BC TEAL is proud to present our 2025 Annual Conference: Disruptive Educational Practices: Strategies for Transformation.
Educators shine in times of change to face unexpected challenges. This is when creativity flourishes by combining proven practices with fresh and innovative ideas. These times call for transformation which can be rooted in tradition or experience, or it can arise through unexplored approaches. The synthesis of old and new ideas drives meaningful progress. Join other insightful and creative educators as we flourish within the power of our community.
Portfolio-Based Language Assessment (PBLA) is a cornerstone of language instruction in Canada, yet its implementation can sometimes feel rigid or overwhelming. This session aims to disrupt traditional PBLA practices by reframing its five pillars-Needs Assessment, Goal Setting, Learning Activities, Collecting Evidence, and Reflection as dynamic tools for learner empowerment and engagement. Participants will first explore each pillar’s role in supporting student learning. Through guided discussions, they will share challenges and successes in PBLA implementation. The session will provide practical strategies for making PBLA more meaningful, such as using diagnostic assessments to personalize learning, embedding goal-setting into classroom routines, and leveraging formative assessment to drive instruction. A key focus will be on shifting PBLA from a teacher-driven process to a collaborative one, where students take ownership of their learning. Strategies for fostering student reflection and self-assessment will be highlighted, along with techniques for providing actionable feedback. This session is designed for instructors seeking to make PBLA more effective, engaging, and adaptable to their teaching contexts. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas for integrating PBLA pillars into their daily practice while ensuring students remain at the center of the learning process.
LINC Instructor and PBLA Lead, Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC)
Wellington Reynoso is a LINC instructor and PBLA lead, specializing in CLB 1-4. He focuses on student-centered learning, assessment planning, and language acquisition for newcomers.
