Language Program Evaluation

Subject 175-512 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 7 additional hours/week. Total of 9 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Catherine Anne Elder

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Cathie Elder
caelder@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject explores the systematic attempt to examine what happens in (and as a result of) a language program. While this information will typically be used to make judgements or decisions about a program, the notion of evaluation as exploring the program, rather than judging it, will also be presented. Evaluation will be discussed through a variety of language education contexts including LOTE and ESL programs. The subject will focus on research designs and methods for gathering and analysing data appropriate for the evaluation of language programs or projects, and on understanding debates about the nature of such evaluation. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluation will be considered.
Objectives:
  • gain an understanding of the major concepts and issues that underlie program evaluation in general and how these relate to language program evaluation in particular;
  • identify the major research designs for evaluation both qualitative and quantitative and to understand their strengths and weaknesses;
  • become familiar with the history of language program evaluation;
  • gain experience in using a variety of data gathering techniques and procedures for analysis.
Assessment: A written class paper of 2000 words 40% (to be presented during the semester) and an essay of 3000 words 60% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • acquire research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;
  • think in theoretical terms about the nature and goals of language program evaluation;
  • analyse and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different research paradigms within the area of language program evaluation;
  • communicate intelligibly and economically the findings of language evaluation research;
  • understand the social, ethical and cultural context of language program evaluations.
Related Course(s): M.A.Applied Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Master of Applied Linguistics (English Language)
Master of Applied Linguistics (Language Test&Language Program Evaluation
Master of Applied Linguistics (Technology in Language Learning)
Master of Applied Linguistics(TESOL)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Language Testing and Language Program Evaluation

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