PBLA training

The chart below outlines Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA) training options and the differences between the IRCC course and the self-directed Intro to PBLA course.

IRCC Intro to PBLA course Self-directed Intro to PBLA course
Eligibility New LINC instructors Open to anyone:New grads ESL Instructors
Pre-requisites CLB Bootcamp:

  • completed within the past 2 years
  • or continuous teaching after obtaining the certificate
 CLB Bootcamp
Registration Upon LINC administrator request Self-enrolment
Availability Sessions offered 7 times a year All year round
Accessibility eLearning platform (https://learning.language.ca/) eLearning platform (https://learning.language.ca/)
Course Length 5 weeks Self-paced (can be taken at your convenience within 3 months)
Course Topics
  • Assessment Principles and Best Practices
  • Task-Based Planning
  • CLB-based Assessment (Assessing the Productive Skills)
  • Assessing the Receptive Skills
  • Implementing PBLA: Next Steps
  • Assessment Principles and Best Practices
  • Planning for Assessment
  • Introduction to Assessment
  • Assessing the Productive
  • Skills Assessing the Receptive Skills
  • Implementing PBLA
Format Online Online
Facilitator Yes No
Activities
  • Weekly readings
  • Viewing presentations
  • Forum discussions with other national LINC instructions
  • Weekly assignments with facilitator feedback meeting set deadlines with possible required revisions
  • Weekly readings
  • Viewing presentations
  • Quizzes
Support
  • Course facilitator
  • Onsite PBLA Lead Teacher (LINC organizations)
  • Onsite Lead Teacher (non-LINC organizations)
Time Expectations 3-4 hours a week
(depending on participants’ familiarity with the CLB and PBLA)		 Completion within 6 weeks recommended
(depending on participants’ familiarity with the CLB and PBLA)
Certificate of Participation Yes Yes
Value Added
  • 18-20 PD hours
  • Required by LINC programs
  • Recognized by employers
  • National engagement
  • 18-20 PD hours
  • TESL ON membership pre-requisite
  • Recognized by employers
Re-completion
  • Can be completed after completing the Self- directed Intro to PBLA course
  • In certain circumstances upon the LINC administrator request as a refresher for staff
  • Open access as a refresher