Test Of English For International Communication Research Articles

The impact of international internships on Japanese undergraduates’ English achievement: perspectives on cultural capital theory

PurposeDrawing on the perspectives of cultural capital theory, this study investigated the impact of international internships on the performance of Japanese undergraduates on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) using a between-group pretest-posttest experimental design.Design/methodology/approachStudents participating in international internships were compared to their counterparts in a noninternational internship control group. Using TOEIC data collected in June 2019 and September 2019, we performed t-tests and estimated a difference-in-differences model with propensity score matching to measure the impacts of participation in international internships, students’ demographic information, family socioeconomic status, and independent learning characteristics.FindingsThe study showed that students’ participation in international internships and independent learning activities had significant effects on TOEIC performance. The findings of this study also indicate that in addition to the effects of international internship experience and independent learning on students’ English performance, learner learning behavior may be important for improving students’ performance.Research limitations/implicationsThis empirical research provides meaningful insights for parents, educators, and researchers not only in Japan but also in a broader context in which international internships and independent learning activities have a crucial impact on student performance. It also sheds light on our understanding of the role of activities conceptualized through the lens of cultural capital in educational stratification.Originality/valueThis study elucidates the association among cultural capital theory, international internships, and students’ linguistic achievement and makes an important contribution to the broader conceptual literature.

L2 learners’ aural and orthographic phrasal verb knowledge in relation to their listening comprehension

The present study investigated the relationships between aural and orthographic knowledge of L2 phrasal verbs (PVs) and between these and listening comprehension. A total of 188 Chinese university English as a foreign language (EFL) students participated in the study. The research instruments were aural and orthographic PV meaning recall tests and a version of the listening section of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). The results indicated that the L2 learners’ orthographic PV knowledge was significantly correlated to their aural PV knowledge. In addition, the former was significantly larger than the latter. Regarding their relationships with L2 listening comprehension, aural PV knowledge was more strongly correlated to listening comprehension than orthographic PV knowledge; and these correlations were both significant. Further, although aural PV knowledge better predicted listening comprehension than orthographic PV knowledge, the differences between their predictive capacities were not large. Based on the findings of the study, implications are suggested.

A Comparison and Evaluation of the TOEIC and DET Writing Test

This essay aims to compare and evaluate the writing test of two widely used English language proficiency tests: the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) and the Duolingo English Test (DET). Bachman and Palmer’s (2010) assessment use argument (AUA) is used as a framework in this essay to compare and evaluate these two tests from three aspects: test score and reliability, validity and score interpretations, and consequences. The results show that some features of the TOEIC and DET writing tests (e.g., the DET writing test’s well-designed algorithm and lack of discourse level texts, the TOEIC writing test’s all direct tasks and DIF analysis used) make the two tests have some strengths and weaknesses respectively in each aspect.

Investigating the Interplay Between Authentic Leadership Skills and Second Language Proficiency in a Higher Education Institution

This research investigates the interplay between authentic leadership skills and second language proficiency, specifically English, among academic leaders in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Bulacan, Philippines. In a globalized educational landscape, leadership in HEIs is crucial for institutional success. The study focuses on Authentic Leadership, emphasizing its developmental perspective and four key components: self-awareness, internalized moral perspective, balanced processing, and relational transparency. Concurrently, it explores the impact of English language proficiency on leadership within the context of higher education. Using a descriptive correlational research design, the study sampled supervisory staff at NU Baliwag, employing the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) for language proficiency and the Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire for leadership skills. Results indicate a moderate to high level of English proficiency, with a positive correlation between language proficiency and authentic leadership dimensions. The study contributes insights for NU Baliwag, suggesting that enhancing language skills may positively influence leadership development. However, caution is advised in generalizing findings, and the study highlights the need for future research to replicate the study in diverse contexts and consider additional variables for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics between language proficiency and leadership development in higher education.

