How can achievement be measured? How do we know we have progressed? In some subjects this is simple, in others more difficult. For the language learner, measuring success can be difficult, though not impossible. Here is one way an English conversation school student measures her progress.
Masako plays games. She started out doing English conversation student specific crossword puzzles, moved up to more advanced crosswords, eventually graduating to native-English speaker targeted crosswords, such as the Washington Post crossword available daily in The Japan News. She formed a small crossword club with a few English study buddies. I introduced her to Jumbles, which are another daily word challenge available in many newspapers. Masako in now playing Scrabble online with both English students and native English speakers. She has progressed and now wins regularly, even against native players. Her success is measured in her speed, ability and wins. Her achievement is easily visible in the progressions she’s made from simple games to mid-level to advanced. A nice way to measure success and games are fun too! Read more about playing games to improve one’s language skills HERE.
This is Part 1 of the series “Measuring Achievement.” Want to know more ways to see your improvement? Check out Measuring Achievement Part 2.
Edward, Smith’s school of English Otsu
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