scholarly journals The effects of music, relaxation and suggestion on tertiary students’ affect and achievement in learning Japanese as a Foreign Language

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 16.1-16.22
Author(s):  
Kuninori Shimbo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Accelerated Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Original Form ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Experimental Group

This study investigates the effects of the three major factors of Suggestopedia – music, relaxation and suggestion – on the students’ affect and development of communicative competence in tertiary Japanese language classes. A review of literature on Suggestopedia, the original form of Accelerated Learning (AL), shows that its effects are controversial, surrounded by misunderstanding and lack of appropriate evaluation. There is a need to clarify the nature of AL and the effects of its factors. Two existing classes were randomly assigned as a control group (n= 29) and an experimental group (n= 25). This quasi-experimental study lasted for 12 weeks with 3 stages of 4 weeks each. The results oft-tests showed that there existed no major significant differences between the two groups. When differences between each stage were examined carefully, however, it was found that self-concept increased significantly with the introduction of suggestion. The findings did not support the general claims that AL has positive effects on language learning, but it was found that among the three independent variables suggestion influenced students’ affect positively. The finding implies that the teacher’s positive messages are powerful tools to enhance students’ affect in learning a foreign language.

The effects of music, relaxation and suggestion on tertiary students’ affect and achievement in learning Japanese as a foreign language

2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 16.1-16.22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuninori Shimbo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Accelerated Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Original Form ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Experimental Group

This study investigates the effects of the three major factors of Suggestopedia – music, relaxation and suggestion – on the students’ affect and development of communicative competence in tertiary Japanese language classes. A review of literature on Suggestopedia, the original form of Accelerated Learning (AL), shows that its effects are controversial, surrounded by misunderstanding and lack of appropriate evaluation. There is a need to clarify the nature of AL and the effects of its factors. Two existing classes were randomly assigned as a control group (n = 29) and an experimental group (n = 25). This quasi-experimental study lasted for 12 weeks with 3 stages of 4 weeks each. The results of t-tests showed that there existed no major significant differences between the two groups. When differences between each stage were examined carefully, however, it was found that self-concept increased significantly with the introduction of suggestion. The findings did not support the general claims that AL has positive effects on language learning, but it was found that among the three independent variables suggestion influenced students’ affect positively. The finding implies that the teacher’s positive messages are powerful tools to enhance students’ affect in learning a foreign language.

scholarly journals Reading skill development through CLIL Methodology

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 68-80
Author(s):  
Gabriel Margarita Ramírez Casco ◽  
Jazmina Ivonne Mena Mayorga
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Language Curriculum ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Comprehension Process ◽  
Experimental Group

Introduction. In the mid-90s, as a result of the language policies adopted in Europe to improve the language skills of its citizens, a new approach to language learning emerged, this was named, Content Integrated Learning and Foreign Languages (CLIL). With the same vision, within the changes made in its educational policy, since 2016 Ecuador implements this approach in its foreign language curriculum. Objective. The objective of this work was to provide evidence on the effectiveness of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) in the acquisition of reading competence compared to the traditional learning of English as a foreign language (EFL) in the first year of Bachillerato at Unidad Educativa Riobamba. Methodology. The study was carried out based on a quantitative method, quasi experimental design and it was applied in two moments: pre and post- test. In order to determine the statistical differences in the reading comprehension process between the two groups of students, CLIL reading texts were applied to a population of 60 students, which 30 students represented the control group and all the other remaining students were the experimental group. The control group was evaluated after using the textbook as the only class teaching material and, the experimental group, was evaluated after receiving CLIL classes using its corresponding materials. Results. The results indicated that students in the experimental group showed at the end of the project, a significant development in reading comprehension and vocabulary. Conclusion. Therefore, through this research it was determined that the use of CLIL texts directly influenced the development of reading comprehension and requires teachers to start using this approach.

scholarly journals The Effect of Humor-Integrated Pictures Using Quizlet on Vocabulary Learning of EFL Learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Mehdi Solhi Andarab
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Shed Light

The recent improvements in technology and their integration in language learning have played a facilitating role invocabulary acquisition. Quizlet, an online teacher-/student-friendly tool, is one of the leading applications invocabulary acquisition. Along with the effectiveness of visualization in acquiring vocabulary, humor has been alsoextensively indicated to carry a significant role in language learning. With all its facilitating features, the integrationof technology, humor, and vocabulary can be achieved via Quizlet. In this study, the visual integration of humoraccompanying vocabulary on Quizlet was taken into scrutiny to see to what extent humor-integrated pictures onQuizlet account for the retention of vocabulary acquisition. With this purpose, this study examined the effect ofhumor-integrated pictures on vocabulary acquisition of 45 intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learnerson Quizlet. In so doing, the experimental group received a series of unknown vocabulary items for which theintegrated pictures were humorous, while the vocabulary items assigned for the control group were identical, but innon-humorous contexts. At the end, an independent samples t-test applied on the scores achieved from a posttestindicated a significant difference in scores of the control group and that of the experimental group. In fact, thelearners in the experimental group significantly outperformed their counterparts in the control group. The resultsindicated that linking vocabulary items with humorous pictures is more effective than using non-humorous context inlearning vocabulary. Apparently, as the results indicate, the significant effectiveness of technology in vocabularylearning can be boosted with the help of humorous context. The findings shed light on the importance of technologyin language learning and its linking with humor in vocabulary learning.

