Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT)
Computer-Based Modern Language Aptitude Test
Appropriate for adults, college/university students
Available in a paper-based version (MLAT) as well as a computer-based version (CB-MLAT)
Common Uses
- Selection and placement of language learners by government agencies, missionary groups, and companies
- Diagnosis of foreign language learning disability (FLLD) for college/university students and adults
- Placement of language learners in the most appropriate instructional settings in colleges/universities or other formal classroom settings
Modern Language Aptitude Test- Elementary Version (MLAT-E)
Appropriate for students grades 3-6 whose first language is English
Common Uses
- Providing guidance to elementary school students beginning or struggling with foreign language study
- Advising students who do well on the test to pursue the study of a second and/or third language
- Building a history of low performance on language aptitude measures to establish the presence of a foreign language learning disability
- Placement of language learners in the most appropriate instructional setting in grades 3-6
- Understanding students cognitive strengths and weaknesses pertaining to language learning
Modern Language Aptitude Test- Elementary Spanish Version (MLAT-ES)
Appropriate for students grades 3-6 whose first language is Spanish
Spanish language adaptation of the MLAT-E
Can be used with Spanish-speaking children in the United States or with native Spanish-speaking children in other countries
Common Uses
- Determining if a Spanish-speaking child in the United States is having difficulty learning English as a second language has a language learning disability
- Providing guidance to teachers and parents of Spanish-speaking elementary school students beginning or struggling with foreign language study
- Advising students who do well on the test to pursue the study of a second and/or third language
- Building a history of language learning difficulty to aid in the diagnosis of a foreign language learning disability
- Understanding students cognitive strengths and weaknesses pertaining to language learning
- Placement of second language learners in the most appropriate instructional setting in grades 3-6
- Aiding in making decisions about the most appropriate language teaching methodologies
Pimsleur Language Aptitude Battery (PLAB)
Appropriate for students in grades 7-12 whose first language is English or who are proficient in English
Common Uses
- Diagnosis of foreign language learning disabilities in middle school/high school students
- Providing guidance to middle school/high school students beginning or struggling with foreign language study
- Advising students who do well on the test to pursue the study of a second and/or third language
- Building a history of low performance on language aptitude measures to establish a foreign language learning disability
- Placement of language learners in the most appropriate instructional setting in grades 7-12
- Understanding students cognitive strengths and weaknesses pertaining to language learning