TOEFL®やTOEIC®をはじめ、約200のテストプログラムを開発する世界最大の非営利テスト開発機関Educational Testing Service (ETS)。そのETSでTOEFL®プログラムに携わっているお二方にTOEFL®の特長や今後の展望についてお話しいただきました。
<Srikant Gopal氏> TOEFL®プログラム担当の専務取締役として製品戦略や国際戦略の策定や推進に従事。ETS内の関連部署やGC&Tのような外部パートナーとの連携を担う。
As Executive Director, I lead the TOEFL® business worldwide and I am responsible for the product/business strategy, its performance and growth. In this role, I work very closely with our cross-functional partners within ETS representing different functions as well as with valued external partners like Global Communication & Testing (GC&T).
<Alain Daumas氏>
グローバル教育担当部長として、TOEFL®プログラムをアジア太平洋地域で普及している現地パートナーの活動を調整する役割を担う。
At ETS, we do what we do best, develop fair, valid, reliable assessments, and we partner for the rest. As such, ETS relies on local partners to develop an in-country presence. My role is to coordinate partner-related activities in the Asia/Pacific region for all TOEFL® Institutional programs with organizations like GC&T.
あらゆる年齢の英語学習者に対応
Alain)
We believe that language should never be a barrier to learning and confidence. TOEFL Primary® and TOEFL Junior® tests were created to help get Young Learners started on their English Journey. First, we introduced the TOEFL Junior® test in 2010. This test brought English language assessment tools to new and younger learners. In 2013 we launched the TOEFL Primary® test, expanding access to the quality and standards of the TOEFL® brand to primary school-aged learners.
So, all TOEFL® tests are based on authentic academic content and measure test takers’ ability to use language in an academic context at different stages of their academic life.
Srikant)
All the assessments in the TOEFL® Family use the same high standards of quality, reliability, validity and fairness.
As an example, the TOEFL iBT® test, unlike other English language tests, measures academic English skills the way they are actually used in a college or university classroom.
Alain)
When you learn English, it is sometimes difficult for young learners to understand where they are on the learning path, what they need to focus on, and how they compare to others. It’s always important to understand one’s strengths, so one can more clearly see which areas need improvement. I believe that it is reinsuring and motivating for students to get a clear sense of where they are and what they need to do next.
Alain) TOEFL® tests provide accurate and individualized score reports and score descriptors so it helps students make their knowledge of English more tangible. We encourage students and their families to carefully read their score reports and score descriptors.
Alain)
I know from my personal experiences, (I was born and raised in France), that learning a foreign language is a long and sometime difficult journey. And, the sooner you start this journey, the greater the chance to learn, gain confidence, practice and succeed. I would like to encourage Japanese students to be curious, and to take TOEFL Primary® test, and then TOEFL Junior® test with confidence. If you measure your English abilities, and understand where you stand, you can determine how best to improve.
Srikant)
We will continue to improve all aspects of not only the assessments but also the ecosystem that surrounds the assessments including learning and teaching support products. We will continue to invest in improving core products, strengthening how the products are delivered and administered, and continually serve our customer base to meet their needs better.