영어시험 타당도와 대학수학에 필요한 영어 능력

A study on the validity of English tests and English abilities necessary for collegiate studies

The study attempts to analyze features of English abilities needed for collegiate studies in order to ascertain the potential validity of national level English tests. The study adopted two different methods in examining the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) which is used as a predictor of scholastic abilities at the college level. First, the study’s analyses of the Korean Education Employment Panel (KEEP) data are presented. Second, surveys were administered to 371 students in six universities in Seoul to collect CSAT grades and GPAs, and La investigate the role of English proficiency in collegiate studies. The study results of the KEEP data analyses indicated that CSAT scores on Korean Language, Mathematics, and Foreign Language (English) correlated with college GPAs in 2008. The results, however, indicated no significant correlation between the 2010 CSAT scores and the first semester GPAs in 2010. According to survey responses from students, they appreciate the importance of basic academic English education in tandem with training in practical English, but consider practical English to be more important this was particularly evident among humanities students. To develop an ideal assessment of both academic and practical English - both competencies needed to function in a college setting and later in society - a national level English test needs to take into consideration the goals of tertiary education.