A short introduction to Portfolio Based Language Assessment in LINC programs(Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada): what, how and why. The presentation was used to support the introduction of PBLA to a group of TESOL students.

1. Portfolio Based
Language Assessment
in LINC
An Introduction
Augusta Avram, LINC Instructor
,

2. Assessment of Learning vs.
Assessment for Learning
Assessment of learning or summative assessment "identifies
what the student has learned, understands, knows or can do…It
generally focuses on measurement and the ‘product’ of learning.”
Assessment for learning “helps learners identify where they are
and what they need to do next. Its primary purpose is to provide
feedback that will promote student learning. This type of formative
assessment is…embedded in all aspects of the teaching and
learning process; it happens while learning is underway.”
“Integrating CLB Assessment into your ESL Classroom”, Tara Holmes, 2005, Centre for Canadian Language
Benchmarks

3. What is PBLA?
Assessment for Learning/Formative Assessment principles - the
foundation of PBLA
An approach to assessment and teaching that is classroom-based and
teacher-led; doesn't use standardized or externally developed tests
PBLA incorporates assessment into the teaching/learning cycle;
ongoing assessment information is used to adjust teaching/learning
Students are actively involved in their learning
Aligned with the Canadian Language Benchmarks(CLB)
Module Planning provides overall coherence
PBLA tool: Language Companion(a binder given to every LINC
student in Canada)

4. PBLA Tools
Language Companion
A student portfolio “that documents their(students’) learning journey and
collects evidence of their progress in language tasks over time.”(On PBLA, CCLB
website) It contains:
Needs Assessment/Goals/CLB levels on entry/Autobiography
CLB/Settlement/Language learning resources
Skill-building and skill-using activities
Assessments
Teacher action-oriented feedback
Self-assessments and peer-assessments
Learner reflection

5. PBLA Planning
Module Planning
Module: a unit plan that describes what to teach. A module
is:
Thematic(a pre-determined set of themes): topic selected
based on learner needs
Task-based: a topic has many possible tasks that replicate
real-world communication in a community/work/school
context; what the students will be able to do at the end of the
unit
CLB aligned: all four skills(L/S/R/W) and the range of CLB
competencies are addressed

6. Module Planning Cycle
Needs Assessment: to identify topic and RWT(Real World Task) based
on learner needs
Task Analysis: teacher identifies grammatical/textual/
functional/sociolinguistic/strategic task features that ensure successful
completion of the task(CLB, 2012, p.VII)
Assessment Task Development: teacher develops task; CLB document
provides criteria for success
Lesson Planning: teacher develops lesson plans that prepare students to
successfully complete the task; they incorporate skill building and skill
using activities
Assessment Task Administration: usually administered under test-like
conditions; results used to inform student goal setting and teaching
decisions

7. Assessment Tasks
Real World Task
Appropriate for the benchmark level
Clear instructions
Criteria drawn directly from the CLB
document; holistic & analytic for
productive, analytic for receptive
Successful completion of task:
indicate what success looks like
Evidence of self-assessment
Evidence of action-oriented
feedback from teacher
Reflection and goal setting

8. Benefits and Challenges
Benefits:
Students’ needs and interests drive the learning/teaching process
Students engage in authentic use of the language through Real World Tasks
Students develop skills and concepts they can transfer to other areas of their lives
Standardized approach to measure student advancement
Challenges:
Excessive instructor preparation, especially in the first year
Assessment design knowledge
Students’ initial expectations might not be met, especially in the case of those used to more traditional approaches to
language learning; activities that support students’ understanding of the benefits of this particular teaching/learning
model are essential
Assessment cycle doesn’t always leave time for activities not directly related to the task but still deemed important for
language development by the teacher; very careful planning and sometimes creative thinking can help
Continuous intake
Solutions:
Ask the PBLA Lead Teacher for guidance; Collaborate with colleagues; Be a connected educator-develop a
Professional Learning Network for support and resource sharing; Stay informed; Identify and use PD
opportunities(Tutela webinars, for example)

9. Thank you
Augusta Avram
LINC Instructor
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/augustaavram
https://twitter.com/LINCInstructor
https://twitter.com/OurLINC6Class
Presented to VCC TESOL Diploma Students, Nov 15, 2016

10. Bibliography & Resources
Main document: PBLA Guide for Teachers and Programs, by Joanne C.
Pettis
http://www.language.ca/documents/PBLA_Guide_e-version_2015.pdf
Canadian Language Benchmarks
http://www.language.ca/index.cfm?Voir=sections&Id=17355&M=4038&Repe
rtoire_No=2137991327
CCLB Introduction to PBLA
http://www.language.ca/index.cfm?Voir=sections&Id=19448&M=4032&Repe
rtoire_No=2137991327
CLB Support Kit - excellent resource containing many templates and
exemplars
http://www.language.ca/index.cfm?Voir=sections&Id=17356&M=4038&Repe
rtoire_No=2137991327

11. CCLB Resources on PBLA - some available for free
http://www.language.ca/index.cfm?Voir=menu&Repertoire_No=213799132
7&M=4038
Portfolio Based Language Assessment, Joanne Pettis 2013
http://www.slideshare.net/pettispbla/pbla-maximizing-assessment-for-
learning?qid=330f8824-f452-465e-8f8a-
e962809902d5&v=&b=&from_search=1
Thematic, Task-Focused Module Planning, Joanne Pettis 2013
http://www.slideshare.net/pettispbla/module-planning-in-adult-esl
LISTN Assessment Classroom Toolkit
http://www.listn.info/site/resources/linc-assessment/classroom-
assessment-toolkit

12. A collection of CLB-referenced module plans from Manitoba
http://www.immigratemanitoba.com/guides-and-resources/module-plans/
Tutela - online community for ESL professionals with access to webinars,
resources, online dialogue; requires an account
https://tutela.ca/PublicHomePage
Social Media:
Twitter – Search #PBLA #LINCchat (a chat that occurs on Twitter every second
Tuesday on topics related to LINC instruction; Nov 15th topic-Formative
Assessment)
https://twitter.com/search-home
PBLA Facebook page - posts from Joanne Pettis, PBLA co-lead
https://www.facebook.com/PettisPBLA/
PBLA training courses - contact CCLB for more information
http://www.language.ca/index.cfm?Repertoire_No=2137991327&Voir=ecrivez