How to Test Speaking Skills in Japan

109 Chapter 9: What about testing small groups of high-level learners?

ered, there are only four more preparatory steps: 1 Prepare enough copies of the form in Appendix C so that every student has one Standardized test paper will facilitate manage ment of the transcription and evaluation processes 2 Prepare copies of the self-evaluation handout in Appendix D Each student will need one 3 Get your marking/feedback sheet together Feel free to use or adapt one of the samples in the Appendices 4 You’ll need a timer of some sort— a stopwatch will do, or use an app on your phone, tablet, or computer Free online countdown timers from www.online-stopwatch.com can be projected on a screen, if possible Step-by-Step 1 At the beginning of class, assign pairs randomly If you have the space, it can be nice to have each pair move to different parts of the room This distance will help improve the recording quality

If you can, spreading students out will help improve recording quality. 2 Tell everyone to take out their recording devices and press the record button Then begin the first take by counting down: