Release Time and English Language Proficiency: Does Releasing Students for Spiritual Instruction Negatively Affect Test Scores?

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
D. R. Hodge
2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Barkaoui

This study aimed to examine the sources of variability in the second-language (L2) writing scores of test-takers who repeated an English language proficiency test, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, multiple times. Examining repeaters’ test scores can provide important information concerning factors contributing to changes in test scores across test occasions. Data consisted of the scores and background data (e.g., gender, age) and other covariates (e.g., context, interval between tests, number of tests attempted) for a sample of 1,000 test-takers who each took PTE Academic three times or more. Multilevel modeling was used to estimate the contribution of various factors to variability in repeaters’ PTE Academic writing scores across test-takers and test occasions. The findings indicated that changes in PTE Academic writing scores followed a quadratic trajectory (i.e., initial score increases followed by a decline) and that, as expected, test-taker initial overall English language proficiency (as measured on other sections of the test) was the strongest predictor of differences in PTE Academic writing scores at test occasion one as well as variance (across test-takers) in the rate of change in writing scores over time. Measures of retesting effects were not significantly associated with changes in writing scores, while test-taker factors (e.g., age, gender, and purpose for taking the test) were significantly associated with writing scores at test occasion one, but not with the rate of change in writing scores over time. The study highlights the value of examining repeater’ L2 test scores and concludes with a call for more research on the sensitivity of L2 proficiency tests to changes in L2 proficiency over time and in relation to L2 instruction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
C. MONSINGH DANIEL

The English Language holds primacy in several levels of employment. This has drawn appeal towards the language as a valuable tool towards having an edge in ones skill set. Capitalizing on the image that English builds for ones employability and career advancement has become a trend set by employer and employee alike. It does indeed have its appeal in a global market, but its demand is due to the inability of educational institutions to provide verifiable and considerable output in students who are proficient in the English Language. Therefore the search for candidates with quality English skills is rather sparse in number. Attempts are of course made by academicians to change this reality but not to the level of a massive turnabout.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arati Prabhu ◽  
Prachi Wani

The study is undertaken to understand the importance of English language skills in the Indian hospitality industry, and the gaps therein. It studies the challenge as it exists in Pune city, and how AISSMS College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology has attempted to address the issue(s). The study aims at gathering primary information by means of questionnaires. It sheds light on the gap between existing and desired standards of English proficiency. It also highlights the attempts by the three important stakeholders in order to address the issue. Though, attempts are made from the industry, teachers and students, it is recognized that joint efforts need to be made to tackle the problem collectively and from all sides. It is an urgent calling for innovative teaching learning practices and encouraging sound develop initiatives and commitment. The primary data is across the cross section of Pune hoteliers, teachers and students of the college. The findings reflect the importance of English as the universal medium of communication, and its importance in rendering quality service and importantly.


Author(s):  
B. Mehta ◽  
J. Szymonifka ◽  
S. A. Dey ◽  
I. Y. Navarro-Millan ◽  
S. V. Grassia ◽  
...  

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