The Effects of Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Approaches in TOEIC Reading Instruction

Teacher-centered instruction is prevalent in preparation courses for large-scale standardized language tests. Student-centered instruction, while known to be effective in enhancing communicative competence, has been considered ineffective and time-consuming to implement in preparation courses for large-scale standardized language tests. To investigate this assumption, a quasi-experimental study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of two teaching approaches— teacher-centered and Jigsaw—on students’ Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Reading Comprehension Part Seven scores. The results showed that both groups experienced significant improvements from the pre-test to the post-test in their overall performance; however, there was no statistically significant difference between them. Furthermore, students in the Jigsaw group showed statistically significant improvements in all three passage types (single, double, and triple), while students in the teacher-centered group showed insignificant improvement in one of the three passage types (single passages). These findings suggest that both teaching approaches can effectively improve students’ TOEIC Reading Comprehension scores. The study adds to the body of research on teaching approaches in EFL TOEIC Reading Comprehension university classrooms. The findings suggest that teacher-centered and student-centered approaches can effectively improve students’ TOEIC Reading Comprehension scores.

Assessing the Impact of English Language Skills and TOEIC Performance on Career Development

This study investigates the impact of English language skills, as assessed by TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) performance, on career development and the transition to professionalism and understanding how individuals with varying levels of English language proficiency face specific challenges and how these challenges impact their career trajectories. The study utilized and approached mixed methods, combining quantitative analysis of TOEIC scores and career development indicators and qualitative analysis of challenges individuals face. The sample comprised 75 participants from diverse professional backgrounds, representing a range of English language proficiency levels. The sample averaged 720 TOEIC points, indicating moderate English proficiency. Career progression markers included skill acquisition or credentials (1.3), greater responsibility (3.9), and broader job scope (3.7). Ethical behavior, effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, and devotion to continual learning were above 4 in the transition to professionalism, indicating a positive trend. As judged by TOEIC scores (r = 0.8, p < 0.05, 0.525, p 0.001), English language skills were strongly connected with work promotions, pay increases, and job satisfaction. These findings suggest that TOEIC performance affects professional advancement. The thematic study revealed language barriers, global resources, professional networks, and cross-cultural collaboration.

การรับรู้การใช้ผลคะแนน The Test of English for International Communication ก่อนเข้าศึกษาและก่อนลงทะเบียนรายวิชาสหกิจศึกษาของนักศึกษาสถาบันการบินพลเรือน

This research was carried out in order to investigate the perceptions of Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) students about the use of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) results before studying at CATC and before co-operative education enrollment. The objective of this research was to study the perception of using TOEIC results before studying and before cooperative education enrollment and the factors that affected the perception of learning English for the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) and study the development of their English language skills for TOEIC preparation in order to propose guidelines for the development of English learning to the TOEIC test by studying and collecting data from 378 participants of 1st and 3rd year undergraduate students of CATC, Bachelor of Technology in Aviation Program in Aviation Management and Bachelor of Engineering in the academic year 2019 by using questionnaires and a random interview of 68 students. The results showed that most respondents get 405-600 English TOEIC score or Elementary Proficiency Plus level. Students were aware that CATC has clearly publicized that TOEIC result would be used for consideration before enrolling and before joining cooperative education. They realized that TOEIC was the one of a reliable and useful English language proficiency assessment. Regarding self-test preparation, it was found that most of the students were good self-learners by being aware that it must be well prepared before the test. They set their own goals in the test and also prepared their own materials used in test preparation. In the analysis of one's own ability, students knew their weaknesses and were able to improve themselves. Students realized that they would receive a higher score after their good preparation. And we also found that the helps and advices from lecturers would make students felt more confident during the TOEIC preparation process.

Exploring aural vocabulary knowledge for TOEIC as a language exit requirement in higher education in Taiwan

Abstract The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is a high-stakes test for students in higher education in Taiwan to fulfill the English-language graduation requirement. However, little is known regarding the vocabulary threshold for the test or the effects of the lexical coverage and profiles of test items on the adequate comprehension of the test. This study used a validated Listening Vocabulary Levels Test (LVLT) and the TOEIC listening subtest to estimate learners’ aural vocabulary knowledge required for an exit TOEIC listening score. The findings showed: (1) aural lexical knowledge accounted for more than half of the variance in comprehension performance; (2) a minimum level of 3,000 word families for a lexical coverage of 98 % considerably affected the comprehension of spoken texts; and (3) lexical profiles varied in the individual parts of the listening subtest, with a range of 3,000–5,000 word families required for achieving a lexical coverage of 98 %. The crucial role of lexical knowledge/coverage in comprehension performance on the exit test was discussed.

The role of automatised and non-automatised explicit knowledge in general L2 proficiency

ABSTRACT This study examines the knowledge representation of Japanese university students assessed using grammaticality judgement tests (GJTs) and a metalinguistic knowledge test (MKT). The study also investigates the role of automatised and non-automatised explicit knowledge in general L2 language proficiency. Participants were 87 late learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) who completed the timed and untimed GJTs and MKT, modified Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT), and the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). The principal component factor analysis results indicated that ungrammatical sentences in the GJTs loaded on non-automatised explicit knowledge, whereas grammatical sentences loaded on automatised explicit knowledge. The score for ungrammatical sections on the timed GJT was the most significant predictor of all components of the TOEIC. The results also indicated that the time pressure applied in the timed GJT could not sufficiently limit participants’ access to explicit knowledge when they processed grammatical sentences. The findings suggest that non-automatised explicit knowledge may play a more significant role than automatised explicit knowledge in L2 proficiency in the case of Japanese EFL learners.

토익에 관한 TV 광고 텍스트 분석: 다중모드 기반의 담화연구방법으로

Advertisement allows for multimodal access to sounds, colors, picture animations, and diverse symbols. Little research has reported the interrelationship among multimodality, discursive practice, and media effects in English language education. This study aims to conduct a multimodal approach to discourse analysis on the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) in TV advertisements and to explore the unique significance of the research methodology. The multimodality in three TV Ads (A, B, C) was investigated by referring to Halliday's systemic functional grammar, social semiotics’ visual grammar, and typography’s distinctive features. Royce’s intersemiotic complementarity was also employed as an analytic framework for the collected multimodal data from three domains (representational, interpersonal, and textual/compositional) of meaning-making schemes. It was found that different modes (language, typography, visual image) acted complementarily and efficiently to deliver the message of TOEIC: problem-solving ‘skill’ in A, financial 'support and return’ in B, and ‘AI database’ in C. Further research is also discussed, especially with regard to ‘critical’ approaches to multimodal discourse studies.

Unpacking Vietnamese EFL Learners’ Deployment of Reading Test-Taking Strategies for the New TOEIC Test Format

Test-taking strategy (TTS) plays a vital role in accomplishing the tests, and many types of tests require test-takers to use TTSs differently. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), one of the standardized tests, features two main parts, viz. listening and reading, requesting test-takers to deploy their TTSs intensively to accomplish the test effectively. Reading TTSs are of importance for test-takers in responding to the reading content. Nevertheless, test-takers in different learning ecologies utilize reading TTSs dissimilarly. Therefore, this study was to examine reading TTSs for the new TOEIC new format utilized by EFL learners at a language center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This mixed-methods study employed two research instruments, namely questionnaire and semi-structured interview, for data collection. A cohort of 221 EFL learners was recruited to answer the questionnaires, and 25 of them were invited for semi-structured interviews. The SPSS software (version 26.0) was used to process the quantitative data gathered from the questionnaires, while the content analysis approach was utilized to analyse the qualitative data collected from the semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that research participants deployed the reading TTS for the new TOEIC test format at a high frequency. Additionally, participants were found to deploy the memory and compensatory strategies for TOEIC reading tests more frequently than cognitive, metacognitive, and affective ones. From the obtained findings, pedagogical implications are suggested to leverage the quality of reading teaching and learning in general and TOEIC training in specific.

TOEIC-READINESS AND TOEIC MOCK TESTS: MEASURING CIVIL AVIATION POLYTECHNIC OF SURABAYA CADETS’ PREPAREDNESS FOR TOEIC TEST

Abstract
 Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) has been widely used as a reference for Indonesian aviation cadets’ English communication skills in the workplace. The present study aimed at examining cadets’ TOEIC-Readiness and TOEIC MOCK results to unravel their preparedness in doing the TOEIC test. There were 168 cadets chosen purposively based on their education grades and seven study programs at Civil Aviation Polytechnic of Surabaya. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design with a quantitative research approach. The instruments included a questionnaire of TOEIC-readiness and a TOEIC mock test Listening-Reading. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistical test and paired-sample t-test. Results showed that most cadets’ final TOEIC readiness was in the very high category and the majority of their TOEIC Mock test results were in the intermediate to advanced working proficiency levels (scores: 400 - 990). The cadets’ TOEIC readiness and mock test results showed a strong positive relationship, thus, the better their readiness, the higher the TOEIC score achieved (r = .785; p = .000, N = 168). The present study implied that lecturers must know their students’ readiness before determining effective TOEIC training.
 
