Continuous assessment means assessing aspects of learners' language throughout their course and then producing a final evaluation result from these assessments.

Students in Vietnam working together

It can be compared with a final or summative assessment, which only assesses the learner at the end of the course. Continuous assessment often provides a more accurate and complete picture of the learner's level and has a positive impact on learning.

Example
The learners are giving mini-presentations on their favourite films as a follow-up activity after reading about the history of cinema. The teacher evaluates their presentations and uses the results as part of their final result.

In the classroom
Continuous assessment can be made more relevant and motivating by asking the learners to decide which assignments and tasks will be assessed during the course.

Further links:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/assessment

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/testing-assessment

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/ongoing-assessment-fun-not-fear

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