ERIC Number: EJ741831
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 10
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0015-718X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Redesigning Introductory Spanish: Increased Enrollment, Online Management, Cost Reduction, and Effects on Student Learning
Sanders, Robert F.
Foreign Language Annals, v38 n4 p523-532 Win 2005
Redesign of a beginning Spanish program allowed for an enrollment increase of 85%, lowered cost per student by 29%, and provided a 9% pay raise to the course instructors. Class sizes were reduced from 30 students per section to 25 per section and seat time was reduced from 200 minutes per week to 130 per week. In-class instruction was supplemented with automated, online homework exercises and computer-mediated communication (CMC). The online components were distributed through a WebCT course Web site. Implementation occurred over a period of 2 years. This study examines whether the redesigned program was able to maintain student learning outcomes. The resulting student retention rates, successful course completion rates, and scores on the Brigham Young University Web-based Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam (BYU WebCAPE) were comparable to those of prior instruction, but the redesign had questionable effects on proficiency. (Contains 3 tables, 3 figures and 3 notes.)
Descriptors: Student Costs, Online Courses, Second Language Programs, Computer Mediated Communication, Spanish, Program Implementation, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Computer Assisted Instruction, Distance Education, Enrollment Rate, Introductory Courses
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. 700 S. Washington Street Ste. 210, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-894-2900; Fax: 703-894-2905; e-mail: headquarters@actfl.org; Web site: http://www.actfl.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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