Language proficiency and self-concept : a study of Japanese exchange students

Graduation date: 1991The major purpose of this study was to explore changes in language proficiency and self-concept of Japanese college students participating in an intensive English language program at Tokyo International University of America (TIUA). Another purpose of the study was to determine if there was a relationship between change in English language proficiency as measured by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and changes in self-concept as measured by the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS). Data for this study were collected between May 1989 (pretest) and January 1990 (posttest). Of the 61 students (mostly sophomores and juniors) in the exchange program, 44 students completed the pre- and posttests of TOEFL, 52 students completed the pre-and posttests of TSCS, while 39 students completed the pre- and posttests of both the TOEFL and TSCS. The data were analyzed by methods of one-way analysis of variance, t-tests and Pearson's correlation analyses. Results of this study show that (i) there was a statistically significant increase in the level of language proficiency of the Japanese exchange students, (ii) there were no significant gender differences in TOEFL test scores, (iii) there were no significance changes in TSCS total or subscales scores, (iv) there were no significant gender differences in TSCS total or subscales change scores, and (iv) a significant correlation was found between TOEFL scores and changes in the TSCS social self score (r = .306). The researcher recommends that more in-depth study be conducted to explore the relationship that social self and behavior may have upon language development. Moreover, additional studies on intensive language programs should be undertaken using control groups to compare English language development within short-term intensive language programs. It is also recommended that further research be done to determine self-concept development among international students