The paper test was about 10 pages long. I was pleased when I could answer the first question! And the second! Things went pretty well for the rest of that page and a few questions on the next. After that I pretty much had to quit. But I felt ok - I could demonstrate the little bit of knowledge I had.
My interviewer smiled a lot and seemed interested in me. She adjusted her speaking level to meet mine so that I could show what I knew. Just as in the written test, I could answer a few basic questions and then I had reached my limit. Test was over.
A couple of observations:
- The test was administered by the directors and teachers of the school. Almost certainly it was a local test written by the school professionals. Since answers were hand-written directly on the test paper, it was clear each test would be read and scored by a teacher. Then there was the oral interview with a teacher. Thus teachers were completely and personally involved in evaluating student ability and getting students placed in the right class. The benefit of this teacher involvement seems logical and obvious, and inspires confidence.
- The interview did so much more than allow the teacher to evaluate speaking ability. It gave me a chance to meet a teacher, to ask questions. It made me feel the instructor's interest in me personally and her desire to ensure I was in the right class. It certainly showed much more about my ability than the written test alone would do, and again inspired confidence.
So - no fancy computer test, no pre-recorded listening test, no essay. I don't know if there are concerns with validation, unbiased questions, and all the things we struggle with at SJCC. My feeling, as a student, is that those things don't matter much. What mattered to me was how I was greeted and treated as as I went through the placement process and how confident I felt that the process could accurately assess my language ability. Not really complicated.
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ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience with my university program in France 2 years ago, though with fewer prospective students being tested. I was nervous about the oral part in particular but in the end felt like it was not only worthwhile for placement but encouraging and enjoyable as well. And in the end I think the level I was placed in was just right for me, so their method seemed to work. I'm looking forward to reading about the results of your placement and the start of your classes!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Margery, that your experience was similar. Thanks for sharing. I'll let you know about my placement. It will be low, for sure; just not sure if it will be the lowest or next one up! But I trust it will be the right one, as yours was. I'll keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteHi, Margaret. I don't know if this is going to work. Just had some time before a workshop. Sounds like you are doing well. It was interesting to read your thoughts as a student related to the instructor interview. I completely agree as to how very important the interview process is. Not only for correct placement, but as a person, you get to meet an instructor and get a much better feeling for the program, I think. I will write more later. Celia says hi. Take care.
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
ReplyDeleteThis did work. Thanks so much for your comments; it's great to hear from you. Hi back to Celia. I read all the emails from the RWC - the book club, the tutoring, the invitations to join - all sound so positive and supportive - just what students need. I wish they had something like that here! Hope all else is going well.
Perhaps in your sabbatical report you can use your experience to make a plug for a reinstatement of the ESL oral interview. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm writing to you from your office. Thanks! I finally got a key. Oh, and Diane Borella says, "Hi."