Indonesian as a Foreign Language: Standard Setting and Materials Development Issues

The research analyzes the standard setting and test material on Indonesian language test, specially for foreign students in Indonesia. The research used qualitative approach by doing in depth interview and content analysis. Data analysis techniques which were used are interactive patterns consisting of data collection, data reduction, conclusions, and data displays. The standard setting analysis was done by in depth interview with Indonesian language instructor for foreign speaker, document analysis (of) in the form of graduate competency standard, test instrument on listening skill, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar, assessment rubric. The needs for test materials design was identified by a questionnaire of material presentation and structural arguments that support judgment from expert. The constructs of test materials are compiled from BIPA textbooks that are compiled into a list of test materials to be assessed by the expert. The expert scored the importance of the material or the basis of the criteria. The results of the study indicate that an accurate standard setting is required in placing test participants at a level appropriate to the competence (ability) and based on the test material to suit the needs of BIPA students.