 Keywords: TOEIC-Readiness test, TOEIC MOCK test, Aviation cadets

Aural vocabulary, orthographic vocabulary, and listening comprehension

Abstract Vocabulary is a key variable to successful listening comprehension. Research has explored the relationship between aural and orthographic vocabularies and listening comprehension. This current study examined the relationships among aural vocabulary, orthographic vocabulary, and listening comprehension within the same Japanese cohort in an integrated manner. The test data of 155 Japanese EFL students, who took identical aural and orthographic vocabulary tests (the listening vocabulary levels test [LVLT] and new vocabulary levels test [NVLT], respectively) and a high-stakes listening test (Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) for Parts I and II), were analyzed. The results indicated that aural and orthographic vocabulary are closely related but not identical. Moreover, orthographic vocabulary is more connected to the word- and propositional-level understanding of extended texts than to aural vocabulary for the Japanese group. More specifically, the 2,000-word and 4,000-word level and the academic vocabulary of the orthographic vocabulary predicted 27% of the variance of the listening comprehension test performance, whereas only the academic words of the aural vocabulary predicted 8%.

Testing Virtual Reality for Eliminating Japanese University Students' English-Speaking Anxiety: Cases of International Conference and Restaurant

Reflecting COVID-19 outbreak that prevents educators from making close contacts with students, digitalization of language teaching is gradually getting educators’ attention. With respect to this situation, this research conducted an experiment of using Virtual Reality (VR) materials for 69 English as a STEM-major Foreign Language (EFL) learners at a Japanese university. Polishing usability of Virtual Reality (VR) English language education materials could improve the learners’ performance of English language use. However, careless use of VR materials could fail, unless the educators consider its technical and pedagogical limitations. The experiment used pairs of Virtual reality headset with two scenarios (international conference and restaurant). From pre-post experiment surveys on speaking anxiety scale, students with higher Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) listening scores showed more anxiety on speaking. Also, post-experiment open-ended questionnaires suggested that usability of VR materials should be improved.

VRChat as a Virtual Learning Platform for Enhancing English Listening Skills

This research aimed to investigate if the application of the virtual learning (VL) platform, developed VRChat in teaching and developing students’ English listening skills is highly effective. Other different variables namely genders, majors of study, and the number of hours the students spent on the screen were also investigated. The VRChat platform has been employed as a research tool in the study for developing undergraduate students’ English listening skills. The forty students themselves have been purposively randomly selected. They were from different majors of social sciences and sciences, divided 24 females and 16 males. They were studying English course at the university as a compulsory required subject. The students took the test of english for international communication (TOEIC) Listening test as the pre-test at the beginning of the semester and participated in the English language classes to practice for developing their listening skills by typically interacting with the English contents, having discussion in the VRChat platform virtually followed the instructional design with the teacher as a facilitator. The students were later asked to take the TOEIC Listening test again at the end of the semester as the post-test. The data has been analyzed through the t-test and ANOVA. The findings showed that students with different backgrounds have developed their English listening skills. Therefore, applying the VL platform of the VRChat for developing students’ English language skills was highly recommended.

What are the Effects of Project-based English Curriculum on the Development of Learners' Competencies? A Case Study of a Japanese University English Language Program

Japanese English education reform continues to falter, and the same is true of university English education. However, amidst these circumstances, transmission-oriented English education is gaining attention as a methodological approach to English language educational reform. Transmission-oriented English education, in which the authors are also engaged, is a model for reform that shifts the emphasis from the traditional reception-based approach in English education to a more communicative, active learning approach. However, while these educational practices have shown results in terms of excitement in the classroom and subjective satisfaction among learners, there is a lack of objective proof, and the accumulation of research to verify the results objectively is an urgent need. In this paper, we examine the results of the GTEC (Global Test of English Communication)-Academic and TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), which objectively measure English proficiency, and the GPS (Global Proficiency Skills)-Academic, which objectively measures basic social competencies, in two different groups of participants to determine whether the presence or absence of transmission-oriented English education has contributed to the growth of abilities ranging from subsets of English skills to socially necessary competencies by utilizing statistical verification. One interesting result was that the experimental group that took transmission-oriented English education for one year scored significantly higher in English writing than the group that did not, and since there were no statistically significant differences in any of the other components of English proficiency, we concluded that this could be considered an outcome of transmission-oriented English education.

