ERIC Number: EJ1039104
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0015-718X
The Impact of the Oral Proficiency Interview on One Foreign Language Teacher Education Program
Kissau, Scott
Foreign Language Annals, v47 n3 p527-545 Fall 2014
The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) has been increasingly used in academia. However, while multiple studies have documented the growth in OPI implementation across the United States and the proficiency rates of its completers, few have focused specifically on foreign language teacher candidates, and even fewer have investigated the impact that this proficiency assessment may have on language teacher training programs. To better understand the impact of the OPI on foreign language teacher education programs and help guide programmatic decision making, a case study was conducted of one such program that recently implemented the OPI as part of its licensure requirements. The results confirmed earlier research with respect to expected proficiency outcomes of foreign language teacher candidates. The results also suggested that the OPI requirement did not negatively affect program enrollment, nor did teacher trainees negatively perceive the OPI requirement. Finally, the study provided evidence of the positive impact the OPI may have on a foreign language teacher education program. Recommended practices for implementing the OPI in teacher training programs and ways to support foreign language teacher candidates who must complete the assessment are discussed.
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Language Proficiency, Teacher Education, Oral Language, Language Tests, Interviews, Case Studies, Teacher Education Programs, Language Teachers, Decision Making, Teacher Qualifications, Licensing Examinations (Professions)
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: Oral Proficiency Testing

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