Tracing the Dynamics of Teacher Assessment Identity (TAI) Through Web-Based Audio Diaries

Abstract

Teacher assessment identity (TAI) as a vital element of teacher professionalism has recently flourished in educational assessment. However, unpacking its developmental trajectories has been left uncharted. Against this gap, this study scrutinized the dynamism of TAI under the influence of audio diaries. In so doing, 22 novice and experienced Iranian EFL teachers uploaded their audio-diaries on a website for two months. They did so once a week and ultimately 176 audio diaries were gleaned. Moreover, to explore the participants’ perceptions of TAI considering audio diary, a semi-structured interview was held with ten teachers. The results of content and thematic analysis revealed that both novice and experienced EFL teachers’ assessment identities were improved by audio diaries. Initially, the participants concentrated on the theoretical principles of assessment, while at the end they shifted toward social aspects of assessment and professionalism. Furthermore, the results of interviews indicated that audio diaries are promising tools to capture TAI as they allow the participants to do self-reflection, deep thinking, iterative analysis of ideas, and keep a record of their assessment perceptions and practices for future use. The study has implications for EFL teachers and teacher educators by enhancing their knowledge and understanding of TAI and its dynamism.