C1 Level Research Articles

Evaluation of Dural Parameters at C1 Level in Patients with Chiari 1 Malformation Following Foramen Magnum and C1 Posterior Arch Removal: Introduction of a Novel Concept to Decompress without Affecting Stability.

Chiari 1 malformation has crowding at craniovertebral junction (CVJ), treated by Foramen magnum decompression (FMD) but is associated with high failure rates, which is explained by recently introduced concept of central instability. So, we propose a new concept of relieving this crowding without affecting stability. To derive a threshold for coring out of internal surface of C1 posterior arch instead of complete laminectomy accompanying FMD. We prospectively included nine patients with a mean age of 25.33 ± 7.97 years, diagnosed with ACM-1 without AAD, who were operated with FMD and lax duraplasty and C1 laminectomy. The preoperative dural diameter and area covered under the dura at the level of C1 were measured and compared with the postoperative state. Results were analyzed to derive a cut-off threshold which could be drilled from the inner aspect of C1 arch. The postoperative AP diameter of the dura increased statistically significantly from pre-op; however, the AP extension was less than the preoperative diameter with posterior arch included. Likewise, the area spanned by the dura increased statistically significantly from pre-op but was less than the cumulative area of dura with C1 arch included in pre-op. Analyzing all, a mean cut-off of 50.58% was achieved. The authors suggest FMD with partial coring (~50%) of the inner part of arch of C1, instead of full-thickness laminectomy with a wider length of coring as the target, and this will serve the purpose intended, without increasing mobility.

An Empirical Study of Near-synonym Choice: A Comparison of Advanced EFL Learners to L1 English Speakers

Near-synonyms are words which share certain semantic similarities, yet differ in their contextual usage (e.g. acquire vs obtain, evaluate vs judge). The current study compares lexical preferences and rationalizations for choosing near-synonyms of advanced C1 level non-native speakers of English (n = 45) to those given by native speakers of English (n = 58). The data has been collected using a forced-choice questionnaire which also included a justification section meant to explore respondents’ reasoning behind their lexical choices. The findings of the study suggest that EFL students may lack the depth of vocabulary knowledge necessary to choose the most suitable word from a pair of near-synonyms. Insufficient knowledge of target words resulted in EFL learners’ lexical choices and justifications being statistically different from those given by native speakers. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that EFL teachers increase students’ exposure to various contexts as well as focus on vocabulary depth.

Analisis Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) dalam soal-soal matematika semester 1 kelas v sekolah dasar

<em>This research aims to describe the compatibility between the first semester of fifth grade math problems at SD Negeri 3 Tambakmulyo for the 2021/2022 academic year with the integration of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The questions are grouped based on the characteristics of HOTS and cognitive level. The research is a qualitative descriptive study with the type of document analysis research. The document being analyzed is a document on math questions for class V semester 1 of the 2021/2022 academic year in the form of practice questions and daily test questions. The result showed that the fifth grade math questions had not yet integrated HOTS. This is because the characteristics of HOTS in math problems are only found in certain basic competencies and the operational verbs used are not HOTS because the number of cognitive C2 (understanding) and C3 (applying) the dominant one. Cognitive level of math problems includes cognitive level C2 (understanding) as many as 48 items or 35,03%, C3 (applying) as many as 84 items or 61,31%, C4 (analyses) as many as 4 items or 2,93% and C5 (evaluative) as many as 1 item or 0,73%. </em>

The Interuniversity Test of Academic English (ITACE)

Abstract In Flemish higher education, lecturers teaching in a language other than their mother tongue need official proof of their C1 level in that language. As a result, Flemish universities developed the ITACE (Interuniversity Test of Academic English), a domain-specific and purpose-built language test linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and validated by an independent audit commission. Yet, the introduction of a mandatory language test was heavily contested in Flemish academia and in the media. In addition, the ITACE was perceived as a political tool of the government to enforce its language policy. Almost ten years after its introduction, the ITACE now appears to be widely accepted. The introduction of the test revealed that initial scepticism can be overcome through development, proper contextualization, and use of a high-quality, target-specific instrument. The article discusses the context in which the test was created, the construction of the test (addressing issues of reliability and validity), and the implications of the test, including its pedagogical and societal relevance.

