FINAL PROJECT: SELF-EVALUATION OF PROGRESS AND FUTURE LEARNING GOALS

Due to the cumulative nature of the foreign language learning, every exam – by necessity – is “summative”. To communicate, you always have to draw on all your knowledge of the language and how to use it. Similarly, there is no one assignment that embodies what it means to “know” a foreign language.  “Knowing a foreign language” involves being able to speak and write, to comprehend written and oral language, to correctly interpret contextual cues, to recognize what is culturally appropriate and expected – and a number of intangible components, not yet described through research. There is no one appropriate test of how well you know, and more importantly, can use the foreign language.  Moreover, a foreign language is not a “cramable” subject. One overnighter or even a few overnighters will make you tired but not know the language better or better able to use it. As such, we feel it would be inappropriate to require a traditional two-hour “final exam” that supposedly “summarizes” all you know. Instead, we have implemented a rather strict attendance policy (see above), which aims at providing you and your classmates (your presence is required for them to practice with you) with regular practice opportunities and allows us to monitor your progress outside our – by dint of the language learning process, rather limited – testing program.  We also having regular smaller in-class and take-home tests/projects, aiming at a variety of language use skills.  These are intended to help you (and your teacher) monitor your progress and intervene in a timely manner, i.e., before the end of the semester. Also, no one test or project assumes so much importance as to alter your final grade by itself.  There are plenty of chances to redeem yourself and, with appropriate effort, catch up, and one “bad day” won’t affect the whole semester.

In keeping with university policies, we have created a final project which hopefully helps you look ahead to the next semester of language study. It is our most sincere hope that you continue with your language studies and give serious thought to study abroad – which is the best (and perhaps only) way to achieve true fluency.  At the beginning of the semester, you will be asked to submit a written baseline of how you would describe your current language skills (if any), your expectations, and goals.  Your instructor will then assign you to a small peer group (perhaps a “pod”), with which you are encouraged to engage in exchanges (emails, conversations, chats, etc.) about how your studies are going and where they might lead you throughout the semester.  Ideally, you will become each other’s support network though if that doesn’t happen, we understand.  If you have strong concerns about your group assignment, please contact your instructor for a change in assignment.  At the end of the semester, you will be asked to turn in a description of how your language skills developed, how your motivation fluctuated through the semester, which general challenges and rewards you see in language study – based on conversations with your group – and which goals you have set for yourself for future language study.  This final self-evaluation will be written in English and will be due on the day on which the final exam would take place.  It needs to be turned in electronically (email or Learn@UW drop box), as explained by your instructor.