How to Test Speaking Skills in Japan

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Chapter 8: Random-Partner Conversation

Your students may feel embarrassed when listening to themselves speak, but if they stick with it, they will reap the benefits of in creased self-awareness You will also be able to make use of their transcripts to provide better, more targeted feedback Perform for classmates Another idea is to have students repeat their test performance from memory, not for you but for other classmates Working in even-numbered groups of 4, 6, or 8, pairs can take turns repeating what they talked about on the exam Those watching can then pro vide comments and feedback This is a good way to consolidate and improve upon past performance and also to learn vicariously from others If you try this activity, be sure to spend a bit of time teaching your students how to give good feedback Based on your marking rubric, you may want to prepare a handout with some general tips and expressions they could use to talk about different aspects of conversation, such as: • You really spoke smoothly! • I had a hard time understanding a few words For example, what is~? • You made almost no grammar mistakes! Nice job! • I like how you used a lot of different conversation strategies • You both had great smiles and spoke with good energy Final Thoughts The Random-Partner Conversation speaking test format is an excel lent general, all-purpose assessment activity ideal for lower-inter mediate and above learners in midsize classes The conceptual sim plicity and flexibility of this method are its greatest strengths As