Investigating Learners’ Performance in TOEFL Prior to their Participation in the TOEFL Enhancement Training Program

Ardi Marwan, Anggita and Indah Anjar Reski

Abstract


This study discussed TOEFL need analysis of students and also identified the TOEFL sub-skills which require improvement and their preferred teaching strategies. Twenty-four students from an Indonesian Polytechnic were involved as participants. To examine students’ TOEFL scores, a paper-based TOEFL test (practice version) excluding writing was used. The test scores were analyzed to identify students’ English proficiency level at the beginning of the project. Then, the results were further analyzed to examine the problematic sub-skills. Next, focus groups were incorporated to examine students’ learning preferences. Test results showed that 20 students achieved scores of less than 400 (i.e. only 4 with scores of above 400 but less than 500).  These scores implied that all students in this study required further training to improve their TOEFL scores. Findings from test items analysis revealed that students were only good at few sub-skills and still had problems with many others. Results of focus groups suggested that students preferred to be taught using learner-centered teaching approaches. This study, therefore, recommends the development of module and training plans according to the outcomes of this analysis study.

Keywords


Needs analysis, TOEFL, test, performance

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References


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