Speaking, writing, reading, listening. The four skills of language learning each have their own roles in our world language classrooms, and each skill will develop differently. Yet the strength in one skill can also influence the growth of another. This is why it's important to understand how listening skills can help build speaking skills, or how proficiency in reading can translate into stronger writing skills. Likewise, if we introduce the language through comprehensible input, helping students acquire the language through reading and listening, we also need to provide them with strategies to be better readers and listeners.

In language learning, we have the four skills and then skills needed to develop those four skills. Before we dive into a meta rabbit hole, allow me to introduce our newest blog series: Using Extempore to Build and Assess the Four Skills in the World Language Classroom. 

This is our third blog series, following our recent series on vocabulary in world language teaching, and another on unique ways to use Extempore. 

It's funny, because it wasn't planned this way: I thought my first post on reading assessments was just a one-off. But then I figured, "why not do one on listening assessments too?" Before I knew it, I was halfway through the four skills, with only speaking and writing left. Given the overlap between the two output-based skills, putting together the last post in the series came smoothly. 

Here's a sneak peak of what you'll find in each one.

Beyond Who, What, Where: 8+ Ways to Assess Reading

Understand factors to consider behind reading assessments, learn why you shouldn't use the target language in comprehension questions, and of course, go beyond who, what, and where. Multiple examples for output-based responses and multiple choice to measure comprehension are provided. 

Read the full blog here. 

Did You Hear? Listening Assessments on Extempore

Come for a primer on why listening is so important yet so difficult for learners, and stay to see four high-quality yet efficient ways to build and assess your students' listening skills.

Read the full blog here. 

Tasks, Analysis, and More: 4 Assessments for Building Written and Oral Proficiency on Extempore

Get a crash course on discourse analysis, learn about factors to consider when creating writing and speaking assessments, and see four different examples that can apply to both skills.

Read the full blog here.

Read the blogs, listen to all the advice on our Bites channel, write to us with what you think, and speak to your friends about these handy resources. Now get out there and build those skills!

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