HomePsychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journalvol. 45 no. 4 (2025)

Effectiveness of TOEIC Preparation in Enhancing Students’ English Language Proficiency

Giezhel Mijares | Ramie Bulaybulay

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) is intended to assess the ability to communicate effectively in English in professional contexts. However, despite the advantages of TOEIC preparation, many students encounter challenges, particularly in the reading and listening components of the test. This study aimed to assess the level of effectiveness of TOEIC preparation among university students at a private university in Cebu, focusing on enhancing their English language proficiency. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research method, data were collected through surveys and analyzed using means, standard deviations, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results showed that the effectiveness of TOEIC preparation, both in listening and reading strategies, significantly impacts students’ language proficiency and academic performance, with high influence observed on listening, reading, and vocabulary skills. Furthermore, targeted test preparation fosters self-efficacy and motivation; students reported improved confidence and greater engagement in language learning activities. Additionally, the study revealed a strong, positive correlation between students’ perceptions of TOEIC preparation quality and their overall language proficiency, indicating that well-structured programs effectively promote language mastery. However, challenges in transferring test strategies into real-world communication skills remain, highlighting the need for curriculum enhancements that promote practical language use and communication competencies. Overall, the findings recommend curriculum improvements to integrate comprehensive test preparation along with real-life language application and suggest further research on sustained language development beyond standardized tests. These insights aim to guide educators and policymakers in designing programs that produce more confident and communicatively competent English users grounded in effective test preparation strategies



References:

