NASILP Components:

The Examiner

The NASILP examiner is an experienced instructor in a target language. The following questions address some of the important issues.

Click each sound icon below to hear the questions answered by NASILP Distinguished Director Eleanor H. Jorden. Click on each question to link to a textual summary of each respective answer.

You need a recent version of RealPlayerŽ to listen to these clips

Eleanor Jorden with Virginia Marcus

Click HERE to hear this discussion in its entirety

Note: RealPlayerŽ 5 users will be able to access the entire discussion, but not the individual questions
Why does NASILP insist that the final exam and the final course grade be given by an examiner rather than a tutor?
How would you describe a qualified examiner?
What are the responsibilities of an examiner?
If the enrollment in a NASILP course is very low, is the examiner expected to come to the program's campus for the final exam?
What are the components of a NASILP exam?
How long does an exam usually take?
What is the purpose behind a NASILP exam?
How are students graded on the exam?


Q.
Why does NASILP insist that the final exam and the final course grade be given by an examiner rather than a tutor?

A.
The tutor is not a teacher, and often does not have the pedagogical training to administer and evaluate examinations.

Q.
How would you describe a qualified examiner?

A.
A NASILP examiner should be an experienced college-level instructor of the target language. She or he should be familiar with appropriate course materials and with NASILP methodology.

Q.
What are the responsibilities of an examiner?

A.
An examiner's primary responsibility is the preparation, administration, and grading of the final exam. In larger NASILP programs, the examiner may also give midterm exams. Exam scheduling is the responsibility of the coordinator.
At the beginning of the school year, the examiner may be called on to determine the suitability of a tutor applicant through a telephoned interview.

Q.
If the enrollment in a NASILP course is very low, is the examiner expected to come to the program's campus for the final exam?

A.
Final exams for NASILP courses should always be given in person. Costs can be cut by coordinating exam schedules and sharing travel expenses with another nearby NASILP program.

Q.
What are the components of a NASILP exam?

A.
NASILP's Prochievement approach utilizes a combination of proficiency and achievement. Achievement is determined by the specific body of materials used in the course. Proficiency is evaluated through the final exam. The examination format is an individual oral interview with the examiner on a given topic.

Q.
How long does an exam usually take?

A.
The exam can be as short as 20 minutes for first-year courses. It will be longer if it includes readings or written components.

Q.
What is the purpose behind a NASILP exam?

A.
The exam serves to demonstrate a student's ability to actively use the target language. The oral component should be central to the exam; it should not directly focus on translation or grammar.

Q.
How are students graded on the exam?

A.
Students' grades should reflect their comprehension and pronunciation of the language, their control of its structure, and the accuracy of their language use. Examiners should also evaluate the cultural authenticity of a student's delivery in paralinguistic terms (such as gesture).

Reading ability should be tested with authentic practical examples appropriate for the course level, from reading a menu to comprehending detailed instructions. An advanced student may be tested with a native text, but always with the emphasis on comprehension rather than translation.
Writing ability should be tested according to the student's ability to perform specific tasks, such as filling out a survey or conveying a message.

Back to NASILP Components Directory