scholarly journals Teaching acronyms to the military: A paper-based DDL approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Yolanda Noguera-Díaz ◽  
Pascual Pérez-Paredes
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Target Population ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Professional Students ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Active Learner ◽  
The Military

This research investigates the use of Data-driven learning (DDL) tasks in the teaching and learning of acronyms in a specialised corpus. Our target population is professional military staff (n=16). The researchers collected and analysed the Salvage and Rescue of Submarines Corpus (SAR) where the patterning of acronyms, neglected in English for Specific Purposes (ESP), plays a substantial role. Using a mixed-methods methodology, this research looked at the students’ interaction with DDL, as well as at the subsequent interviews with the students. Deductive and inductive paper-based DDL tasks with concordance lines of acronyms were used with two groups of students of different rank. Both groups found the tasks challenging and showed mixed reactions towards concordance lines. While there has been a much-needed emphasis on tools and corpus methods training in DDL, we suggest that conversations with adult, professional students about the nature of instructed language learning and language patterning are absolutely essential to promote a more active learner role in DDL approaches.

Consideration of Demographics and Variance in Regression Approaches to Estimating Body Dimensions for Spatial Analysis of Design

2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal Nadadur ◽  
Matthew B. Parkinson
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Residual Variance ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Target User ◽  
Digital Human Models ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Marginal Improvement ◽  
The Military ◽  
Digital Human

A common objective in designing for human variability is to consider the variability in body size and shape of the target user population. Since anthropometric data specific to the user population of interest are seldom available, the variability is approximated. This is done in a number of ways, including the use of data from populations that are well-documented (e.g., the military), proportionality constants, and digital human models. These approaches have specific limitations, including a failure to consider the effects of lifestyle and demography, resulting in products, tasks, and environments that are inappropriately sized for the actual user population, causing problems with safety, fit, and performance. This paper explores a regression-based approach in a context where the demographic distributions of descriptors (e.g., race/ethnicity, age, and fitness) are dissimilar for the database and target population. Also examined is a stratified regression model involving the development of independent anthropometry-estimation models for each racial group. When using regression with residual variance, stratification on the predictor demographics to obtain estimates of gender, stature, and BMI distributions is shown to be sufficiently robust for usual database-target population combinations. Consideration of demographic variables in development of the regression model provides marginal improvement, but could be appropriate in specific situations.

scholarly journals EFL Learners’ Perspectives on the use of Smartphones in Higher Education Settings in Slovakia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rastislav Metruk
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes

MALL (Mobile assisted language learning) affords new opportunities for EFL (English as a foreign language) learners and teachers. Research on MALL is still in its infancy in Slovakia, and this paper attempts to fill in this gap by examining students’ perception and attitudes towards the use of smartphones for the purposes of learning and practicing English. The target population of this study constituted of the Slovak university EFL learners whose major was Teacher Training of English Language and Literature (n = 77) at a Slovak university. The research method employed to achieve the objectives of this study was a 5‑point Likert scale questionnaire, comprising of two sets of statements: general and out‑of‑the‑classroom statements with a total of 29 items. The research results for both sets of statements imply that the participants display moderately positive attitudes towards smartphones in the context of EFL learning. However, the findings also reveal some issues surrounding the perception and potential use of smartphones such as the inability to plan students’ language learning appropriately and effectively, general underuse of smartphone apps, or problems related to practicing speaking skills. The results further suggest the immediate need to develop and enhance the awareness of smartphones and their potential in the process of teaching and learning English so that the EFL learners can utilize considerable opportunities these smart devices offer. Finally, the limitations of this study are recognized, and it is emphasized that conducting further research in this area is urgently needed.

scholarly journals Blended learning for sustainable education: Moodle-based English for Specific Purposes teaching at Kryvyi Rih National University

2020 ◽  
Vol 166 ◽  
pp. 10006
Author(s):  
Nadiya Holiver ◽  
Tetiana Kurbatova ◽  
Iryna Bondar
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
National University ◽  
Teaching Learning

The article deals with the experience of implementing Information Communication Technologies (ICT) into ESP (English for Specific Purposes) teaching and learning. Informatization and application of innovations in education has resulted in emergence of e-learning. While Moodle is one of the most popular Learning Management Systems (LMS) and it enables and facilitates the shift to the student-centered education, the article highlights its implementation and adjustment to the specific nature of teaching and learning languages for specific purposes at Kryvyi Rih National University. The article touches upon reasons for applying Moodle to language teaching/learning and its advantages as a complement to the traditional face-to-face, or classroom, mode, thus combining them into what is referred to as blended learning, or b-learning. Both the teachers and learners interviewed demonstrated positive attitudes to using the platform in their practices. Besides, the article touches upon Moodle-based opportunities of managing the content and monitoring students’ activities both in general and by individual courses. As Moodle is a web-based distance education platform not initially developed for language learning, the article invites discussion on advantages and disadvantages of its application to teaching/learning foreign languages and finding out which factors may allow language teachers and learners to boost its use and reach the set goals.

