Since the 1970's the dominating theories in teaching and learning in Western countries have centred on students constructing their own understanding. This was a major shift from the previous system which focused on the teacher being the centre of the classroom. Although most Asian education systems still follow the system wherein the teacher tells the students what the "right" answer is they must learn, Australia, the UK, New Zealand and most all European countries now focus on the students developing their own answers.

With the internet now there are exciting possibilities in students working collaboratively and constructing meaning in real time using the internet and purpose built sites like "wikis" and online forums. One major advantage these have over traditional classroom discussions is that it brings in perspectives from around the world as people anywhere can access the sites and join in the learning. Education systems are just starting to realise the potential the internet holds but some individual teachers are at the vanguard leading the way and showing what can be done.

The purpose of these two tests because they are both very misunderstood in terms of their content, method of testing and their intent. Their similarities lie in both being American in origin and required by most American universities, and many Korean universities, for entering mainstream university study.

The SAT began because in the United States there was no mandatory national curriculum, each state taught its students differently. Universities wanted a way to compare students from various states who were vying for a seat in freshmen classes. It is a very heavily culturally-based test that requires knowledge but little understanding. Today the test is fast becoming irrelevant in the US as fewer and fewer universities require it for entrance every year. It is now understood that what you understand is more important than what you know.

The TOEFL test has changed over the years. It is now in the IBT (Internet Based Test) format and is no longer a "language test". There are no grammatical criteria in the test. It is possible to have spelling and grammatical errors and still receive perfect marks. The test is now, quite accurately, a measure of the skills required of a university freshman- comprehend university level written texts, comprehend university lectures, communicate orally with confidence and to synthesize information and compose oral and written texts. It is NOT a test of English language grammar ability or skill. TOEFL IBT is a test of the ability to communicate at an appropriate level that is expected of an American university student.

For improvement in both of tests students must think long term. You cannot do a prep programme the month before a test and see a qualitative improvement. You should be undertaking a consistent approach over a 1-2 year period depending on initial levels of competence for each.