Abstract

Assessment has been widely used in education at tertiary level. The key features of vocabulary assessment are active participation of learners in evaluation of their own performance and the development of reflective thinking. Success of vocabulary assessment depends on performance that demonstrates what learners can do with language in communicative classrooms. Active participation of learners in evaluating themselves and one another is part of vocabulary assessment which is normally presented in the form of reflection son one’s performance. The research aimed at investigating the challenges of vocabulary assessment in linguistic development of learners in English for Specific Purposes. The study employed a students’ questionnaire on utility of various activities, and in-course and post-course written reflections on learners’ performance and linguistic development. Portfolios were used for vocabulary assessment of students’ work throughout the academic year. The portfolio items included written materials like summaries, tests, definitions of vocabulary items, essays, Power Point Presentations, etc. Impact of either creative activities or contributions to portfolio on learning was analyzed. Data obtained from three streams of respondents are compared. The findings were processed using software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The findings demonstrated that vocabulary assessment is a helpful means for learner linguistic development. Learners’ likes or dislikes to various creative or routine activities are affected by success or failure in them.