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Second Handbook of English Language Teaching pp 1–20Cite as

Assessment of Young English Learners in Instructional Settings

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Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE))

Abstract

With the growing number of children worldwide learning English in instructional settings, educators are increasingly concerned with how best to assess their language development. However, assessing young learners (YLs, defined in this chapter as children age 5–12) warrants a number of special considerations due to their age and other unique characteristics. After discussing young language learners’ unique characteristics and needs with respect to assessment, this chapter addresses the following major issues that arise when assessing them: (a) targeted language abilities for YLs, (b) age-appropriate formats and procedures of assessment, (c) assessment for learning (e.g., feedback and diagnostic information in assessment and assessment for autonomy enhancement), and (d) challenges to meet YLs’ diverse needs (e.g., students with multilingual backgrounds and students with disabilities). The chapter concludes with suggestions for future research directions, including (a) more child second language acquisition research to inform assessment theory and practice, (b) addressing teachers’ role in assessment to better assist YLs’ learning, and (c) greater attention to the use of technology for YLs’ assessment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Yuko Goto Butler

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  1. Yuko Goto Butler
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Correspondence to Yuko Goto Butler .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong

    Xuesong Gao

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Butler, Y.G. (2019). Assessment of Young English Learners in Instructional Settings. In: Gao, X. (eds) Second Handbook of English Language Teaching. Springer International Handbooks of Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58542-0_24-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58542-0_24-1

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