How to assess your learners using the GSE Assessment Frameworks

Billie Jago
Billie Jago
A teachet stood in front of a class in front of a board, smiling at his students.
Reading time: 4 minutes

With language learning, assessing both the quality and the quantity of language use is crucial for accurate proficiency evaluation. While evaluating quantity (for example the number of words written or the duration of spoken production) can provide insights into a learner's fluency and engagement in a task, it doesn’t show a full picture of a learner’s language competence. For this, they would also need to be evaluated on the quality of what they produce (such as the appropriateness, accuracy and complexity of language use). The quality also considers factors such as grammatical accuracy, lexical choice, coherence and the ability to convey meaning effectively.

In order to measure the quality of different language skills, you can use the Global Scale of English (GSE) assessment frameworks.

Developed in collaboration with assessment experts, the GSE Assessment Frameworks are intended to be used alongside the GSE Learning Objectives to help you assess the proficiency of your learners.

There are two GSE Assessment Frameworks: one for adults and one for young learners.

What are the GSE Assessment Frameworks?

  • The GSE Assessment Frameworks are intended to be used alongside the GSE Learning Objectives to help teachers assess their learners’ proficiency of all four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
  • The GSE Learning Objectives focus on the things a learner can do, while the GSE Assessment Frameworks focus on how well a learner can do these things.
  • It can help provide you with examples of what proficiencies your learners should be demonstrating.ÌýÌý
  • It can help teachers pinpoint students' specific areas of strength and weakness more accurately, facilitating targeted instruction and personalized learning plans.
  • It can also help to motivate your learners, as their progress is evidenced and they can see a clear path for improvement.

An example of the GSE Assessment Frameworks

This example is from the Adult Assessment Framework for speaking.

As you can see, there are sub-skills within speaking (andÌýfor the other three main overarching skills – writing, listening and reading). Within speaking, these areÌýproductionÌýandÌýfluency, spoken interaction, language range andÌýaccuracy.

The GSE range (and corresponding CEFR level) is shown at the top of each column, and there are descriptors that students should ideally demonstrate at that level.

However, it is important to note that students may sit across different ranges, depending on the sub-skill. For example, your student may show evidence of GSE 43-50 production and fluency and spoken interaction, but they may need to improve their language range and accuracy, and therefore sit in a range of GSE 36-42 for these sub-skills.

The GSE assessment frameworks in practiceÌý– let’s try

So, how can you use these frameworks as a teacher in your lesson? Let’s look at an example.

Imagine you are teaching a class of adult learners at GSE 43-50 (B1). This week, your class has been working towards writing an essay about living in the city vs the countryside. Your class has just written their final essay and you want to assess what they have produced.

Look at the writing sub-skills in the GSE Assessment Framework for adults. Imagine these are the criteria you are using to assess your students’ writing.

You read one of your student's essays, and in their essay they demonstrate that they can:

  • Express their opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city vs the countryside
  • Make relevant points which are mostly on-topic
  • Use topic-related language
  • Connect their ideas logically and in a way that flows well
  • Write in clear paragraphs

However, you notice that:

  • They tend to repeat common words, such as city, town, countryside, nice, busy
  • They don’t use punctuation effectively, for example missing commas, long sentences, missing capitalization
  • They have some issues with grammatical structures

Compare the above notes to the GSE Assessment Frameworks. What level is your learner demonstrating in each sub-skill? How could you evidence this using the criteria?

Now, compare your answers to the ideas below.

The points marked in the GSE 43-50 column are evidence that the student is at the expected writing level for their class, based on what you observed in their essay. The points marked in the GSE 36-42 column could be shown to the student to tell them what they need to focus on to improve, based on their essay.

Customizing the GSE assessment frameworks

The GSE Assessment Frameworks are flexible and customizable, and you can use the descriptors for your specific purpose. You can choose the appropriate GSE Assessment Frameworks for your context, and build your own formative assessment based on these.

In the example above, you were only assessing an essay, so you could ignore any contexts that were not applicable to that scenario. For example, writes personal and semi-formal letters and emails relating to everyday matters, or incorporates some relevant details from external sources.

Another benefit of the frameworks is that you can personalize assessments and create tailored learning roadmaps for individual students. Of course, not all learners are the same, so the descriptors allow students to see which sub-skill they need to work on in order to bring their writing (or speaking, listening or reading) up to their expected level. It also helps you as the teacher to understand what sub-skills to focus on in lessons to improve these main skills.

Finally, don’t be afraid to introduce your students to these descriptors or translate them into the learner's first language for lower levels. It is a great way for them to pinpoint and reflect on their strengths and areas for improvement, rather than simply getting a score and not understanding how to get to the next level of confidence and ability.

By incorporating the GSE Assessment Frameworks into your course for formative assessment, you can build students’ confidence and help them better reflect on their learning.

Learn more about the GSE

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A teacher stood at the front of a class with a book, pointing at a student. Students are sat at desks with their hands raised.

