An Investigation into English Language Proficiency Placement Testing

Abstract

The study aims at investigating English language proficiency placement testing as a screening for first year university students in Sudan. The researcher used a descriptive analytical approach. Data were collected through the following tools: (i) English language staff questionnaire and (ii) Experimental test. Both the teachers and students who were the sample of the research were from the three faculties of: Arts ( Juba University), Education (Juba University) and Education ( Upper Nile University). The findings of the study support the use of English proficiency placement test in Sudanese universities for screening purposes. The findings also revealed that lack of resources such as finances and facilities hinder the practice of placement testing at Sudanese universities. Additionally, Chi-square test results revealed that there were significant differences between individual respondents’ levels. Findings also showed that all the research hypotheses have been confirmed valid. In the light of the results obtained through the investigation, the researcher recommended the training of teachers and the reviewing of curricula by national and international experts. He also recommended the reduction of class size for the purpose of creating a conducive environment of teaching in the classrooms.