A recent survey of world language instructors conducted specifically for this project suggested some interesting trends.

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An alarming number of instructors believe that students are continuing without the fundamental proficiency levels needed to be successful in subsequent coursework:

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• 50%​ view it as a grave concern - based on traditional grading structures - that students could pass a class without fundamental proficiency needed to be successful

• 94%​ believe 10% or more of their students passed the previous class without the fundamental proficiency needed to be successful; 47%​ believed 20% or more students

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A variety of factors exist that affect a student's ability to effectively learn a language. The top six, as instructors saw them, in order of most common to least common, are:

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• Lack of target language use outside of class (69%)

• Traditional grading systems allow students to "slip through the cracks" (56%)

• Lack of motivation (53%)

• Gaps in prior education (53%)

• Lack of first language literacy (44%)

• Pressure to finish (41%)

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Other reasons identified were:

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• Variation in language program instruction and assessment due to program policy, declining program budget, lack of teacher training, or hiring practices (38%)

• Invalid language testing or outdated instructional methods (38%)

• Placement measurements do not accurately place students

• Lack of time due to job, family, or other obligations (37%)

• Learning or developmental disability (34%)

• Academic dishonesty (31%)

• Differences in culture and educational culture (22%)​

• Struggle with basic needs: money, food, shelter, and transportation (22%)

• Lack of technology at home (16%)

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A few instructors reported:

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• Regarding the teacher: ineffective teaching methods, lack of understanding of second language acquisition process, or focus on self rather than student learning (9%)

• The way language classes may be scheduled (6%)

• Variation in language program instruction and assessment due to a lack of credible support for any of the current language teaching methods (3%)

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*View PDF summary of survey results here.

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