Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 12. Number4 December 2021 Pp.178-193
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.13
Effects of an In-house Entry Test on the Post-Foundation Students at an Omani
College of Technology
Sarath W. Samaranayake
Department of International Language Teaching
Silpakorn University , Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Corresponding Author: Samaranayake_s@su.ac.th
Patteera Thienpermpool
Department of International Language Teaching
Silpakorn University , Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Received: 10/29/ 2021 Accepted: 11/11/2021 Published: 12/15/2021
Abstract:
This paper reports the findings of a study that investigated why a large number of test-takers show a low performance in four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) offered in an entry test used by a College of Technology in Oman to place students in advanced diploma and bachelor’s degree programs. The main research question was meant to find out what difficulties the test takers face in the three tests (Listening, reading, and writing) in two semesters. The study analyzed the entry test results for two semesters including survey results obtained from the test takers regarding the difficulties experienced by them in the three tests and an analysis of writing answer scripts. The findings indicate that most test takers were not qualified enough to pursue their studies in the advanced diploma or bachelor’s degree programs due to their low performance in the entry test. The findings, moreover, suggest that the current placement test poses difficulties for most test-takers. Therefore, based on the findings, the possible reasons for the low performance of the test takers and the fairness of the entry test are explicitly discussed and finally, suggestions and recommendations for addressing the issue of the current entry test are offered.
Keywords: Foundation programs, Low performance, Omani learners, Placement test, Proficiency level
Cite as: Samaranayake, S. W. (2021). Effects of an in-house entry test on the Post-Foundation Students at an Omani college of technology. Arab World English Journal, 12 (4)
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol12no4.13
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