TOEIC TEST MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM AT WIDYATAMA UNIVERSITY WEB-BASED

The English proficiency of non-English speakers in their daily use in an international work environment is measured by a test, namely the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) test. However, this test is still carried out using paper and pencil (paper-based) and still requires people to be supervised during the test. This is still experienced by Widyatama University Bandung students when carrying out the TOEIC test organized by the UPT Language Institute of Widyatama University Bandung. The purpose of this research is to build a website-based TOEIC test management information system. The method used is Waterfall, which includes analysis, system design, program code implementation and system testing. System testing is carried out using the black box method and using a questionnaire to obtain user satisfaction. The SIMTIC admin and user web application has been tested using three different web browsers and can run well, the SIMTIC android application has also been tested using three different android operating systems with the results running well, and testing has been carried out on ten respondents which resulted in a percentage of 83.3%. The application of this information system will facilitate the management of the TOEIC test at the UPT of the Widyatama University Language Institute, Bandung.

Web-Based Learning Design and its Implementation on TOEIC Reading Skills to Measure the Usability and Learning Outcome A Case Study at Global Institute

Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is a compulsory subject taught to all students regardless their chosen concentration. The subject covering the consecutive two semesters at Institut Bisnis dan Teknologi Bina Sarana Global has been given for the past five years. Nevertheless, the students’ achievement is still considered low, where the average scores for both mid and final semester paper-test based haven’t met the expected target. TOEIC itself tests students’ ability to comprehend reading texts encompassing grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary. This becomes a challenge since the majority of students have below average English competence. In contrast, their access to technology is deemed adequate, thus, its implementation towards learning can be a contributing factor to a better learning outcome by providing engagement with the technology itself. In line with the development of technology and to accommodate students’ learning needs with various motivation and abilities, a scheme for developing learning materials through a web design was proposed. The researchers used SLDC for the design method, focusing on prototyping model through phases from generating users’ needs, designing prototype using figma application, putting into trials and practices to conducting evaluation. As for the application, a PHP programming language with Codeigniter 4, programming MySQL as a database system, Bootsrap for website outlook, Black Box Testing with Equivalence Partitions Technique and Beta Testing through questionnaire become the framework for the proposed design. After the implementation was completed, a good result with a percentage of 71% for the usability of the application was shown and that students achieved better scores in the given practice tests.

English Language Proficiency in the Philippines: An Overview

The Philippines is considered one of the largest English-speaking nations in the world. In fact, English is one of the official languages in the Philippines. But throughout the years, a gradual deterioration in English language proficiency can be observed among Filipinos based on the EF English Proficiency Index, Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), and the average score of Filipino IELTS takers. This paper aims to discuss the different factors behind the descending Filipino English proficiency, such as learners’ motivation, parental involvement, learning environment, teaching strategies, comprehensive input, learners’ socio-economic status, and learners' age. Several articles have been reviewed and examined for the authors to come up with the following conclusions: 1) Continuous practice and usage of the English language could help us further cement our economy; 2) there is still a huge room for improvement in terms of grammar which could also help alleviate learners’ anxiousness, and 3) we still need to strike a balance in polishing the English language education and nurturing our local and cultural languages. This review will help the teachers in planning and implementing English classes to improve students' English proficiency, the educational institutions that aim to uplift the quality of English language teaching, and curriculum developers in constructing innovative English proficiency learning materials.

BERTOEIC: Solving TOEIC Problems Using Simple and Efficient Data Augmentation Techniques with Pretrained Transformer Encoders

Recent studies have attempted to understand natural language and infer answers. Machine reading comprehension is one of the representatives, and several related datasets have been opened. However, there are few official open datasets for the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), which is widely used for evaluating people’s English proficiency, and research for further advancement is not being actively conducted. We consider that the reason why deep learning research for TOEIC is difficult is due to the data scarcity problem, so we therefore propose two data augmentation methods to improve the model in a low resource environment. Considering the attributes of the semantic and grammar problem type in TOEIC, the proposed methods can augment the data similar to the real TOEIC problem by using POS-tagging and Lemmatizing. In addition, we confirmed the importance of understanding semantics and grammar in TOEIC through experiments on each proposed methodology and experiments according to the amount of data. The proposed methods address the data shortage problem of TOEIC and enable an acceptable human-level performance.