Cervical cord reperfusion injury: a rare complication of spine surgery

BackgroundAnterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure has been considered the surgical procedure of choice for the management of degenerative cervical myelopathy. Postoperative paresis is one of the most serious and concerning complications. The occurrence of such complications without any clear anatomic explanation (e.g., epidural hematoma) is unusual.Case presentationA 62-year-old man underwent cervical spine decompression via the anterior approach for marked central canal stenosis and spinal cord compression due to degenerative changes. The operation was performed under neuromonitoring, and a complete discectomy for the levels C3/C4, C5/C6, and C6/C7 was performed. Fluoroscopy confirmed the correct placement of the inserted plates and screws. No motor or sensory deficits were evident after postoperative recovery. However, 1 day later, the patient experienced progressive weakness in his both upper and lower extremities. A whole spine MRI study was performed to exclude epidural hematoma as the possible etiology. Although no localized fluid collection or hematoma was observed, the study demonstrated abnormal signal intensity in the spinal cord on T2-weighted images at the levels C5 to C7. Such findings were consistent with changes in cord reperfusion syndrome. The patient was administered intravenous methylprednisolone therapy. Gradual improvement in the muscle power in his both extremities was noted, and the patient was discharged with a satisfactory outcome. One month later, the MRI study was repeated and showed regression of the previously seen high T2 signal intensity in the cervical spine.ConclusionCervical cord reperfusion injury is an extremely rare etiology of neurological deterioration following spinal cord decompressive surgeries. Clinicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion for this complication and should be familiar with its imaging appearance.

C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement Through Endonasal Corridor for Purpose of O-C1 Fusion: Morphometric Analysis in Cadaveric Specimens

Odontoidectomy may pose some risks for O-C1 and/or C1-C2 instability, with previous authors reporting techniques for endonasal C1-C2 fusion. However, no technique for endonasal O-C1 fusion currently exists. We sought to describe the feasibility of endonasal anterior C1 (AC1) screw placement for endonasal O-C1 fusion. Seven adult cadaveric heads were studied for endonasal placement of 14 C1 screws. Using thin-cut computed tomography (CT)-based "snapshot" neuronavigation assistance, 4 mm x 22 mm screws were placed in the C1 lateral mass using a 0° driver. Post-placement CT scans were obtained to determine site-of-entry measured from C1 anterior tubercle, screw angulation in axial and sagittal planes, and screw proximity to the central canal and foramen transversarium. Average site-of-entry was 16.57 mm lateral, 2.23 mm rostral, and 5.53 mm deep to the anterior-most portion of the C1 ring. Average axial angulation was 19.49° lateral to midline, measured at the C1 level. Average sagittal angulation was 13.22° inferior to the palatal line, measured from the hard palate to the opisthion. Bicortical purchase was achieved in 11 screws (78.6%). Partial breach of the foramen transversarium was observed in 2 screws (14.3%), violation of the O-C1 joint space in 1 (7.1%), and violation of the central canal in 0 (0%). Average minimum screw distances from the unviolated foramen transversaria and central canal were 1.97 mm and 4.04 mm. Navigation-assisted endonasal placement of AC1 screws is feasible. Additional studies should investigate the biomechanical stability of anterior C1 screw-plating systems, with anterior condylar screws as superior fixation point, compared to traditional posterior O-C1 fusion.

P39. Predictive factors of immediate postoperative adverse events in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a study of 509 patients

