de Armas Buchhorsts, Kevin J.

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    Testing proficiency outcomes in first-year basic English at UPRM
    (2024-04-26) de Armas Buchhorsts, Kevin J.; Font Santiago, Cristopher; College of Arts and Sciences - Art; Rivera, Rosita; Soto Santiago, Sandra; Department of English; Bonet Olivencia, Samuel
    This study focuses on the levels of English Language Proficiency (ELP) current cohorts of incoming college students possess and acquire after a semester of instruction in undergraduate English courses at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. The goal of the study is to identify the proficiency gaps that may exist between the sampled population and whether ELP within the three target language skills; vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar, improved after coursing a semester in Basic English II at UPRM. Data collection sampled a population of 142 students of varying linguistic backgrounds and utilized a diagnostic exam administered at the beginning and end of the academic semester to determine changes in student proficiency. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics employing a paired samples t-test. The tests were broken down into overall and individual skill analyses to better analyze proficiency changes within the target skills. Descriptive analysis showed a 10% improvement in overall grade scores, even though 27% of the sample population continued to fail the diagnostic after completing the course. Additionally, inferential statistics concluded a small significant difference between pre-and post-test data based on the sampled paired t-test results. These results suggest that the majority of students enrolled in the Basic English track curriculum are proficient in the English language. However, there are potential concerns for the effectiveness of the current curriculum and assessments due to many participants failing the diagnostic after having received a semester of instruction.