Developments and New Look of TOEFL : Observations for Language Teachers

Abstract

TOEFL, one of the most popular standardized tests, is a test to measure English competence of non-native speakers of English. TOEFL has gone through three substantial changes from paper-based testing (PBT), computer-based testing (CBT), and finally to internet-based testing (iBT). TOEFL iBT resulted from the mobilization of academicians from several disciplines and the integration of currently high technology. This article aims at presenting accounts regarding TOEFL's background and how TOEFL transformed into TOEFL iBT. Conceptual frameworks that might be responsible for this change were proposed. In addition, the author's observation regarding the change was made, hoping it to be more or less useful to language teachers.