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Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching pp 17–37Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Assessment for Learning in English Language Classrooms in China: Contexts, Problems, and Solutions

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Part of the book series: New Language Learning and Teaching Environments ((NLLTE))

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use of assessment for learning (AfL) in English language classrooms in all educational settings in China. The chapter starts with a brief introduction to AfL: the definition, principles, and theoretical underpinnings, drawing upon literature from both general education and English language teaching (ELT). The chapter then attempts to make sense of the assessment contexts in China by teasing out the issues at the macro-, meso-, and micro-levels. It then reviews the empirical evidence of AfL in China based on the themes that emerged: teacher conceptions of AfL, teacher AfL practice, and AfL and teacher assessment literacy. These research findings are discussed by problematizing AfL implementation in the Chinese ELT contexts. This chapter concludes with an agenda for future research and suggestions concerning how to better prepare teachers for AfL in both pre- and in-service teacher education programs.

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Acknowledgment

The authors of this chapter would like to acknowledge the financial support for this study in part by the National Social Science Foundation of China (grant #12CYY026).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stony Brook University, New York, USA

    Jun Liu

  2. Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China

    Yueting Xu

  3. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Yueting Xu

Authors
  1. Jun Liu
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  2. Yueting Xu
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    Hayo Reinders

  2. University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

    David Nunan

  3. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China

    Bin Zou

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Liu, J., Xu, Y. (2017). Assessment for Learning in English Language Classrooms in China: Contexts, Problems, and Solutions. In: Reinders, H., Nunan, D., Zou, B. (eds) Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching. New Language Learning and Teaching Environments. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60092-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-60092-9_2

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-60092-9

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