Member Interview: Avant Assessment

What is the heart of Avant Assessment? What do you do best?  

Our mission is to improve language learning through effective assessment. We believe that being multilingual helps bring the world together. An accurate assessment provides information that helps the language learner and teacher be more effective. We combine the best of human skills and technology’s power to deliver assessments that are accurate, engaging, and affordable.

Can you explain what a “real-world proficiency” of a language is?

Real-world language proficiency means you can function effectively in day-to-day life in that language. So if you were magically dropped into the country of the language you are learning, you would be able to communicate and engage successfully. The concept of proficiency changes the focus of language learning to “communication” and away from the traditional approach of rote memorization of grammar and vocabulary.

What kind of team has Avant Assessment built to support their clients?

Avant has built a unique mix of experts in language assessment, Internet technologies, language pedagogy, and business that builds and delivers the online assessments our clients need. 

Are Avant Assessment services primarily for native English speakers?

The STAMP (Standards-Based Measurement of Proficiency) tests have come a long way since the original iteration nearly 20 years ago. We have also added the WorldSpeak line of tests in less commonly taught languages, specifically for speakers whose first language is not English.

Why is learning and being proficient in another language important to an individual?

Economically, bilingual employees earn more than monolingual employees and are hired more often. In a recent survey, bilingual nurses earn $30,000 more per year than monolingual ones. Moreover, according to many surveys, employers value the creativity and flexibility of bilingual employees, particularly those who have lived abroad. In terms of health, bilingualism delays the onset of Alzheimer’s for several years. 
See: https://theglobalseal.com/biligualism-research for research.

How does the variety of languages spoken in a community affect that community?

It can add richness to the life of a community in many ways: by creating educational opportunities to learn about different parts of the world; by adding new cuisines and art forms to community life; by providing fresh perspectives on our community; and by adding new business opportunities.  

What’s one thing about learning a language you think most people don’t know, but should?

Anyone can learn a language! Many online tools are free, like Duolingo, or inexpensive, which makes it fun and easy to do.

Why is a proficiency-based approach more valuable than a grammar-based approach when learning a new language? Is it faster? A deeper understanding?

Proficiency-based learning is designed to imitate how language learning takes place in the real world. For example, if you want to learn how to be a good basketball player, you have to practice foul shooting but mostly you have to play basketball. At first you will make lots of mistakes on the court, but you will learn from your mistakes and find the learning process fun and engaging. If you applied a grammar-based approach to learning basketball, you would spend almost all of your time practicing foul shots and memorizing the rulebook.  “Proficiency-based learning is designed to imitate how language learning takes place in the real world. For example, if you want to learn how to be a good basketball player, you have to practice foul shooting and engage in skill-based drills, but mostly you have to actually play basketball to incorporate spot skills into a full, interactive experience. At first, you may make lots of mistakes on the court, but as you continue to practice and play, you will learn from your mistakes and find the learning process fun and engaging. If you applied a grammar-based approach to learning basketball, you would spend almost all of your time practicing foul shots and memorizing the rulebook, which are important parts of the game, but they are not the game itself. In order to play the game well, it takes hours of skill-based learning, understanding the rules of the game and then putting all parts together in “scrimmage” events, where you are able to apply the different parts and pieces. Our goals for proficiency-based learning are the same…Practice and understanding are critical components, but we need to give our students opportunities to “scrimmage” with specific feedback at the conclusion of the “scrimmage” events.

As there are deep roots of Avant Assessment at the University of Oregon, do you continue to work with the University as the company grows?

Yes, we have a solid relationship with both our founding partner, the Center for Applied Second Language Studies, and the University of Oregon Foundation, which owns a part of Avant. This year 233 students at the U of O were awarded Global Seals of Biliteracy thanks to the scores they received on the STAMP test.

As the company continues to grow- both nationally and internationally, what keeps Avant located in Eugene/Springfield?

What we do is really hard. Eugene/Springfield is a place that attracts people who think differently and seek a real challenge. We’ve been successful building a world-class company by hiring the best people, who are drawn to our outdoor lifestyle and track culture. We think this gives Avant a real advantage over our competitors, most of whom are in Washington DC or other big cities. Eugene’s technology infrastructure, convenient airport, and short commutes make this a great place to live, work, and do business.

As Avant approaches it’s 20 year anniversary, what are the stand-out moment(s) of pride for Avant Assessments? 

We are very proud that our STAMP assessment has played a major role in improving language learning in the US by driving the shift to proficiency-based learning. We are also proud that we have been able to create rewarding jobs for so many people in our community. 

Avant Assessment
Our mission is to improve real-world language learning with a suite of progressive assessment tools for use in education, business and government. We believe we can change the world through language proficiency and help students reach their potential. Avant’s assessments provide a true picture of a student’s language skills and whether what they are learning will translate in the real world. Visit their website here.