Pre-Arrival Assessment and Placement of ELLs using Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Tools Candice J. Marshall, M.A. Earlham CollegePresented at TESOL 2016, Electronic VillageApril 6, 2016, 11 AM

Overview Rationale Pre-screening Scheduling Interview The Interview Technology Outcomes Recommendations Practice Interview

RationaleWe needed a better and more efficient way to place students in ELL courses, preferably pre-arrival.

COMPASS testing was inadequate for the increasing number of international students we had coming in.

Rationale (Continued)We chose video interviews for:

Greater authenticity/verifiability for the writing samples

A more personal touch – students get to interact with someone at the school they will be attending

A better understanding of the student as a whole – their background and needs

Pre-Screening IPO handled all confirmed applicants.ESL gave them the criteria, they forwarded us students who met it. I.E. Under 94 TOEFL

Picture source: http://www.yourerc.com/blog/image.axd?picture=%2f2013%2f07%2fpre-screening.jpg

Scheduling an InterviewTools: Doodle (Doodle.com) World Time Buddy (worldtimebuddy.com)

Doodle

World Time Buddy

The InterviewGoogle Forms (http://goo.gl/forms/5BipwjDg5n)

Interview Technology UsedSkype

*successful

Firefox Hello *less successful

Outcomes33 students interviewed26 of 33 were placed in ESL coursesOf those placed through interview process, 25 of 26 were suitably placed.1 (placed in most advanced course) may not

have needed it, but we erred on the side of caution.

RecommendationsMake sure to confirm appointments and send reminders.

Be mindful of potential bandwidth issues for the student’s video feed

Experiment with other online forms for greater accessibility (i.e. Chinese)Things to try for next year – Wufoo, Qualtrics

Practice InterviewI need a volunteer!