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Postoperative adverse events following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can have a significant impact on patient quality of life and health care resource utilization. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To identify predictive factors associated with the incidence of adverse events within 1-2 weeks post-ACDF. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective cohort study. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> A total of 509 patients who (1) received ACDF between January 2013 and January 2020, (2) had a follow-up visit with their surgeon 1-2 weeks postsurgery. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Incidence of immediate postoperative adverse events (AE) was determined via retrospective chart review. Adverse events included the following: dysphagia, hematoma, wound dehiscence, fever, vocal cord paralysis and dysphonia. <h3>METHODS</h3> Demographic, clinical and surgical data was retrospectively collected via chart review. Recorded data variables included the following: time of follow-up, age, gender, insurance type, BMI, hospital, presence of preoperative (preop) radiculopathy, presence of preop myelopathy, presence of preop sensory deficit, presence of preop motor deficit, preop smoking status (current/former smoker or nonsmoker), diabetes diagnosis, osteoporosis diagnosis, sleep apnea diagnosis, presence of cardiac comorbidity, preop anxiety (yes/no), preop depression (yes/no), preop exercise (none or any exercise), preop prescription pain medication use (yes/no), surgical history (primary or revision), number of levels (single or multilevel), level type (C2, C3, etc.) and allograft use (yes/no). Univariate analyses were first performed to evaluate the correlation between each factor and incidence of postoperative complications. Variables that were found to be significant at the 0.1 alpha level were deemed to be candidates for multivariable analysis. A binary logistic regression model was developed to determine if any of the candidate variables were independent predictors (alpha level of 0.05) of immediate postoperative AE incidence in ACDF. <h3>RESULTS</h3> Fifty patients (9.8%) had at least one AE at 1-2 weeks post-ACDF. A total of 54 adverse events occurred and included the following: dysphagia (n=37), hematoma (n=7), wound dehiscence (n=6), vocal cord paralysis (n=2), fever (n=1), and dysphonia (n=1). Mean (± standard deviation) patient age was 54 ± 11 years. Average patient follow-up was 12 days. The following patient factors were discovered via univariate analyses to be significantly correlated with AE incidence: presence of preop motor deficit (n=296, p=0.009), BMI 35 (n=69, p=0.019), use of allograft (n=311, p < 0.001), revision surgery (n=15, p < 0.001), treatment level C4 (n=240, p=0.012) and treatment level C5 (n=406, p=0.008). These factors were included in the binary logistic regression model and controlled for as covariates. Multivariable regression analysis identified presence of preoperative motor deficit (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.14-4.44, p=0.019), BMI 35 (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.12-5.0, p=0.024), use of allograft (n=311, p < 0.001), revision surgery (n=15, p < 0.001), and treatment level C5 (n=406, p=0.008) as significant independent predictors of AE incidence at 1-2 weeks post-ACDF. The model was statistically significant (p < 0.001) and a good fit for the data (Hosmer-Lemeshow p-value of 0.429). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Preop motor deficit, BMI of 35, use of allograft, revision surgery and treatment level C5 were found to be significant independent predictors of immediate postoperative AE incidence in ACDF. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

What does a receptive bilingual understand? Evidence from Polish as a heritage language in Germany

Summary Our study explores the field of receptive bilingualism, a highly common phenomenon with respect to heritage languages—one that, despite its commonness, has been analyzed by few studies. We collected data from 10 receptive bilinguals of Polish as a heritage language in Germany, including data from interviews regarding language biographies, a battery of tests on language comprehension skills, and a single-word production task. The main focus of our study was the analysis of the receptive abilities of our 10 participants, with a specific emphasis on their level of listening comprehension of spoken text. We conducted an explorative correlation analysis with respect to the interrelation of listening comprehension with other parameters, such as single-word comprehension, sentence comprehension, single-word production, and the language choice of the participants’ parents. The results indicate that all participants coped well with spoken texts up to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). There was great variance in performance at levels B2 and C1, with some of the participants still performing very well. Their performance at levels B2 and C1 strongly correlated with the number of direct address instances in Polish by the parents during childhood and with single-word comprehension. Furthermore, the word production task generated the lowest outcomes of all tests, thus revealing a wide gap between receptive and productive abilities. Interestingly, the results of the word production task did not correlate with those pertaining to the listening comprehension of texts at levels B2 and C1. This finding underscores the fact that productive skills do not constitute a valid indicator of receptive abilities. In summary, our results demonstrate the special quality of receptive bilingualism and the need to avoid underestimating this specific status (e. g., in language classes).

Yabancılara Türkçe öğretimi ders kitaplarında yazma etkinlikleri: Yazmayı nasıl öğretiyoruz?

