English Proficiency of Lecturers at a Private University in Indonesia: TOEFL and CEFR Standards

Sep 30, 2026

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Globalization requires lecturers at a private university in Semarang to demonstrate strong English proficiency. English proficiency can be gauged through TOEFL scores, mapped to CEFR standards, to clarify current competency and support targeted improvement. The study administers an offline TOEFL test once to lecturers and analyzes results using descriptive quantitative methods. Findings indicate the lecturers’ proficiency level across multiple undergraduate Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy programs is A2 (Elementary). The recommended training model focuses on listening, structure, and reading comprehension at the Elementary level.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Listening Comprehension

saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 2, 2024 P-ISSN: 2715-7512; E-ISSN: 2716-0246 doi:10.21460/saga.2024.52.198 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY OF LECTURERSATA PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN INDONESIA: TOEFL AND CEFR STANDARDS Ade Kristianus Kaloeti Universitas Kristen Immanuel, Yogyakarta, Indonesia E-mail: [adekaloeti@ukrimuniversity.ac.id](adekaloeti@ukrimuniversity.ac.id) Received: 1 December 2023 Accepted: 16 January 2024 Abstract In the globalization era, lecturers at a private university in Semarang must possess good English proficiency. Proficiency in English can be determined by the score achieved in TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language), which is classified based on the standard of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Language) . This study aims to identify the English proficiency of lecturers at a private university in Semarang and to determine the appropriate training model to enhance their English proficiency. The data for this article was collected through testing, which was conducted once for the lecturers at a private university in Semarang. The scores were then analyzed using descriptive quantitative methods. The analysis revealed that the level of proficiency in English for lecturers in undergraduate and diploma Nursing, undergraduate Midwifery, undergraduate Pharmacy and undergraduate Physiotherapy is A2 Elementary. Based on the analysis, the suitable training model for lecturers at a private university in Semarang includes listening skills, structure skills, and reading comprehension skills at the Elementary level. Keywords: English Proficiency, Lecturers, TOEFL, CEFR INTRODUCTION It has been noted that one of the key factors that determine the quality of a university is the English language proficiency of its lecturers. If lecturers are proficient in English, it can greatly enhance their teaching abilities (Sosas, 2021) . Language learners must master four key skills, which include speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The TOEFL test is considered one of the most appropriate ways to assess an individual’s proficiency in all of these areas (Putri & Syarif, 2021) . TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language and it assesses an individual’s English language proficiency in listening ability, understanding of grammar, and reading 136 saga: Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics , Vol.5(2), August 2024 Kaloeti comprehension (Fitria, 2021). As an academic, lecturers require TOEFL scores for various purposes, including lecturer certification, which mandates a minimum score requirement on the TOEFL certificate. Moreover, TOEFL scores that meet the requirements can be used to pursue higher studies for a lecturer. In general, lecturers who achieve a good TOEFL score demonstrate good English proficiency, which can help them publish their research or scientific work using English at an international level. Therefore, the English proficiency of a lecturer is crucial to their duties and responsibilities. Health lecturers can improve their competitiveness by mastering the latest scientific developments in international journals written in English (Darma & Widiastuty, 2023) . They can also create better learning materials based on research and participate in international seminars as presenters or speakers. Improving their English language skills to the maximum is essential to make the most of these opportunities. It has been observed by researchers that lecturers at a private university in Semarang, Indonesia, tend to avoid using spoken English both in theory and practice during lectures. Instead of explaining the material in English, they prefer to move on to the next discussion in Indonesian. Furthermore, it was noted that the participation of lecturers as speakers in international seminars was very low. When lecturers act as moderators, they still rely on written texts in English, which can hinder the

FAQs

What method does the study use to measure lecturers’ English proficiency?

The study uses an offline TOEFL test administered to lecturers, then analyzes the scores using descriptive quantitative methods mapped to CEFR standards.

Which TOEFL/CEFR proficiency level do the lecturers reach according to the results?

The analysis shows that lecturers in the examined undergraduate programs reach A2 (Elementary) level proficiency.

What training model is recommended to improve proficiency?

The recommended model includes listening skills, structure skills, and reading comprehension skills at the Elementary level.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Asher