  1. Agoestyowati, R., Makmuroh, U. H., & Widowati, R. (2024). The significance of TOEIC preparation prior to taking the TOEIC prediction test or the official TOEIC exam. INTERACTION: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa, 11(2), 579-588.
  2. Ahn, J. (2021). The influence of the TOEIC on EFL teaching and learning in South Korea’s private education [Doctoral dissertation, University of Nottingham]. Nottingham eTheses Repository. https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/66320/
  3. Allen, A. (2022). An introduction to constructivism: Its theoretical roots and impact on contemporary education. Journal of Learning Design and Leadership, Volume 1, Issue 1.
  4. Ambubuyog, E. M. I., Laumoc, G. L. C., Mantac, F. H. A., Pagulayan, F. M. C., Sayson, C. J. E. C., Velasco, A. C. M., & Biray, E. T. (2023). Active listening: Its impact on language learning and understanding of education students. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 4(2), 671–676. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.04.02.33
  5. Amir, R., Jelas, Z. M., & Rahman, S. (2011). Learning styles of university students: Implications for teaching and learning. World Applied Sciences Journal, 14(2), 22–26.
  6. An, I. L. (2021). Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) Scores as inputs to english proficiency intervention program. Asia Pacific Journal of Educational Perspective Vol, 8(2).
  7. Asty, H., Kemal, E., & Suharni, S. (2024). Student and teacher perception on TOEIC to improve the English ability: A case study in a vocational school. Human: Journal of Community and Public Service, 3(1).
  8. Chaengjaroen, S. (2024). The study of the English preparation course to enhance students’ English proficiency for the standardized test “Your Score is High; my Score is Low. How to Make it Higher?” English Language Teaching, 17(8), 1–1. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v17n8p1
  9. Cherry, K. (2025). The key concepts of behaviorism in psychology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/behavioral-psychology-4157183
  10. Corrin, W., Zhu, P., Shih, M., Brown, K. T., Teres, J., Darrow, C., Nichols, A., & Lack, K. (2022). The effects of an academic language program on student reading outcomes (NCEE 2022-007). U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. http://ies.ed.gov/ncee
  11. Education Testing Service [ETS]. (2020). Why you should choose the TOEIC tests. https://www.etsglobal.org/mk/en/blog/news/why-you-should-choose-toeic-tests
  12. English Testing Services. (2020). Why you should choose the TOEIC tests. https://www.ets.org/ph/toeic/test-takers/about/why-choose.html
  13. Fengyu, Z. (2023). The impact of vocabulary learning methods on students’ vocabulary application skills. English Language Teaching and Linguistics Studies, 5(4), 206–217. https://doi.org/10.22158/eltls.v5n4p206
  14. Gabl, K. A., Kaiser, K. L., Long, J. K., & Roemer, J. L. (2007). Improving reading comprehension and fluency through the use of guided reading [Master’s thesis]. Saint Xavier University.
  15. Ghafar, Z. N., Sawalmeh, M. H., & Mohamedamin, A. A. (2023). Impact of communicative language teaching method on students’ speaking and listening skills: A Review Article. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 6(1), 54-60.
  16. Hong, N. X., & Phan, N. T. T. (2020). Students’ self-efficacy beliefs and TOEIC achievements in the Vietnamese context. International Journal of Instruction, 13(4), 67–86. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.1345a
  17. International Test Center. (n.d.). TOEIC® (Test of English for International Communication). https://www.internationaltestcenter.com.ph/toeic-test-of-english-for-international-communication/
  18. Ju, D. H. (2020). Analysis on relationships of subcategories in English reading anxiety based on college students’ TOEIC achievement. The Journal of the Korea Contents Association, 20(11), 492-500.
  19. Kalman, M. (2020). School improvement and contextual factors: A qualitative case study on educators’ perceptions and experiences. Pedagogical Research, 5(4), em0083. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/9134
  20. Laksanasut, S. (2020). Communicative Language Teaching (CLT): The paradigm shifts of language teaching. OEC Journal, 16, (86).
  21. Lertcharoenwanich, P. (2022). The effect of communicative language teaching in test preparation course on TOEIC score of EFL business English students. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(6), 1188-1195.
  22. Main, P. (2024, July 4). Contextual teaching and learning. https://www.structural-learning.com/post/contextual-teaching-and-learning
  23. McLeod, S. (2024). Constructivism learning theory & philosophy of education. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/constructivism.html
  24. Nae, N. (2024). Pros and cons of using the case method to supplement TOEIC instruction in conference proceedings. Innovation in Language Learning 2024.
  25. Nugky Permatasari, A., Firmansyah, F., & Retnawati, H. (2024). The effect of test preparation on English proficiency performance of English learners: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Language Testing, 14(2), 104–116. https://doi.org/10.22034/IJLT.2024.432975.1316
  26. Oranpattanachai, P. (2023). Relationship between the reading strategy, reading self-efficacy, and reading comprehension of Thai EFL students. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 16(1), 194–220.
  27. Paramarta, I.M.S. & Adijaya, M.A. (2021). Students’ constraints in answering the listening and reading sections of TOEIC test. [Paper Presentation]. International Conference on Languages and Arts across Cultures.
  28. Permatasari, A. N., Firmansyah, F., & Retnawati, H. (2024). The effect of test preparation on English proficiency performance of English learners. International Journal of Language Testing, 14(2), 104–116.
  29. Porter, S., & Sofia Castillo, M. (2023). The effectiveness of immersive language learning: An investigation into English language acquisition in immersion environments versus traditional classroom settings. Research Studies in English Language Teaching and Learning, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.62583/rseltl.v1i3.18
  30. Prasetya, R. E. (2023). Assessing the impact of English language skills and TOEIC performance on career development. Scripta: English Department Journal, 10(2), 281-294.
  31. Quines, B. J. (2025). The language learning strategies, listening, and reading comprehension skills of first-year students of Trece Martires City College in TMC, Cavite. Journal of Education and Liberal Studies, 2(1), 1–1.
  32. Renandya, W. A., & Jacobs, G. M. (2016). Extensive reading and listening in the L2 classroom. In W. A. Renandya & P. Handoyo (Eds.), English language teaching today (pp. 97–110). Routledge.
  33. Rido, A., Kuswoyo, H., Kasih, E. N. E. W., Lestiani, S., Sa’adah, R. A., Kaban, S. P. P., & Putra, E. A. D. (2023). Enhancing english language proficiency of SMKS Muhammadiyah 1 Kota Agung students through TOEIC coaching. INCOME: Indonesian Journal of Community Service and Engagement, 2(2), 149-159.
  34. Rutamornchai, N., Manokarn, P., Petchmongkon, P., Thinthonglang, S., Montreewong, S., Jiamanukunkij, N., & Thatsakhorn, C. J. (2024). Listening problems in the TOEIC test for English majors: An exploratory case study in a Thai University. Journal of Studies in the English Language, 19(1), 93–125. Retrieved from https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jsel/article/view/270888
  35. Salim, M. A., & Masyhudianti, U. K. (2024). The language landscape: Exploring English proficiency of Vocational University students through TOEIC simulation. Essence: Journal of English Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 1(1), 58-69.
  36. Santos, A., Fernandez, V., & Ilustre, R. A. M. I. L. (2022). English language proficiency in the Philippines: An overview. International Journal of English Language Studies, 4(3), 46-51.
  37. Santos, R., Salonga, C. A., & Urian, L. (2023). Effectiveness of an online intervention program in enhancing the TOEIC scores of students. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Publications (IJMRAP), Volume 6, Issue 1, pp. 67- 70, 2023.
  38. Shabiralyani, G., Hasan, K. S., Hamad, N., & Iqbal, N. (2015). Impact of visual aids in enhancing the learning process case research: District Dera Ghazi Khan. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(19), 226–233.
  39. Tennant, K., Long, A., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2025). Active listening. StatPearls Publishing.
  40. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). (2023). Educational testing service. Retrieved from https://www.ets.org/toeic
  41. Tunnell, L. (2024). Standardized Tests: The Benefits and impacts of implementing standardized tests. Education Advanced. Retrieved from https://shorturl.at/xKyhF
  42. Wangmanee, P., & Vongtangswad, M. (2022). Effectiveness of the potential promoting strategies            on the TOEIC test of English major students, Chiang           Rai Rajabhat University. Journal of Human and Society, Sisaket Rajabhat University, 6(1), 40–60.
  43. Walck-Shannon, E. M., Rowell, S. F., & Frey, R. F. (2021). To what extent do study habits relate to performance? CBE—Life Sciences Education, 20(1), ar6.
  44. University of the Visayas - Cebu (2024, June 26). UV’s top TOEIC examinees achieve C1 proficiency level. [Status   Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=503724428670850&set=pcb.503009315409028
  45. Williamson, K., & Johanson, G. (Eds.). (2017). Research methods: Information, systems, and contexts. Chandos Publishing.
  46. Xia, Y., Shin, S.-Y., & Shin, K.-S. (2024). Designing personalized learning paths for foreign language acquisition using big data: Theoretical and empirical analysis. Applied Sciences, 14(20), 9506. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209506.
  47. Yến, T. T. N. & Waring, R. (2022). Narrow listening as a method to improve EFL learners’ listening comprehension. PASAA, 64, 194–215.