Bu araştırmanın amacı, yabancılara Türkçe öğretimi ders kitaplarında yer alan yazma etkinliklerinde, farklı seviyelerde yazma becerisinin hangi aşamalarına göre etkinliklere yer verildiğini ve yazma etkinliklerinde yazma süreciyle ilgili uygulamaların neler olduğunu belirlemektir. Bu doğrultuda, Yeni İstanbul Uluslararası Öğrenciler İçin Türkçe ders kitaplarının bütün seviyelerindeki (A1-A2, B1-B2 ve C1) kitaplarda yer alan yazma etkinlikleri doküman analizi yöntemiyle incelenmiştir. Araştırmada kitaplardaki yazma etkinlikleri iki ana tema açısından analiz edilmiştir: Temalardan birincisi, yazma etkinliklerinin farklı seviyelerde yazma becerisinin hangi aşamalarına göre (kelime, cümle, paragraf, metin) düzenlendiğidir. İkincisi ise yazma etkinliklerinde farklı seviyelerde aşamalara göre yazma sürecinin düzenlenmesine yönelik uygulamaların neler olduğudur. Verilerin kodlanması için araştırmacı tarafından her bir seviye için bir kodlama formu oluşturulmuştur. Her düzeydeki kitap için hazırlanan forma etkinlik numarası ve sayfa numarası, etkinliğin hangi aşamaya yönelik olduğu, metin oluşturma süreciyle ilgili uygulamanın ne olduğu ayrı ayrı kaydedilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, A1 seviyesinde kelime, cümle ve paragraf yazma etkinliklerinin olduğu ve metin yazma etkinliklerine yer verilmediği; A2 seviyesinde ise bütün aşamalara göre etkinliklerin düzenlendiği görülmüştür. B1 seviyesinde cümle, paragraf ve metin yazma, B2 seviyesinde ise kelime, paragraf ve metin yazma etkinliklerinin düzenlendiği görülmüştür. C1 seviyesindeki etkinliklerin tamamı metin yazma çalışmasıdır. Yazma süreciyle ilgili olarak farklı seviyelerde çeşitli yazma aşamaları ya da boyutlarıyla ilgili yönlendirici uygulamalara yer verildiği görülmüştür.

Imaging features of developmental stenosis of atlas with degenerative cervical myelopathy

Objective: To investigate the imaging features of patients with developmental stenosis of atlas (small atlas) complicated with degenerative cervical myelopathy and to explore the diagnostic criteria of small atlas. Methods: The clinical data of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy treated by posterior cervical laminoplasty and resection of posterior arch of atlas from 2006 to 2020 in the Department of Orthopedics, Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Sixteen cases had spinal cord compression at C1 level after the exclusion of ossification of cervical posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and other pathology. These cases were suspected small atlas (small atlas group). Forty-six cases without posterior arch resection in the same period were selected as control group. The middle sagittal diameter of atlas and the vertical distance from posterior tubercle of atlas to occipitoaxial line under CT in both groups were compared. The sagittal diameter of the spinal canal at the atlas level under MRI, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score for functional state of cervical spine before operation and at last follow-up were also measured. Results: There were 9 males and 7 females in the small atlas group, aged (63±12) years. There were 21 males and 25 females in the control group, aged (57±10) years. The patients in both group were followed-up for at least one year. The sagittal diameter of atlas in the small atlas group was (26.4±3.1) mm, which was significantly smaller than that in the control group [(29.6±2.2) mm, P=0.010]. The vertical distance from the posterior tubercle of atlas to the occipitoaxial line in the small atlas group was larger than that in the control group[(6.79±1.17) mm vs (5.57±1.29) mm, P=0.001]. The diameter of atlas canal in the small atlas group was (8.25±1.44) mm which was significantly smaller than that in the control group [(13.00±1.66) mm, P<0.001]. The JOA score of the small atlas group before operation and at the last follow-up were both slightly lower than that in the control group (both P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the recovery rate of JOA score between the two groups (61.9% vs 66.0%, P=0.066). Among the 16 cases in the small atlas group, 5 cases of occipital-axial connection were located at the posterior 1/3 of the posterior arch of atlas, and 11 cases of occipital-axial connection were completely located at the posterior arch of atlas. Conclusions: The effective sagittal diameter of atlas is smaller in small atlas group which can lead to more severe cervical myelopathy. The presence of a small atlas should be highly suspected when the sagittal diameter of atlas canal is less than 26 mm under CT. The existence of the small atlas should be alert when the occipitalaxial line is located at the dorsal 1/3 or behind of the posterior arch of atlas.

Upper Cervical Spine Injuries: Profile and Management of 120 Cases.

