After four months of working with the French Immersion (FI) learning maps and proficiency scale, we found that incorporating student voice into the assessment process for French Immersion has proven to be a transformative experience. Initially, students expressed dissatisfaction with the new approach as they were accustomed to receiving traditional marks. However, through open dialogue and class debate activities, the students discussed the pros and cons of using a proficiency scale for assessment.
The students recognized that while traditional marks provided a quick snapshot of their performance, they wanted something more to help them proceed to the next level. Having been a part of creating learning maps, students have a greater understanding of how to proceed to the next level of achievement.
As the students explored the benefits of learning maps, they began to appreciate its ability to capture their language abilities accurately. By incorporating this student-centered approach, they felt a greater sense of ownership and agency in their language learning journey. They realized that their progress extended beyond mere grades, and the proficiency scale provided a more holistic representation of their growth and skills development.