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Jun Wang

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

 

Clare Wright

University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

 

Na An

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

 

Sicheng Wang

Macau University of Science and Technology, China

 

Abstract

The ACTFL oral proficiency interview (OPI) test is widely adopted for second language (L2) assessment, with claimed benefits of eliciting fluent, realistic dialogic speech, and fostering a motivating learning experience. However, researchers have not reached a consensus on operationalizing its usefulness (Bachman & Palmer, 1996), particularly in ways that would enable direct comparison between test-taker performance and perceptions of the ACTFL OPI and in noninterview type L2 oral tests (e.g. IELTS for English or HSKK for Chinese), leaving a gap which needs addressing. Among non-OPI assessments, English tests such as IELTS have been widely evaluated, but HSKK remains under-investigated, despite the rapidly growing number of L2 Chinese learners, suggesting that closer investigation is needed of how different formats may impact on L2 Chinese test-takers’ oral proficiency and their attitudes towards the tests. The current study aims to fill these gaps in a novel mixed-methods case-study, investigating comparability between the ACTFL OPI and HSKK, in relation to range of outcomes in test-takers’ performance, to proficient and authentic use of linguistic knowledge, and perceptions of test experience. Participants were forty Chinese second language learners of various first language backgrounds and proficiency levels, previously unfamiliar with either type of test. Each participant was tested using standard ACTFL OPI and adapted HSKK procedures by professional testers over a 2-day testing period. Speech data were analysed to assess a) dispersion across ratings, b) proficiency in performance, using both objective indicators of complexity, accuracy and fluency, and evidence of “real-life” authentic speech. In addition, a survey and a group interview were conducted to gather data on participants’ experiences and perceptions of taking the tests. Results confirmed that the ACTFL OPI ratings were not as widely dispersed across test-takers as non-OPI scores; the ACTFL OPI speech samples elicited more variety of linguistic proficiency, and more real-life authentic speech style; the ACTFL OPI was also deemed more positive with potential washback effects toward more motivated learning experiences. This study reveals both limitations and advantages in using ACTFL OPI compared to non-OPI tests, particularly for L2 Chinese; overall the findings echo current pedagogic moves towards encouraging more authentic communicative speech abilities, both for assessment and real-life use.

 

Keywords

ACTFL OPI, oral test effectiveness, Chinese, HSKK

 

OPI 有用吗？对比 L2 汉语学习者在 ACTFL OPI 和 HSKK 口语能力测试中的表现和感知

王骏

上海交通大学，中国

 

克莱尔·赖特

利兹大学，英国

 

安娜

上海交通大学，中国

 

王思程

澳门科技大学，中国

 

摘要

ACTFL 口语能力面试（ OPI）测试被广泛用于第二语言评估，声称其优点在于能够引导出流利、真实的对话性语言，并促进激励性的学习体验。然而，研究人员尚未就其实用性以及是否具备可操作性达成共识（ Bachman & Palmer, 1996），特别是在能够直接比较考生在 ACTFL OPI 和非面试类型 L2 口语测试（例如英语的 IELTS 或汉语的 HSKK）中的表现和感知方面，留下了需要填补的空白。在非 OPI 评估中，英语测试如 IELTS 已被广泛评估，但 HSKK 仍未得到充分研究，尽管 L2 汉语学习者数量迅速增长，这表明需要更深入地调查不同形式如何影响 L2 汉语考生的口语能力及其对测试的态度。本研究旨在通过一种新颖的混合方法案例研究，填补这些空白，调查 ACTFL OPI 和 HSKK 在考生表现、语言知识的熟练和真实使用以及测试体验感知方面的可比性。参与者为四十名来自不同母语背景和熟练程度的汉语二语学习者，之前对这两种测试均不熟悉。每位参与者在为期两天的测试期间，由专业测试人员使用标准的 ACTFL OPI 和改编的HSKK 程序进行测试。分析语音数据以评估 a) 评分的离散度， b) 表现的熟练度，使用复杂性、准确性和流利性的客观指标，以及“真实生活”中真实语言的证据。此外，还进行了问卷调查和小组访谈，以收集参与者对测试体验的感受和看法。结果证实， ACTFL OPI 评分在考生中的离散度不如非 OPI 评分高 ； ACTFL OPI 语音样本引导出了更多样的语言熟练度和更真实的语言风格 ； ACTFL OPI 也被认为更积极，具有潜在的反拨效应，促进更有动力的学习体验。本研究揭示了使用 ACTFL OPI 相对于非 OPI 测试的局限性和优势，特别是对于 L2 汉语 ；总体结果呼应了当前教育学动向，鼓励更多真实的交际语言能力，无论是用于评估还是在实际生活中。

 

关键词

ACTFL OPI，口语测试有效性，汉语， HSKK