RETHINKING CREATIVE ASSESSMENT IN TESOL: ENHANCING LEARNER ENGAGEMENT AND MEANINGFUL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

In Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), assessment has traditionally focused on measuring learners’ grammatical accuracy and memorization skills. However, contemporary educational paradigms emphasize the need for creative assessment methods that promote critical thinking, learner autonomy, and communicative competence. This article explores the theoretical foundations and pedagogical significance of creative assessment in TESOL classrooms. Drawing upon constructivist learning theory, communicative language teaching principles, and formative assessment models, the study analyzes practical methods and tools used to implement creative assessment. It also examines strategies for increasing student engagement during the assessment process. The findings indicate that creative assessment fosters deeper learning, enhances motivation, and supports the development of real-life language skills. The study concludes that integrating creative assessment strategies can significantly improve both learner performance and instructional effectiveness in TESOL contexts.