'I Wonder Who I Am When My Assessment Ideas Are Not Respected': A Case-Study Inquiry into the Role of Institutional Policies in English Language Teachers' Assessment Identity

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: 'I Wonder Who I Am When My Assessment Ideas Are Not Respected': A Case-Study Inquiry into the Role of Institutional Policies in English Language Teachers' Assessment Identity
Language: English
Authors: Ali Derakhshan (ORCID 0000-0002-6639-9339), Khazar Molana, Mostafa Nazari (ORCID 0000-0002-1087-126X)
Source: Asia Pacific Journal of Education. 2026 46(1):116-131.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Private School Teachers, Language Teachers, English (Second Language), Professional Identity, Assessment Literacy, School Policy, Teacher Attitudes, Professional Autonomy, Educational Practices, Teaching Styles
Geographic Terms: Iran
DOI: 10.1080/02188791.2024.2328237
ISSN: 0218-8791
1742-6855
Abstract: Although assessment is a significant part of teachers' professional careers, there are few documented studies on language teachers' assessment identity. This study drew on a case-study design and examined the role of the institutional context in Iranian English language teachers' assessment identity. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and stimulated recall interviews. Data analyses indicated that local top-down policies highly constrained the teachers' assessment identities, assessment emotions, and assessment agencies. These policies pressured the teachers to develop an assessment adaptability system, experience little professional support, and face tensions in constructing their identities as assessors. The findings are discussed in light of contextual exigencies that complicate developing an effective assessor identity in contexts where top-down educational policies substantially and constantly sanction teachers' professional career pathways. Based on the findings, we provide implications for policymakers and teacher educators to help teachers develop identities that feature investment in positively contributing to educational accountability.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495968
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Although assessment is a significant part of teachers' professional careers, there are few documented studies on language teachers' assessment identity. This study drew on a case-study design and examined the role of the institutional context in Iranian English language teachers' assessment identity. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and stimulated recall interviews. Data analyses indicated that local top-down policies highly constrained the teachers' assessment identities, assessment emotions, and assessment agencies. These policies pressured the teachers to develop an assessment adaptability system, experience little professional support, and face tensions in constructing their identities as assessors. The findings are discussed in light of contextual exigencies that complicate developing an effective assessor identity in contexts where top-down educational policies substantially and constantly sanction teachers' professional career pathways. Based on the findings, we provide implications for policymakers and teacher educators to help teachers develop identities that feature investment in positively contributing to educational accountability.
ISSN:0218-8791
1742-6855
DOI:10.1080/02188791.2024.2328237