Perceptions of Postgraduates Majoring in English Education on Speaking Assessment Module for Online Distance Learning (ODL)

Abstract

Assessment of speaking skills differs from other language skills. The methods of conducting speaking skills are included in the English Assessment Module developed by the researchers from the National University of Malaysia (UKM). The module is designed to cater postgraduates (adult learners) through Online Distance Learning (ODL) program. ODL has become essential in education setting for adult learners as they could manage their learning whilst juggling their career and personal commitments. The covid-19 pandemic has become the starting point for postgraduates to conduct the course remotely according to their preferences of learning. The revolution of education allows adult learners to pursue their Masters. The module includes various types of English language assessments in the context of speaking English as a Second Language (ESL). Hence, eight adult learners were interviewed to give their perceptions towards this newly designed module. This qualitative research method employed a set of semi-structured interview questions and open-ended questions via Google Meet. The findings showed that English Assessment Module; Speaking Assessment is well equipped with comprehensive information and guidelines on how the speaking assessments should be conducted in ESL context. Generally, the findings indicate that the English Assessment Module; Speaking Assessment is suitable for ODL postgraduates (adult learners). This paper also includes the participants’ suggestions to further improve the module. The findings could benefit the online distance course designers in designing better module for adult learners and enable the learners to learn effectively at their own convenience.