How to Assess Oral and Written Skills in FLE Classes

Training Objective

The goal of this training is to provide teachers with the tools they need to reflect on assessment practices, address the challenges they face in various assessment situations, and establish a connection between teaching and assessment. This workshop will also help them become familiar with the CEFR proficiency level descriptors and the content of the CIEP’s DELF and DALF certifications. The various practical exercises offered will enable them to develop strategies and tools for assessing oral and written skills in French as a Foreign Language (FLE) classrooms.

Part 1: Evaluate?

Why do we assess learning in French as a Foreign Language (FLE)? When and how should we assess it? Is it really possible to assess it objectively?

Part 2: About the CEFR

Familiarize yourself with the framework and the competency descriptors to better understand the six levels and the requirements for the DELF-DALF certifications.

Part 3: Evaluating Written Work

Develop rubrics, align grading criteria with learning objectives, grade assignments, and standardize grading.

Part 4: Assessing Oral Skills

Develop rubrics, align grading criteria with learning objectives, evaluate oral exams, and standardize grading.

Bibliography

  • Bertocchini, P., & Costanzo, E. (2008). Practical Training Manual for FLE Teachers, CLE International.
  • Bourguignon, C. (2010), Teaching Languages with the CEFR, Delagrave.
  • Noël-Jothy, F., & Sampsonis, B. (2006), Certifications and Assessment Tools in French as a Foreign Language, Hachette.
  • Perrenoud, P. (1997). Building Skills Starting in School. Paris: ESF éditeur. Richard L. Côté.
  • Rosen, Evelyne (2006), An Overview of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. CLE International.
  • Tagliante, C. (2005), Assessment and the Common European Framework, CLE International.
  • Veltcheff, C., & Hilton, S. (2003), Assessment in French as a Foreign Language, Hachette.
  • ASDIFLE Journal No. 23 (March 2011): Assessments and Certifications.
  • French Around the World No. 53 (January 2013) Assessment in Language and Culture Education: Continuity, Tension, and Discontinuity.
  • The ABCs of Pedagogy: http://craft.epfl.ch/ABC_pedagogie
  • Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/source/framework_FR.pdf
  • International Center for Educational Studies: http://www.ciep.fr/delfdalf/

Trainer

Gaëlle Karcher
Updated on 24, September 2026