ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on assessment of student learning, by articulating the relationship between the design and delivery of instruction and the need to monitor and provide feedback on learner development and progress. It summarizes primarily program evaluation practices that enable periodic insights into instructional effectiveness and learning outcomes for the main purpose of educational program improvement. The chapter sketches out an approach to conceptualizing and operationalizing useful evaluation. It provides guide for conducting evaluation in support of innovative educational design and delivery and as a means to monitor and ensure educational effectiveness in terms of student learning. Subsequently, several examples of program evaluation at work in language education settings provide insights into the diverse possible contributions of evaluation. Furthermore, decisions will be made for a range of purposes such as developing educational courses, materials, and programs; improving instructional delivery; holding teachers and schools accountable; judging program quality; and even generating knowledge about good practice.
