Visual management in ELT classroom assessment: an application of lean philosophy

Abstract

Visual Management (VM), tool of Lean Philosophy, facilitates operation optimisation by improving procedural communication and efficiency while enhancing team accountability and coordination. This paper explores the application of VM in assessment process of an ELT course, Effective Public Speaking, at a technical institute. Adaptable visual aids, Digital Randomisers (DRs), were developed and utilised during performance-based evaluatives. Classroom observation, survey and interviews were used to understand undergraduate students’ perspectives about VM effectiveness in assessment process. The findings indicate VM intervention reduced the number of assessment classes, saving nearly 100 min of the course, improving the process efficiency by 35.14%; and enhanced procedural clarity and transparency. Students also reported DRs helped in improving their critical thinking, speech organisational and time management skills. Therefore, the study concludes that the integration of VM principles, especially in large size classes, has potential to optimise information flow, improve execution, and enhance student engagement in classroom.