Abstract:

The IELTS and TOEFL iBT have attempted to incorporate communicative approaches and technological developments, resulting in very different testing methods for oral skills in the forms of face-to-face and computer-mediated speaking tests. Scrutiny on such issues as validity and reliability has inevitably focussed on the opinions of academics and university stakeholders, largely ignoring the reactions of the candidates to these instruments. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare test-takers’ attitudes towards the validity of the IELTS and TOEFL iBT speaking sections in the context of the implimentation of technology in these exams.

Two focus groups were held and four key questions were developed to draw out the attitudes towards the tests in general and the speaking sections specifically. Despite anxiety being expressed towards the use of computers in the TOEFL iBT, it was viewed as academically valid. The IELTS speaking was not viewed as valid for its academic function, but was for general English. Stronger feelings of validity towards face-to-face exams were expressed, yet overall the notions of personal preference and choice in testing method indicated that test developers need to do more in the future to promote and raise awareness of the options that are available now due to technology. More choices for the candidates in topics, format and interaction style will boost perceptions of validity and so may be pertinent areas of focus for future technology based test development.

Keywords:

Technology, Testing, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Validity, Attitudes, Test-takers.