The impact of computer-assisted language learning on Iranian EFL students’ vocabulary learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 210-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Rahimi ◽  
Samira Mouri
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This study aimed to explore the impact of computer-assisted language learning on Iranian EFL students’ vocabulary learning. Participants of the study were 76 students – 29 males and 47 females – learning English as a foreign language in Parto, Sadr, Poyesh and Andishe Institutes in Ahvaz who were selected after taking the Nelson English Language Test as a proficiency test. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group was taken as control and the other as experimental group. Both groups participated in the teacher-made test of vocabulary, Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT), and Word-Associates Test (WAT) as pre-test. During class sessions the control group was taught the vocabulary, in the conventional way, through the printed textbook while the experimental group taught by the software version of the same book. Three ANCOVAs were run to compare the performance of experimental and control groups after the treatment period. The results of the ANCOVAs revealed that using vocabulary learning software was more effective than using printed book on vocabulary learning, vocabulary breadth, and vocabulary depth of the participants. The results of the present study could help EFL course book designers, foreign language institutes, educational planners, material developers, teachers, and learners to provide a better context for EFL learning. Keywords: computer-assisted instruction, computer-assisted language learning, information communication technology, vocabulary breadth, vocabulary teaching software.  

scholarly journals Using Audiobooks for Developing Listening Comprehension among Saudi EFL Preparatory Year Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manal Mohamed Khodary Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Northern Border ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
Experimental Group

The current study investigated the usefulness of using audiobooks on developing listening comprehension among Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) preparatory year students. It employed the quasi-experimental design which included two groups: an experimental group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 44). The participants were EFL preparatory year students at Arar Branch, Northern Border University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Before conducting the treatment, the experimental group and the control group were pre-tested by using the pre Listening Comprehension Test (LCT) for equivalence of listening comprehension. By the end of the treatment, the experimental group and the control group were post-tested by using the post LCT. The t-test was used to calculate the differences between the mean scores of the pre and post LCT. The results showed that a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental group and the control group on the post LCT in favor of the experimental group. The results also revealed that a statistically significant difference was found in the mean scores of the experimental group between the pre and post LCT in favor of the post LCT. Thus, it can be concluded that the audiobooks helped the experimental group develop listening comprehension as they exceeded the control group on the post LCT and they achieved a better result on the post LCT than the pre LCT.

scholarly journals The Effect of Mind Subtraction Meditation on Smartphone Addiction in School Children

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Gyeong Yoo ◽  
Min Jeong Lee ◽  
Boas Yu ◽  
Mi Ra Yun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Smartphone Addiction ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
School Based ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Experimental Group

BACKGROUND: Aim of current study was to examine the effects of school-based mind subtraction meditation program on smartphone addiction tendency and mental health of third grade students in a South Korean elementary school. MATERIALS & METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with nonequivalent comparison groups was used. An experimental group (n = 24), who participated in the school-based meditation program, and a control group (n = 22), who did not participate in the program, were measured pre-test, post-test, and also three months after the completion of this study on smartphone addiction tendency and mental health. RESULTS: The study result showed a significant decrease in smartphone addiction tendency and also significant improvements in mental health variables of depression, anxiety, aggression, and impulsivity for the experimental group. These improvements were shown to continue even after the study completion when measured post-intervention at three months. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the mind subtraction meditation program had positive effects on smartphone addiction tendency and mental health variables. It can be suggested from this study to recommend mind subtraction meditation as one of feasible strategies to prevent smartphone addiction and to improve mental health status in elementary school children. Further, this study meaningfully supports positive beneficial evidence of meditation program utilization in schools.

Utilizing WhatsApp Messenger to Enhance Listening Skills of Civil Engineering Degree Students in Mandarin Courses at UiTM Penang Branch

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60
Author(s):  
Foo Terng Hoe ◽  
◽  
Teck Heng Lim ◽  
Boon Yih Mah ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Instructional Tool ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experimental Group

Listening skills are important skills that need to be mastered by foreign language learners. Listening skills have, however, often been neglected in the teaching and learning process. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using WhatsApp messenger as an instructional tool in enhancing listening skills. This experimental research employs the two-group pre-test post-test design. Two groups of 30 students who enrolled in the Introductory Mandarin course in one of the public universities in Malaysia took part in the study. During the study, the experimental group of 30 students underwent listening drills and exercises using WhatsApp messenger as the treatment, while another 30 students in the control group were taught by another lecturer using the conventional method of teaching listening skills. Listening test scores of before and after the treatment were compared and analyzed using Independent Samples t-Test to identify the significant level of the difference between the scores of these two groups. The findings show no significant difference in the listening pre-test scores between both control and experimental groups. However, after the treatment, the listening scores of the experimental group students are significantly better than that of the control group students. These results indicate that WhatsApp messenger is a useful instructional tool to teach listening skills in foreign language. The findings of this study could be used as a reference for further development of WhatsApp messenger as an instructional tool to enhance listening skills, overcome the constraints on teaching time, and improve the pedagogy as well as the instructions of foreign language learning.

