Examination and Evaluation of the English Portion of the Center Shiken

概要

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English education is widespread in Japan, as it has become a required subject all the way from the primary elementary school system to the university level. For many students the end focus of all this studying is the English portion of the Center Shiken (Center Exam). A great deal has been written about both the accuracy of the Center Shiken's measurement of English skills. A great deal has also been written about the purported power of the test to shape the English curriculum (washback effect), particularly at the high school level. Some of the writing is very critical, especially when the Center Shiken's shaping of students' lives is observed. Some of the writing supports the Center Shiken's role. These varied 1opinions are reviewed. Last, the rapidly changing demographic landscape of Japan's young student population may render all arguments moot, since in a future with far fewer high school students, keeping students out of many universities with the help of the Center Shiken may prove self-defeating. The new goal for many universities in a rapidly approaching future will be how to find ways to accept students with a much wider range of abilities while continuing to maintain academic standards, not keep them out.
2011-03-20