Developing a Comprehensive Preparation Module for the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

Abstract

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is a standardized assessment tool used to measure
an individual's ability to speak a language. It evaluates oral communication skills in a natural and interactive format. For the air force personnel who wants to achieve some specific scholarship to
the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC), needs to pass the OPI test at least level 2. However, the test takers are not familiar with the test format and there is less material for the personnel to prepare themselves for this due to the OPI is limited context. The primary objective of developing the exam-oriented Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) module was to provide a comprehensive resource for test takers seeking to achieve the required scores for their academic or professional needs. The development process involved an in-depth analysis of the test's components to ensure that learners become familiar with and confident in
the test format by the module's completion. The design of the module was informed by
the test’s patterns and structures, incorporating scenarios and contexts that closely mirror
real-world testing situations. Additionally, vocabulary and speaking strategies were included to help learners meet the test's specific requirements. However, the limited use of the OPI test in Thailand posed challenges, including a lack of reference materials and field specialists. Despite these constraints, input from experienced consultants was instrumental in enhancing the module's effectiveness.