Relationship between IB DP English scores, english proficiency exam scores and student selection examination scores : a correlational study

Abstract

English language teaching has become one of the most inseparable parts of Turkish National Education Curriculum. With the emergence of international programs such as International Baccalaureate, International General Certificate of Secondary Education and Advanced Placement English language teaching and language proficiency gained new perspectives in Turkey and around the world. While the English curriculum in Turkish national system focuses on receptive and productive skills; reading, listening, writing and speaking, the curriculum of international programs focus more on critical thinking skills in the target language. The question of how well a student who received IB Diploma Programme English education can perform in a standardized English proficiency test which focuses on critical thinking skills rather than four skills remains unanswered in Turkish context. This study aimed to explore the relationship between IB DP English scores, a standardized English test scores (COPE) and student Selection Examination (OSS) scores of Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory School graduates. This study was completed by using the IB DP English, COPE and SSE scores of 119 students as instruments. The data were analysed with correlational analysis approach. Statistically significant relationships were discovered between COPE exam scores and IB predicted grades.