For many language learners, assessment is the most stressful part of the classroom experience, especially when it comes to speaking. All-or-nothing tests can feel more like performances than opportunities to show genuine progress. This pressure can limit participation, discourage risk-taking, and even deter students from continuing with language study.
But it’s not just speaking. Teachers also grapple with aligning assessment with what truly engages students, managing increasingly diverse and mixed-ability classrooms, and providing timely feedback that genuinely reflects growth.
A growing number of educators are finding ways to transform assessment into something more supportive, inclusive, and reflective of real-world language use. Here’s how you can make assessment a tool for growth and celebration rather than anxiety.
1. Embrace frequent, low-stakes assessment
Breaking large, end-of-term exams into smaller, ongoing tasks shifts the focus from a single “make or break” moment to continuous learning. Students have more chances to demonstrate their skills and are less likely to freeze under pressure.
“We’ve removed all of those high-stakes moments… and made assessment feel more like practice rather than performance.” – Janet Schneider, Head of Languages at Brisbane State High School.
2. Value progress over perfection
The pressure to be perfect and accurate often overshadows the value of progress. Progress in language learning is often gradual, so it’s vital to acknowledge and celebrate small wins. By focusing on improvement rather than flawless output, students feel encouraged to take risks and persist.
3. Build portfolios of work
A portfolio offers a richer, more holistic picture of student learning over time. It can include speaking recordings, writing samples, listening activities, and vocabulary checks, giving students ownership over their progress.
“Seeing a collection of work allows for a clearer picture of overall understanding beyond a single grammar point.” – Amanda Kennedy, Senior Languages Teacher at Kelvin Grove State College.
4. Foster student agency and choice
When students have a say in their assessment, engagement increases. This could mean selecting from a choice of tasks, revisiting work to improve it, or engaging in self-assessment.
“It’s about students reflecting on their own process and challenging themselves.” – Manon Poirier Ruaudel, Languages Teacher at Newington College.
5. Leverage technology for seamless integration
Digital tools can make assessment more interactive and accessible, from voice recordings for speaking tasks to auto-marked quizzes for quick checks. They also give teachers valuable data to personalise learning.
6. Encourage self-reflection – for students and teachers
Self-assessment helps students set goals, recognise their progress, and take ownership of their learning. For teachers, reflection on assessment data can guide the next steps in teaching and curriculum design.
“It is determining the next steps in that process of our teaching and learning too.” – Lale Arbabzadah, Languages Teacher at Newington College.
Conclusion
By making assessment continuous, authentic, and student-centred, you can help learners see it as an integral part of the learning journey, not a stressful hurdle to overcome. Frequent, low-stakes tasks, a focus on progress, and the thoughtful use of technology can transform the experience, creating classrooms where students feel confident, empowered, and eager to continue their language learning.
“We have students even as of this week emailing me to make a change back into languages. So super pleased.” – Janet Schneider, Head of Languages at Brisbane State School.
And by re-thinking assessment, you’re not only easing the pressure of assessment but also tackling the bigger challenges: keeping students genuinely engaged, supporting diverse and mixed-ability classes, and delivering feedback that reflects real growth.
