託福教學之調查與研究

A Survey of Teachers’ Attitudes & Recommendations Regarding TOEFL Instruction

本文研究的主題是針對文化大學有關託福的英語教學。主要目的是為了要探究是否能將託福教學列入語文實習課的範圍。問卷調查用以察知教師們對託福考試的瞭解程度以及是否將之用於教學上。另一方面也對託福教材做了評估，顯然，這些教材甚為不足，有必要由學校提供。託福教學是個重要的課題，則託福是否應納入學習成果評鑑，倘若每學期學校進行正規的託福考試將成為重要的論點。託福考試可幫助學生增進英語程度。如果學生為應付考試而臨時倉卒準備，則將失去意義，無法提升他們的英語語文能力。這份研究報告指出許多的教師對託福考試，無論在方法或過程上，均有或多或少的認識，可是將之納於教學的範圍，仍有待商榷。研究顯示，大部分的教師比較偏重於聽與說兩部分的技巧，而忽略了閱讀的部分。增進學生聽、說、讀、寫四方面的能力，是非常重要的。最後，託福考試已高度電腦化，所以需要校方經費方面協助。

This article concerns a report drawn up for the English Language Laboratory of the Chinese Culture University. The report concerns research done for the introduction of TOEFL testing in the Language Laboratory.A questionnaire was sent out in order to find out how much the departmental members understood the TOEFL test and its methods. It was also necessary to find out if anyone used TOEFL methods in their own teaching.In the survey, the availability of TOEFL related materials was assessed. It is apparent that such materials are in short supply; therefore, it is necessary to acquire materials that TOEFL should be adopted by the University.The issue of how TOEFL testing should be used is also an issue. Should TOEFL testing be included in the term results? This becomes an issue when you consider that the University has its normal examination and testing procedures each term. The purpose of TOEFL testing is to help students improve their level of English. If students cram for more tests and examinations, then the test will have lost its point as a means of improving students’ language ability.The results of this research pointed to a more or less understanding of TOEFL methods and procedures by many of the departmental members. Many members areactually using TOEFL methods in their teaching.In the survey, most respondents indicated a bias towards listeningand speakingskills but did not mention reading comprehension skills. It is important to improve students’ abilities in the sphere of all four skills, namely listening, reading, writingand speaking.A final point is that the TOEFL test has become a highly computerized endeavour; therefore, it may involve the University in considerable expense that it should be adopted.