Practice to Proficiency
In this article, we've documented what we've seen work best for teachers using Extempore. While Extempore has a suite of tools for language assessments, the path to student proficiency starts with practice. The steps below outline the ideal path to get up to speed with the platform.
What's Covered:
Introducing students to Extempore using "Extempore 101"
Try it out with 'view as student'
Creating Classes & Enrolling Students
Google Classroom (GC) users can create classes and enroll students by syncing existing GC classes to Extempore while non-GC users can create classes on Extempore by sharing the class link to enroll students.
Google Classroom Sync > select GC classes to sync > add an assessment > students access the assessment from GC to enroll
Standard Class Enrollment > create class(es) > share enrollment link > students self enroll
Students can also import a class roster from a spreadsheet. See importing students from a spreadsheet.
Introducing Students to Extempore (First Activity)
The first time using new technology can be stressful. If this is your students' first assessment on Extempore, keep it simple, make it fun, and focus on creating a positive first experience. We recommend creating your own to see how activities are made on Extempore, or you can import the Extempore 101 assessment to start with something pre-made.
Your first assessment should be:
Individual - we know you'll love our group assessments, but don't force students to rely on a partner or group to have a positive first experience.
Untimed (presentational) - you can configure timing parameters for high-stakes assessment, but first make sure students know how to respond on the platform.
Ungraded - customize your rubrics when you're ready to assess.
1-3 questions - remember that you can expect a recording per student per question. Don't overwhelm yourself by creating 10 questions for 20 students and then realize you have 200 recordings to listen to!
Try it Out Yourself
Wondering how your assessment will look for students? Try clicking 'View as a Student' to check it out and submit your response. If needed, edit the assessment further.
*Note: 'View as Student' submissions DO NOT display for grading
Now you're ready to start using Extempore in all classes! 👇
Working with Multiple Classes
If you've followed the steps above, at least one class should be ready to go. To be efficient (and if applicable), we recommend copying assignments to your other classes. Copied assignments can be edited as needed for each class.
View Student Submissions
Now that students have started responding you can view (and score) submissions from the Grading tab.
Don't see the assignment or submissions in Grading?
This likely means that students have not responded yet. Assignments will only display in Grading after the first student responds.
As a reminder, your 'View as Student' submissions DO NOT display in the grading tab.
Importing Pre-Made Content
There are many ways to import pre-made content to your classes on Extempore.
Extempore Commons Library - filter by language, level, content, and mode
'Send to Colleague' - import content from colleagues or share your content with them
Avant Sample Assessments - for Spanish, French, and Chinese
What's next?
Explore the different types of assessments that can be hosted on Extempore and start planning how you will use Extempore with your classes.
Presentational - Interpretive - Interpersonal - Summative - Formative - AP