Abstract
Assessment is an important part of teaching and learning. This study is a part of a research on washback of group oral tests for Japanese language in a classroom environment. The students' preparation before the test and their perceptions of the test were categorized and discussed in terms of their relation to learning. The test was held at the end of term examination in intermediate Japanese conversation classes at a University in Korea. Twenty-five students from two classes underwent the test. After the test, data were collected by questionnaire and group interview. The data were analyzed qualitatively by two researchers. The results showed that 1) although about one-third of the students did not prepare for the test, remaining students underwent preparations intended for improvement in conversation skills, 2) students had analyzed the test format, the theme, their present level in Japanese etc. by themselves. It was, thereby, shown that students were active participants in the assessment process. However, there were students who didn't prepare for the test and those who didn't realize there was any relation between the test and their learning of Japanese language, therefore, further consideration is needed to promote positive washback.
