Attaining Objectivity in the Evaluation of EFL Learners’ Oral Production (Case Study of 2nd Year Students – University of Dr. Moulay Tahar – Saida – Algeria)

Abstract

Evaluating EFL students’ oral production is one among the most challenging teaching practices. On the one hand, there is a controversy over what criteria are to be considered the most in the evaluation process. On the other hand, the perceptions students have of their teachers’ feedback tend to influence their learning behaviour. The aim of the present paper is to shed light on what relevant methods can help attain objectivity when evaluating EFL learners’ speaking. It also tries to know about the sample’s (2nd year students of English – university of Saida) stances about and reactions to testing and evaluating their speaking abilities. Two questionnaires were used and addressed to both students and teachers. The results confirm that the nature and the conditions of the evaluation process make it very hard to attain objectivity. In addition, students’ affective aspects in relation to evaluation have a relatively negative impact on their learning orientations of the speaking skills.