Assessment and teachers in transition : assessment innovation in Japan in the context of English language education
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2009
Open Access
Copyright Clearance Process
- Recently Added
- In Progress
- Open Access
This item is open access.
In recent years, assessment policies and practices in language teaching programs worldwide
have been changing in a number of ways at both system and classroom levels. To improve
efficiency and effectiveness, some countries have introduced standardised tests and others
have introduced outcome-based approaches which use teacher-conducted assessments as a
basis for reporting learners’ progress and achievement against system-wide or national
standards. It is particularly worth noting that assessment is currently moving away from the use
of standardised multiple-choice tests to more complex performance-based assessments. This
paradigm shift has led to changes in assessment approaches from a norm-referenced grading
to a criterion-referenced grading. Japan is one of a number of countries that has introduced a
criterion-referenced approach to assessment.
This research case study investigates a criterion-referenced assessment system implemented
in 2004 for English at lower secondary schools in Japan. The study examines the perceptions
held by English teachers about the new assessment system, the way the assessment has
impacted on their practices and the basis of their decisions about assessing students’
achievement. Data sources include policy documents, teacher questionnaires, interviews with
teachers and non-teaching educators, and teaching and assessment materials. These data are
examined using a qualitative and interpretive approach. The study focuses on the assessment
implementation process itself and on the subsequent changes that need to be further adapted
by the teachers as they enact the new policies. It defines the kind of support teachers need in
order to practice consistent and valid assessment.
The conclusions from the study support the findings of other similar studies and suggest that
changing one component on its own can not bring about a change. The findings suggest that it
is important that a proposed innovation ensures the harmonious relationship amongst key
components such as curriculum/syllabus, teaching materials, and examinations, and is
grounded in local experience and educational realities in order to prevent conflict situations
arising. They suggest that it is necessary to take time to develop a good understanding of key
concepts embedded in the innovation, to examine teacher factors such as their beliefs and
teaching practice, and to provide teachers with ongoing professional development, in the
process of implementing the innovation. The study concludes with recommendations for a
successful implementation of a new assessment system, and with a reflection on the bilingual
research process.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: