Spanish Language Assessments

There are three major modes of assessment used in the Spanish language curriculum. They are interpretive, presentational, and interpersonal. These descriptions will help clarify what these three modes of communication entail.

Interpersonal: In this mode students communicate successfully with another person or a small group in an unrehearsed situation. This mode is characterized by spontaneous conversation in which participants must actively negotiate meaning. Students know in advance the topic of the conversation they are to have and what vocabulary and structures they are to use. They also have the opportunity to practice a similar conversation prior to the assessment.

Presentational: Presentational assessments are polished, practiced and rehearsed presentations for an audience of listeners, readers, or viewers. With this mode, students becoming increasingly aware of the audience and how to communicate in a culturally appropriate manner, including use of more formal, stylized language as appropriate. For these assessments students use their resources (dictionaries, books, notes, etc.) to develop an oral or written presentation that is highly accurate in grammar and spelling.

Interpretive Assessments: These assessments require students to understand spoken and written Spanish. As students advance in their language learning, they move from understanding the gist to picking up details, using context clues rather than just translating. Students learn to predict, guess and use structures to aid meaning. Students may listen to a conversation between native speakers of the language, read a short article, interpret an authentic map, read literature from the target culture or view a Spanish language film.

To further your understanding of these assessments we also offer a video of students engaging in interpersonal conversations and giving presentations to the class. Examples of written presentations are available for your examination as well.