Preparing Papuan EFL teachers for the IELTS and Australian Development Scholarships

This study evaluates the success of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) preparation program for 14 EFL teachers conducted in Papua Indonesia. The program aimed to familiarise the teachers with the IELTS, enhance their test readiness and confidence, and increase their capacity to reach the Australian Development Scholarship’s English proficiency requirement of IELTS 5.0. Preparation materials developed by the first author were used in face-to-face, email and self-study modes. Adjustments to input were made during program delivery based on participant feedback, investigator observation and reflection. Two evaluative instruments were used: two practice IELTS tests delivered during the program and one official IELTS test conducted post-program; a post-program participant survey on key aspects of the program and the participants’ degree of self-perceived test readiness and confidence. Lessons were learnt concerning the provision of offshore test preparation in a remote developing country which may assist in the design of similar programs