Methods & Tools


AELRC pink and blue overlapping flower logo

“Evaluation methods” are the various tools that can be used to collect information for evaluation purposes. The first “featured resource” provides a quick reference guide for commonly used tools, including their advantages and disadvantages. Next, more detailed information is provided for each evaluation method.

 Featured resource

Cover of the Overview of common evaluation methods resource


Watanabe, Y., & Sinicrope, C. (2008). Overview of common evaluation methods. Honolulu, HI: National Foreign Language Resource Center.

A brief list and description of common evaluation tools used in language program evaluation. Listed is each tool’s purpose, advantages, and challenges. Provided by the National Foreign Language Resource Center and the Foreign Language Program Evaluation Project.

 Questionnaires

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Cover of Using surveys for understanding and improving foreign language programs PDF

Davis, J. McE. (2011). Using surveys for understanding and improving foreign language programs. Honolulu, HI: National Foreign Language Resource Center.

A practical PDF guide to help language educators develop and use surveys specifically for evaluation and assessment in language programs.


Online Resources


Selected Books & Articles


Examples in Language Program Evaluation

 Interviews

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Cover of Qualitative interviewing book

Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

A comprehensive guide on the nuts and bolts of qualitative interviewing.


Online Resources


Selected Books & Articles


Examples in Language Program Evaluation

 Focus Groups

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Cover of Focus Groups guide


Krueger, R. A., & Casey, M. A. (2000). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

A non-technical step-by-step guide on how to design focus group studies, select participants, moderate focus group discussion, analyze focus group data, and report results.


Online Resources


Selected Books & Articles


Examples in Language Program Evaluation

 Document Analysis

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Cover of CDC evaluation brief on document review

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2009). Data collection methods for evaluation: Document review (No. 18).

A two-page CDC evaluation brief for conducting and planning document review for evaluation purposes. Provides a brief introduction to document review and an overview of its advantages and disadvantages.


Online Resources


Selected Books & Articles


Examples in Language Program Evaluation

 Observation

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Classroom Observation Tasks book cover

Wajnryb, R. (1992). Classroom observation tasks: A resource book for language teachers and trainers. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

A how-to guide to observations in language classrooms. It provides a range of practical, hands-on tasks that guide the user through the processes of observing, analyzing, and reflecting.


Online Resources


Selected Books & Articles


Examples in Language Program Evaluation

 Needs Analysis

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Cover of Needs analysis for language course design

Huhta, M., Vogt, K., & Tulkki, H. (2013). Needs analysis for language course design: a holistic approach to ESP. Cambridge University Press.

A toolkit for teaching professionals who are looking to design language courses for learners with professional or vocational goals or interests.


Online Resources


Selected Books & Articles


Examples in Language Program Evaluation