ERIC Number: EJ1197536
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1756-1221
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Factors That Influence Proficiency Attainment in a College Language Program: A German Case Study
Heidrich, Emily; Kraemer, Angelika
Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German, v51 n2 p132-143 Fall 2018
As an internal expansion of the Language Proficiency Flagship Initiative at Michigan State University, 172 students of German took ACTFL proficiency tests in three modalities (speaking, listening, and reading) over the course of three years. The test scores and background survey data were analyzed to determine proficiency levels of students at the end of years two and four within the four-year German program. Several factors that may influence proficiency were identified: students with a declared major, those who were taking the language for professional purposes, and those who had studied abroad showed an increase in proficiency. On the other hand, students who indicated they were taking the language to complete a requirement had a lower average proficiency level. Implications for the curriculum and classroom are discussed.
Descriptors: German, Case Studies, College Second Language Programs, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Language Proficiency, Language Tests, Scores, Majors (Students), Study Abroad, Required Courses, College Students, Student Attitudes
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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