Can-do statements

Definition

Can-do statements are specific, measurable declarations that describe what learners are able to do with a language at various levels of proficiency. These statements focus on practical skills and real-world tasks, allowing both instructors and learners to gauge progress in language learning. By providing clear benchmarks, can-do statements help shape curriculum and assessments, making them essential in language assessment and testing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Can-do statements provide a clear framework for assessing language skills, enabling both learners and teachers to identify areas of strength and weakness.
2. They are often aligned with established proficiency frameworks, such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which standardizes language learning goals.
3. Using can-do statements in assessments helps ensure that evaluations are focused on practical, communicative skills rather than rote memorization.
4. Teachers can use can-do statements to design curricula and lesson plans that are more relevant to students' needs and real-life situations.
5. Can-do statements can be personalized for different learners, taking into account their specific goals, interests, and contexts in which they will use the language.

Review Questions

• How do can-do statements enhance the effectiveness of language assessment?
  • Can-do statements enhance language assessment by providing specific criteria for measuring learners' abilities in practical contexts. This allows educators to tailor assessments that reflect real-world usage of the language instead of focusing solely on theoretical knowledge. By doing so, both teachers and students can identify progress more clearly and adjust learning strategies accordingly.
• In what ways do can-do statements support curriculum development in language education?
  • Can-do statements support curriculum development by outlining clear learning outcomes that align with students' needs and real-life applications. They guide educators in creating lesson plans and activities that target specific skills learners must develop. This ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and effective in equipping students with necessary communication abilities for various contexts.
• Evaluate the impact of integrating can-do statements into a comprehensive language assessment framework on learner motivation.
  • Integrating can-do statements into a comprehensive assessment framework positively impacts learner motivation by providing clear and achievable goals. When students see tangible benchmarks that illustrate their progress, they are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership over their learning. This also encourages a growth mindset, as learners recognize that they can develop their skills through targeted practice based on these meaningful outcomes.

Related terms

Proficiency Levels: Defined stages of language ability that outline what a learner can do at various degrees of mastery, often categorized as novice, intermediate, and advanced.

Performance Assessment: An evaluation method that requires learners to demonstrate their language abilities through real-life tasks and activities, rather than just answering questions.

Learning Objectives: Statements that outline what learners are expected to achieve by the end of an instructional unit or lesson, often aligning with can-do statements for clarity.