Romance Languages and Literatures and School of Nursing Promoting Oral Proficiency

Romance Languages and Literatures and School of Nursing Promoting Oral Proficiency

Grant:
Internationalizing the Curriculum (ITC)
Academic Year:
2013 - 2014 (June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014)
Funding Requested:
$5,050.00
Project Dates:
-
Applicant(s):
lourdes
serapion
Overview of the Project:
While written language is facilitated by grammar instruction and reading, the oral and aural proficiency needed to work effectively with Spanish speaking patients in clinical situations can only be developed through practice and live interaction with actual Spanish speakers. The Oaxaca program and Spanish 283, Spanish for the medical profession offer varying degrees of interaction, with different levels of financial commitment and investment of time by both students and instructors, but they have the same goal. Evaluating oral proficiency in both programs related to the medical field will help us determine how to make the most cost-effective use of our resources to serve the needs of as many students as possible in preparing them for different situations related to the medical field.
Final Report Fields
Project Objectives:
The objectives of this project were to assist us in learning how to improve on our current assessment tools to evaluate oral proficiency of our students. In addition to the assessment tools, in SPN 283 we also wanted to improve on our current partnerships abroad that would help with our curricular goals.
Project Achievements:
With the funding we were able to train 7 lecturers for the MOPI (Modified Oral Proficiency Interview). The project gave us a tool to evaluate gains in Spanish proficiency not just from the language class but the whole immersion experience, which includes a 6-week homestay and a 2-week volunteer placement. In addition to the tool, it allowed us to consider different options with partners abroad. For example, instead of scheduling weekly Skype sessions, students Skyped with their partners in Argentina outside of class time.
Continuation:
"Spanish Language for Health Care Professionals" has been approved by the School of Nursing as a 6-credit elective, Health Science 300. It is being offered in Spring 2015, with a group of 11 students, and we expect it to contribute to the development of our new minor, Population Health in a Global Context. From the MOPI training we have one lecturer currently seeking full OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) certification with ACTFL. In addition, we have changed the curriculum in the SPN 283 medical and business professions classes by adding an additional oral exam requiring a higher level of Spanish.
Dissemination:
By being trained for the MOPI, seven lecturers are now able to assess oral proficiency and share their abilities with other lecturers. We also have an additional evaluator for the pre and post departure to Mexico oral interviews.
Advice to your Colleagues:
The greatest challenge for SPN 283 continues to be having the partner abroad available every semester with reliable internet connection. However, by modifying the exchange requirements, students are successful in finding time outside of class to reach out to their exchange partners.
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