Development of an English Speaking Skill Assessment Model for Grade 6 Students by Using Portfolio

Abstract

It has been found from language assessment that the results were lower in terms of reliability compared to other aspects. Therefore, the development of a reliable model on English speaking skill assessment is very important and it will hopefully bring about English language teaching improvement. The objectives of this research were to study the steps and the components of a portfolio on English speaking skill assessment as well as to develop the English speaking skill assessment criteria for grade 6 students. The research methods used include a review of documents and interviews of nine experts on English language teaching and language assessment. The data was analysed using content analysis method. The results found that the component of the portfolio on English speaking skill assessment for grade 6 students comprises three parts: 1) Introduction 2) Contents and 3) Assessment criteria. There are 7 steps in using a portfolio in assessment: 1) planning 2) preparation for students 3) evidence collecting 4) progress monitoring 5) improvement of performance 6) reflection and 7) displaying the works. The tasks involved in English speaking skill assessment include interviewing, oral presentation, storytelling, making picture description. Analytic rating scale was applied as scoring criteria on vocabulary, syntax, cohesion, pronunciation ideational function and fluency.