To identify the profile and management of patients with upper cervical spine injury. Retrospective cohort study of patients with upper cervical spine injuries managed at Hospital da Restauração between 2014 and 2020. It presents the profile of 145 injuries recorded by location and classification among the 120 patients, and the management performed. Men are more affected than women, almost half of the patients (42.5%) were aged 16 to 29 years. Neurological deficit was present in 18 cases (15%). Twenty cases presented injury involving the level C1. Most injuries (109 [90.8%]) occurred at the C2 level, the most frequent of which were as follows: isolated type II odontoid fracture (29.2%), miscellaneous fracture of C2 (20%), and isolated hangman's fracture (13.3%). The most used management in type II odontoid fracture was C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis (17/42) followed by odontoid osteosynthesis (12/42). Regarding isolated hangman's fracture, conservative management was performed in 37.5% (6/16), and the technical approach most performed was anterior C2-C3 discectomy and interbody fusion (5/16). Upper cervical spine injury has a higher prevalence in young men and is most often caused by traffic accidents. The main level affected is C2, and type II odontoid fracture is the most frequent subtype. C1 injury is related to conservative treatment, while C2 or combined C1-C2 injury is related to surgical approach. The management of these injuries is mainly performed with surgical treatment, with C1-C2 posterior arthrodesis and anterior odontoid osteosynthesis representing most of the approaches.

Unilateral Upper Cervical Posterior Spinal Cord Infarction Caused by Spontaneous Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection.

A 41-year-old woman complained of sudden numbness of the left face and limbs without neck pain, paraparesis, urinary retention, or constipation. Neurologic examination revealed onion-skin pattern hemifacial dysesthesia and disturbance of touch and proprioception sensation of the left limbs. T2WI and Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) showed left posterior spinal cord infarction at the C1 level (Figure, A–D). Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) demonstrated stenosis of bilateral vertebral arteries (Figure, E–F). High-resolution MRI revealed the high signals of intramural hematoma in bilateral vertebral arteries indicating the diagnosis of dissection (Figure, G-J). Isolated posterior spinal cord infarction is rare, and vertebral artery dissection should be considered as an etiologic mechanism.1

Technology: A Zeitgeist for Paraphrasing

The ultimate purpose of this study is to advance the paraphrasing skill of the students from B2 to the C1 level based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and to bring out the significance of a technology-integrated classroom. The existing studies focus on effective synchronous English language teaching but not extensively on teaching paraphrasing using new flanged technology. This is a quantitative study implemented on the heterogeneous adult learners, who belong to the age group of 19 to 25 using podcasts and zoom video conferencing. The researcher implied this experiment on 30 volunteered participants. The objective of this investigation is to encourage the use of technology and asynchronous classrooms in the modern era of teaching and learning the English language. The study is analysed with SmartPLS3. It is a software application with an innate graphical user interface for variance-based structural equation modelling (SEM). Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) has been developed recently to handle data collection since it can operate productively with small sample sizes (Reinartz et al., 2009). The result shows the effectiveness of zoom video conferencing and podcasts through the improvement attained by the learners in the skill of paraphrasing.

The mapping of TOEFL scores among EFL students in Aceh

The purpose of this study was to describe the proficiency level of English for Foreign Language (EFL) students based on their TOEFL scores. The samples for this descriptive quantitative study consisted of 30 English Education Department students from Syiah Kuala University and Ar-Raniry State Islamic University. The scores gathered from the organised TOEFL test were analysed according to the CEFR reference levels to categorise the English proficiency level of the students. The total TOEFL scores gathered showed that, on average, the students placed in the B1 (intermediate) level of English proficiency. Individually, there were four students in the A2 (elementary) level, 15 students in the B1 (intermediate) level, ten students in the B2 (upper intermediate) level, and one student in the C1 (advanced) level of proficiency. Regarding the skills proficiency, on average, the students achieved the B2 (upper intermediate) level in the first section, which was higher than the remaining two sections that averaged on the B1 (intermediate) level. The students’ proficiency levels found in this study showed that, on average, they were able to pass the universities’ TOEFL graduation requirement but still fall short for abroad scholarship admission.

EVALUATION OF RIVER COURSE CHANGE DETECTION USING REMOTE SENSING &amp; GIS

The Brahmaputra is one of the largest alluvial rivers in the world characterized by frequent bank erosion leading to channel pattern changes and shifting of bank lines. This study was aimed at quantifying the changes of river course along the Brahmaputra for a period of different years and months. A course of about 56 kms has been studied using an integrated approach of Remote Sensing and GIS. The channel configuration of the Brahmaputra has been mapped for a period (1985-2018) using USGS and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS C1 Level 2 satellite image respectively. The analysis of satellite data has provided not only channel configuration of the river system but also significant facts about the changes in river morphology, stability of the river banks and changes in the main channel.

