- Curriculum for Wales
Beyond Words: RM Compare in Languages, Literacy, and Communication
This is the third post in our 10 part series offering a Welsh Curriculum practitioners guide to RM Compare.
The Evolving Landscape of Language Assessment
In the realm of Languages, Literacy, and Communication, Welsh teachers are navigating a complex landscape. The new Curriculum for Wales emphasizes the development of confident, articulate individuals capable of expressing themselves effectively in multiple languages. Traditional assessment methods, often focused on grammar and vocabulary, struggle to capture the nuanced aspects of language proficiency. RM Compare emerges as a powerful tool to address these challenges, offering a fresh approach to assessing language skills.
Holistic Language Assessment with RM Compare
RM Compare introduces a comparative judgement approach that allows for a more holistic evaluation of language skills. Rather than breaking down language into discrete components, teachers can assess entire pieces of work - be it essays, presentations, or creative writing - in their entirety. This method aligns closely with the curriculum's goal of developing learners who can communicate effectively in real-world contexts.
Assessing Multilingual Competence
In Wales' multilingual educational environment, RM Compare proves particularly valuable. The tool allows for the assessment of work across different languages, enabling teachers to evaluate a pupil's overall linguistic competence rather than their proficiency in isolated languages. This approach supports the curriculum's aim of developing learners who can confidently navigate multilingual environments.
Capturing the Nuances of Communication
Effective communication goes beyond grammatical accuracy. It encompasses tone, style, coherence, and cultural appropriateness. RM Compare's comparative approach allows teachers to consider these subtle aspects of language use. By comparing different pieces of work, educators can identify and reward sophisticated language use that might be overlooked in traditional marking schemes.
Supporting Formative Assessment in Language Learning
RM Compare is not just a tool for summative assessment; it excels in supporting formative assessment practices. Teachers can use the tool to provide ongoing feedback, helping pupils understand their progress and areas for improvement. This aligns with the curriculum's emphasis on assessment for learning, encouraging pupils to take ownership of their language development.
Enhancing Oracy Assessment
Assessing speaking skills has always been a challenge in language education. RM Compare offers innovative possibilities in this area. Teachers can use the tool to compare recorded presentations or conversations, evaluating aspects such as fluency, pronunciation, and communicative effectiveness. This provides a more objective and consistent approach to oracy assessment.
Fostering Metacognitive Skills in Language Learners
By involving pupils in the comparative judgement process, RM Compare can help develop metacognitive skills crucial for language learning. Pupils can be encouraged to compare their own work with that of their peers, developing a deeper understanding of what constitutes effective communication. This self-reflection aligns with the curriculum's goal of creating ambitious, capable learners.
Addressing the Challenges of Creative Writing Assessment
Creative writing has always posed unique assessment challenges. RM Compare's approach is particularly suited to evaluating creative work, allowing teachers to consider aspects such as originality, voice, and impact alongside technical proficiency. This comprehensive evaluation encourages pupils to experiment with language and develop their unique writing styles.
Supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) Learners
For pupils learning English as an additional language, RM Compare offers a more equitable assessment approach. By focusing on overall communicative effectiveness rather than just linguistic accuracy, the tool allows EAL learners to demonstrate their progress more fairly. This aligns with the curriculum's commitment to inclusive education.
The Future of Language Assessment
As language education continues to evolve, so too must assessment practices. RM Compare is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a flexible platform that can adapt to emerging priorities in language education. Future developments may include features for assessing digital literacy or multimodal communication, ensuring the tool remains relevant in an ever-changing linguistic landscape.
Conclusion: Empowering Linguistic Growth
By adopting RM Compare for Languages, Literacy, and Communication assessment, Welsh teachers are embracing a more nuanced, holistic approach to evaluating language skills. This approach not only aligns with the new curriculum's vision but also prepares pupils for the complex communicative demands of the modern world. As educators continue to explore the possibilities offered by RM Compare, they are helping to shape a generation of confident, articulate, and culturally aware communicators ready to engage with diverse linguistic environments.