The Impact of Assessment on Learning

I'm excited to present to you the new series of OUP's Talking ELT Podcast, in which Ben, Nate, and I discuss all aspects of assessment and feedback in teaching and learning.

What better way to spend cold winter days than watching the four new episodes of the Talking ELT Podcast? 😁

Key topics

Oxford University Press’s new series, The Impact of Assessment on Teaching & Learning, is hosted by Ben Knight and features expert guests Joanna Szoke and Nathaniel Owen. Together, they explore:

✔ How exams can drive systemic change
✔ Building teacher assessment literacy
✔ Policy implications and institutional reform
✔ The role of AI in creating fair, efficient feedback

If you’re responsible for shaping assessment strategy or improving learning outcomes, these conversations will give you actionable insights and a fresh perspective on what’s possible.

Episodes

• Ep. 1. - What Is The Real Impact Of Assessment on Learning?
  
  What is the real impact of assessment on learning?
  In this opening episode of our series exploring the dynamic relationship between assessment and learning in English Language Teaching, host Ben is joined by ELT Assessment experts Jo Szoke and Nathaniel Owen to explore the concept of washback, the influence of tests on teaching, and how it can be both positive and negative.
  Nate and Jo share personal stories, classroom experiences, and research insights to help us rethink how assessment can support motivation and progress.
  

• Ep. 2. - What do Teachers Need to Know about Assessment?
  
  What does assessment literacy really mean for teachers?
  This episode focuses on the classroom, with Jo Szoke and Nate Owen exploring how teachers can design assessments that genuinely support learning. We discuss reliability, fairness, rubrics, and how to balance exam preparation with communicative language teaching, as well as practical tips for managing student expectations and motivation.
  

• Ep. 3. - Can Assessment Drive Real Change?
  
  Can reforming exams lead to better teaching and learning?
  In this episode, we explore the institutional and policy-level impact of assessment. From integrated skills testing to equity and standardisation, Nate Owen and Jo Szoke discuss how assessment design can influence national education systems, and why teacher buy-in is essential for lasting change.
  

• Ep. 4. - How Can Assessment Be Used To Support Learning & The Role Of AI
  
  How can assessment be used to support learning, not just measure it?
  This episode explores alternative assessment methods such as portfolios, peer feedback, and gamification, and looks at how AI is reshaping the future of feedback and test design.
  Jo Szoke and Nate Owen also discuss ethical concerns and the importance of keeping humans in the loop.
  

These podcast episodes are closely linked to the position paper titled “The Impact of Assessment on Teaching and Learning: Creating positive washback”, which you can access here, and to the interactive webinar called “Unlock the Power of Assessment in Your Classroom: creating Positive Washback”, which you can watch here.