General Education Assessment Report 2013

Evidence collected in spring & fall 2012. Report due March 30, 2013
Directions: Please complete a form for each of the programs within your department. This form was designed to provide a format for assessment reporting and should not be used to limit the amount of information provided. Each box that is attached to each of the sections is designed to adjust to varying lengths. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Dan Bubb at x51506 or via email. ***Email form to assessment@unlv.edu (Academic Assessment/UNLV)

Program Information: General Education requirement met by this course ITAL 114 (Elementary Italian II) Department(s) Foreign Languages College Liberal Arts Program Assessment Coordinator Michelina Ginobbi Report submitted by (include phone/email) Michelina Ginobbi (895-2709 / michelina.ginobbi@unlv.edu) Date Submitted 03/28/2013

1. Student Learning Outcomes for the course. List the Student Learning Outcomes for the course. Number for later reference. Write grammatically and lexically accurate Italian sentences at beginner/elementary level; understand and react to basic written and oral Italian texts; translate basic sentences from Italian into English with specific knowledge of SL (Source Language) and TL (Target Language) structures. These outcomes are measured globally and individually, through three interrelated skills: 1. Comprehension (oral; written) 2. Writing (grammar; translation; composition) 3. Language in context (language use).

2. Planned assessments: Methods, Instruments and Analysis.According to the Assessment Plan for this course, what were the planned assessments to be conducted during the Spring & Fall 2010 Academic Semesters?
Learning outcome(s) assessed (list by #)

Assessment Instrument(e.g., survey, exit exam)

Expected Measures (results that would indicate success)

Embedded questions testing proficiency were given in final examinations in ITAL 114 (Elementary Italian II), 3 sections. Scores were broken down for single exercises in order to ascertain the development of specific skills: Comprehension, writing, and language in context.

1,2,3

Students scoring 60% (D-) or higher are proficient at level A2. Proficiency levels are defined in accordance to the guidelines set by the Common European Framework for Languages / Quadro di Riferimento Europeo delle Lingue A2. (Can understand sentences anf frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.)

3. Results, conclusions and discoveries. What are the results of each planned assessment listed above? Is the outcome at, above, or below what was expected? What conclusions or discoveries do you draw from the results? Describe below or attach to the form.

In Fall 2012 our assessment probe regarded 7 students for each of the 3 sections of Italian 114 (Elementary Italian II) for a total of 21 students out of 33. Students completing ITAL 114 were asked to answer a total of 14 questions, of which: 4 questions (B,C,D, P) regarded comprehension (oral and written) 7 questions (E,F,G,H,I,L,M) regarded writing 3 questions (A,N,O) regarded language in context Across the 3 sections of ITAL 114, the average student scored 88, with 16 students out of 21 scoring above 80 (77%). 1. COMPREHENSION (B+C+D+P): students averaged 74, with 72% scoring above 80. 2. WRITING (E+F+G+H+I+L+M): students averaged 79, with 74% scoring above 80. 3. LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT (A+N+O): students averaged 79, with 77% scoring above 80.

Data Comparison for ITAL 114 FALL 2011 FALL 2012

Average score Students scoring above 60

73.5 83%

Average score Students scoring above 80

88 77%

COMPREHENSION Students scoring above 60 WRITING Students scoring above 60 LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT Students scoring above 60

72.5 81% 73.5 78.5% 68 70.5%

COMPREHENSION Students scoring above 80 WRITING Students scoring above 80 LANGUAGE IN CONTEXT Students scoring above 80

74 72% 79 74% 79 77%

CONCLUSIONS AND DISCOVERIES In Spring 2011, a new textbook Sentieri with greater emphasis on interactive grammar exercises, composition, and communicative activities has been adopted for Italian 114.

4. Use of results.What changes are indicated, and how will they be implemented?Include a description of who will review and act on the findings. If none, describe why changes are not needed.

A new cycle of assessment for 114 in the next few years will reveal if proficiency levels will actually increase as desired. The Italians Studies program coordinator and Assessment coordinator will review the findings to decide if further action is necessary. The Assessment Coordinator will discuss the report with the Italian Studies instructor(s) at either the end or the beginning of each semester They will decide in agreement how to carry out any changes to improve students proficiency levels, if needed, and will evaluate the opportunity of modifying course content, testing, grade distribution, and textbooks. Given that the changes enacted in the previous semesters appear to have produced the desired results no program changes are needed at this time.

5. Progress.Describe any changes that have been recommended in past reports. What progress has been made since the recommendation?