scholarly journals Use of Poetry in the English as a Second Language Classroom: A Study of Second Year Undergraduates in Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

2022 ◽  
Vol 07 (01) ◽  
pp. 85-104
Author(s):  
P. N. Gardihewa
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Esl Classroom

This study focuses on the effectiveness of the use of literature among English as a Second Language (ESL) students. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether poetry has an impact on language teaching and learning in undergraduates in the English as a second language (ESL) classroom. This study focuses on poetry as a motivation factor and as a productive method to practice language in the ESL classroom. The target population was randomly selected from the second-year students who offer Center for English Language Learning (CELL) as their core subject for their degree program. The students were chosen at random from the sample, with 20 individuals divided into two groups. After the class, the first group was tested using non-literature content, and their scores were recorded. The second group received the identical instruction as the first, with the same test results. As a result, after learning the lesson through a poem, the second group was tested again, and their scores were recorded. They were also given a questionnaire to gauge their degree of satisfaction. The effectiveness of using poetry in learning and teaching was examined by comparing the independent variables. When the effectiveness of the employment of poetry in second language learning students is measured, the outcome-oriented examination shows no difference. There seem certain positive and negative effects.

scholarly journals Data-Driven Learning in Enhancing Learners’ Language Idiomaticity

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (23) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Haiyan Men
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Experimental Group

As data-driven learning has been advancing across new frontiers in recent years, there is still a paucity of studies on data-driven vocabulary learning model that brings about effectiveness in teaching and learning practices. Idiomaticity, which serves as an important indicator for language proficiency, needs abundant contextualized language input for the acquisition of target words. In this regard, the present study explores whether computer-assisted language learning is effective in vocabulary acquisition, and in the differentiation of synonymous words on the part of learners. Pre-/posttests and questionnaires were administered among an experimental group (N=26) and a control group (N=26). Results showed that the experimental group, who was instructed under the data-driven learning model, got a higher mean score than the control group, who received traditional dictionary-consulting instruction. The former also finished the posttest within a much shorter period of time. A significant relationship was found between the pretest scores and posttest scores among the experimental group whereas the scores in the control group did not reach statistical significance. Therefore, there was a significant improvement in learners’ performance on collocation production under the data-driven learning model, whilst dictionaries did not prove to have such a contributing effect. This study provides some suggestions for how to enhance learners’ idiomaticity by improving collocation performance under the data-driven model.

Peningkatan Aktivitas Dan Hasil Belajar Bahasa Indonesia Pada Materi Teks Eksposisi Melalui Model Contextual Teaching And Learning (CTL) Siswa Kelas X IS 3 SMAN 4 Banda Aceh

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-298
Author(s):  
Yuslina Yuslina
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Process Data ◽  
School Year ◽  
Data Collection Technique ◽  
Written Test ◽  
Banda Aceh

he purpose of this study was to increase the activities and results of Indonesian language learning in the exposition text material of class X IS 3 SMAN 4 Banda Aceh. The learning model used in this study is the CTL learning model. The subjects of this study were students of class X IS 3 SMAN 4 Banda Aceh. The number of students is 35 students with 16 male students and 19 female students. This research was conducted in the 2019/2020 school year for a period of 3 months, from August 2019 to October 2019 in the odd semester. The research methodology is Classroom Action Research (PTK) consisting of two cy-cles and each cycle consisting of two meetings. Each cycle consists of planning, implementing, observ-ing and reflecting. The data collection technique is to collect test scores that are carried out at the end of each lesson in each cycle using a question instrument (written test). Observation data was carried out by looking at the activeness of students in the learning process. Data were analyzed by means of percentage statistics. The results showed that there was an increase in student learning activities in both cycles, from good enough to good categories and to very good categories. Completeness of student learning outcomes has increased from 48.57% in the pre cycle increased to 68.57% in cycle I and increased to 88.57% in cycle II. The use of the CTL learning model can increase the activities and results of Indone-sian language learning in the exposition text material of class X IS 3 SMAN 4 Banda Aceh Academic Year 2019/2020

The Involvement of Native Speakers in Teaching and Learning Japanese Language at UiTM

