Evaluation is necessary to actively involve the whole class in a speaking activity. During a teacher training course called SWETA, we were shown that evaluation and self assessment motivate learners speak English by a fish bowl activity. In this activity, the class is divided into 3 groups (A, (speakers), B (process observers) and C (content reporters). Half of the students will be A, 1/4 will be B and 1/4 will be C. The topic students are going to discuss will  be complex and interesting depending on their ages. The A's will need chairs to sit in a circle facing each others. The B's will sit in an outer circle. The C'S will be anywhere higher outside of the circles, perhaps on the desks to see the whole picture. While A's discuss, B's will observe the behaviour of two of the A's and fill out the check list below:

Process observer check-list:    Yes =1 pt NO = 0pt

Name 1

Name 2

Speaks clearly

Makes relevant points

Is polite [even when disagreeing|

Appropriate body language

total

The C's will report the content of the discussion. They can come together and make a group report for the speaking activity. The observers show their check-lists and the speakers will have self assesment  by simple questions such as Do you feel you were fairly assessed? What could you do better next time? etc.

With this activity students evaluate themselves and learn what their friends think aboıut their performance. Observing behaviours is also a good way to let teenagers see how they mostly behave. It can be a mirror to them as well. With self assessment they will have the chance to say whay they think.

Have you got any ideas that assessment help learning?