ELI 70/80 Alumni Survey: Evaluation of ELI listening

Abstract

Based on the needs and impetus provided by the administrators of the English Language Institute (ELI) program in the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, this study implemented a utilization-focused approach to a survey-based evaluation of the ELI Listening and Speaking curriculum. The study investigated the usefulness of ELI 70/80 courses in their other (non-ELI) courses as well as collected self-assessed information on the transfer of skills learned or acquired by the alumni of ELI 70/80. The survey responses revealed that in general the ELI listening and speaking courses were satisfying the student needs and expectations. However, some areas of improvements were also identified such as the demand for more opportunities to interact with native-speaking peers and students’ preference for non-textbook materials. This study suggests recommendations for the primary intended users which allow them to implement the necessary changes in the ELI 70/80 curriculum, demonstrating the value of adopting a utilization-focused approach to program evaluation.