Speaking-tests for large Oral Communication classes

Large-class English teaching is an inexorable trend in many Japanese universities and colleges, which leads to underassessment or false assessment of language skills, especially speaking skills. Unless more and more universities reduce the size of their Oral Communication classes, university teachers will have to find urgent ways to conduct Speaking tests or not conduct at all. This paper explores one useful strategy for Speaking tests that can be adapted in group work to suit Japanese students in large classes. It recommends that Speaking tests be used in Oral Communication classes because Japanese students respond well to being tested, as it gives them a clear and immediate purpose to practice English and develop their competence of English speaking.