity, and better understanding of types of assessment. The challenges are connected to better engaging stakeholders and understanding how technology implementation can be used as effective tool in assessment.

Webinar facilitator:

Radosveta Valkova works as an Innovation Manager for the Business Development team in Global Assessments at the British Council. She is currently based in Madrid, Spain. She is responsible for managing global test development projects and enhancing functionalities to create high-quality, high-stakes and innovative tests through innovations in online language testing. Radosveta supports and leads on innovation projects about integration with other British Council functions and stakeholders to maximise opportunities for knowledge sharing 

Radosveta works across teams in the organisation to ensure successful strategy planning, business development and programme development. She is passionate about language testing, validation, fairness, and new technology and innovation. AI innovation in test development is of particular interest. Radosveta has presented at numerous language assessment conferences such as LTRC, New Directions, AALA, LTF, and others. In January 2023, she was awarded first prize for her MA dissertation by LanguageCert in their Post Graduate Research Awards which support and recognise the contribution of high-quality research in the field of English language testing and assessment.  

She holds an MA in Language Testing from Lancaster University, an MBA, a Trinity College DipTESOL and CertTESOL.