ERIC Number: ED134026
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1977
Pages: 177
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Prediction of Success in French, Spanish, German, and Russian Foreign Language Learning. An Analysis of FY67-74 Student Data.
Allen, David; Natelson, Elissa R.
This study was performed on a sample of 1,276 part-time (PT) and full-time (FT) Language Learning Center (LLC) students enrolled in French, Spanish, German and Russian during FY67-74. The study sought to: (1) develop a statistical data base for use in future curriculum and testing studies; (2) examine factors affecting language learning success; and (3) to compare French, Spanish, German, and Russian training in terms of student body and instructional effectiveness. Findings include: (1) FT and PT students within each of the four languages have significantly differing psychological and linguistic profiles; (2) PT training is more effective than FT training for exit proficiency goals of S-1 and S-2; (3) the number of hours needed to attain S-1 and S-2 is significantly influenced by measured language aptitude; (4) the number of hours needed to attain S-2 is significantly influenced by prior language training; and (5) each of the four languages requires a different combination of factors to optimize the prediction of exit proficiency and improvement. Appendices contain: psychological measures; sample Modern Language Aptitude Test; language proficiency rating criteria; and tables and figures. (Authors/AM)
Descriptors: Adult Students, French, German, Language Ability, Language Instruction, Language Proficiency, Language Tests, Part Time Students, Postsecondary Education, Psychological Testing, Russian, Second Language Learning, Spanish, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Data, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics, Success, Test Results, Testing
Elissa Allen, 2106 N. Military Road, Arlington, Virginia 22207 (free)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Central Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC.
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Modern Language Aptitude Test
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A