Current Problems and Proposed Solutions for Testing Speaking: Opinions of EFL Teachers

Year 2018, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 27 - 36, 30.06.2018

Devrim Höl

Abstract

This paper is an
attempt to explore EFL teachers’ opinions about the problems they encounter and
proposals for solutions with regard to the speaking test implemented at a
state university in Turkey. The participants were 22 EFL instructors teaching
English at a state university in Turkey. 
The data were gathered through a semi-structured interview form
developed by the researcher. The form was developed based on the review of
literature. Among the content analysis methods, categorical analysis method
and inductive analysis method were used to analyze the data obtained through semi-structured
interview form administered to the teachers. The results were analyzed and
discussed in terms of the speaking test and its implications for teaching and
learning activities and testing. In the light of the study findings, majority
of the teachers thought that time limitation is a factor that affects the
validity and reliability of speaking test. In addition, teachers stated that
formative assessment during the academic year would produce better results
performances in testing speaking. 

Keywords

speaking, speaking test, EFL teacher, university

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