INDONESIAN UNIVERSITY PILOT TOEFL PREP COURSE: STUDENTS’ SUCCESSES AND INSTRUCTORS’ INSIGHTS

Authors

  • Shirley Baker Alliant International University
  • Topan Rahmatul Iman Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa
  • Liska Novianti Paramitaswari Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa
  • Fahmi Dwilaksono Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa
  • Maya Fitriana Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa
  • Wiren Wirentake Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa
  • Riri Rimbun Anggih Chaidir Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa
  • Sherry Camden-Anders Alliant International University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15408/ijee.v13i1.50465

Keywords:

communicative teaching, mixed methods, test strategies, TOEFL prep course, vocabulary knowledge

Abstract

This research examined the impact of an Indonesian university Pilot TOEFL Prep Course created to address the test taking strategies content and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) methods research gaps.  Existing literature focuses on specific test-taking techniques, rather than specifically using CLT methods for teaching inclusive listening, structure, and reading test-taking strategies.  Thirteen randomly selected students participated in the Prep Course.  Nine lecturers collaboratively designed and taught  test-taking strategies using lectures, vocabulary knowledge, small group sessions, practice materials, and motivational activities.  A qualitative action research design integrated thematic analysis of Student and Lecturer Survey responses, and lecturer Daily Notations, with quantitative pre-and posttest data. Research questions sought to determine if the course: 1) recognizably developed student English skills, 2) improved student test scores, and 3) contributed to the lecturers’ expanded teaching methods.  The triangulated data showed that students (69%) improved their posttest scores and increased their English competencies.  Lecturers reported that the course design positively influenced their future pedagogical approaches.  Recommendations included developing two skill level classes, and longer courses with extended class times for all university students. The research offered data that contributes valuable insights for the TESOL/TOEFL fields and provides reasoning for future university English course options.

Author Biographies

  • Shirley Baker, Alliant International University

    Shirley Ann Baker is an Associate Professor at Alliant International University, California, USA. Her expertise encompasses educational leadership, teacher education, TESOL/TOEFL, academic writing, and higher education. Her research focuses on educational leadership development, culturally responsive teaching, student learning and retention, and academic writing and editing. As a Fulbright Scholar and invited visiting professor, she has collaborated with universities in Indonesia, Laos, Russia, and Belize. In this study, she contributed to the conceptualization of the Prep Course curriculum and teaching materials, co-taught the vocabulary component, participated in the implementation of the course, and collaborated in the data analysis, manuscript development, and final editing of the research article.

  • Topan Rahmatul Iman, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa

    Topan Rahmatul Iman is a Lecturer in the Department of English Language and Culture at Sumbawa University of Technology, Indonesia. His research interests include interactional linguistics, pragmatics, and conversation analysis. In this study, he contributed to the development of the Prep Course curriculum and research framework, participated in the administration of the pre- and post-tests, conducted data analysis, taught structure test-taking strategies, and contributed to writing the literature review and conclusion of the manuscript.

  • Liska Novianti Paramitaswari, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa

    Berikut versi yang lebih natural, akademik, dan sesuai dengan format IJEE Journal author biography:

    Liska Novianti Paramitaswari is a Lecturer and Director of the English Literature and Languages Department at Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Indonesia. Her research interests focus on teaching innovation and the development of effective instructional strategies to enhance students' competencies in second language structure. In this study, she served as both a researcher and participant, contributing to curriculum planning, teaching structure test-taking strategies, and facilitating vocabulary learning and integrated test preparation. She also participated in the analysis of survey data and reflective teaching notes, and contributed to the literature review, methodology, and conclusion of the manuscript.

  • Fahmi Dwilaksono, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa

    Fahmi Dwilaksono is a Ph.D. student in Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA, and a Lecturer in the Department of Sustainable Agriculture at Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Indonesia. His research interests include renewable energy, anaerobic digestion, life cycle assessment, bioenergy systems, agricultural waste valorization, and sustainable development. He is committed to developing practical solutions that integrate scientific research, environmental sustainability, and community impact. In this study, he contributed to the design of the reading curriculum, taught reading and vocabulary test-taking strategies, participated in the analysis of daily reflective notes and survey data, and contributed to the literature review and the development of the research manuscript.

  • Maya Fitriana, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa

    Maya Fitriana is a Lecturer in the Study Program of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Technology, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Indonesia. Her research expertise focuses on enzymes, biosensors, and biotechnology. She is also interested in interdisciplinary collaboration that promotes innovative and engaging teaching practices across disciplines. In this study, she collaborated with English lecturers in designing and implementing the Prep Course, co-developed the curriculum, and taught structure test-taking strategies using innovative instructional approaches. She also contributed to survey data analysis, the literature review, and the conclusion of both the research project and the journal manuscript.

  • Wiren Wirentake, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa

    Wiren Wirentake is a Lecturer in the Department of English Language and Culture, Faculty of Psychology and Humanities, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Indonesia. His academic interests include English language teaching, second language acquisition, curriculum development, and educational research. He played a leading role in developing the university's English language program and continues to contribute to strengthening students' English proficiency through innovative teaching and research. In this study, he contributed to the development of the Prep Course curriculum and instructional materials, taught listening test-taking strategies, participated in the analysis of pre- and post-test data, and contributed to the literature review, methodology, and conclusion of the research manuscript.

  • Riri Rimbun Anggih Chaidir, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa

    Riri Rimbun Anggih Chaidir is a Lecturer at Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Indonesia. Her research interests include second language acquisition, academic writing, feedback strategies, English-medium instruction, student engagement, and interdisciplinary educational research. Her recent work focuses on innovative instructional approaches and formative assessment to enhance students' listening and speaking skills. In this study, she served as a researcher and lecturer, contributing to the development of the Prep Course curriculum, teaching reading and vocabulary test-taking strategies, participating in the analysis of daily reflective notes and research data, and contributing to the literature review and discussion sections of the manuscript.

  • Sherry Camden-Anders, Alliant International University

    Sherry Camden-Anders is an Associate Professor at Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, USA. She previously served as Program Director for the Doctor of Psychology in Organizational Development and the Master's Degree in Organizational Management. Her academic and professional expertise includes organizational leadership and development, executive leadership, ethics and social responsibility, cultural diversity, organizational change, and international organizational development. She has chaired more than 117 doctoral dissertations and has extensive experience as a consultant for Fortune 500 companies. In this study, she contributed to the analysis of pre- and post-test and survey data, the design of data tables, the organization and editing of the research manuscript, and the comprehensive review and refinement of the journal article.

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Published

2026-06-26

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026): IJEE (INDONESIAN JOURNAL OF ENGLISH EDUCATION)| VOL. 13 | NO. 1 | 2026

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Shirley Baker, Topan Rahmatul Iman, Liska Novianti Paramitaswari, Fahmi Dwilaksono, Maya Fitriana, Wiren Wirentake, Riri Rimbun Anggih Chaidir, Sherry Camden-Anders

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How to Cite

INDONESIAN UNIVERSITY PILOT TOEFL PREP COURSE: STUDENTS’ SUCCESSES AND INSTRUCTORS’ INSIGHTS. (2026). IJEE (Indonesian Journal of English Education), 13(1). https://doi.org/10.15408/ijee.v13i1.50465