How to Test Speaking Skills in Japan

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Chapter 8: Random-Partner Conversation

ment periods is that you can see how students do after they go beyond any prepared remarks 5 Come up with a simple scheme to randomly form pairs (or threes) One idea is to shuffle their name cards and pull them from a bag, but there are other ways to go about it If your class contains pronounced differences in ability levels, prepare ahead of time who should not test together and adjust your pairing scheme accordingly 6 Prepare a language practice activity for students to complete be fore and after assessment Again, this is important not only to keep everyone occupied and productive, but for supporting an atmosphere of fairness Anything that keeps students busy with English is fine—a pair writing task, textbook exercises, graded readers, or vocabulary practice via smartphone apps like Quizlet or Memrise are all good options 7 If you decide to record the exam, prepare your recording device and make sure you know how to use it and manage the sub sequent audio files If you’re planning on videoing the exam, make all of the necessary preparations, such as extra batteries, tripod, camera placement, etc Step-by-Step 1 At the start of class, explain the testing procedure to your stu dents Show them how you’ll randomly choose their names and where they will need to go to be assessed 2 Get everyone going on the extra language practice activity meant to keep them busy while they wait for their turn 3 Choose your first pair and get started When they are done, select the next students and continue in this way until everyone has been assessed