Relationship between Test Scores and Learners' Opinions on Teachers' Use of the Mother Tongue in Japanese Conversation Classes : Focusing on Taiwanese University Students

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the relationship between test scores and learners' opinions on teachers' use of the mother tongue in Japanese conversation classes. The research was carried out in conversation classes in three grade levels at five universities in Taiwan. 133 students in classes taught by Taiwanese teachers and 157 students in classes taught by Japanese teachers participated in the survey. Questions in the survey focused on the following three points: "Necessity of the use of the mother tongue," "Advantage of the use of the mother tongue," and "Disadvantage of the use of the mother tongue." Test scores were collected using SPOT (Simple Performance-Oriented Test). Assuming that learners' opinions on teachers' use of the mother tongue affected the test scores, the following model "「Necessity of the use of the mother tongue」→ 「Advantage of the use of the mother tongue」 「Disadvantage of the use of the mother tongue」→「Test scores」" was analyzed by using Path Analysis, taking grade levels and teachers' mother tongues as variables. The result showed that learners' opinions on the necessity of the use of the mother tongue had a direct negative impact on test scores, and that learners' opinions on advantages / disadvantages of the use of the mother tongue partly had an indirect negative effect on test scores.