scholarly journals Maintaining and Supporting Seniors’ Wellbeing through Foreign Language Learning: Psycholinguistics of Second Language Acquisition in Older Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8038
Author(s):  
Marcel Pikhart ◽  
Blanka Klimova
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Young Control ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Elderly Control

This study concerns aspects of positive psychology connected to foreign language learning (FLL) in an older healthy generation. The positive psychology perspective stresses the positive aspects of improved wellbeing in participants who engage in various activities, particularly mental and brain-training practices. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore older people’s subjective feelings connected to their FLL as one of the crucial ways to improve their quality of life (QoL). The objective of the research was to determine the subjective satisfaction level of the participants of a second language (L2) acquisition course. The research sample (experimental group) consisted of 105 respondents who were Czech citizens and 55+ years old. Two control groups were set up. The first (young control) consisted of 102 young adults (university students), also Czech citizens, aged between 19 and 23 years. The second control group (elderly control) consisted of 102 subjects older than 55 years, similar in age to the experimental group. A standardized online questionnaire survey was the principal research method, identical both for the experimental and control groups. The findings clearly showed that language training significantly improved the subjective positive feelings and wellbeing of the older participants, regardless of their objective progress in FLL itself. These results stood in opposition to the young control group and were different from the elderly control group. The results revealed that FLL is an effective tool for enhancing the overall wellbeing of older people, which was shown in their expression of their feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and positive motivation to learn an L2. In addition, FLL objectively affected their mental health in a positive way and expanded their social networks. Moreover, FLL was a meaningful activity for them, despite the weak objective learning outcomes due to the decline of cognitive functions, helping them find their general purpose of life, as well as life motivation as expressed in the survey. These findings are crucial, as it has already been proven that wellbeing is directly connected with good health and longevity. Therefore, national governments and all stakeholders dealing with the present issue of the aging population should pay undivided attention to the enhancement of older people’s wellbeing by all possible intervention approaches, including FLL. There is limited research into the issue and the findings of this investigation could be an impetus for further research into the topic from the perspectives of cognitive science, psychology, and psycholinguistics.

scholarly journals A Development of the Blended Learning Model Using Edmodo for Maximizing Students’ Oral Proficiency and Motivation

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saovapa Wichadee
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Oral Proficiency ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Face To Face Learning ◽  
Experimental Group

The purposes of this study were to develop a blended learning model using Edmodo as a learning tool in language learning and examine the effectiveness of the model implemented in an English course regarding oral proficiency, motivation, and attitude. To achieve these purposes, a quasi-experimental design was employed to collect data using the tests and questionnaires. The samples in this study were the second-year students enrolled in an intermediate English course. The samples were from two classes, each of which contained 42 students. One class was used for the control group; another one for the experimental group. In the control group, students were only taught in a face-to-face learning environment using the PPP model whereas the experimental group studied through the PPP model in class supported by online learning using Edmodo. The findings indicate that blended learning was more effective than traditional learning. That is, students in the experimental group not only outperformed those in the control group in oral proficiency, but they also exhibited higher learning motivation. Although students in both groups did not differ in their attitude toward the PPP model, those in the experimental group expressed a positive attitude toward Edmodo. The findings of this study have implications for English language instructors, encouraging them to see how technology can facilitate learning and help learners produce better academic performance.

Integrating cross-cultural interaction through video-communication and virtual worlds in foreign language teaching programs: is there an added value?

ReCALL ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Canto ◽  
Kristi Jauregi ◽  
Huub van den Bergh
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cultural Interaction ◽  
Web Communication ◽  
Experimental Group

AbstractOrganizing and implementing telecollaboration projects in foreign language curricula is not an easy endeavour (Belz & Thorne, 2006; Guth & Helm, 2010), as pedagogical, organizational and technical issues have to be addressed before cross-cultural interaction sessions can be carried out (O'Dowd & Ritter, 2006; O'Dowd, 2011). These issues make many teaching practitioners reluctant to try to integrate telecollaboration in their teaching, as they are more aware of the burden such initiatives might impose than of the benefits they might have for language learners.Within the European project NIFLAR1 we have tried to study the added value that integrating synchronous collaboration projects through video-web communication or Second Life might have in language learning. The study presented in this paper measures the oral communicative growth of language students, who were allocated at random to one of three research conditions: (1) the VC experimental group carried out interactions with native peers through video-web communication; (2) the SL experimental group carried out the same tasks with native peers in Second Life and (3) the control group performed the tasks face to face with classroom peers and had no opportunity to interact with native experts. Communicative growth was measured by comparing oral pre- and post-tests across conditions. Results show significant differences, the experimental groups outperforming the control group.

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