Paper short abstract:
The first part focuses on the testing of B-levels, since these are most frequently practiced and rated as subtle and difficult, being transitional from A to C. In addition, it will be emphasized that the assessment competence can be developed through the endeavor of the test-production itself.
Paper long abstract:
The first speaker presents the CEFR-based OJAE-Tests, focusing on the B-level. She introduces the characteristics of this testing method, dealing at the same time with her own acquisition of better competence in assessing the oral skill of JFL-users.
1. OJAE-Test: A testee applies for the level according to the self-assessment grid in his/her own language offered in the CEFR " Table 2. Common Reference Levels: self-assessment grid" (CEFR, Engl. 25-26), out of the levels consisting of six: A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2. Different prompts as cues to inspire verbal acts are employed and the test scenarios of the whole procedure have been written. For the B1-level, e. g., two pictures of different apartments are chosen in order to give the task to select one of the choices. For the B2-level, somewhat more abstract question will be given, requiring prompts that could bear corresponding ideas. In the first part of the task, e.g., a testee will be asked to elucidate one rite of the passage out of the several examples of a prompt. The next question is a more abstract one such as why human beings in various cultures do achieve those kinds of rites. As is clear in the examples above-mentioned, to produce the tasks on-target itself can contribute to train one´s assessment skill.
2. Test-format: As a rule, 2-on-2 (2 assessors, one doubling as the interlocutor with the test script/prompts). It includes dialogue-parts embodying the ideals of the CEFR. Each task should be achieved within the time-limitation, i. e., the competence of speaking concisely is also required. The interlocutor is restricted to explain the tasks; the test duration varies 10 - 20 minutes.
3. Pass-Fail level-assessment: Via the assessment-sheet defined by the stratified standardization of six levels the performance is assessed. The assessment occurs concurrently with the on-going test.