Analysis of Student Perceptions on the Implementation of Required TOEFL Test before Graduation

Abstract

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is widely used as a graduation requirement for students at various levels. Malikussaleh University, Samudera University, and Gajah Putih University have implemented a mandatory TOEFL test with a certain minimum score before sitting for thesis defense. This study intended to examine student perceptions on the implementation of the mandatory TOEFL test as a graduation requirement at University. Four topics were raised in this study, namely a) Perspective on test requirements, b) test preparation, c) attitude during the test, and d) expectation of test results. This type of research is a qualitative research with a thematic analysis approach. The research data will be taken from a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 30 students from 3 different universities regarding the implementation of required TOEFL test. The data is presented by mapping the themes from the results of the respondents' information. This study found that students agreed with the implementation of the mandatory TOEFL test as a graduation requirement. However, students varied in the cutting line scores. Some expected lower and some even higher. Generally, students had not given their best preparation for the test. Regardless their understanding on the importance of the test, many only prepared few days before the test day. While trying to perform optimally during the test, students could not escape from boredom and distraction during the test. Despite, they expected the best for the graduation requirements,