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Choong Pow Yean ◽  
Sarinah Bt Sharif ◽  
Normah Bt Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Japanese Culture ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Lexical Density

The Nihongo Partner Program or “Japanese Language Partner” is a program that sends native speakers to support the teaching and learning of Japanese overseas. The program is fully sponsored by The Japan Foundation. The aim of this program is to create an environment that motivates the students to learn Japanese. This study is based on a survey of the Nihongo Partner Program conducted on students and language lecturers at UiTM, Shah Alam. This study aims to investigate if there is a necessity for native speakers to be involved in the teaching and learning of Japanese among foreign language learners. Analysis of the results showed that both students and lecturers are in dire need of the Nihongo Partner Program to navigate the learning of the Japanese language through a variety of language learning activities. The involvement of native speaker increases students’ confidence and motivation to converse in Japanese. The program also provides opportunities for students to increase their Japanese language proficiency and lexical density. In addition, with the opportunity to interact with the native speakers, students and lecturers will have a better understanding of Japanese culture as they are able to observe and ask the native speakers. Involvement of native speakers is essential in teaching and learning of Japanese in UiTM.

The Use of Multimedia and its Impact on Bangladeshi EFL Learners at Tertiary Level

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Farzana Sharmin Pamela Islam
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

As 21st century is the era of modern technologies with different aspects, it offers us to make the best use of them. After tape recorder and overhead projector (OHP), multimedia has become an important part of language classroom facilities for its unique and effective application in delivering and learning lesson. Although in many parts of Bangladesh, a South Asian developing country, where English enjoys the status of a foreign language, the use of multimedia in teaching and learning is viewed as a matter of luxury. However, nowadays the usefulness and the necessity of it are well recognized by the academics as well as the government. The study aims to focus on the difference between a traditional classroom void of multimedia and multimedia equipped classrooms at university level by explaining how multimedia support the students with enhanced opportunity to interact with diverse texts that give them more in-depth comprehension of the subject. It also focuses on audio-visual advantage of multimedia on the students’ English language learning. The study has followed a qualitative method to get an in-depth understanding of the impact of using multimedia in an English language classroom at tertiary level. For this purpose, the data have been collected from two different sources. Firstly, from students’ written response to  an open ended question as to their comparative experience of learning  lessons with and without multimedia facilities; and secondly, through  observation of English language classes at a private university of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The discussion of the study is limited to  the use of multimedia in English language classroom using cartoons, images and music with a view to enhance students’ skills in academic writing, critical analysis of image and critical appreciation of music. For this purpose, cartoons in English language, images from Google and music from You Tube have got focused discussion in this paper.

THE ADVANTAGES OF PROMOTING LEARNERS’ AUTONOMY IN EFL CONTEXT

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hapsari Dwi Kartika
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Autonomous Learning ◽  
English Teaching ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Students Success

This paper explains why learner autonomy is taken into account in language learning where English is a foreign language for the learners particularly in Indonesia. The definition of learner autonomy and its advantages to language learner in EFL contexts will be described within this paper. Many scholars from psychological education and English teaching and learning had proved that language learning can be improved by certain strategy. They revealed the correlation between the autonomous learning with students’ success in learning with different aspect. The definition of autonomy is similar to many different words such as self-regulated and self-determined. Finally, the writer suggests how teacher can promote the autonomous learning atmosphere in the classroom.Keywords: strategy, promoting autonomy, EFL context, Indonesia

scholarly journals Enacting alternatives to nationalist essentialising in language learning: Students’ voices

2021 ◽  
pp. 001458582098650
Author(s):  
Gloria De Vincenti ◽  
Angela Giovanangeli
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Critical Discourse ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Alternative Approaches

Researchers examining nationalistic conceptions of language learning argue that nationalist essentialism often shapes the way languages are taught by educators and understood by learners. While numerous studies focus on how frameworks informed by Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and intercultural education offer alternative approaches to national stereotyping, these studies tend to focus on theoretical approaches, teacher perspectives or innovative teaching and learning resources. The literature to date, however, does not provide case studies on student responses to activities designed by the teacher to open up the classroom with opportunities that move beyond essentialist representations. This article responds to the need for such scholarship and presents a case study involving a focus group with tertiary students in an Italian language and culture subject. It reveals some of the ways in which students enacted and reflected upon alternatives to nationalist essentialising as a result of language learning activities that had been informed by the discursive processes of CDA. The findings suggest that students demonstrated skills and attitudes such as curiosity, subjectivities and connections with broader social contexts. Some of the data also indicates student engagement in critical inquiry and their potential for social agency.

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