This presentation reports the results of a study that investigated the effect of pre-task planning time in a computerized Japanese speaking test. Pre-task planning time refers to the time given to test takers between a task cue and task performance. Previous studies, conducted in a classroom situation have consistently showed positive effects of planning time on speaking performance (Ellis 1987, Crookes 1989, among others) while studies conducted in a testing situation report contradicting results (Iwashita et al., 2001; Wigglesworth, 2001). There is no study treated Japanese as a target language so far in both areas.
To gain practical information for the development of Japanese semi-direct speaking test, experimental procedures from previous studies have been modified as follows. (1) Japanese language is treated as the target language; (2) the computer is used as a testing instrument; (3) More realistic length is used for planning time; (4) a rubric of evaluation with concrete grading criteria are used to investigate the difference between planned and unplanned conditions; (5) Several types of speech tasks are included in the test.
Analyses of the test scores of the first-year level test takers supported to the findings of the study on testing situation, conducted by Iwashita et al. (2001). They contradicted the results of classroom studies. The results of the statistical analyses show no significant effect of pre-task planning time on the scores of a computerized Japanese speaking test. It appears that the only factor which makes a statistically significant difference in test scores is the test takers' language course level. These results indicate that there is no need for planning time in the semi-direct speaking test for beginning level learners because the test scores accurately reflect the test takers' speaking proficiency without planning time.