Test-centered English Education
With the development of globalization and the Chinese economy reform since 1978, students with English competence are in high demand (Hu, 2005; Mao & Yue, 2004). English education thereby intends to cultivate qualified English talents, triggering the phenomenon that “testing is catapulted into a prominent part of foreign language education” (Mao & Yue, 2004, p. 327). This trend leads to a fact that students learn English is to pass different English tests. English education thus becomes problematic, which compels students to pay much attention to the content that is examined while overlook other knowledge that is equally important. That is to say, the test-centered English education results in a test-oriented learning style. For example, high school students learn English to pass the national entrance college examination, because a good grade in English will enhance their competence and enable them to be enrolled at key universities. College students learn English to pass the college English test band 4 (CET-4), which is one of the compulsory requirements for their graduation. Students also apply this strategy, namely, learning what will be tested, when they prepare for the language proficiency tests (e.g., the TOEFL test, the IELTS test, etc.), which is a mandatory step for them to study at an English proficiency. Even though CIS have obtained good scores in these language proficiency examinations, many of them have difficulties in communicating with their classmates whose L1 is English (Huang & Klinger, 2006). Due to the test-oriented learning style, CIS lack sufficient knowledge and skills, hindering them from communicating with others students efficiently and effectively.
Extended Reading
GaokaoGaokao, or the national college entrance examination, is the most important examination in China. All high school student should take this test in order to be enrolled at a Chinese university. From the picture, it is a typical Chinese high school classroom: students have no space for their books because they have to constantly refer to these books when they do the sample testing questions. The words on the blackboard mean Fighting, which encourages students to work hard.
|
College English test, band 4
I have attached an article about the college English test, band 4. Although it indicates that this test might promote students' English proficency, this test contributes limitedly to students who intend to pursue their graduate education in an English speaking countries.
test_review_college_english_test_cet_in.pdf | |
File Size: | 98 kb |
File Type: |