Designs for Language Program Evaluation

This book aims to advance language program evaluation and practice, building on the author’s previous work in Blended Language Program Evaluation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016). The book is based in theory, yet incorporates case study examples throughout each chapter. The conceptual framework is grounded in complexity and evaluative thinking, and incorporates a three-tiered approach on themes ranging from ’hybrid learning’ through to ’leadership’ and ’sustainability’. The style of the work seeks to engage stakeholders through its focus on utility and program improvement, and result in pragmatic, evidence-based results that foster quality teaching, learning, and administration. Despite being situated in a multibillion dollar global industry, few language professionals evaluate their language programs and foster improvement. This book is addressed to current language professionals and researchers, and aims to fill this gap in current knowledge and practice.

Paul Gruba is an Honorary (Fellow) in the School of Languages and Linguistics at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Originally trained as a journalist in Alaska, he started his career in language teaching as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali from 1983-1985, before moving to Japan and working with businesses to improve English proficiency. He has devoted much of his career to the nexus of new media and assessment. His last three books have concerned ’blended’ or ’hybrid’ language learning environments with a strong focus on elements that influence their success. Over his career, Paul has delivered keynote addresses, supervised over two dozen PhD students, and earned a global reputation as an innovator in applied linguistics.