THE ROLE OF ASSESSMENT IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING

Assessment is a fundamental component of foreign language teaching, serving not only as a tool to evaluate learners’ progress but also as a mechanism to guide instruction and enhance overall language acquisition. This article provides an in-depth examination of the role of assessment in language classrooms, focusing on formative and summative approaches as well as alternative assessment methods such as self-assessment, peer assessment, and technology-enhanced evaluation. The study employs a qualitative analysis of existing literature, supported by classroom-based observations and practical examples. The findings reveal that effective assessment contributes significantly to learners’ motivation, autonomy, critical thinking, and communicative competence. Furthermore, the integration of digital tools into assessment practices creates more interactive and flexible learning environments. The article concludes that a balanced, continuous, and learner-centered assessment system is essential for achieving optimal learning outcomes in foreign language education.