CTB/McGraw-Hill and Beijing Foreign Studies University Initiate R&D Project Approved By the Chinese Ministry of Education

MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- CTB/McGraw-Hill today announced an agreement with Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) to conduct a three-year research study on the application of online formative assessment in Chinese English language classrooms. The research project was jointly approved by National Education Examination Authority (NEEA) and National Office of Education and Science Planning (NOESP), under the Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE). This MOE research project, titled "Application Studies of Online Formative Assessment," is the first of its kind in China, in which research-based online formative assessment is used for English language teaching and learning.

"We are very excited to work with CTB on formative assessment research using Writing Roadmap," said Professor Jinlan Tang, Principal Researcher of the MOE Research Project. "The study will enable our participating English teachers and students to realize the potential that online formative assessment has for learning."

During the past two years the CTB/China team piloted Writing Roadmap™ for the integration of teaching and assessment in English language classrooms in China. The pilot took place at 10 schools in Beijing, Shanghai, and Dalian, providing valuable student and teacher feedback. Building upon the successful pilot, the MOE research project is designed to investigate effective approaches to integrating technology-based online formative assessment in English education, at various levels of educational institutions.

"This project marks a major milestone as we expand our presence in China," said Sandor Nagy, chief operating officer of CTB/McGraw-Hill. "The Ministry of Education believes, as we do, that assessment is much more than just testing - it is an integral part of the overall learning process. With this project, we will address the most pressing issues facing us as we incorporate online formative assessment into English classrooms in China."

MOE/NEEA recognizes the important role of formative assessment has for enhancing education quality in China. The three-year research project will be conducted through December 2012, and will include middle schools, vocational colleges, and higher education institutions. Following initial teacher training, Writing Roadmap will be introduced in selected classrooms for English language instruction. Progress will be evaluated through Writing Roadmap score results, classroom observations, video recording, and surveys and interviews with participating teachers and students. The MOE research project will generate a special collection of research reports, which is expected to lead to the broader adoption of online formative assessment in English classrooms in China.

"We are looking forward to working with CTB/McGraw-Hill on this significant research project," continued Professor Jinlan Tang. "The project will establish BFSU as a leader in applying innovative technologies in education, and strengthen its position as the foremost English language learning research institution in China."

Writing Roadmap is a powerful online essay assessment system using artificial intelligence to assess the English writing skills of students, providing continual practice and automatic feedback, through an easy-to-use online interface. With features like instant online scoring, proven writing prompts, and the ability to evaluate essays anytime, anywhere, Writing Roadmap streamlines instruction, helping teachers teach and saving valuable teacher time. For more information on Writing Roadmap, visit www.CTB.com/WritingRoadmap.

About CTB/McGraw-Hill

As a leading publisher of standardized and standards-based achievement tests for pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, and adult education, CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC offers a broad range of assessments, software and services. CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC is part of McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. Additional information is available at www.CTB.com.

About Beijing Foreign Studies University

Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), established in 1941, is a key university affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, and is one of the first nationally accredited institutions offering Masters and Doctoral degree programs. BFSU offers the largest number of language learning programs and other interdisciplinary studies in China. In addition to leading foreign language education and research in China, BFSU is also China's principal base offering tertiary education in foreign relations, foreign trade, foreign culture and foreign language learning and teaching. BFSU has 21 schools and departments, and 40 research centers, including two national research bases for foreign language education. Additional information can be found at www.bfsu.edu.cn.

SOURCE CTB/McGraw-Hill