Abstract

This research analyzed the instruments used by the English Teaching instructors at the University of Costa Rica Atlantic Campus to evaluate the students' oral competence. The main objective was to propose a more effective tool accordingly to the activities used to promote this competence: the rubric. This instrument fosters more objectivity benefiting not only the instructor but also the learner, since its use decreases the possibility of making evaluative mistakes that teacher might be committing. Through the development of this research, the authors will explain what a rubric is, as well as its characteristics and such advantages as the confidence students have when they know in advance what is expected from them during the evaluation activity. They will also emphasize the ease offered to the teachers to provide feedback to the learners in regards to their performance. Finally, an explanation of the construction process of a rubric is presented, as well as an example to be used as a guide for teachers to construct its own tools.

Key Words: Evaluation; language; oral communication; oral competence