Engaging student interpreters in vocabulary building: Web search with computer workbench

ReCALL ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lily Lim

AbstractThis paper investigates the usefulness of Web portals in a workbench for assisting student interpreters in the search for and collection of vocabulary. The experiment involved a class of fifteen English as a Foreign Language (EFL) student interpreters, who were required to equip themselves with the appropriate English vocabulary to handle an interpreting task they had been assigned. The subjects were given the same topic for vocabulary building in two stages – one stage without and the other stage with the use of the workbench. They were not allowed to repeat vocabulary items in the two stages. They documented their experience in vocabulary preparation in the first stage, and provided think-aloud protocols for the second stage. They also completed a questionnaire and submitted two portfolios. The vocabulary portfolios compiled during the two stages were then compared. The results indicate that, with the use of the workbench, the subjects were more efficient in performing the task of building vocabulary by searching for the required vocabulary, and were able to build a vocabulary portfolio that was larger in size and richer in variety. The data also reveal that most students make use of Web portals that have a specific focus, rather than general search engines. The findings provide important information to support the use of the workbench as a tool for training EFL student interpreters in vocabulary building, and also show that guided Web portals are essential for users who need to perform Web-based language learning activities to achieve efficient search results.

ReCALL ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Phoebe Lin

Abstract This paper presents IdiomsTube (https://www.idiomstube.com), the first-ever computer-assisted language learning tool for facilitating the learning of English idiomatic expressions from YouTube videos. The web-based tool is designed to automatically (1) assess the speech rate and lexical difficulty level of any learner-chosen English-captioned YouTube video; (2) generate a range of vocabulary-building and revision tasks (e.g. fill-in-the-blanks, the classic spelling game hangman, pronunciation, flashcards); and (3) recommend YouTube videos based on learners’ individual learning progress, class teachers’ instructions, and current trends. This paper describes the app’s current features in conjunction with the challenges endemic in the development of applications that automatically generate English language learning content out of internet video content. At the time of writing, the IdiomsTube app had over 8,000 registered users worldwide.


Author(s):  
Mei Xue

It has been widely acknowledged that exemplification plays a very significant role in foreign language learning. Many studies have been conducted on dictionary examples, but little attention has been paid to how examples can assist a specific group of foreign learners engaged in a specific learning activity. The present study is intended to fill this gap by investigating how to optimize examples in English learners’ dictionaries to help Chinese learners with writing in English. The functional theory of lexicography will be employed in this study. This investigation will be carried out in two stages. The first one consists in identifying the lexicographic needs of foreign learners engaged in the task of English writing and consulting dictionary examples. The second stage is a demonstration of some proposals for exemplification in learners’ dictionaries through model articles. The purpose of this study is to give new insights into exemplification in learners’ dictionaries for future lexicographic research and practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 368-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Kattenbeck ◽  
David Elsweiler

Purpose It is well known that information behaviour can be biased in countless ways and that users of web search engines have difficulty in assessing the credibility of results. Yet, little is known about how search engine result page (SERP) listings are used to judge credibility and in which if any way such judgements are biased. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Two studies are presented. The first collects data by means of a controlled, web-based user study (N=105). Studying judgements for three controversial topics, the paper examines the extent to which users agree on credibility, the extent to which judgements relate to those applied by objective assessors and to what extent judgements can be predicted by the users’ position on and prior knowledge of the topic. A second, qualitative study (N=9) utilises the same setup; however, transcribed think-aloud protocols provide an understanding of the cues participants use to estimate credibility. Findings The first study reveals that users are very uncertain when assessing credibility and their impressions often diverge from objective judges who have fact checked the sources. Little evidence is found indicating that judgements are biased by prior beliefs or knowledge, but differences are observed in the accuracy of judgements across topics. Qualitatively analysing think-aloud transcripts from participants think-aloud reveals ten categories of cues, which participants used to determine the credibility of results. Despite short listings, participants utilised diverse cues for the same listings. Even when the same cues were identified and utilised, different participants often interpreted these differently. Example transcripts show how participants reach varying conclusions, illustrate common mistakes made and highlight problems with existing SERP listings. Originality/value This study offers a novel perspective on how the credibility of SERP listings is interpreted when assessing search results. Especially striking is how the same short snippets provide diverse informational cues and how these cues can be interpreted differently depending on the user and his or her background. This finding is significant in terms of how search engine results should be presented and opens up the new challenge of discovering technological solutions, which allow users to better judge the credibility of information sources on the web.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Sassano ◽  
Giovanna Elisa Calabrò ◽  
Stefania Boccia

