Content and method
Teacher’s books for the TOEIC test such as the Oxford Preparation Course (2003) predominantly feature notes on test content with scant reference to the way lessons are organized. In the context of TOEIC
listening preparation, Ogawa and Kondo (2006, p.5) limit suggestions for
effective methodology to the encouragement of students to help each other,
exchange ideas and brainstorm together. It is up to teachers to decide what
content to focus on and how much time to allocate for this. When planning
ESP courses, content is arranged according to the amount of time for each
lesson and the total course. The TOEIC test format is approximately half
listening and half reading, so lesson and course content will vary greatly
compared to the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
test which covers all macro skills.
A perception of ESP courses is one of students learning individually,
effectively assuming and depending on all lesson input from the teacher.
The students listen for the entire lesson. By themselves, they follow the
teacher’s reference to each question, problem solving skill, correct and
incorrect answer and any other advice. A class most often comprises
learners who receive a controlled flow of teacher input to process in order
to develop test taking skills on an individual basis. It cannot be assumed
however, that students do or can process teacher input, particularly if all
(2)
TOEIC Test Planning and Practice(Small)
― 969 ―
directions and explanations are provided in English. Furthermore, students
might not actively review their notes regularly, effectively limiting their
acquisition of test taking skills which are at least required for end of
semester ESP examinations. A negative effect of the perceived importance
of content rather than skills is that students believe that they can success-
fully cram for examinations by memorizing copious notes and isolated
vocabulary items without considering the skills practiced in lessons.
Emphasis on remembering content as opposed to familiarity with test
format, timing, question types and the way to approach these needs to be
addressed by course planners and learners if comprehensive aims of an ESP
course are to be achieved. A similar belief is expressed by Davies (2005, p.9)
who states that the dependence on test preparation content ‘removes both
the teacher and students from their creative roles in the classroom and
reinforces the erroneous belief that language learning simply in order to
pass a test is a worthwhile goal.’
Lesson format
In practice, an ESP course of any type can be enhanced to be arguably
more effective in its goals through focused group work. It is this aspect of
methodology which is suggested to promote more active student input
through quality timed peer interaction. Another strength is the dynamic
role of the teacher during a lesson, including facilitator of activities,
timekeeper and active monitor of group discussion.
A suggested lesson format features two phases. In the initial phase,
students arrange themselves into groups of three or four. Pairs offer less
chance for brainstorming and discussing ideas and groups of more than