MA TESOL

Analysing Second Language Learning

TESL40323
Assessment Criteria
NB: The final grade is determined by how well the criteria have been met overall and not the sum of the individual dimensions.
Name: Student ID:

Moderated grade: First marker: Second marker:

FAIL

PASS

COMMENDATION

DISTINCTION

Low

Mid

Marginal

Low - High

Low - High

Low - High

Exceptional
1. Knowledge and understanding - second language acquisition theory and research

Knowledge and understanding is highly insufficient. The student is unable to evidence any meaningful understanding of research findings/concepts related to the area of focus for this assignment. The
brief has not been addressed.
Knowledge and understanding is insufficient. The student demonstrates a partial understanding of research findings/concepts related to the area of focus for this assignment.

Knowledge and understanding is marginally insufficient. The assignment deals with basic research findings and concepts related to the area of focus, but some key findings/concepts are missing or
misunderstood.

The assignment demonstrates sufficient knowledge and understanding of the area, including research findings and concepts related to the area of focus.

The assignment demonstrates very good knowledge and critical understanding of research findings and concepts related to the area of focus.

The assignment demonstrates excellent knowledge and critical understanding of research findings and concepts related to the area of focus.

The assignment demonstrates exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding. The critical examination and analysis of relevant findings clearly exceeds the expectation of this level.

2. Linking theory and practice

The assignment provides little or no evidence of ability to relate theories or research to practice.

The assignment shows very limited ability to draw conclusions which relate theories or research to practice.

The assignment shows some ability to draw conclusions which relate theories and research to practice, but the conclusions are naïve or mostly derivative.

The assignment shows ability to draw conclusions which relate theories and research to practice. The conclusions may lack originality, but reflect an understanding of contextual realities.

The assignment shows good reflective ability and insight into links between theory/research and practice. The insights take account of contextual factors facing practitioners and researchers.

The assignment shows a high degree of reflective ability, insight, and ability to think independently when drawing conclusions and evidences an excellent awareness of contextual factors facing
practitioners and researchers.

The assignment shows an exceptional level of reflective ability, insight, and ability to think independently when drawing conclusions and evidences an exceptional awareness of contextual factors facing
practitioners and researchers.

3. Reading and research

There is very limited evidence of any reading or research.

The extent of reading or research is insufficient to adequately address the task. There is insufficient focus on key findings and concepts related to the area of focus for the assignment.

Some appropriate readings have been selected, but key sources are omitted or are used inappropriately. Less relevant or inappropriate sources may be relied on. Arguments and ideas from the sources
may be under-developed or unsubstantiated.

Appropriate sources are used to develop ideas and inform arguments. Many of these have been independently selected. The analysis of ideas may be limited in range and depth and descriptive rather
than critical.

A good range of source materials

have been used to introduce and support the main arguments presented. There is evidence of competent independent inquiry operating in the selection, analysis, and evaluation of ideas from the sources
used.

A broad range of source materials

have been used, enabling the main issues and arguments to be explored in depth. The ideas from the various sources are very effectively synthesised, analysed, and critiqued.

The wide range of source materials evidences the writer’s exceptional awareness of the area of focus for the assignment. The assignment is sufficiently well argued and supported to warrant publication
in an appropriate journal.

4. Communication of ideas
Communication is severely limited and there is considerable strain - language problems impede communication. Ideas are unconnected.

Ideas are poorly developed and often not connected. Irrelevance and/or inaccurate/disjointed language are problem. There is strain caused by language.

There is some development and connection of ideas, but the line of argument is unclear. Use of language may be problematic and there may be some strain.

Ideas are communicated clearly but the student’s voice may not be evident. The argument may lack some coherence. There is little strain.

Ideas are communicated clearly, and the student’s own voice is evident. The argument is coherent and there is very little strain.

Ideas are communicated very clearly and demonstrate a high degree of personal engagement. There is a smooth flow. There is no strain.

Ideas are communicated cogently, demonstrating exceptional personal engagement. There is a strong sustained argument with exceptional flow. There is no strain.

5. Structure and presentation

Little or no attention has been paid to the requirements of structure and/or presentation in this work.

There are aspects of the structure and/or presentation of the work, including the appendices and references, which fall below pass standard. These require significant revision.

There are aspects of the structure and/or presentation of the work, including the appendices and references, which fall below pass standard. These can be easily remedied.

The assignment, including the references, is generally well structured and presented, although some aspects could be improved. Appendices, where used, are generally well presented.

The assignment is well structured and presented throughout, including the references. Any appendices are well presented and properly integrated into the work.

The assignment is well structured and presented throughout, including the references. Any appendices are very well presented and skilfully integrated into the work.

The assignment is professionally structured and presented, including the references. Any appendices are well presented and exceptionally integrated.

Additional comments: