Module 5: Impact
Scenario - Non-profit

Aku works for an aid and relief organization that sends employees to work all over South America.  The director of the organization is concerned that all new employees be able to interact in Spanish when they are posted abroad, and wants to ensure that they have the speaking and writing skills that they will need.  The director convenes a working group to discuss the implications of instituting a language proficiency test as a prerequisite for hiring new employees.  The group had a number of concerns about the impact of a possible entrance exam.

 

Get out a sheet of paper.  Brainstorm a list of concerns that you would have in Aku’s place.  Then click here to see Aku’s summary of the major points discussed.

 

 

 

 


Positive Washback

When you think about instituting a new testing policy, consider choosing a test that emphasizes what the test-takers can do successfully in the target language.  This will not only give you the information you seek, it will help give the test-takers a feeling of accomplishment and make the test a positive experience.