Preliminary Aspects of Language Course Evaluation = Preliminary Aspects of Language Course Evaluation

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Program and /or course evaluation is a process in which different types of data are collected systematically in order to study the virtues and weaknesses of a language instruction program. Program evaluation is, in fact, one of the essential aspects of any curriculum. It is a kind of quality control in which various aspects of an instructional program or course are explored. Program evaluation is an attempt in which different elements of a given curriculum are scrutinized in depth. To this end, an evaluator makes every effort to collect information from different sources such as students, teachers, administrators, course designers, program staff, and so on. Also, the evaluator tries to gather data through different instruments such as field notes, questionnaires, interviews, observations, and course documentations. Collecting hybrid type of information helps increase validity and reliability of the study. The main concern of program evaluation is to ensure that acquisition is taking place, teaching techniques and strategies are useful, materials are relevant and interesting, resources are available and adequate. Finally, the end product of an evaluation endeavor is the improvement and modification of a course of study. This article tries to elaborate on the preliminary aspects of program evaluation.