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Project Details:
Principal Investigators on this project:
Golonka, Ewa M.
Predictors of Success for Cross-Training and Conversion
Taking advantage of prior L2 learning experience for successful L3 acquisition
Project Objective: To identify characteristics of successful cross training/conversion practices and develop valid and reliable measures to select students for rapid training under surge conditions.
Project Definition:
- Cross Training
- Retraining of individuals with demonstrated proficiency in one foreign language into unrelated language: German to Arabic
- Conversion
- Retraining from one language into a closely related language: Russian to Ukrainian
Project Importance:
- Significant time-saving can be achieved by cross training/conversion
- Meeting language requirements in the U.S. government that rapidly emerge and change
- This project will provide scientific evidence for the benefits of previous exposure to learning a foreign language that impact learning additional languages.
Project Background: Due to the increased national security and diplomatic concerns, challenges are rapidly increasing the value of the government's Foreign Language Professionals (FLPs) who use high-level language skills to perform operationally relevant and critical work. It is commonly assumed that knowledge of one learned language (L2) will predict success in learning another language (L3), whether the training is in conversion of cross-training. However, prior to this project, the parameters of this relationship were not well-researched, especially for non-western languages.
Project Products:
- CASL will:
- Conduct a one-day cross training/conversion workshop to establish dialogue between researchers and USG personnel involved in this type of instruction to further improve instruction and understanding of L3 acquisition.
Project Reports:
Project Activities:
- In order to identify predictive factors of L3 acquisition and successful teaching and learning techniques for cross training/conversion, CASL will conduct quantitative (correlational) and qualitative (exploratory) studies through:
- Analyzing student record data from DLIFLC and NCS
- Interviewing students and instructors involved in cross training
- Observing cross training classes
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