How to Test Speaking Skills in Japan

73 Chapter 6: Plan out the test admin details ahead of time

video camera, where will you place it? Do you need a tripod? These are all minor details that become major hangups if you don’t have things sussed out ahead of time Another issue you can work out during a practice test is how you’ll manage your class on test day Again, the details of this will depend on the specific format you employ, but in general, some questions to consider are: • Where will your students sit? • Where will you sit? • How will students be partnered? • What will the other students do before and after assessment? Do you have something prepared to keep them busy? Again, these are the sorts of details you’ll need to work out ahead of time to ensure your tests run smoothly and efficiently Anything you can do to make the process easier to manage is worth trying The smoother your process gets, the more practical it becomes This, in turn, will be a significant boost to positive washback What is the best test location? Throughout this book I’m promoting the idea of tests as learning activities , so naturally it follows that the best place for holding them is right in your classroom For one, it’s the most practical location— you don’t need to book another room or use up any extra time out of your normal schedule The students are familiar with the room, so they are therefore more likely to feel comfortable there This will depend on the students, of course, but in general, the best place to hold a test is right where you are However, when holding a speaking test in your classroom will not work for whatever reason (too small, students too shy to talk in