ASSESSMENT PLAN
Students who choose a degree program in French, German, or Spanish take the Brigham Young
University Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam (CAPE). This initial exam establishes a
baseline to measure skills acquired or improved as a result of course work. The Department
then administers the Brigham Young University CAPE to students at the advanced level to
assess progress in the foreign language(s). (The test is also used in placement.) Degree program students enrolled in 300 or 400
level courses take the Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI), which is evaluated by
faculty according to the proficiency guidelines developed by the American Council on the
Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). |
2000-2001 ASSESSMENT
BYU CAPE tests were given in classes of FREN, GERM, and SPAN 101 and 200. A department
committee is in the process of evaluating the use of the CAPE, with the leadership of a
professor who joined the department in Fall 2000.
Students in SPAN 304 took the SOPI. In two classes of SPAN 304, with a total of 29
students, two (6.9%) scored at the superior level, above the level required in SPAN 304.
Twenty-three (79.3%) demonstrated appropriate proficiency at one of three levels expected
for SPAN 304: advanced high (3 students, 10.3%), advanced (12 students, 41.4%), or
intermediate high (8 students, 27.6%). Three (10.3%) scored at the intermediate level and
one (3.4%) scored at the novice high level, these two groups being just below the level
expected for SPAN 304. Two native speakers of Spanish (6.9%) scored at the native speaker
level, as anticipated. These scores indicate that the great majority of students are
reaching an appropriate level of proficiency and that the few exceptions are very close to
that level.
In addition to the SOPI, students in SPAN 304 took a writing proficiency exam, piloted in
the Spring 2001 semester. Faculty are considering the incorporation of the writing
proficiency exam into the assessment plan.In response to the results from these tests, the department has changed
the program within individual courses. For example, the textbook for SPAN 200 was changed
to one that included more communicative activities. SPAN 204, Culture, Conversation and
Writing, was changed from a 2 hour to a 3 hour class and the work in conversation and
writing was increased. |
1999-2000 ASSESSMENT
BYU CAPE tests were given in classes of FREN, GERM, and SPAN 101 and 200 in
Fall 1999. Currently the results are used as one of several factors in placing students in
appropriate classes.
Students in SPAN 304 took the SOPI. In two classes of SPAN 304, with a total of 29
students, four (13.8%) scored at the superior level, above the level required in 304.
Twenty (69%) showed appropriate proficiency at one of three levels expected for SPAN 304:
intermediate high, advanced, or advanced high. Only one student (3.4%) scored at the
intermediate level, just slightly below the level expected for SPAN 304. Four native
speakers (13.8%), who were enrolled because the course is WI, scored at the native speaker
level, as anticipated. These scores in Spanish indicate that students are reaching an
appropriate level of proficiency. |
1998-99 ASSESSMENT
BYU CAPE tests were given to students in FREN, GERM, and SPAN 101 and 200 in a continuing
effort to obtain data on skills of students entering these courses. At this point, the
tests have not been used to assess progress in the languages (as originally planned)
because they do not test speaking and listening, as the SOPI does. The department will
reconsider this component of the plan.
Three students took the SOPI in FREN 414, Advanced French Conversation. (FREN 304 is not
offered every year.) Two students scored at the expected level: one at the advanced level
(33.3%) and one (33.3%) at the intermediate high level. One scored slightly lower, at the
intermediate level (33.3%).
Nineteen students in two classes of SPAN 304 were given the SOPI. Sixteen of the nineteen
(84.2 %) scored at the expected level ( intermediate high, advanced, or advanced high) or
above. Three (15.8 %) scored just slightly lower (intermediate). These students can
increase proficiency by taking additional coursework or Study Abroad. In general, scores
reflected appropriate proficiency. |
1997-98 ASSESSMENT
Majors and minors at the 300 level in Spanish took the Brigham Young University
Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam (CAPE), which can be used to assess students'
language skills. Scores varied considerably. Taking into account the results of this
testing and the ranges of scores used for placement purposes at BYU, the department
concludes that many intermediate level students need increased language skills to continue
their programs successfully. Advisors will encourage students to take courses in advanced
grammar, conversation, and composition before they enroll in 300-level literature and
civilization courses. In September
1998, all students at the beginning and intermediate levels in French, German, and Spanish
will take the CAPE exam to establish a baseline for measuring skills acquired or improved
as a result of course work. The Department will establish norms in 1998-1999.
Problems with technology and lack of
personnel slowed the implementation of parts of standardized testing. Use of the Simulated
Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPl) will begin in 1998-1999. |
1996-97 ASSESSMENT
New assessment plan formulated. The CAPE was piloted. Two faculty members have been trained in the ACTFL guidelines.
Additional faculty will be trained and authorized to administer the SOPI during the next
academic year. |
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17 May 2005
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