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
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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%)
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Traditional grading systems allow students to "slip through the cracks" (56%)
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Lack of motivation (53%)
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Gaps in prior education (53%)
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Lack of first language literacy (44%)
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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%)
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Invalid language testing or outdated instructional methods (38%)
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Placement measurements do not accurately place students
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Lack of time due to job, family, or other obligations (37%)
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Learning or developmental disability (34%)
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Academic dishonesty (31%)
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Differences in culture and educational culture (22%)​
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Struggle with basic needs: money, food, shelter, and transportation (22%)
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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%)
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The way language classes may be scheduled (6%)
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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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