The Case of Taiwan: Perceptions of College Students About the Use of the TOEIC^® Tests as a Condition of Graduation

Abstract

Since its 1947 founding, ETS has conducted and disseminated scientific research to support its products and services, and to advance the measurement and education fields. In keeping with these goals, ETS is committed to making its research freely available to the professional community and to the general public. Published accounts of ETS research, including papers in the ETS Research Report series, undergo a formal peer-review process by ETS staff to ensure that they meet established scientific and professional standards. All such ETS-conducted peer reviews are in addition to any reviews that outside organizations may provide as part of their own publication processes. Peer review notwithstanding, the positions expressed in the ETS Research Report series and other published accounts of ETS research are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Officers and Trustees of Educational Testing Service.The Daniel Eignor Editorship is named in honor of Dr. Daniel R. Eignor, who from 2001 until 2011 served the Research and Development division as Editor for the ETS Research Report series. The Eignor Editorship has been created to recognize the pivotal leadership role that Dr. Eignor played in the research publication process at ETS. ETS Research Report Series ISSN 2330-8516 R E S E A R C H R E P O R T The Case of Taiwan: Perceptions of College Students About the Use of the TOEIC ® Tests as a Condition of Graduation Ching-Ni HsiehEducational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ This study uses online surveys and phone interviews with Taiwanese college students to investigate their perceptions of using the TOEIC ® test scores to meet an English-language graduation requirement. Results indicate that students have positive views about the use of the TOEIC test scores for graduation and believe that preparing to take the test has a positive impact on their language proficiency and future employment prospects. The TOEIC test scores are also perceived favorably by the participants as having high levels of reliability and validity. The study provides empirical evidence to support the use of the TOEIC test as a high-stakes test for college exit requirement in Taiwan and has implications for similar test use in other countries

Examining English Test Practicality among Different Stakeholders in Thailand

“…It was evident from their viewpoints; TOEIC is important for Thai university students' future. This finding corresponded to that of Scrymgeour (2011) and Hsieh (2017). Students also agreed that all Thai test takers had equal opportunity to take the test and get a high score.…”

The Validity of TOEFL as Entry and Exit College Requirements: Students’ perception

“…Dooey also asserted that language test results have become one of the important aspects in creating opportunities for test takers [30]. Moreover, Hseih claimed that possessing an acceptable level of English proficiency is an advantage for new university graduates when seeking employment [20].…”

“…Most of them prefer to enter the professional life either by becoming employees or opening their own businesses. As Hseih mentioned, an English certificate is not only beneficial for job hunting but also leads to better opportunities for promotion or higher salaries [20]. Nevertheless, not all businesses require proficiency in English language in the workplace.…”

“…Instead, students are required to take more Englishrelated classes to enhance their proficiency [19]. On the contrary, Hsieh opined that the use of an exit test such as TOEFL as a condition of graduation has important consequences for students [20]. Moreover, exit tests can also represent one of the mechanisms to ensure accountability in education [21].…”

Court Ruling on the English Benchmark Requirement for Graduation in Taiwan

“…In an attempt to improve students' English aptitude and their global market competitiveness, many Asian countries require their university students to reach a certain level or score on English proficiency exams in order to graduate (Pan, 2014). With the encouragement of the Ministry of Education (MOE), most universities in Taiwan require their students to pass certain language proficiency tests in order to graduate (Hsieh, 2017). By passing a standardized English test before graduation, the Ministry of Education and universities hope students can prove their English competence, thus increasing students' competitive edge for future employment and advanced studies.…”