Paper short abstract:

OJAE can be applied multi-facetedly. I exemplify actual applications of the OJAE method, such as in the final examination of the BA-qualification. It will be presented how class activities could be carried out concretely. We strive for the objective and transparent oral test.

Paper long abstract:

In order to verify the OJAE testing method we have for over a decade already taken more than 100 videos. Subsequently, I have tried to apply this method to the final BA exams at universities in Germany. It is required for this final exam, the subjects that have been taught during the semester should be dealt with. Furthermore, the examination should be objective and transparent as an oral test.

From the beginning of the BA courses, the class repeatedly viewed the OJAE level-illustrating DVDs (OJAE 2010). It was decided in consensus to set B2 as the target levelof speaking competence. The self-assessment table (CEFR 2: Self-Assessment Grid) played a crucial role. It was necessary for the students to be capable of assessing their own level.

For this type of testing, following the OJAE method, I chose matching partners for every student. These pairs proceeded to independently practice for the duration of the semester. Furthermore, during lessons, what I wanted to promote was the students cooperating on the task instead of working against each other. In my opinion, this point has a great effect on their motivation. In addition, the abilty to talk concisely was important. I often had the students practice summarizing their point of view within a limited time.

A strong point of the assessment method basing on the CEFR-OJAE, was the fact that it quickly became apparent which of the 5 skill categories were lacking and required more practice. Nonetheless, more of the R&D on the benchmarks individually as well as institutionally are necessary to define a clear common "assessment-scale" for an oral competence throughout the university-courses within the EU so that the students can be examined and assessed more objectively and fairly.