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Benchmark and Academic Feedback

  1. The table below shows how NALA assesses the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing, plus grammar and vocabulary for General ESL and Intensive ESL students.
  2. The formal assessment is usually by means of tests on the last Friday of the month; the informal assessment is based on the day-to-day observation by the ESL teacher of the students’ performance in ESL class work and homework plus the monthly Vocabulary exam; done every 4th Friday of the month.

      FORMAL INFORMAL
    Speaking speeches, oral presentations and one-on-one interview asking and responding to questions, participation in group or class discussions
    Listening showing evidence of understanding recorded material or videos understanding questions and instructions, showing ability to follow oral presentations
    Reading various reading comprehension exercises showing evidence of understanding texts read in ESL and other classes
    Writing extended writing sample In-class writing and analysis of other writing done in ESL and mainstream subjects, particularly journal writing


  3. At the end of the course, the student will receive a written report on his or her progress and current English proficiency. The report contains a number grade which represents a summary of his/her progress. We use a 701-101 system, with 701 as the highest and 101 as the lowest grade. The grade is based 50% on end of the monthly formal assessments and 50% on graded homework and other assessments set during the term.
  4. The assessment of each student’s progress in English is not only carried out on the basis of work done in ESL lessons. An essential part of the profile that we build up on the students’ developing ability in the language is derived from his or her performance in the regular subject lessons. The assessment of this performance is mainly informal and is based on observations by the ESL teacher and/or the subject teacher in the areas listed in the right side of the table shown above. The student’s performance in subject tests, and the degree to which results have been achieved independent of extra ESL support system (Buddy Teacher), is a further important part of this profile.



BENCHMARK (LEVELS)

Emphasizes advanced vocabulary building, vocabulary for academic purposes, reading and native-way of speaking.
Intensive interaction from the learner is prioritized. A large extent of presentations and class activities are prepared for students for much exposure in using the language. The practice of real native expression is more intensive too.
Emphasizes speaking/listening, vocabulary building, reading improvement, and intermediate grammatical structures as well as accent reduction. Practicing the real native expression or acquiring the real native equivalent expression basing from the first language acquisition.
The same focus with low elementary but more intensive. Classes and activities are carefully prepared for students’ preparation for the higher level. The interview types of class’ activities are student-centered.
Emphasizes everyday speaking/listening activities, writing diaries and journals, introducing accent and intonation and the real native expressions, and introduction to beginning grammatical structures. Still uses the interview type in a higher level of conversation.
Basically the same focus with the Low Beginner but activities, lessons, and styles and techniques are deliberately organized to suit the level.
Interview style of teaching for survival English conversations with introduction on basic life skills, proper pronunciation, vocabulary and expressions, and reading skills. Also, emphasizes basic grammar and applying it to writing giving the essentials of writing styles and techniques.

Academic Services

Language Placement Test

On your first day at the school you will arrive at 9:00am and take a placement test which will tell us which class best suits your English level. There are 3 parts to this test: grammar, vocabulary, writing and speaking.

On your first day at NALA, all new students will take the Placement Test, which consists of three written tests (reading, writing, grammar) and an oral interview (listening, speaking). The results of the Placement Exam will tell us which class best suits your English level.

Tutorial

At NALA, youwill find a caring teamof staff who have a genuine interest in your welfare and who will dotheir best to help you with any questions you might have. You will be offered regular private tutorials with your teacher to discuss your studies and progress.

Counseling

Throughout your course, you will meet withthe Academic Director to review your progress and to discuss your objectives for the course ahead. Your academic results and reports will enable us to chart your progress. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about and influence the direction of your course.

End Of Course Certificates

At the end of your course, you will receive a certificate, subject to satisfactory attendance, providing you with a record of your achievement at NALA. This certificate will indicate the level achieved as outlinedin our standardized proficiency levels.

Welfare and Other Services

At NALA, we aim to ensure you to have the smoothest possible integration into your studies in Cebu and adapt to a new lifestyle as quickly as possible. As such, we provide a range of services to assist you.

Student Visas

We provide letters and certificates of acceptance to assist you with visa applications where required. NALA will process student visa extensions and other requirements related to your study in Cebu.