Paul Kei Matsuda

Paul Kei Matsuda is Professor of English and Director of Second Language Writing at Arizona State University, where he works closely with PhD students specializing in second language writing from various disciplinary perspectives. He has published widely on issues related to language and writing, and given lectures and workshops all around the world. He is Founding Chair of the Symposium on Second Language Writing and Editor of the Parlor Press Series on Second Language Writing.

Writing Assessment Literacy for Language Teachers

Featured Presentation

Although writing has become an important part of language instruction, language teacher education courses and materials still do not provide much information about classroom writing assessment. In this plenary talk, a world-renowned second language writing specialist will provide an overview of writing assessment literacy for the language classroom. He will begin by discussing writing assessment literacy and its relevance to classroom teaching. He will then discuss some of the key concepts in writing assessment and different types of writing assessment rubrics, pointing out the differences between standardized writing tests and classroom writing assessment. He will conclude with a brief discussion of how teachers can use assessment to promote student writing development.

Classroom Writing Assessment: Tips and Tricks Featured

Featured Workshop

Building on the plenary talk, “Writing Assessment Literacy for Language Teachers,” this workshop will provide practical ideas for practicing effective writing assessment in the language classroom. Some of the key topics to be discussed include: How to develop writing assessment rubrics; how to use rubrics to facilitate learning; how to simplify writing assessment while maximizing learning; how to advocate for better writing assessment practices (and other innovative ideas) within the institution. Participants are encouraged to bring other questions about writing assessment and writing instruction.