An Approach to the Evaluation of ELT Preparation Programs

Authors

Stephen J. Gaies, University of Northern IowaFollow

Comments

ERIC Document - ED369276 found in the ERIC Database

Document Type

Report

Keywords

College Outcomes Assessment; English (Second Language); Evaluation Methods; Followup Studies; Higher Education; Language Teachers; Longitudinal Studies; Portfolios (Background Materials); Program Descriptions; Program Evaluation; Second Language Instruction; Teacher Education Programs

Abstract

Discussion of the evaluation of training programs for teachers of English as a Second Language consists of: (1) characterization of general approaches; (2) review of reasons for interest in program evaluation; and (3) description of a University of Northern Iowa (UNI) evaluation project that uses a portfolio approach extending 3 years beyond program completion. At UNI; assessment of teacher trainees occurs at four points in the trainee's career: at declaration of undergraduate ESL major; at approximately the second semester of the junior year; during the last undergraduate semester; and 1-3 years after graduation. The principal method used is evaluation of a collection of trainee products that individually and collectively portray trainee attainment. Guidance in portfolio construction is provided. Experience with this method of student outcomes assessment suggests these educational and administrative advantages: it uses student knowledge base; skills; values; and attitudes as a focal point for program evaluation; promotes a developmental view of teacher preparation and growth; encourages formative program evaluation; encourages a developmental view of teacher preparation; engages trainees as active agents in curriculum evaluation and development; builds habits of inquiry about student learning; and reveals the interaction between top-down and bottom-up processes of curriculum renewal. (MSE)

Department

Department of English Language and Literature

Original Publication Date

1992

Object Description

1 PDF file (21 pages)

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright

©1992 Stephen J. Gaies

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Gaies, Stephen J., "An Approach to the Evaluation of ELT Preparation Programs" (1992). Faculty Publications. 5564.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/5564