Budaya Maritim dalam Cerpen Kutukan Keturunan Bajak Laut Karya Bagus Sulistio Sebagai Materi Pengenalan Budaya BIPA

This study aims to explain and describe the cultural elements contained in an Indonesian short story entitled Kutukan Keturunan Bajak Laut by Bagus Sulistio as Indonesian language teaching material for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) level C1 and C2. The subject of this research is a short story entitle Kutukan Keturunan Bajak Laut by Bagus Sulistio. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach to systematically describe phenomena, namely cultural elements as BIPA teaching materials. Data collection techniques used reading-note techniques, literature study, and data cards. This research shows that the short story Kutukan Keturunan Bajak Laut by Bagus Sulistio contains cultural elements in the form of language, knowledge system, livelihood system, religious system and art. Elements of culture can be used as teaching materials or as an introduction to culture, especially maritime culture as a support for the language skills of BIPA teachers.

Olive Polyphenol as Neuroprotective in Chronic Cervical Myelopathy Rabbit Model

BACKGROUND: Olive polyphenols are known to be an anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the potential neuroprotective effect on chronic cervical myelopathy rabbit model. METHODS: This study was divided into six groups; control negative (Sham-Operated) group, control positive 1 and 2, treatment groups 1, 2, and 3. Olive leaf extract (OLE) gives 350 mg/kg BW and spinal cord sample was taken at the compression level C5. Histopathological assessment and immunohistochemistry of neurofilaments (NF), S-100, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and evaluation of functional motoric outcome were done before animals were terminated. RESULTS: Chronic cervical myelopathy in rabbit model causes decreased expression of NF, S-100, BDNF, and decreased motor function. Oral administration of OLE increased the expression of these biomarkers and improved motor function outcomes. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that OLE may be effective in protecting chronic cervical myelopathy in rabbit model.

ID:15979 Percutaneous, High Cervical, HD SCS for Intractable Neck and Arm Pain, and Occipital Neuralgia

Cervical sSCS has proven efficacy in treatment of chronic intractable pain syndromes such as neuropathic arm pain and neck pain. High cervical spinal cord stimulator above the level of C2 will also stimulate the nucleus caudalis portion of the spinal trigeminal nucleus. Implantation of the lead stimulator above C1 level will help control occipital neuralgia.

Kemampuan Peserta Didik dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Berbasis Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

The thinking ability of students can be improved by giving questions based on high-level abilities or Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The purpose of the study was to determine the ability of students to work on HOTS-based questions in class VIII MTs.S 1 Darussalam. This qualitative research was conducted at MTs.S 1 Darussalam. In this study, the data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of this study were 29 students from class VIII.D MTs.S 1 Darussalam with purposive sampling technique. Data analysis techniques in this study include data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that there were 10% of students who got high HOTS scores, 66% of students got moderate HOTS scores, and 24% of students got low scores. Students who get high scores are those who can solve HOTS-based questions at levels C4, C5 and C6, for students who get moderate scores are those who are only able to work on HOTS questions at levels C4 and C5 only while students who get low scores can only do HOTS-based questions at the C4 level.

Assessing verbal interaction: towards European harmonization. Insights from the co-operation between Spanish and French language exams for Higher Education (CertAcles/CLES)

Abstract Verbal interaction has been the subject of a growing interest among language professionals in Europe since the CEFR was published in 2001; in linguistics, verbal interaction has long been studied. In the Bakhtinian approach, it is even considered “the fundamental reality of language”. All types of interaction share the fact that they are dynamically co-constructed by participants. How then can we assess or certify interactional competence on an individual basis when dynamic instability prevails? What criteria can be defined in order to deconstruct interactional competence into specific operational criteria, if interaction is intrinsically multidimensional? These are the questions that we address in this paper. To do so, this paper presents the insights gained as a result of the co-operation between two certification systems: CertAcles (Spain) and CLES (France), both belonging to NULTE (Network of University Language Testers in Europe). These certification systems have agreed to collaborate extensively, sharing their constructs and assessment routines. As a result, CertAcles is shifting towards more contextualized tasks and CLES is considering adopting descriptive assessment scales for interaction (C1 level). We hope to demonstrate that the materialization of scientific collaboration of this kind can help improve individual systems.