IntroductionPopulation awareness and empowerment in omics sciences represent a fundamental driver to increase the adoption of evidence-based approaches in personalized medicine. In this context, a pivotal role is played by citizens’ literacy, and educational initiatives carried out in this context are key assets to drive future effective interventions. With the present study, we summarized the educational initiatives conducted worldwide aimed at increasing citizens’ literacy in omics sciences.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a web search of the educational initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ literacy in omics sciences undertaken worldwide, by using three search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo Search), in English and in Italian languages.ResultsWe identified five initiatives in Europe, 22 in non-European countries, and 13 in Italy. Overall, the majority (69%) were web-based initiatives, while 31% required in-person attendance. The online initiatives included web pages for reading, online lessons/courses, web portals, videos/short movies, animations, and apps for mobile devices. The residential initiatives, on the other hand, included exhibitions, seminars, courses, symposia, information stands in public places, guided visits to research laboratories, and interactive laboratories. All the initiatives were highly heterogeneous in terms of methodologies and the topics addressed.Discussion and ConclusionOverall, we identified a variety of initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ literacy in omics sciences, with the largest majority carried out in the United States and being web-based. Our results showed heterogeneity among the initiatives as to the dealt topics and the adopted methods. Further research is needed, however, to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of educational initiatives to improve citizens’ literacy in omics sciences.


Author(s):  
Dale E. Bockman ◽  
L. Y. Frank Wu ◽  
Alexander R. Lawton ◽  
Max D. Cooper

B-lymphocytes normally synthesize small amounts of immunoglobulin, some of which is incorporated into the cell membrane where it serves as receptor of antigen. These cells, on contact with specific antigen, proliferate and differentiate to plasma cells which synthesize and secrete large quantities of immunoglobulin. The two stages of differentiation of this cell line (generation of B-lymphocytes and antigen-driven maturation to plasma cells) are clearly separable during ontogeny and in some immune deficiency diseases. The present report describes morphologic aberrations of B-lymphocytes in two diseases in which second stage differentiation is defective.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 8139-8147
Author(s):  
Ranganathan Arun ◽  
Rangaswamy Balamurugan

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) the energy of Sensor nodes is not certainly sufficient. In order to optimize the endurance of WSN, it is essential to minimize the utilization of energy. Head of group or Cluster Head (CH) is an eminent method to develop the endurance of WSN that aggregates the WSN with higher energy. CH for intra-cluster and inter-cluster communication becomes dependent. For complete, in WSN, the Energy level of CH extends its life of cluster. While evolving cluster algorithms, the complicated job is to identify the energy utilization amount of heterogeneous WSNs. Based on Chaotic Firefly Algorithm CH (CFACH) selection, the formulated work is named “Novel Distributed Entropy Energy-Efficient Clustering Algorithm”, in short, DEEEC for HWSNs. The formulated DEEEC Algorithm, which is a CH, has two main stages. In the first stage, the identification of temporary CHs along with its entropy value is found using the correlative measure of residual and original energy. Along with this, in the clustering algorithm, the rotating epoch and its entropy value must be predicted automatically by its sensor nodes. In the second stage, if any member in the cluster having larger residual energy, shall modify the temporary CHs in the direction of the deciding set. The target of the nodes with large energy has the probability to be CHs which is determined by the above two stages meant for CH selection. The MATLAB is required to simulate the DEEEC Algorithm. The simulated results of the formulated DEEEC Algorithm produce good results with respect to the energy and increased lifetime when it is correlated with the current traditional clustering protocols being used in the Heterogeneous WSNs.


Author(s):  
Fitriah Khoirunnisa ◽  
Friska Septiani Silitonga ◽  
Veri Firmansyah

Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis kebutuhan petunjuk praktikum berbasis Keterampilan Proses Sains (KPS) untuk mencapai kemampuan merancang eksperimen pada materi kalor reaksi kalorimetri. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap peserta didik kelas XI SMA Negeri 2 Kota Tanjungpinang. Variabel penelitian mencakup analisis kebutuhan bahan ajar dan analisis kesesuaian Kompetensi Inti (KI) dan Kompetensi Dasar (KD). Jenis penelitian yang dilakukan adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Tahapan pertama dalam penelitian ini adalah menganalisis kebutuhan bahan ajar dengan cara membandingkan dua petunjuk praktikum yang selama ini telah digunakan di sekolah tersebut, ditinjau dari aspek struktur format penulisan, aspek kreativitas, dan aspek keterampilan proses sains yang terdapat dalam petunjuk praktikum. Sehingga didapatkan kesimpulan bahwa petunjuk praktikum yang selama ini digunakan tidak memberikan kesempatan kepada peserta didiknya untuk merancang eksperimen yang telah ditentukan. Tahapan kedua yaitu menganalisis kesesuaian kompetensi inti dan kompetensi dasar, yang bertujuan untuk menentukan indikator pencapaian kompetensi (IPK) yang akan menjadi acuan dalam mengembangkan petunjuk praktikum berbasis keterampilan proses sains. Dari kedua tahapan yang telah dilakukan maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa peserta didik memerlukan petunjuk praktikum yang mampu mengonstruksi pikiran dan mengaktifkan kinerja mereka, sehingga pendekatan Keterampilan Proses Sains menjadi pilihan dalam mengembangkan petunjuk praktikum yang sesuai dengan karakteristik kurikulum 2013.   This research aims to analyze the needs of Science Process Skills based Practical Instruction to achieve the ability to design experiments on the calor of reaction. This research was done to the students of class XI SMA Negeri 2 Tanjungpinang City. Research Variable includes the analysis of the needs of the learning materials and analysis of the suitability of the Core Competence (KI) and Basic Competence (KD). The type of research conducted is descriptive qualitative research. The first stages in this research is to analyze the needs of learning materials by comparing two practical instructions that had been implementing in the school, from the aspects of the structure of writing format, creativity, and science process skills embedded in practical instructions. The conclusion of this research that current practical instructions does not give an opportunity to the participants to design determined experiments. The second stage, namely analyzing the suitability of core competence and basic competence, which aims to determine the indicators of achievement of the competencies (GPA) which will be a reference in developing process skills-based teaching instructions science. Of the two stages that has been done then it can be concluded that learners need practical instructions to construct  thinking and and their performance, so the Science Process Skills approach is an option in developing practical instruction suitable for the characteristics of the curriculum of 2013.


2014 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert Skoczylas

Abstract The Author endeavored to consult some of the Polish experts who deal with assessing and preventing outburst hazards as to their knowledge and experience. On the basis of this knowledge, an expert system, based on fuzzy logic, was created. The system allows automatic assessment of outburst hazard. The work was completed in two stages. The first stage involved researching relevant sources and rules concerning outburst hazard, and, subsequently, determining a number of parameters measured or observed in the mining industry that are potentially connected with the outburst phenomenon and can be useful when estimating outburst hazard. Then, the Author contacted selected experts who are actively involved in preventing outburst hazard, both in the industry and science field. The experts were anonymously surveyed, which made it possible to select the parameters which are the most essential in assessing outburst hazard. The second stage involved gaining knowledge from the experts by means of a questionnaire-interview. Subjective opinions on estimating outburst hazard on the basis of the parameters selected during the first stage were then systematized using the structures typical of the expert system based on fuzzy logic.


2017 ◽  
Vol 924 (6) ◽  
pp. 6-16
Author(s):  
V.S. Tikunov ◽  
O.Yu. Chereshnia

The article presents a methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the environmental situation in Russian Federation regions based on the pollution index and the index of the ecological tension. The evaluation was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the degree of pollution of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere of the regions was estimated on the basis of the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, departing from stationary sources, the formation of solid domestic wastes (SDW) and the discharge of contaminated wastewater. Based on these three indicators, a pollution index was constructed that estimates aggregate pollution level. In the second stage, the authors made the estimation of loads generated by atmospheric emissions, solid waste and waste water discharged into the territory of each region, per capita and in relation to the environmental capacity of the economy. This allows us to take into account the area of pollution, anthropogenic pressure and environmental responsibility of the population, as well as the environmental friendliness of production. On the basis of relative indicators, the index of ecological tension was created.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Roksana Binte Rezwan ◽  
Yoshi Takahashi

This study aimed to understand the psychological process behind employees’ knowledge hiding (KH) behaviors in organizations. KH is an intentional act of concealing knowledge when it is requested by a colleague and can lead to counterproductive consequences for the organization. Therefore, this study synthesized previous studies (n = 88) on KH through a systematic literature review. We used the cognitive–motivational–relational (CMR) theory of emotion to create a framework for the studies’ findings. Based on the framework, the psychological process behind KH has two stages—personal goal generation and the knowledge-request event appraisal process, each of which contains its own CMR process. In the first stage, an individual’s internal and external attributes related to the organization shape their personal goals. In the second stage, an individual appraises the features of a knowledge-request event in terms of both their personal goal and the internal and external attributes that created the goal. If the knowledge request is appraised as harmful for the personal goal, emotion arises and leads to the manifestation of KH. This study contributes to the knowledge management literature as, to our knowledge, it is the first to propose a CMR theory-based framework to understand the overall psychological process behind KH.


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