Oral language proficiency in matriculation examination tests
Updated
The Matriculation Examination Board has begun preparing an oral part for tests in foreign languages and the second national language, in line with the development and implementation plan for the matriculation examination.
The aim of the preparation is to introduce the oral part gradually in tests for the advanced and intermediate syllabi. The timetable will be specified as the preparation progresses. A consultation round will be organised on the timetable and other outcomes of the preparation before decisions are made.
How would the language tests change?
The tests will continue to be based on the national core curriculum for general upper secondary education, as at present. In addition to written tasks, the tests will include tasks assessing oral language proficiency. The duration of the test and the maximum score will remain unchanged. The proportion of the total score allocated to the oral part will be small. The starting point is that the workload required for the preliminary assessment will remain comparable to the current level.
What would be assessed in the tests?
The oral part of the test gives the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to express themselves orally in a foreign language or the second national language. In line with the national core curriculum, the main emphasis is on conveying the message successfully. Oral language proficiency is a key objective in the national core curriculum for general upper secondary education, but it has not been possible to assess oral skills in written matriculation examination tests. If implemented, the oral part would provide candidates with an important opportunity to demonstrate their competence.
How could the oral part be implemented in practice?
According to the preliminary plan, the oral part will be organised separately from the written test, but on the same examination day and in the same exam room as the other parts of the test. The performance will be completed individually in the matriculation examination test system. The candidate can listen to their own response and re-record it if they wish. The practical implementation of the oral part will be specified as the planning progresses.
How will the preparation proceed?
Dialogue with different stakeholders is central to advancing the planning. The Board organises stakeholder meetings and gathers ideas and feedback through subject teacher associations. The monitoring group for the development of the matriculation examination also provides feedback to support the preparation. When the preparation of the oral part has progressed further, the Board will request statements, for example on the practical arrangements of the tests and the timetable for implementation.
Before the introduction of oral parts in the matriculation examination tests, teachers and candidates will have the opportunity to practise oral tasks in the Abitti 2 test system. The Board will prepare sample tasks and benchmark performances to support teaching and preparation for the tests. The Board will provide further information on these at a later stage.