Using the ETS Criterion Online Writing System to Enhance and Assess Learner-Centered Writing Proficiency
Robert Ussery, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Robert Ussery, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina A&T State University http://qed.ncat.edu
The Redesign Alliance ConferenceThe Redesign Alliance Conference Orlando, FloridaOrlando, Florida March 18, 2008March 18, 2008
CRITERION
A web-based service developed by A web-based service developed by Educational Testing Service to:Educational Testing Service to: Evaluate writing skillsEvaluate writing skills Provide instant score reporting and Provide instant score reporting and
diagnostic feedback to:diagnostic feedback to:
Both students and instructorsBoth students and instructors
Benefits - for Students
Improve writing skillsImprove writing skills
Empower the learnerEmpower the learner
Work independently at own pace Work independently at own pace
Access 24/7 from any computerAccess 24/7 from any computer
Get immediate detailed feedbackGet immediate detailed feedback
Enhance communication with instructorEnhance communication with instructor
Benefits - for Instructors
Adds value to instructional activitiesAdds value to instructional activities
Saves time by providing an efficient tool to:Saves time by providing an efficient tool to: administer class assignments administer class assignments grade essaysgrade essays comment on student work comment on student work review student portfoliosreview student portfolios concentrate on course content concentrate on course content
Access to CRITERION
Student access is browser-basedStudent access is browser-based
http://criterion.ets.orghttp://criterion.ets.org
Instructor access is browser-based
http://criterion.ets.orghttp://criterion.ets.org
I
NCA&T OBJECTIVES
Provide online writing evaluation systemProvide online writing evaluation system
Deploy as a learning toolDeploy as a learning tool
Campus-wideCampus-wide
Across the curriculumAcross the curriculum
Enhance writing proficiencyEnhance writing proficiency
SCOPE
Freshman student orientationFreshman student orientation New faculty orientationNew faculty orientation Faculty trainingFaculty training 45% of enrollment subscribed in 200345% of enrollment subscribed in 2003 100% of enrollment subscribed 2004-07100% of enrollment subscribed 2004-07 11stst Year English Placement – 2005-07 Year English Placement – 2005-07
SCOPE Cont’d
Writing labsWriting labs Center for Academic ExcellenceCenter for Academic Excellence Various disciplinesVarious disciplines Graduate levelGraduate level
How We Use Criterion at NCAT
Remediation and basic skills classesRemediation and basic skills classes AssessmentAssessment Online writing coursesOnline writing courses Practice for high-stakes writingPractice for high-stakes writing Writing across the curriculumWriting across the curriculum
EXPERIENCE AND RESULTS
Compared final grades in freshman English Compared final grades in freshman English sections Fall 2005sections Fall 2005
Group 1: Criterion assignments requiredGroup 1: Criterion assignments required Group 2: No Criterion assignments Group 2: No Criterion assignments Group 1 mean was significantly higherGroup 1 mean was significantly higher
Implications
Enhanced Student Learning OutcomesEnhanced Student Learning Outcomes Beneficial Impact on RetentionBeneficial Impact on Retention Very Cost Effective Very Cost Effective
WHERE TO FROM HERE
Rigorous learning outcomes assessmentRigorous learning outcomes assessment Explore proficiency requirementExplore proficiency requirement
EnglishEnglish University studiesUniversity studies Other disciplinesOther disciplines
Thank you for attending
NCA&T Support Site
http://qed.ncat.edu/ir&p/availabl.htm
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