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Project Details:
Principal Investigators on this project:
Doughty, Cathy
Linck, Jared
Hi-Level Language Aptitude Battery
Predicting Advanced Foreign Language Proficiency
Project Objective: To develop a test that predicts successful foreign language learning by adults, particularly learning of difficult languages, and particularly to very advanced proficiency.
Project Definition: Aptitude is a special, inherent talent of "gift" in a specific area that not all individuals possess. Aptitude is not learned, although it can be trained; however, training is only effective within a given aptitude range.
Project Importance:
- Very few people who begin to learn a foreign language past the age of 15 attain high-levels of language ability. Yet some people do. Why?
- Knowing who has language aptitude can save time, money, and effort, particularly in cases of learning difficult languages, such as Chinese and Arabic.
- Aptitude interacts with learning processes in the classroom.
Project Background: USG managers use aptitude scores for hiring and job placement decisions. Language trainers use aptitude information in determining how to place students in classes most suited to their language talents.
Project Products:
- DVD introduction of Hi-Lab prototype
- Computer-delivered aptitude batter (Hi-Lab)
- Documentation and user manuals for the aptitude battery
Project Reports:
Project Activities:
- In order to¿
- Select for hiring, training and placement
- Improve upon current ways to measure aptitude
- Determine whether aptitude scores are useful in designing effective instructional programs
- CASL specifically plans to...
- Select or develop appropriate measures of a set of language aptitude constructs
- Develop a computer-delivered battery of measures - HiLab
- Investigate the reliability and validity of HiLab
- Conduct aptitude-by-treatment interaction studies
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