Student's Issues Depicted through TOEFL Score Test - A Case Study in Medical Laboratory Technology of X University in Padang

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by SANS

This study analyzes obstacles faced by TOEFL test takers and provides insights for a university, especially its Language Centre Unit, to refine teaching strategies and prioritize further attention to low-performing TOEFL components. Data were collected from 62 medical laboratory technology students using purposive sampling, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Measurement included TOEFL scores and drilling tests during TOEFL preparation training, applying a non-participant observational method. Results show students remain at an elementary level with an average score of 384, with Structure as the most challenging section.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Literature Review

*Corresponding author: Yeyep Natrio, Nutrition Departement, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Perintis Indonesia, Padang, Indonesia E-mail: [yeyepnatrio@gmail.com](yeyepnatrio@gmail.com) RESEARCH ARTICLE Student's Issues Depicted through TOEFL Score Test: A Case Study in Medical Laboratory Technology of X University in Padang Yeyep Natrio1*, Melly Siska Suryani2, & Sariani3 1 Nutrition Departement, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Perintis Indonesia, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia 2 Medical Laboratory Technology Departement, Faculty of Health Sciences, Univertas Perintis Indonesia, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia 3 English Department, Politeknik Negeri Padang, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia Abstract: This study is intended to analyze the obstacles encountered by test takers and to give insight to the university, especially the Language Centre Unit, to rebuild strategies in prioritizing the further attention of the teaching methods. The data were derived from 62 medical laboratory technology students with the purposive sampling technique. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to analyze the data. The data collection included the TOEFL score and drilling tests during the TOEFL preparation training by employing the non-participant observational method. The result reveals that medical laboratory technology students were still at the elementary level, with an average score was 384. Structure, with an average correctness of 13 is the most challenging part of the three sections, followed by reading comprehension 16 correct answers. The easiest part is listening comprehension, depicted in the table of correctness with 18 correct answers. Therefore, the finding of this research suggests that the language center in the university should produce extensive TOEFL preparation training based on the previous results from the test taker's issues with appropriate TOEFL material as solution to student`s obstacles in TOEFL test. The language center should have provided not only the TOEFL test but also facilitated the courses that focus on each skill in the TOEFL part. Keywords: TOEFL Test, Case Study, Student`s Difficulties, Strategies, Medical Laboratory Technology Student 1. Introduction English learning is a must in every university. The phenomenon of learning English has been proceeding continuously to encourage the achievement of language skills for students, especially for Indonesian students, where English is a foreign language. This skill is compulsory for the young generation to compete with others in this era of globalization. However, the data showed that Indonesia's English Proficiency Index is still low. It ranks among the 79 positions out of 113 countries (EF EPI EF English Profi Ciency Index A Ranking of 113 Countries and Regions by English Skills, n.d.). It means encouraging learning and improving English proficiency has to be implemented. Based on this phenomenon, many English training programs are mushrooming in Indonesia, whether in formal or informal institutions. In the case of the higher education system, the university is a typical formal institution that provides its students with this skill to make academic communication run well since English is a foreign language functioning as a tool to connect to the global world and assist in the development of science and modern technology for the country. Many innovations and improvements in approaches exist to learning English, such as Total Physical Response (TPR), Community Language Learning (CLL), Competency-Based Learning (CBL), etc. 2. Literature Review Nowadays, learning is not concentrated within the classroom, but it is more flexible for students who can access any materials for learning English independently through computers and internet-based resources. Using this access will give students more exposure to abundant learning resources. On the other hand, the effectiveness of internet-based sources can reduce educa

FAQs

How many students participated in the TOEFL-focused case study, and how were they selected?

The study used purposive sampling with 62 medical laboratory technology students.

What data sources were used to evaluate students’ TOEFL performance and difficulties?

Data included TOEFL scores and drilling tests during TOEFL preparation training, collected using a non-participant observational method.

Which TOEFL section was identified as the most challenging, and what does the study suggest for improvement?

Structure was reported as the most challenging part, followed by reading comprehension, while listening was easiest. The study suggests expanding TOEFL preparation training and providing courses targeting each TOEFL skill.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by SANS