A panel discussion on "Designing rubrics for better assessment of learning outcomes" was held virtually by the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking (HUB) on June 28, 2022. This event provided an opportunity for experts and Faculty lecturers to share experiences and best practices regarding designing criteria for assessing learning outcomes.
The panel discussion welcomed the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung, Vice Rector of HUB, and three other guest speakers including Mr. Le Huu Chau (MA., Hoa Sen University), Dr. John R. Baker (Ton Duc Thang University), and Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai An (MA., teacher trainer), and the lecturers of Faculty of Foreign Languages, HUB.
In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Duc Trung considered the event as an opportunity for lecturers of the Faculty of Foreign Languages and those interested in language testing and assessment to gain new insights into rubrics designing for better assessemnt of learning outcomes, thereby improving the efficiency and fairness of assessment in the language training programs at BUH and beyond.
Mr. Le Huu Chau introduced different types of rubrics, its pros and cons, and how to utilize them in tests and assignments to assess language students’ knowledge and skills. The two other guest speakers discussed the development of some popular rubrics in language education world-wide, as well as how to adopt rubrics while reaching an agreement among colleagues on the choice of rubrics for certain tests and assignments.
Dr. John R. Baker shared his practical experiences of using rubrics in assessment of students’ writing in different courses including academic writing, creative writing, and ESP (English for Specific Purposes) courses. He also suggested the application of IT, softwares and scoring guide in replacement of rubrics in language assessment.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai An highlighted the significance of teacher training on assessment. In her view, teachers should be mentored and trained for effective evaluation of student achievement and progress.
The panel discussion concluded with the Q &A session which audiences posed some questions about how to enhance fairness and objectivity in assessment of written assignments.
The panel discussion was a rewarding experience for lecturers of the Faculty of Foreign Languages to enhance their professional knowledge and skills with regard to testing and assessment.