Future directions for assessing for learning in second language writing research: epilogue to the special issue

The focus of the current special issue is the application of assessment tasks (in a broad sense) in improving second language writing. In the Call for Proposals, we identified several areas which lend themselves to assessment for improvement, including assessment for learning (AfL; AKA formative assessment) (Black & Wiliam, Citation1998; Buckle & Riding, Citation1988; Harlen, Citation2005), validation research, as well as task development, with AfL being the most important component. In this Epilogue we attempt to elaborate on AfL and related issues and highlight the areas where future research can be conducted.