Dynamic
Assessment (DA) re-conceptualizes classroom interactions by arguing that
teaching and assessment should not be distinct undertakings but must be
integrated as a single activity that seeks to understand learner
abilities by actively supporting their ongoing development. DA is based
in the Vygotskian notion of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) which
captures the uniquely human potential to exceed our present
capabilities by working in cooperation with others whose dialogic
interaction mediates us to higher levels of functioning. DA offers a
framework for co-constructing a ZPD with learners in order to
simultaneously reveal the full range of their abilities and promote
development.
This book presents the first in-depth analysis of
DA’s application to particular problems of L2 development. It includes
detailed discussions of the core theoretical tenets as well as
guidelines for implementing DA principles in L2 classrooms. The book
will be of interest to language teacher educators, language testers,
classroom practitioners, and students and researchers in the areas of
SLA, language pedagogy, and assessment.