Assessing learning is one of the 12 professional practices in the British Council's CPD framework for teachers. It involves applying the principles and practice of assessment to design tasks for measuring learner’s progress, utilising a range of different types of assessment and feedback, using assessment at different points in the learning process to monitor learners’ understanding and inform subsequent teaching, defining appropriate assessment criteria and/or applying assessment criteria consistently, analysing learners’ errors and providing constructive feedback.

It also includes engaging learners in self and peer assessment and developing their self and peer assessment skills, as well as preparing learners for formal assessment and reflecting the effectiveness of assessment of your learners’ progress.

Assessing learning involves:
  • Applying the principles and practice of assessment to design tasks for measuring my learner’s progress.
  • Utilising a range of different types of assessment and feedback.
  • Using assessment at different points in the learning process to monitor my learners’ understanding and inform subsequent teaching.
  • Defining appropriate assessment criteria and/or apply assessment criteria consistently.
  • Analysing my learners’ errors and providing constructive feedback.
  • Engaging my learners in self and peer assessment and develop their self and peer assessment skills.
  • Preparing my learners for formal assessment.
  • Administering, grading and keeping records of assessment.
  • Sharing assessment data appropriately with parents, guardians, and learners, and others.
  • Reflecting on the effectiveness of my assessment of my learners’ progress.
Find content for assessing learning

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight