The necessity of assessment for learning in building integrated language skills<?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Abstract

Statistics and reality show beyond doubt that assessment is an integral part of any training programme at all levels. Assessment does not simply mean those activities and principles of measuring the learner’s achievement at the end of a specific course. Assessment can involve a range of forms and serve a number of purposes, of which measuring learner achievement for administration purposes and measuring learner achievement for improving learning and increasing motivation are of worldwide interest. The aim of this article is to introduce the concepts of classroom assessment, typically assessment of learning (AOL) versus assessment for learning (AFL) and key factors to quality classroom assessment. The role of AFL in building integrated language skills are also presented in the analysis of the crucial factors. On the basis of the preliminary results, the final part of the paper focuses on assessment techniques and strategies as well as some pedagogical implications in a language classroom to develop integrated language skills.