English Language Proficiency Tests and Academic Achievement: A Study on the Malaysian University English Test as a Predictor of Technical Programme Undergraduates Academic Achievement

Nurhazlini Rahmat ,Lau Sing Min ,Nur Atiqah Binti Md Sungif ,Farah Nabillah Mior Yusup

doi:10.7575/aiac.alls.v.6n.1p.114

Abstract

In the Malaysian education system, English has always played an important role. In acknowledging its importance, Malaysian University English Test (MUET) has been introduced to enable continued emphasis on this role. MUET has been made compulsory for those who wish to pursue a first degree programme in local universities. This study aims to examine the relationship between English language proficiency test (as measured by MUET bands) to predict the undergraduates academic achievement (as measured by Cumulative Grade Point Average score). It also aims to determine the recommended MUET band as an entry requirement for prospective technical programme undergraduates in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The study was carried out among 225 final year undergraduates of five different faculties in UPM, namely Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The data used were obtained by administering a brief questionnaire and were quantitatively analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 19. The study revealed that there is a medium positive correlation between English language proficiency and academic achievement where students who have scored higher bands for MUET are the ones who obtained higher CGPA in their study. Based on the findings, it is recommended that UPM and other local universities make changes towards the minimum MUET entry requirement to help prospective undergraduates excel in their academic study. Keywords: English language proficiency, academic achievement, technical programme, MUET, CGPA

Highlights

In this global era, English language plays an important role in the pursuit of knowledge
The students were asked to fill in a questionnaire that gathers their Malaysian University English Test (MUET) and CGPA results
With the purpose of MUET to assess students’ level of English language proficiency in order for them to pursue their tertiary education, more emphasis should be placed on the learning of the language

Summary

Introduction

English language plays an important role in the pursuit of knowledge. In Malaysia, English language is one of the languages spoken by its people; it is a second language for most Malaysians. English language has been implemented in the education system starting from the primary level. The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) has been introduced in the Malaysia educational system in 1999 (Malaysian Examinations Council, 2006). The purpose of MUET is to assess students’ level of English language proficiency before they pursue their tertiary education. MUET is a prominent examination that spells out one’s English proficiency. The MUET syllabus seeks to consolidate the English language ability of pre-university students to enable them to perform effectively in their academic pursuits at tertiary level, in line with the aspirations of the National Education Philosophy (Malaysian Examination Council, 1999, p.11). With the existence of MUET, it has become a prerequisite requirement for students who want to enter public colleges and universities

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