The Use of an Elicited Imitation Test to Measure Global Oral Proficiency of L2 Chinese at the Postsecondary Classroom Level

With a growing number of foreign language studies on proficiency outcomes,it is imperative to address the challenge of measuring students’proficiency development in a language program where standardized proficiency testing is not readily available.This article reports administering a Chinese elicited imitation test(EIT)by an instructor to track students’global oral proficiency development in a small language program in a mid-size U.S.public university.The test results from the EIT of second language(L2)Chinese suggest that this tool can provide the instructor with valuable insights into students’oral proficiency.This study also discusses the potential practical value of using this EIT in a language program with limited resources for standardized proficiency assessment.The hope is that this study will encourage language educators who are not already doing so to start using empirical evidence from a valid and reliable proficiency measurement tool to reflect on,improve,and guide their instructional practices.

FACTORS AFFECTING CHINESE POST-GRADUATE EFL LEARNERS' ORAL PROFICIENCY

The article investigates factors affecting Chinese postgraduate EFL learners’ oral proficiency. Little practice, fear of errors and unscientific classroom management are found to be the major factors. Also an overemphasis on written English instruction seems to be another root cause. After the discussion of the results of this investigation a series of methods are suggested for reference.

Investigation and Analysis of the Oral Expression Competency Among Students in Second-tier Universities:Based on China's Standards of English Language Ability

By adopting quantitative analysis,based on the statements for oral scale of CSE(China Standards of English)level five,this paper investigated the current status,common difficulties and control factors on oral English competency of nonEnglish majors in second-tier universities,which was conducted using questionnaires that includes six dimensions of language expression:accuracy,complexity,coherence,fluency,appropriateness,and flexibility.The results showed that:(i)the overall oral English competency of college non-English majors hasn't met the statements of CSE level five;(ii)female students significantly outperformed male students,and business majors students significantly outperformed those in liberal arts majors who were significantly better than those in science majors;(iii)there was no significant difference between grades;(iv)the flexibility,coherence and accuracy of language expression almost reached the standard grade,but the common core difficulties faced by the students were mainly in pronunciation,scope oflanguage expression,fluency and appropriateness.Unclear goals,less practice and poor vocabulary were major impact factors.The research is helpful for strengthening students?knowledge on their own oral English competency as well as adjusting their oral practice objectives,thereby shedding light on students5 actual oral English proficiency and helping to clarify and refine the teaching objectives of speaking and promote the effective practice of oral English as well as the rational application of CSE.