Understanding discourse

 Definition of Discourse
 Discourse is any written or spoken communication.
Discourse can also be described as the expression of
thought through language.

 The word discourse comes from the Latin word

discursus, which means “running to and fro.” The
definition of discourse thus comes from this physical
act of transferring information “to and fro,” the way a
runner might.
  Type of discourse:
Every act of communication can count as an example of discourse, some
scholars have broken discourse down into four primary types :

 Argument: A form of communication meant to convince an audience

that the writer or speaker is correct, using evidence and reason.

 Narration: This form of communication tells a story, often with emotion

and empathy involved.

 Description: A form of communication that relies on the five senses to

help the audience visualize something.

 Exposition: Exposition is used to inform the audience of something with

relatively neutral language, i.e., it’s not meant to persuade or evoke
emotion.
School – based assessment
School-based assessment (SBA) is an assessment which is
embedded in the teaching and learning process. It has a number of
important characteristics which distinguish it from other forms of
assessment:

 It involves the teacher from the beginning to the end

 It can be adapted and modified by the teacher to match the

teaching and learning goals of the particular class and students
being assessed.

 It is carried out in ordinary classrooms.

 It is conducted by the students' own teacher.

 It involves students more actively in the assessment process,

especially if self and/or peer assessment is used in conjunction
with teacher assessment.

 It allows the teacher to give immediate and constructive feedback

to students.