A short, repeatable check tutors can use to see steady improvement in one focused skill.
How it works (quick)
Pick one skill for the week. Use the same 5‑minute task at the start of each session that week and record a score. Repeat once a week for four weeks.
Simple setup (tutor)
- Choose a skill: listening, reading, writing, or vocabulary.
- Pick one short item to use all month (30–60 sec audio, a short flyer, a picture, or a 1‑paragraph prompt).
- Use the 5‑minute check below and record the score on the tracker.
Simple scoring (0–4)
0 — No response
1 — Tries but needs a lot of help
2 — Does it with some help or mistakes
3 — Mostly correct with little help
4 — Confident and correct without help
5‑Minute check (steps)
- Say what you’re doing: “Today’s quick check is for [skill].” (30 sec)
- Show or play the item. (30–60 sec)
- Ask the task and let the learner respond. (up to 2 min)
- Give quick feedback and write the score and one short note. (1–2 min)
Weekly tracker
| Skill | _______________________________ |
|---|
| Item used (link or note) | _______________________________ |
|---|
| Week | Date | Score (0–4) | Quick note (help needed / next step) |
|---|
| 1 | ____ | __ /4 | _____________________________ |
| 2 | ____ | __ /4 | _____________________________ |
| 3 | ____ | __ /4 | _____________________________ |
| 4 | ____ | __ /4 | _____________________________ |
How to read results
Look for steady improvement — even +1 over four weeks is meaningful. Use your notes to find repeated errors (pronunciation, spelling, comprehension) and plan next month’s focus. Celebrate small gains with the learner.
Troubleshooting
- If scores don’t improve, try an easier item or model an example before testing.
- If the learner is anxious, say: “This is just a quick check — no pressure.”
- Missed a week? Mark “no data” and continue the sequence.