A Comparative Study of Placement Test (PT), Proficiency Scores (PRS) and Students’ Self Perception of English Language Skills in A University in United Arab Emirates

Zita Lobo; Omnia Ibrahim; Omar Al Jadaan

Zita Lobo
Omnia Ibrahim
Omar Al Jadaan

Keywords: English as a second language (ESL), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), English Needs Analysis (ENA), English placement test scores (EPTS), Placement Test, Proficiency, self-perception

Abstract

As Educators it is vital to learn the limitations, and requirements of the students and design or revise a curriculum to fill the lacunae. This study aimed to compare the students’ performance in their proficiency and placement tests and their own self perception of their English language skills. The study was conducted in RAK Medical and Health Sciences University located in The United Arab Emirates. The participants were first year students from Medicine, Pharmacy, Dental and Nursing colleges. Questionnaires were distributed among the students to analyse their needs in their English course. The results are compared to their proficiency and placement test results and needs analyses tries to find areas of weakness or strength of the students to tailor courses according to their needs or to provide the students with suitable instruction. The results of the questionnaires showed that students’ self-perception of their skills corresponded with their expression of their linguistic requirements for their professions.