Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine how preparatory school EFL teachers perceive integrative
language skills testing approach and how they practice it. Thus, the study addressed three questions
related to (a) preparatory school EFL teachers’ perceptions about integrative language skills testing
approach; (b) the practical aspect of integrated language skills testing and(c) the challenges for
effective implementation of integrative language skills testing approach. To achieve the objective of
the study, descriptive survey method was employed. Seventeen (n=17) teachers from three
preparatory schools clustered in one in Ankesha Guagusa Wereda, Awi Administrative Zone were
selected in comprehensive sampling method and completed a questionnaire designed to examine
preparatory school EFL teachers’ perception and practices of integrative language skills testing
approach. From these total participants, five teachers were also selected in simple random sampling
technique and participated in a semi structured interview to further discuss their perceptions and
practices of integrative language skills testing approach and the challenges in its implementation. In
addition, document analysis of the sample schools’ language assessment and testing records, analysis
of quiz items, mid exam and final exam test item papers was conducted. The data obtained were
tallied, coded, analyzed and interpreted qualitatively and quantitatively using descriptive statistics
such as percentage, frequency tables, mean values and narrative descriptions. Findings indicated that
preparatory school EFL teachers have high positive perception about integrative language skills
testing approach and they use different integrative language test items to test their students’ language
skills. The study also disclosed that there are a number of constraints that hinder the effective
implementation of integrated language skills testing approach. It is recommended for schools that they
should manage the number of students in a class according to the standard of MOE. It is also
recommended for teachers to identify students’ needs and problems and create interest and motivation
for students to perform well in integrated language skills testing. Study findings provided practical
implications for employing integrative language skills testing approach in Ethiopian preparatory
schools.