A Study Of The Influence Of CET-SET On Spoken English Teaching And Learning In QUST

With a view to keeping up with the new developments of higher education in China, and meeting the needs for qualified personnel in the new era, CET-SET (College English Test-Spoken English Test) has been conducted since 1999. This paper discusses the influence of CET-SET on spoken English teaching and learning through the comparison between CET-SET examiners and non-examiners, and the comparison between CET-SET takers and non-takers. It explores the attitudes towards spoken English teaching and learning from teachers and students' perspectives. The findings might help facilitate the implementation of CET-SET for better development of spoken English teaching and learning.A survey study of 138 non-English major students and 24 College English teachers in Qingdao University of Science and Technology was conducted by using questionnaire and interview. 31 students were CET-SET takers while 10 teachers examiners. In the process of data analysis, SPSS and Microsoft Excel were employed for the quantitative analysis. The major findings of the present study are briefly summarized as follows: compared with non-examiners and non-takers, CET-SET examiners and takers are strongly aware of CET-SET's influence on spoken English teaching and learning and they hold more positive attitudes towards the implementation of CET-SET; all the teachers who participated in the survey agreed that CET-SET has relatively strong influence on College English teachers' spoken English teaching contents and methods, and weak influence on students' spoken English learning methods; both the teachers and students have strong belief in the low compatibility between contents of CET-SET and materials of College English teaching, but they all agree that the reform of CET will enhance spoken English teaching and learning. This paper finally reveals some implications for College English teachers, College English students and administrative authorities.