Submitted Fall, 2006
Assessment Report for the Department of Modern Languages
September 2006
Graduate Assessment
I. Direct Measures
Our one graduate student that completed her MAE Spanish Specialization in Summer 2006 was able to reach all of the expected levels in the Direct Measurement Plan: A) During her oral and written Comprehensive Examination she demonstrated native proficiency in both spoken and written English, and levels of Advanced-High/Superior-Low in spoken Spanish and Superior in written Spanish. B) Through her oral and written responses on a cultural subject (Mexican and Argentine film), she demonstrated a broad knowledge of and appreciation for the unique contributions of Hispanic culture. C) Although in her written response to questions concerning Spanish-English comparative grammar she showed some confusion about a few grammatical terms, she was able to clarify her responses during the oral exam. D) She demonstrated during the written and oral exam more than an advanced knowledge of the Spanish contemporary novel, Latin American literature and the Mexican contemporary novel. E) Furthermore in the paper on the ancient Mexica culture that she wrote during her stay in Mexico, she gave proof of her ability to do research. F) Also during her written and oral Comprehensive Examination she demonstrated considerable knowledge of second language acquisition.
II. Indirect Measures
This one student promptly returned the “Survey for Students Completing a Master of Arts in Education: Spanish Specialization.” She rated as advanced almost all of the areas: speaking proficiency, writing proficiency, cultural fluency, knowledge of the grammar of the language and knowledge of the literatures associated with the language. She considered superior only her knowledge of language acquisition and foreign language methods. In her written comments she said that she improved in the course of her graduate program in Spanish in the areas of understanding, communication and reading. She would have liked to have improved more in her speaking ability and knowledge of grammar. In her opinion, more courses in these areas rather than in literature might have proved to be more valuable for her. Also she felt that the oral exam was a bit intense, especially because four professors instead of two were present.