Development of a Computer-Based Workshop to Foster Language Assessment Literacy

• Main Authors: Katherine Riestenberg, Francesca Di Silvio, Anne Donovan, Margaret E. Malone
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages 2010-08-01
• Series: Journal of the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages
• Subjects: Development; Computer-Based; Workshop; Foster Language; Assessment Literacy; STARTALK
• Online Access: http://www.ncolctl.org/files/develpment-of-computer.pdf

This article describes the development of a computer-based, self-access resource designed to increase foundational assessment knowledge among instructors of less commonly taught languages (LCTLs). The article begins with a review of the need for the project, describing the importance of assessment literacy for educators particularly within the LCTL context. Next it discusses a technology-based approach to providing LCTL educators with professional development materials designed to foster such assessment literacy. Specifically, it describes a downloadable workshop called Assessment for Language Instructors: The Basics, created for instructors and administrators of the STARTALK program, a federal initiative to provide summer LCTL programs for K-16 students along with professional development for instructors of these languages. The article provides a case study of this project, describing the workshop objectives, development methodology,content, and learner outcomes. Finally, challenges associated with the project and ways to address these challenges are presented.