Gaining Real World Success with Standardized tests

1. Gaining Real World Success with Standardized tests Challenges and Approaches Grant Trew VUS TESOL CONFERENCE 18th July 2009

2. International standardized tests like the TOEIC/Cambridge ESOL are becoming increasingly important . They are required for university students and company employees. They have impact peoples lives and futures.

3. Standardized tests pose real challenges for students and teachers…. Not only in terms of language skills, but also in the areas of background knowledge and culture.

4. In this first section of my talk, we will focus on understanding the challenges posed by two of the most important internationally recognized tests: Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) The Cambridge ESOL exams

5. Part 1 Understanding the Tests Real challenges… Real world implications

6. Overview In this part : We will examine actual sections of the Cambridge Key English Test (KET) and the TOEIC in order to better understand the real challenges that test takers face We will look specifically at what language skills are tested and also what background and cultural knowledge is required

7. Overview In this part : Finally we will compare these two testing systems, the TOEIC (aimed at workplace English), and the Cambridge exams (aimed at general English) I aim to demonstrate that the gap between general/workplace English is much smaller than many believe

8. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Developed in the late 70’s specifically to assess workplace English. Used by companies to set standards for job placement, transfer and promotion Used increasingly by universities Used in over 60 countries and taken by nearly 5 million per year The most commonly used form is the Listening and Reading test

9. Cambridge ESOL The oldest internationally recognized English testing system, dating back to 1913 Cambridge ESOL offers an extensive range of examinations, certificates and diplomas Four skills tests (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking)

10. Cambridge ESOL In 2006, over 2 million people took these examinations in over 140 countries. Today we are going to look at examples from: KET (Key English Test)

11. TOEIC July 2009 - ETS introduced a new form of the TOEIC The “Redesigned TOEIC” aims to make the tasks more authentic and better reflect the way language is used in the real world.. Listening Section

12. Part 1: Photographs

13. Part 1: Photographs

14. Part 2: Question-Response

15. Part 2: Question-Response

16. Part 2: Question-Response W: Would you care to join us for dinner after the board meeting? (A) That sounds wonderful, thank you. Students need to understand natural language usage

17. Part 3: Conversations

19. Part 4: Talks

20. Test taking strategies: • Knowledge of the test format • + • Effective Listening/Reading skills • Strategies for Parts 3 & 4 • Predict before listening • Focus listening on the key information

21. Strategy: Predict before you listen • Task: • Pick out key words in the questions and answer choices • Try to predict what you will hear, e.g: • What is the general topic? • Where is it happening? • Who is speaking? • Any extra details or information? • (40 seconds)

24. Cambridge ESOL Key English Test (KET)

25. KET ListeningPart 1

26. KET ListeningPart 4

27. KET ListeningPart 5

28. Reading Sections

29. KET ReadingPart 3

30. TOEIC Reading Parts 5, 6

31. KET ReadingPart 2

32. TOEIC Part 7: Reading Comprehension

33. TOEIC Part 7: Reading Comprehension

35. KET WritingPart 9

36. KET SpeakingPart 2

37. Students need: Familiarity with natural English usage Effective “Test taking strategies” (knowledge of the test format +practical reading/listening skills) Vocabulary Concentration

38. Comparison and observations Clear similarities between both the skills, knowledge and language being tested and the type of tasks Very little distinction between workplace and general English The skills/language needed to get a high score on the test are the same used in everyday communication

40. Part 2 Developing Practical Skills for the TOEIC and other tests

41. Developing an understanding of: Natural language usage • Common communicative functions • The language common to those functions • Vocabulary • Stock phrases • Appropriate organization

42. Build in support for weaker students • Interaction: Students compare and discuss in pairs

43. Provide necessary vocabulary and phrases • Group preparation/practice reinforces key language and aids peer learning • Teacher monitors and assists • Build up to the final activity to support weaker students

44. Familiarity with common language acts like a filter

45. Additional listening challenges: TOEIC listening items now include British, Canadian and Australian accents TOEIC listening items feature natural speed and rhythm Many students are unaware that in natural speech the sound of words changes

46. Understanding Natural English _____________ send these packages? Listen and note the words that you hear .

47. Understanding Natural English“Juthingkyakud” = “Do you think you could…”

48. Reading Comprehension • Students in pairs use the questions to analyze the situation

49. Reading Comprehension • A problem is introduced. Students work together to understand it and come up with a solution. • Provide a focus on common, useful language

50. Developing Test taking strategies