Study Buddy: An English Training Program for College Students Who Failed Their English Comprehensive Exam
Abstract
This study delved into the implementation of the Study Buddy program to help college students who failed their English comprehensive exam. Nine students participated in the study. Descriptive qualitative methods were used. The Study Buddy program was carried out by English lecturers teaching at the university. The program consisted of two stages: English training and private tutoring. The materials were related to those of the English comprehensive exam, covering four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Data were collected through the English comprehensive exam and by interviews. It was found that there were significant changes seen after the students participated in the Study Buddy program. The findings also showed that the participants were extremely enthusiastic about the program, shown by their high attendance rates (95%) and their positive responses regarding the program. This study hopes to shed some light on the importance of helping students with English learning difficulties.
Keywords: study buddy, English training, college students, English comprehensive exam
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