ABSTRACT
Language placement test is not new and also one of the critical requirements for further education or work application. Therefore, it is one of the motivational reasons to study foreign languages. The primary objective of this pilot study is to find ways to develop the ability of German-major students at Thammasat University to pass the German placement test- Goethe Zertifikat- during their fourth academic year successfully. The questionnaire was developed to assess the student’s perception of their motivation, obstacle, and expectations towards German placement test. The results show that their motivation lies mainly in the self-level test and their determination to further education or even future career. Although the long-term goals of studying are clear, specific short-term goals should be considered as well, because it is also a key to encourage the students to learn and prepare themselves more for the placement test. Tasks and assignments of the preparation phase or tutorial session would be divided into small steps. Deadlines must be assigned and the students must monitor their own progress. The students could be therefore more flexible with their own learning or studying schedule. The lecturers could also follow up the learning progress, evaluate the performance and give feedback. However, the students are very satisfied with the support from the German Department, especially financial and organization support, starting from the preparation phase until the end of the exam and they also got to pay minimal exam fees.
KEYWORDS
Expectation, German placement test, Goethe Zertifikat, Goal-setting, Language placement test, Limitations, Motivations