How to Test Speaking Skills in Japan

Chapter 7

Write & Perform a Conversation

Optimal situation Large classes with lower-level learners Maturity level Junior high school and above Format

Random partner, 3-stage exam: 25 min pair-writing, 10 min practice, 1~2 min performance without English script Open-book during writing stage; can view L1 notes during performance stage

Scaffolding

Class length 90 minutes Assessment length

1~2 minutes per pair

Materials Writing paper; Language practice activity for students to com plete during assessment phase; Feedback marking sheet O ne of the hardest teaching situations in any country is when classes are filled with students who don’t really want to be there This is certainly true in Japan, where students often study English because they have to, not because they want to As a result, classes are often filled with shy, reticent, and poorly motivat ed students with little or no training in self-expression, even in their native language (Azra et al, 2005) In addition, if they are immature and lack discipline, you have quite the teaching challenge on your hands In such an environment, the struggle to hold even minimally

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