--- Forwarded Message from "David Pankratz" <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Wed, 19 May 1999 11:01:48 -0500 >From: "David Pankratz" <[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: #5013 BYU exam scoring -Reply Cindy, We, too, have had difficulty setting scores for placement. I think that the moral of the story is that you have to be flexible and aware of quite a few pitfalls. For example, you mention that you might be having trouble getting accurate data because the exams don't "count." I think that this is a critical problem. Students who see no personal benefit to taking an exam often score ridiculously low. (I have even seen scores for a student go _down_ over the course of the semester because they see no reason to do well on the exam the second time around.) Also, we have noticed that a student who takes the exam twice may score differently by several points. I think it is important to keep in mind that the computerized exam I assume your are using evaluates only grammar, vocabulary and reading on a very passive level, i.e., no listening, speaking or production of any kind is measured. So, for placement, we take into consideration the amount of prior study, when and where that study occured, the student's self-confidence, motivation, and objectives. Ideally, those oral skills and production skills are measured also. I would like to see students tracked so that we find out if placements were indeed appropriate, but that has not yet been done in my department in any formalized way. Our feedback remains anecdotal for the most part. I would be happy to talk with you more about this if you would like to give me a call. David Pankratz Loyola University Chicago >>> LLTI-Editor <[log in to unmask]> 05/18 3:13 pm >>> --- Forwarded Message from Cindy Evans <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Mon, 17 May 1999 15:50:12 -0400 >To: [log in to unmask] >From: Cindy Evans <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: BYU exam scoring We have administered the BYU exams at the beginning and end of each semester this year to elementary and intermediate classes with the aim of establishing benchmark scores for placement. Even with one year's data, we are having trouble setting the benchmarks, as our scores are evenly spread over a wide range. I have a feeling that this may have something to do with the fact that the exam didn't "count" in any way. I'd like to hear from others who are using the BYU exams. How did you establish your benchmark scores? If you're willing to share the information, I'd be interested to know what score ranges you use for different levels. Thanks for any advice. _____________________________________________________________ Cindy Evans, Director Foreign Language Resource Center [log in to unmask] and Lecturer in French phone: 518-580-5205 Skidmore College fax: 518-580-5230 _____________________________________________________________