TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English language test which was created and developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service) in New Jersey, USA since 1963. This test is used to measure proficiency (proficiency) English speaking person in the academic context. Thus, this test is used for academic purposes, such as admission requirements for admission or scholarship recipients.
TOEFL test was first introduced by the ETS is the Paper Based Test (PBT) - TOEFL and the most commonly known by the Indonesian community is the Institutional Testing Program (ITP) - TOEFL with scale values 310-677. However, in many places, especially in Indonesia manjamur institutions offering TOEFL test-LIKE / EQUIVALENT at reasonable cost, where the problems incurred test is the TOEFL test questions are copied from various sources. Institutions such as these, of course not a formal institution recognized by the ETS, so that certificates issued doubt the validity and credibility, especially to the Foreign Affairs. Therefore, then ETS developed the TOEFL Test system into Computer Based Test (CBT) - TOEFL. Where direct test questions displayed on the computer screen and immediately worked on the computer. Now, ETS has renewed the TOEFL Test with Next Generation (NG) - TOEFL or also called Internet Based Test (iBT) - TOEFL. In contrast to the PBT and CBT - TOEFL, ETS speaking skill enter into NG-TOEFL test format and structure skills meld into all skills tested, namely Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Problems NG-TOEFL test be downloaded directly from ETS, New Jersey, so the way the process any online or connected indirectly with the ETS through the Internet.
The purpose of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL®) is to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. The test was initially developed to measure the English proficiency of international students wishing to study at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and this continues to be its primary function. However, a number of academic institutions in other countries, as well as certain independent organizations, agencies, and foreign governments, have also found the test scores useful. The TOEFL test is recommended for students at the eleventh-grade level or above; the test content is considered too difficult for younger students.
The TOEFL test was developed for use starting in 1963-64 through the cooperative effort of more than 30 organizations, public and private. A National Council on the Testing of English as a Foreign Language was formed, composed of representatives of private organizations and government agencies concerned with testing the English proficiency of foreign nonnative speakers of English who wished to study at colleges and universities in the United States. The program was financed by grants from the Ford and Danforth Foundations and was, at first, attached administratively to the Modern Language Association. In 1965, the College Board® and Educational Testing Service (ETS®) assumed joint responsibility for the program.
In recognition of the fact that many who take the TOEFL test are potential graduate students, a cooperative arrangement for the operation of the program was entered into by Educational Testing Service, the College Entrance Examination Board, and the Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®) Board in 1973. Under this arrangement, ETS is responsible for administering the TOEFL program according to policies determined by the TOEFL Policy Council.
Sumber :
http://rapidsteps.com/en/en/topic/106/TOEFL+history+and+overview
http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/TOEFL
Pendapat :
Seperti yang telah diketahui bahwa Indonesia telah memasuki sebuah era yang disebut Era Globalisasi. Pada era yang berkembang sekarang ini tidak bisa kita hindari bahwa tuntutan akan kemampuan berbahasa Inggris sangat diperlukan di dalam lingkungan akademis, lingkungan kerja dan juga lingkungan sosial. Seperti kebutuhan akan Sertifikat TOEFL Score sebagai pra-syarat melanjutkan studi (S1, S2, S3) di Universitas dalam negeri maupun luar negeri, pra-syarat penerima beasiswa, maupun pra-syarat sebagai calon Pegawai Negeri Sipil (PNS) / pegawai swasta. Maka dari itu sudah banyak sekali mahasiswa dan pegawai-pegawai yang mengikuti TOEFL sebagai syarat untuk melamar kerja dan untuk tujuan positif lainnya.
