
Testing the ESL Language Test Section of eGrader
This article is based on a Finnish teacher's experience with the eGrader ESL Language Test
and has been translated into English.
Testing the ESL Language Test Section of eGrader
For over 20 years, I have conducted literacy assessments with learners of various ages and
backgrounds in Finland. While the purposes of these assessments have varied, one constant
has been my commitment to identifying individual strengths alongside skill gaps. To achieve this
balance, I employ diverse tools rather than relying on a fixed set of tests.
For native Finnish learners under 16, there are many standardized tests available. However, for
teenagers, adults, and learners with immigrant backgrounds, the availability of suitable
assessments has been – and in some cases still is – quite limited. I am pleased to say that the
new ESL language test section of eGrader is improving this situation — thank you for that! The
test can also be utilized to assess school readiness by evaluating foundational concepts and
comprehension skills essential for academic success.
I have tested this new section with learners across different age groups: elementary school
Finnish as a second language students, adults (with immigrant backgrounds) referred to me for
literacy assessments, and, as of January, vocational upper secondary Finnish as a second
language students. This article focuses on my experience with the latter group.
What is eGrader?
eGrader is a digital assessment tool designed to evaluate reading, writing, mathematical, and
language proficiency skills while also aiding in the identification of learning difficulties. The tool is
versatile, allowing for both individual and group administration, either in-person under
supervision or remotely in a self-guided setting.
The ESL language test section of eGrader focuses on language proficiency and includes the
following parts:
● Comprehension
● Functional vocabulary for daily communication
● Contextual descriptions related of everyday activities
● Letters and general vocabulary
● Logical reasoning and problem-solving
Nearly all tasks include visual aids and the option to replay audio, enhancing accessibility for a
diverse range of learners. The test is available in English, Spanish, German, Finnish, and
Swedish, making it a flexible tool for multilingual learning environments.
Pilot Test with Vocational Students
For this pilot at a vocational school, students were selected by the special education teacher at
their campus. My role involved introducing the test, facilitating the assessments, and providing
feedback. I contacted the students through a standardized message on Wilma, a widely used
communication and student management platform in Finland, explaining the background of
eGrader and providing a pre-set date and location for an assessment.
Two students participated in the pilot: one completed the test remotely from home, and the other
completed it in a supervised setting with me. This setup allowed me to compare the efficacy of
these different administration methods.
The remote student was guided through detailed instructions and screenshots sent via Wilma.
Although they initially misunderstood some of the tasks, a follow-up with clarified instructions
resolved these issues. This highlights the importance of precise, step-by-step guidance when
administering the test remotely.
The on-site student completed the assessment in a quiet environment with my supervision.
Upon viewing the scope of the language proficiency tasks, they initially expressed concern: “Do
I have to do all of that?” This reaction underscores the importance of informing students in
advance about the test's structure and offering the option to complete it in parts—particularly for
younger students or those with challenges in concentration.
After overcoming their initial hesitation, the student engaged with the test diligently, appreciating
features such as the option to replay audio for difficult tasks. They experienced several
moments of success, which motivated them to complete the entire test in one sitting. The
process took approximately 45 minutes, which was notably efficient.
Immediate Feedback and Insights
One of eGrader’s strengths lies in its ability to compile results directly on the teacher’s platform.
This enabled me to review the outcomes with the student immediately after completion. The
real-time review allowed me to provide targeted feedback, suggest strategies for improving their
Finnish language skills, and highlight their strengths, which the test effectively revealed.
In this context, eGrader served not only as an assessment tool but also as an instructional
opportunity. The student described the experience as “comfortable and helpful,
” adding that the test felt both challenging and rewarding.
For remote students, offering verbal feedback in addition to the digital summary may enhance
the experience further. This approach provides an opportunity to emphasize strengths and offer
personalized guidance, reinforcing eGrader’s potential for supporting individual learning needs.
Final Thoughts
Both the students' experiences with eGrader and my perspective as a teacher were
overwhelmingly positive. The inclusion of visual aids encourages the development of visual
literacy, a skill increasingly valuable in diverse learning contexts. Furthermore, the test offers
actionable insights for expanding targeted vocabulary, simplifying the planning of support
measures and facilitating their integration into broader linguistic and contextual frameworks.
Overall, eGrader is a highly practical tool for assessing language proficiency, particularly among
vocational upper secondary students whose skills are still developing or are largely based on
functional, everyday language use. It also demonstrates potential for evaluating school
readiness and foundational concepts in younger learners.
About the author:
Aija Lund – Special Education Expert and Educator
Aija Lund, based in Helsinki, Finland, is a special education teacher, guidance counselor, and
expert in special pedagogy. She holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Education with a
focus on special education from the University of Turku, additional special education and
guidance counselor certifications from the University of Jyväskylä, a Master of Social Sciences
(Tampere University), and a Master of Arts in Digital Culture (University of Turku).
Currently, Aija works as a special education teacher at Helsinki Montessori School and Stadin
Ammattiopisto, and as a part-time instructor for integration training.
Through her company, lukitesti.fi , Aija provides a variety of services, including:
● Literacy and math testing for various needs
● eGrader assessments for grades 1–9 and Finnish as a second language students
● Private and special education lessons, both in-person and remote
● Academic and career guidance
● Training and consultations on learning difficulties and support strategies