Self-Directed Learning (SDL)-Based Learning Center (LC): A Strategy to Improve Students’ Toefl Score

This paper addresses two things, (1) development of Learning Center (LC) as a place to learn and practice TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and (2) a further plan to develop a computer-based LC to be a better self-directed learning (SDL) center. A conventional LC has been being developed and is about to reach its end. As a self-directed learning site, it is completed with a number of facilities, including ten learning and practice test modules, listening materials in form of CD, answer sheet, CD player, point card, membership card and directory sheet and SOP. The idea for development of LC was pursuant to the result of tracer study to see needs of assistance of students and lecturers in five universities in Bali in learning TOEFL. To be appropriate devices, the modules had been finalized through some validation including content, design, individual, and a small group test. They were required to fill in the questionnaires and give comment on the modules. The field test to see effectiveness of modules was done at the end. Thus, a group of student as sample group was given a self-directed learning for one session by using one of the modules and practice test at the end of the session. The result of the test was then compared with that of the test prior to the learning. The result showed that the mean of students’ achievement between test 1 and test 2 were respectively 367.26 and 416.17. The mean of increase of both tests was 48.91 with percentage of increase 13.32. For further plan, the model will be designed in such a way that computer can be effectively used to support the LC program.