Yes, You Can!: Self-Assessment in the Hybrid Romance Language Classroom

Thursday, December 4, 2014
12:20-1:10 p.m.
University International Center 101

In this CARLA presentation, Sara Mack and Gabriela Sweet will detail the process, benefits, and challenges of creating a standardized self-assessment protocol for language learning.

The Basic Outcomes Student Self-Assessment (BOSSA) protocol was introduced in Fall 2014 in Intermediate Spanish classes at the University of Minnesota, and is currently in use by students of French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. They will explain how the protocol was created and present qualitative and quantitative data exploring its efficacy. They will also discuss best practices and the challenges of creating a self-assessment protocol to support instructors and learners across multiple sections and languages.

Presenters:
Sara Mack (Ph.D. 2009, University of Minnesota) is Lecturer and Coordinator of Spanish 1004 (second semester Intermediate Spanish) at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Her current research investigates psychosocial aspects of second language learning, with a focus on how metacognitive self-assessment can be used to improve learning outcomes. Other research interests include mobile learning, learning and memory, and sociophonetics.

Gabriela Sweet is the Sustainability Coordinator for the Proficiency Assessment for Curricular Enhancement (PACE) Flagship project. Her test development work includes the CARLA Articulation and Assessment projects on the Graduation Proficiency Tests; Second Language Testing, Inc., working with state boards of education to develop and translate high stakes assessments at all levels of primary and secondary education; and the CLA Language Testing program. With the PACE project she works on alternative assessment, particularly self-assessment, to promote increased metacognitive awareness and student empowerment.