THE PROFILE OF EFL LEARNERS AS MEASURED BY AN ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

Abstract

This study aims at examining the profile of the students’ English proficiency in the Department of English, Universitas Negeri Malang (UM). A number of 277 students across admission classes: 2016, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were involved in the study. Their proficiency was measured using a paper-and-pencil TOEFL-like test. The subtests reliability was assured. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The results show no respondent reached the advanced level; the majority was in the low intermediate level. The respondents’ score was not linear with their year of admission classes. However, a linearly increasing average score was observed from the scores of Classes of 2015, 2014, and 2013 respectively. Statistical differences in the mean scores of the students across admission classes were observed. Particularly, the mean score of Class of 2016 differed from those of Classes of 2015, 2014, and 2013. Similarly, the mean score of Class of 2013 differed statistically from that of Classes of 2016, 2015, and 2014. However, the mean score of Classes of 2014 and 2015 did not differ statistically. Statistically the mean scores of Classes of 2014 and 2013 in the first semester and those of Classes of 2014 and 2013 in their fifth and seventh semester differed. Next, no evidence of statistical differences was observed in the mean score of the students across different study programs in their seventh semester. Finally, none of Class of 2013 exactly met the graduate profile. However, those beyond the profile and those below the profile were marginally comparable. These findings were further discussed.