    Assessing and tracking your students' language learning

    By ÃÛÌÒapp Languages

    Reading time: 4 minutes

    As a language teacher, your goal is not just to impart knowledge but to guide your students on a transformative journey toward fluency. Assessing and tracking learning progress is a dynamic process that empowers both educators and learners, rather than being just a routine task.

    In today's language learning blog post, we will explore the significance of assessment in language teaching and provide valuable insights on how to track and assess your students' linguistic development.

    The benefits

    Informed instruction

    Regular assessments enable teachers to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. Identifying strengths and weaknesses helps educators adapt teaching methods, promoting a more personalized and effective learning experience.

    Motivational tool

    Assessment results can be very useful in motivating students. Even small progress should be acknowledged as it can boost their confidence and encourage a positive attitude towards learning. It is important to share success stories, celebrate achievements and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your language classroom.

    Feedback for growth

    Assessment feedback can help students improve their skills by giving them a clear idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can use this feedback to encourage students to take responsibility for their learning journey and foster a growth mindset that is resilient even in the face of linguistic difficulties.

    Tracking and assessment methods

    Diverse assessment methods

    Embrace a variety of assessment methods to capture the multifaceted nature of language learning. Beyond traditional exams, integrate speaking assessments, project-based evaluations and collaborative activities. This diversity ensures a comprehensive understanding of your students' language proficiency.

    Example: Consider assigning projects that involve researching, creating presentations and demonstrating creative expression (like plays or videos) in the target language. Assessing various aspects such as language skills, creativity and critical thinking. Design projects around your class's interests and motivations.

    Formative assessments

    Integrate formative assessments into your teaching strategy. These ongoing evaluations, such as quizzes, class discussions and short writing assignments, provide real-time feedback. For instance, if you notice that your students are struggling with a particular concept, you can use formative assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of your teaching approach and make necessary adjustments.

    Example: Conduct regular quizzes, polls or short assessments during class to evaluate students' understanding. Use quick checks to gauge student understanding to adjust teaching methods accordingly. This will help you tailor your teaching methods in real time to ensure effective lesson delivery.

    Portfolio assessment

    Encourage students to maintain language portfolios. These portfolios can include samples of their written work, recorded conversations and reflections on their language learning journey. Portfolio assessments offer a holistic view of progress and provide students with a tangible record of their achievements.

    Example: Conduct periodic portfolio reviews to discuss progress and set goals. Encourage frequent reflection to show learners how far they've come.Ìý

    Self-assessment

    Empower students to self-assess. Encourage reflection on their language skills, setting goals and evaluating their own progress. Self-assessment also fosters a sense of responsibility and independence in the learning process. When students take ownership of their progress, they become more invested in their education and are more likely to achieve their goals.

    Example: Provide your language students self-assessment checklists or rubrics for them to evaluate their proficiency and set personal goals.

    Technology integration

    Use language learning platforms' analytics and progress reports for data-driven decision-making. It's great to help save time and provide reliable and up-to-date reports.Ìý

    Example: Using online platforms for assignments, quizzes and collaborative projects with built-in tracking features. Our learning platforms, ÃÛÌÒapp English Connect (PEC)Ìýand MyEnglishLab (MEL), can help you keep track of your students' progress.

    Cultural projects

    Cultural projects are a great way to engage students in the broader context of the language they are learning. These projects could involve researching cultural practices, traditions or historical events related to the language.

    Students learn how to navigate cultural nuances, understand diverse perspectives and effectively communicate in different cultural contexts by participating in cultural projects. Such projects help students form a personal connection with the language and bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, making language learning more meaningful.

    Example: Assign projects that explore certain cultural aspects of the target language, encouraging a deeper understanding of context. These can be evaluated on how well it's presented, its clarity, and how factually accurate it is.

    Peer reviews

    Peer review is a valuable practice that promotes a sense of community within the language learning classroom. It involves students working together and offering constructive feedback to each other, which leads to the development of their language skills. It creates a collaborative learning environment where students actively participate in the improvement of their peers, learning from one another's strengths and weaknesses.

    Students often put more effort into assignments when they know peers will review their work. This increased accountability can lead to higher-quality work and a greater commitment to language learning.

    Example: Implement peer review sessions where students provide feedback on each other's written or spoken assignments. Encourage constructive criticism to enhance collaboration and learning. To accommodate shy students, this process can be anonymous.

    Ìý

    Assessing and tracking language learning progress is integral to effective language teaching, requiring continuous interaction between educators and students.

    By utilizing diverse assessment methods and fostering a culture of constant improvement, language teachers play a vital role in guiding their students toward linguistic fluency. Helping language students celebrate their successes and overcome challenges helps them to be not only proficient speakers but also lifelong language enthusiasts.

    Are you an English teacher preparing for assessments? Check out our postÌýMotivating your students through assessment.

