ERIC Number: EJ1140289
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0958-8221
EISSN: N/A
The Challenges of Using the WebCAPE Placement Exam in an Advanced Spanish Grammar Class
Computer Assisted Language Learning, v30 n3-4 p247-258 2017
This study attempts to ascertain if the WebCAPE placement exam can be used to measure improvement in an upper division grammar course. The WebCAPE online placement exam is a widely used instrument designed to help university language programs place students into the basic language course best corresponding to their proficiency level. This is done through computerized adaptive language testing optimized for students in the first four semesters of basic language instruction. In this study the researcher employed this placement exam in the context of an advanced Spanish grammar class. The study revealed that the WebCAPE produces statistically significant results when correlated to final grade, test average, and the second administration of the placement exam at the end of the semester. However, the effect sizes for the predictive elements were small. It was further observed that for participants who initially placed above the recommended cut-off for higher than third semester Spanish, there was a moderately negative correlation between initial placement score and class performance. It is speculated that the nature of the placement exam produces a ceiling effect that reduces its placement value for classes beyond basic Spanish.
Descriptors: Language Tests, Student Placement, Spanish, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Advanced Courses, Scores, Computer Assisted Testing, College Second Language Programs, Language Proficiency, College Students, Grammar, Correlation, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A