Using the ETS Criterion Online Writing System to Enhance and Assess Learner-Centered Writing Proficiency

1
Using the ETS Criterion Online Writing System
to Enhance and Assess Learner-Centered Writing
Proficiency

• Robert Ussery, Assistant Vice Chancellor for
  Academic Affairs
• North Carolina AT State University
• http//qed.ncat.edu
• The Redesign Alliance Conference
• Orlando, Florida
• March 18, 2008

2
CRITERION

• A web-based service developed by Educational
  Testing Service to
• Evaluate writing skills
• Provide instant score reporting and diagnostic
  feedback to
• Both students and instructors

3
Benefits - for Students

• Improve writing skills
• Empower the learner
• Work independently at own pace
• Access 24/7 from any computer
• Get immediate detailed feedback
• Enhance communication with instructor

4
Benefits - for Instructors

• Adds value to instructional activities
• Saves time by providing an efficient tool to
• administer class assignments
• grade essays
• comment on student work
• review student portfolios
• concentrate on course content

5
Access to CRITERION

• Student access is browser-based
• http//criterion.ets.org

6
Instructor access is browser-based
I

• http//criterion.ets.org

7
NCAT OBJECTIVES

• Provide online writing evaluation system
• Deploy as a learning tool
• Campus-wide
• Across the curriculum
• Enhance writing proficiency

8
SCOPE

• Freshman student orientation
• New faculty orientation
• Faculty training
• 45 of enrollment subscribed in 2003
• 100 of enrollment subscribed 2004-07
• 1st Year English Placement 2005-07

9
SCOPE Contd

• Writing labs
• Center for Academic Excellence
• Various disciplines
• Graduate level

10
How We Use Criterion at NCAT

• Remediation and basic skills classes
• Assessment
• Online writing courses
• Practice for high-stakes writing
• Writing across the curriculum

11
EXPERIENCE AND RESULTS

• Compared final grades in freshman English
  sections Fall 2005
• Group 1 Criterion assignments required
• Group 2 No Criterion assignments
• Group 1 mean was significantly higher

12
Implications

• Enhanced Student Learning Outcomes
• Beneficial Impact on Retention
• Very Cost Effective

13
WHERE TO FROM HERE

• Rigorous learning outcomes assessment
• Explore proficiency requirement
• English
• University studies
• Other disciplines

14
Thank you for attending

• NCAT Support Site
• http//qed.ncat.edu/irp/availabl.htm