The underlying methodological approach of the CEFR is defined as being "action-oriented" and task-based (Council of Europe. 2001. "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment." Cambridge University Press: 9), although it explicitly leaves room for a variety of approaches, since the CEFR…

The variables that must be considered in English as a second language (ESL) program evaluation, major educational evaluation models, and a standards-based model for ESL program evaluation are discussed. Different ESL programs are examined including intensive programs and adult and university programs. Program variables such as subject matter,…

An assessment plan to evaluate student outcomes of foreign language studies and four other disciplines at the State University of New York is presented. Measurement vehicles, including the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages rating scale, and assessment plan materials, such as the foreign language course handbook and portfolio…

Offers a general review of videotape in supervising foreign language teaching assistants and describes in detail the method adopted by the University of California at Davis. Describes this method as a three-person videofeedback model involving a teaching assistant, a TA supervisor, and a video analyst. (MES)

Examines the methods used by foreign-language teachers to evaluate their undergraduate students. Indicates that cohesive language curricula include language and culture skills and integrate in- and out-of-class experiences. Suggests that assessment should be consistent with classroom procedures; measure growth, breadth, and the use of authentic…

Evaluation for any internship experience, whether in the form of a complete internship "audit" or an appraisal of individual components of the experience, is a three-stage task for the academic supervisor: (1) finding out what happened and comparing actual results with predetermined goals; (2) finding out what specific factors in the…

Discusses specific instruments and procedures that university-level foreign languages and literatures departments can use in outcomes-assessment of their undergraduate majors, including standardized tests, oral assessments, questionnaires, and portfolios. Case studies of outcomes-assessment programs in language departments at the University of…

A model for evaluating a college second language writing instruction program is presented, based on experiences at the De La Salle University (Philippines) writing laboratory. The laboratory, a support unit of the university's language program, provides remedial instruction in composition and academic writing for referred students. The proposed…

The method used for assessing German language majors and minors at Bradley University (Illinois) is described. The method uses multiple assessment techniques, and has seven parts: (1) a re-taking of the German entry placement examination; (2) review of results of a two-part exit survey (questionnaire appended), designed to obtain information about…

Drury College (Missouri) has developed a commercial French course that is practical, situation-oriented, and provides instruction in correspondence and translation. The course is considered part of the cultural segment of the French program. It enrolls majors in business, French, and a variety of other disciplines, and emphasizes contextual…

A handbook designed to acquaint college and university language departments with recent developments in oral proficiency testing gives an overview of the rationale, development, procedures, and implications of oral proficiency evaluation. The discussion is placed in the context of college and university language teaching. An overview section…

Most students in multinational business and foreign language internships are applying their knowledge and language skills for the first time, and look to their faculty internship supervisor for encouragement, support, help, and correction of errors. They also regard the supervisor as the critical link between theory and practice. The faculty…

The motivation behind the curriculum design and evaluation procedures of the East Asian Summer Language Institute's Chinese school are discussed. Two instructional methods, learning model instruction and acquisition model instruction, are described. (23 references) (CB)

The evaluation of Utah State University's distance education course in French as a second language consists of two separate reports, one of the instructional materials used and the other based on a later site visit. Evaluation of instructional materials focuses on a commercially available textbook and related student workbook and audio tapes, an…

A collection of essays addresses the evaluation of college and university English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs, curricula, services, faculty, and administration. They include the following: "Developing Effective Evaluation Systems for Language Programs" (James D. Brown, Martha C. Pennington); "Self-Study and Self-Regulation for ESL…