EVALUATING THE STUDENTS’ LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY IN THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF BASIC EDUCATION IN KUWAIT

Abstract

In the context of English language programs and the evaluation of such programs, this study analyzes the usefulness of the program taught to English-teachers-to-be students in the English Department, College of Basic Education in Kuwait. Based on the calculation of grades obtained in the initial placement test and a replica test conducted four years later, the change in the students’ language proficiency was measured. The paper reviews the results of the 50 participant students in both tests in five main testing categories based on the four language skills. The findings reveal very little improvement in language proficiency, which also seems to be very weak initially for an English teacher. This finding implies a major problem with the current program. Finally, a number of recommendations for program and student improvement for the College of Basic Education, and English programs in other colleges and universities, are considered.