Students' Perceptions of Traditional English Language Testing in Thailand

Abstract

This study investigates students’ perceptions towards traditional English language testing particularly in Thailand. A survey of 323 randomly selected Thai freshmen from various programmes was conducted. An open-ended questionnaire with four main concerns—test fairness, test format, test content validity, and learning opportunities from the tests—was used to collect data. All responses were transcribed, analysed for frequency and categorised into salient themes. The results showed that current testing practices were viewed to be fair enough as a good way to measure students’ English ability. The formats of tests were generally perceived as a reflection of their English ability though there should be more various and new forms of item types suitable for all skills tested. Furthermore, current tests were viewed to be capable of measuring important content students learnt in courses. Regarding whether existing tests promoted learning, there were opportunities to learn from the tests. However, students disliked tests of memorisation of knowledge, preferring tests that measured cognitive abilities. The results suggest practical guidelines to improve existing testing practices and even to inspire us to create innovative kinds of tests. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n3p445