    As well as our learning platforms, PECÌýand MEL, we offer various English assessments and courses to help track your learner's progress and to certify their English level, so make sure to explore our range to find the best solution for your students.ÌýÌý

  • Students working together laughing with a laptop in front of them

    Improve student vocabulary and memory with these classroom activities

    By Vaughan Jones

    Reading time: 6.5 minutes

    Vaughan Jones has more than 30 years of experience as an EFL Teacher, Trainer and Author. He’s lived and worked in France, Japan and Spain, and has worked to produce a number of coursebooks, including Focus, an English language learning series for upper-secondary students.

    In this post he explores some tips and techniques for language teachers to help students improve their ability to remember vocabulary.Ìý

  • Woman sat at a desk with a laptop, tablet and open notepads studying

    6 language learning techniques for beginners

    By

    Reading time: 4 minutes

    So you’ve just started to learn a new language (or just set up a resolution to learn one), you're not alone; every day there are embracing the challenge of mastering a language. It can be tricky to know where to start, and sometimes the biggest learning hurdle.

    No matter what language you're trying out (and whatever your native language), there are always solid methods to help start your journey off and help reach your language learning goals. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.

    Chunking technique

    Rather than attempting to memorize lengthy lists of words, it's more effective to break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. You can group the words by themes or categories, such as food, colors or daily activities. Additionally, you can use mnemonic devices or create associations to help you remember them more efficiently.

    For example, if you're trying to learn colors, you could use the acronym "ROYGBIV" and make a phrase out of that, like ‘Richard of York gave battle in vain’ to remember the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. ÌýYou can make whatever acronyms or phrases are easiest for you to remember.

    This technique can also be used to remember rules or concepts. By associating them with memorable phrases, images or stories, they become easier to recall and apply in practical situations.

    Spaced Repetition System (SRS)

    Use spaced repetition systems like Anki or Quizlet to create flashcards for vocabulary. These systems use algorithms that show flashcards at intervals based on your familiarity with the words. Review flashcards regularly, focusing more on unfamiliar words to reinforce memory retention.

    To create effective flashcards, it is important to focus on quality over quantity. Instead of trying to memorize large amounts of words at once, start with a smaller set of words and gradually add more as you become more comfortable. When creating your flashcards, include both the word and its definition. You can also include example sentences or images to help you remember the word more easily.

    The more you practice something regularly the more likely it is to stick in your . You’ll be surprised how much you can retain over time with this technique that’s based on science.

    Pomodoro Technique

    A classic but essential technique. Divide your study time into short, focused intervals using the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes of concentrated language practice, followed by a 5-minute break. Repeat this cycle and take a longer break after every 4 cycles (2 hours).

    This method boosts productivity and maintains focus during study sessions. It is great for those days when your attention span isn’t as sharp as usual. Find an online Pomodoro .

    Visual learning aids

    If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information you are trying to learn, creating visual aids such as mind maps and infographics can be a helpful way to simplify complex concepts and make them easier to understand.

    For example, when studying a new language, you may find it helpful to create a mind map that breaks down the different grammar rules, verb conjugations and key phrases you need to know. This can help you see how all of the different elements fit together and make it easier to remember them when you need to use them. It can be a great way to also notice patterns, which can be helpful for understanding a concept or language rule.

    Vocabulary notebook

    Designate a notebook or use digital tools to create aÌývocabulary repository. Divide it into sections based on themes. For example, you could have a section for business vocabulary, another for scientific terms, and so on. This will help you to organize your learning and make it easier to find and review specific words and phrases.

    As you come across new words, be sure to add them to your vocabulary repository right away. Include the word, its definition and an example sentence to provide context. You can also add images or audio recordings to help reinforce your understanding of the word.

    The great thing about designing your own book is that you can present it however you want and in whatever way works best for you. Some people find the act of writing their learnings useful to remember what they’ve learned.

    Regularly reviewing your vocabulary repository will help you retain the words you have learned and expand your knowledge over time. So make sure to set aside some time each week to review your vocabulary and add new words as you come across them.

    Listen and repeat

    Find beginner-friendly podcasts, , TV shows or audio dialogues in the target language. Listen attentively and pause at intervals to repeat what you've heard. Focus on mimicking the speaker's pronunciation and rhythm. This technique aids in comprehension and speaking fluency.

    There are many free resources available online that can help you with this type of listening practice. YouTube is a great place to start, as there are many beginner-friendly clips available in a wide variety of languages; for example, if you're learning Spanish, there are plenty of podcasts available online and on Spotify.

    These specific language learning methods, when incorporated into your language study routine, can significantly help aid your progress as a beginner and keep you on track. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your learning style and stick to it.

    Don't forget to try out different language learning strategies, even the ones that may seem weird or unusual. You might be surprised at what you find works well in improving your language skills.

    If you're trying to learn English, make sure to read our blog post 6 easy ways to learn English or 3 ways to learn new English words.