Direct Measures
All students in FREN/GERM/SPAN 200 will take the Brigham Young University (computerized) Examination to assess their entry level. All students completing FREN/GERM/SPAN 201 will take again the BYU Exam to show how much they have learned in these two intermediate-level courses (which are presently required for the B.A. degree and can count for the G.S. Program). This test, whose questions vary in accordance with the level of knowledge that the students demonstrate, scores itself automatically. It provides a rough score whose norm is adjusted to the ability of our students. (The reliability of this exam is limited to the beginning and intermediate levels.)
The two scores that the students receive on the Brigham Young University Examination (at the beginning of FREN/GERM/SPAN 200 and the end of FREN/GERM/SPAN 201) will be compared. Individual students are expected to improve their score by at least10% and the average improvement should be 15%.
Objective
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Participants
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Evaluators
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a
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All students in
FREN/GERM/SPAN 200 and 201
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external experts and faculty
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All FREN/GERM/SPAN majors or minors will write in the pertinent language a reflective essay in which they must demonstrate the understanding and the appreciation that they acquired with regard to the pertinent cultures and literatures. This essay is to be written in an advanced-level (for Spanish, civilization) course. It will be assessed by the faculty of the language using the Cultural/Literary Rubric.
All FREN/GERM/SPAN majors (and most minors) will take a speaking proficiency examination in an advanced conversation course. The general procedures and standards of the Oral Proficiency Interview (as developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages or a modified version of this) will be used and the students will be rated according to the Speaking Proficiency Rubric (V. #3). One of the faculty members trained to conduct this type of interview will perform it. Likewise the students will write an in-class essay that will be rated by the faculty of the appropriate language using the Writing Proficiency Rubric (V. #4).
The Final Evaluation of Student Teachers prepared by the supervising teacher of each FREN/ GERM/SPAN endorsement student is to be sent to the Department of Modern Languages, and this report will be reviewed by the professor in charge of the Foreign Language Methods course. The rating scale listed on the form will serve as the rubric.
All FREN/GERM/SPAN majors will assemble with the aid of the Department a portfolio of the following items: the BYU computerized scores, the reflective essay on culture, the Speaking and Writing Proficiency ratings, and the Final Evaluation of Student Teachers (in the case of BAE students). Also the student may choose to add a research paper or translation (for translation students) as a writing sample (in some cases this sample can substitute for the essay on culture). One or more professors in the appropriate language will assess the portfolio, which is to be kept on file in the office of the Department of Modern Languages.
Each student is expected to have received an acceptable rating in all of the areas: the BYU computerized scores, the reflective essay on culture, the Speaking and Writing Proficiency ratings, and the Final Evaluation of Student Teachers (in the case of BAE students). If individual students fall below the ratings expected for Culture, Speaking, Writing, and Student Teaching (if appropriate), they will be asked to do additional preparation before they are re-assessed.
Indirect Measures
At the time of their graduation, students that have completed a major, teaching endorsement or minor in the Department of Modern Languages at UNK are asked to fill out a survey in which they assess their own studies, as well as provide other information. The results will be compiled and examined annually by the Chair and Department Assessment Committee.
Objective
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Participants
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Evaluators
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b, c, d
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graduating students using Student Survey
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faculty
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