EPS-TOPIK 기능과 효과에 대한 비판적 고찰

Abstract

This paper examines whether EPS-TOPIK’s original evaluation function is being properly performed. First, the status and characteristics of EPS-TOPIK under the Employment Permit System are discussed. EPS-TOPIK is a kind of test for foreign employment, a special character that emphasizes Korean proficiency required in industrial settings, job performance, and ability to adapt to work life. Accordingly, there are differences from general Korean proficiency tests in the evaluation method, acceptance criteria, question presentation method, and questionaires’ method. Based on this specificity, this paper discusses whether EPS-TOPIK can have an educational washback effect on learners in terms of its evaluation function. At this time, in the case of the EPS-TOPIK, although the method of presenting each test has changed over time, it is argued that there is a problem with the change in terms of labor demand rather than the original function of EPS-TOPIK evaluation, such as the improvement of Korean language skills or job skills. In addition, although the evaluation items of EPS-TOPIK should be organically linked with textbooks, their validity is insufficient. Third, it is necessary to change the job-related questions into selective ones so that learners can learn by focusing more on the job they are going to go to. Fourth, regardless of the current area, the acceptance criteria must be the same and the difficulty must be adjusted claim. Fifth, it is argued that questions should be created in consideration of the practicality of foreign learners’ jobs, and sixth, that the validity of questions and textbooks that affect them should also be considered.