When private-sector English-language tests are utilized in university entrance examinations, it is necessary to seek a reduction in the burden and anxiety of examinees.
Private-sector English tests will be introduced into a standardized university entrance exam that will start in fiscal 2020. The tests certified for that purpose have been announced.
After review work by experts, the National Center of University Entrance Examinations has certified nine kinds of tests prepared by seven exam operators. They include "Eiken," a test already established among high schools; TOEFL, an exam used by people hoping to study overseas; and TOEIC, a test utilized by corporations and others.
During the April-December period in their final year of high school, examinees will be required to take private-sector tests of their choice up to two times. The results of their private-sector tests will be assessed in accordance with an international conversion table.
The purpose of introducing the private-sector tests is to assess four English-language skills -- speaking and writing in addition to reading and listening. It is certainly important to cultivate their practical English abilities.
What is worrying is an increase in the burden on examinees. While the English exam in the standardized test and the private-sector tests will exist together through fiscal 2023, the Japan Association of National Universities intends to require examinees to take both exams.
Each university will be left to decide how to treat the private-sector tests. They will make their choice concerning whether to regard test results exceeding a certain level as establishing eligibility to apply for second-stage exams, or to use test results in deciding whether to pass or fail examinees by adding their scores to standardized test results.
There are strong calls among high school teachers for minimizing the relative importance of the private-sector tests, such as the weight given to their scores. This reflects concerns that high school lessons could be made to place a disproportionate emphasis on preparations for the private-sector tests.
Reduce financial burden
This month, the University of Tokyo said it does not intend to use the private-sector tests in choosing successful applicants. This has drawn criticism that the policy would create confusion. However, it is reasonable for the university to regard the adoption of these tests as hasty to a certain extent.
The national university association is set to soon devise pertinent guidelines. If each university specifically shows how it will utilize the private-sector tests at an early date, it will reduce the anxiety felt by high schools and examinees.
Some problems have been pointed out regarding private-sector tests, such as an increase in examination fees and a gap in the test-taking opportunities between provincial and urban areas.
Regarding Eiken, a new exam will be created to require all examinees to take speaking tests, separately from Eiken's conventional formula. This calls for increasing the number of interviewers and taking other steps, and examination fees will likely be raised by about 2,000 yen from the current fee for Eiken. Another problem is how to continue to secure 400 sites used in the present Eiken test thereafter.
The private-sector tests include GTEC, a test conducted by Benesse Corp. The version of GTEC to be used in entrance exams will charge greater fees than its current version. This reflects a reconsideration of the current arrangements for high school teachers to serve as examiners, thereby requiring external personnel. The number of sites used for the test will also be reduced from about 1,800 currently to about 700.
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is considering assistance to students from households facing financial difficulties. Efforts should also be made to curb the burden on ordinary examinees as much as possible.
The ministry intends to shift to a system under which the private-sector English tests are solely used beginning in fiscal 2024. However, there are too many problems ahead. It is advisable for the university entrance exam center to develop a practical English proficiency test on its own.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 27, 2018)
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