Introduction: learning-oriented language assessment—insights for evidence-based practices

Language assessment is any activity, both inside and outside the classroom, that aims to collect information about language learners’ performance, proficiency, knowledge, and skills. There is an expectation that such information will be analysed and acted on by the teacher and/or the learners. Central to the processes of collection, analysis, and action is the environment (e.g., classroom, sociocultural contexts) where the assessment is enacted, and the relationship between the environment and learners. Language assessment can include a wide range of activities including quizzes, tests, exams, portfolios, feedback, teacher-learner discussions on learners’ performance, as well as automatically collected and analysed data, such as attendance and participation rates. All of these can take place in class or beyond.