Implementation of Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) at Postsecondary Mandarin Chinese Classes

Abstract

This is an ongoing study on Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) implementation in postsecondary novice-level Mandarin Chinese classes. The primary purpose of this research project is to measure students’ progress toward meeting the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st century – specifically the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. The preliminary findings suggest that the IPA approach improves student communicative performance, identifies students’ language strengths and weaknesses, determines instructional goals, and encourages proficiency-based language teaching and learning.