Evaluating Predictors of Foreign Language Learning
Abstract
This report provides evidence-based recommendations for assigning individuals to foreign languages for initial acquisition training (IAT) at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (USAJFKSWCS). This report attempts to determine the strongest predictor or combination of predictors of foreign language learning as measured by the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), which is used as the graduation standard at USAJFKSWCS. The study examined the following predictors: Army General Technical (GT) score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB), and the Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPTTM). Specifically, the study determined if these predictors had any influence on whether students would exceed the foreign language Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) graduation standard (i.e., achieving 1/1+, 1+/1, or higher) at USAJFKSWCS. The study found that the DLAB was the strongest single predictor of foreign language proficiency. The study also established cut scores for using the DLAB for language assignment, however, cut scores may not always be feasible to execute, so a top-down assignment protocol based on DLAB scores was ultimately recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA585074