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Resources for the Classroom

for Learner Assessment

This section includes resources (lesson plans, curriculum, readings, videos, podcasts, etc.) to use in class.

This hub includes the following resources:

  • Tool 1: Assessment templates
  • Tool 2: Instructor-administered templates (a collection of CLB 4–7 assessments and templates for use in LINC programs that use Portfolio Based Language Instruction)
  • Tool 3: Learner reflections (a series of reflective tools to use in class)
  • Tool 4: Self assessments (a collection of self-assessment tools for CLB 4–7).

This hub includes online resources to help students understand PBLA. It includes videos to explain PBLA (along with video transcripts and translations), practice listening activities, and literacy activities.

Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. (n.d.). My PBLA. https://www.language.ca/resourcesexpertise/my-pbla

This resource includes Can Do Statements that describe what learners can do at each of the 12 CLB levels in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. (2013). Canadian Language Benchmarks: Can Do statements. https://www.ecala.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CLB_Can_Do_Statements_web.pdf

This resource includes Can Do Statements for CLB 4–10. These statements have a workplace/employment focus.

Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. (2013). Canadian Language Benchmarks: Can Do statements for employment. https://www.language.ca/product/can-do-statements-for-employment-pdf-e/

A free CLB-aligned online self-assesment tool for Reading and Listening.

CLB-OSA (n.d.). CLB online self-assessment. https://www.clb-osa.ca/

This comprehensive rubric generating tool reduces the time instructors spend creating assessments aligned to the CLB. The rubrics incorporate competency statements, indicators, profiles of ability, and features of communication. They also include sample tasks.

Go to Tutela to access rubric generating tools for the following:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • LINC Literacy Writing

Cortes, A. H., Wilson, A., Wodtka, A., Andrews, B., Molto, L., & Reis, S. (2016). Conestoga College LINC assessment generating tool. Tutela.

This toolkit serves as a companion document to the Formative Assessment Toolkit. It helps instructors when conducting assessments for learning, monitoring learner progress and making decisions about future learning objectives. It includes self-assessment activities for literacy to CLB 7.

Kilner, A., & Drew, R. (2012). Learner self-assessment toolkit: ELSA levels Literacy to 7. ELSA Net. https://listn.tutela.ca/wp-content/uploads/Learner-Self-Assessment-Toolkit-Complete-Package-Nov-20122.pdf

This resource includes best practices for formative and self-assessment as well as CLB-referenced tools for teacher assessment, self-/peer-assessment and reflection tools for Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing (for Literacy to CLB 8).

This includes CCLB-developed module packages for CLB 1L-2L, CLB 1-2, CLB 3-4, and CLB 5-6. Each package includes a module plan adjusted for two levels and assessment tasks, along with other teaching/learning materials (skill building activities, skill using tasks, needs assessments, lesson plans, reflective activities, and more).

Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks. (n.d.). Multilevel modules. PBLA Practice Guidelines. https://pblapg.language.ca/part-e-classroom-and-professional-learning/multilevel-modules-2/

The PBLA tab of this hub includes general principles for Portfolio Based Language Instruction, along with resources for the following:

  • Beginning of term (autobiography, needs assessment, goal setting, reflection, etc.)
  • During the term (including sample peer/self/instructor assessment tools)
  • End of term (including progress reports, learner conferences, etc.)

Practical PBLA. (n.d.). https://practicalpbla.weebly.com/

This collection includes multi-level PBLA modules. Each module includes a module plan, resource list, skill building and using ideas, multi-level assessment tasks and answer keys.

Assessment tasks can be printed out. They are also available in online format as Google forms that instructors can copy and use!

NOTE: Select PBLA Module Bank at the following link:

The Immigrant Education Society (TIES). (n.d.). PBLA module bank for LINC online. https://www.immigrant-education.ca/resources/teaching-resources

Includes tip sheets and sample assessment tools for CLB 1–4 Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading.

Toronto Catholic District School Board. (2018). Engaging learners in PBLA: Tip sheets and resources for instructor-led assessment CLB 1–4. http://emcnlinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/listening-reading-speaking-writing-Assessment-CLB1-4-.pdf

Includes tip sheets and sample assessment tools for CLB 5–8 Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading.

Toronto Catholic District School Board. (2018). Engaging learners in PBLA: Tip sheets and resources for assessment CLB 5–8. https://assets.tcdsb.org/adulteducation/2411037/assessment-package-clb-5-8.pdf

Includes a description of processes for self- and peer-assessment, as well as tools for self-reflection, peer feedback, and reflection on learning tools.

Toronto Catholic District School Board. (2017). Engaging learners in PBLA: Tip sheet and resources for peer feedback and self-reflection and assessment. https://assets.tcdsb.org/adulteducation/2411025/tipsheet-and-sample-tools-clb-1-8.pdf

Tutela hosts a huge collection of Portfolio Based Language Assessment tasks. Search for PBLA Collections for your CLB and/or literacy level. Each collection includes relevant tools and templates, needs assessments and goal setting tools, skill-building and skill-using resources, formative assessment tools, and Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing assessments.

Tutela. (n.d.). PBLA resources collections. https://tutela.ca/

This resource includes essential skills Can Do checklists in the form of report cards (MS Word). It includes checklists for Literacy Phases 1–3, and well as CLB 1–4.

Winnipeg School Division Adult EAL Program, & Manitoba Immigrant Integration Program. (n.d.). Embedding the essentials: Can Do checklist. https://moodle.tutela.ca/eallessons4essentialskills.ca/can_do_checklists.html