چكيده
The fundamental purpose of the present study was to investigate Iranian EFL learners’ expectations and perceptions toward TOEFL preparation classes (iBT & PBT). To this aim, 85 participants were selected, 54 students were candidates of iBT TOEFL and 31 were candidates of PBT TOEFL. Questionnaires adopted from previous studies were administered at the beginning and at the end of the both types of TOEFL preparation courses in order to see whether any significant difference could be observed in the expectations and perceptions of the participants at course entry and exit. The results were analyzed using a Sign test and Mann-Whitney U-test to compare the responses to the items of both questionnaires by course type. The sign test analysis indicated that except for items reflecting interaction in the class which did not show any significant difference after the administration of the second questionnaire, there were significant differences between the iBT students’ expectations at course entry and perceptions at course exit. The observed decrease in means of the responses in questionnaire B in comparison with A showed that the expectations of the learners have not been fulfilled through iBT preparation classes. The results of Mann-Whitney U-test analysis of the first questionnaire (A) showed no significant differences in the expectations of the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT candidates except for 6 items. Another Mann-Whitney analysis was performed to compare iBT and PBT groups in terms of the answers to the second questionnaire (B). The results indicated no significant difference between the items except for 7 items.
Key Terms: Washback, Beneficial washback, Negative washback, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT, TOEFL CBT, Expectations & Perceptions
