Learning-oriented Assessment of Reading: A Mixed Methods Study of Iranian EFL University Instructors’ Perceptions and Practices

This study examined Iranian EFL university instructors’ perceptions and practices of learning-oriented assessment of reading comprehension. In this sequential-explanatory mixed methods study, the quantitative data were gathered from a sample of 180 instructors. The participants were selected through stratified purposive sampling. Then, to probe the quantitative data in more depth, the researchers conducted interviews with 15 instructors. To maximize the data variation in qualitative phase, the maximum variation sampling was utilized. The quantitative findings revealed that in their reading comprehension assessment, teachers made use of both traditional and alternative assessment techniques. Furthermore, almost half of the teachers stated that they encourage students to engage in self-assessment and peer-assessment. In addition, teachers believed that appropriate feedback is one that encourage students to improve their learning. Finally, the qualitative findings shed additional lights on the quantitative ones. Key words: Assessment, Learning-oriented assessment, Reading comprehension, a Mixed Methods study, sequential-explanatory mixed methods study