Reassessment of sentence combining and decombining

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-71
Author(s):  
Hansol Lee ◽  
Jang Ho Lee
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sentence Combining ◽  
Syntactic Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of sentence combining (SC) and sentence decombining (SD) activities on fostering reading comprehension. As a widely used writing activity for enhancing syntactic fluency in English Language Arts (ELA) classes, SC requires learners to combine short sentences into longer and more complex sentences, while SD requires learners to break down a long sentence into the shortest grammatically allowable sentences. Design/methodology/approach This study assessed the effects of SD and SC in comparison with a control group on the improvement of reading comprehension ability among college students learning English as their second language (L2) in the context of a six-week English language learning program. Participants with overall intermediate English language proficiency were randomly assigned to one of three different conditions: SC, SD and control. Also, a subset of the participants was interviewed after the intervention. Findings The results showed that SD was more effective than SC or control condition in enhancing syntactic knowledge and reading comprehension, as measured by a standardized English proficiency test. Data obtained from post-study interviews further suggested that only SD was perceived by the participants as having enhanced their reading comprehension. Originality/value The present study provides a valuable addition to a body of research on sentence manipulation activities in ELA classes. For those L2 learners who have passed a pre-intermediate threshold level, SD appears to be more beneficial than SC in enhancing syntactic knowledge, which, in turn, appears to contribute to better reading comprehension.

A visual interactive reading system based on eye tracking technology to improve digital reading performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 680-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Ming Chen ◽  
Jung-Ying Wang ◽  
Yu-Chieh Lin
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
English Language ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Digital Reading ◽  
Interactive Reading ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Field Independent ◽  
Reading System ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group

Purpose Developing attention-aware systems and interfaces based on eye tracking technology could revolutionize mainstream human–computer interaction to make the interaction between human beings and computers more intuitive, effective and immersive than can be achieved traditionally using a computer mouse. This paper aims to propose an eye-controlled interactive reading system (ECIRS) that uses human eyes instead of the traditional mouse to control digital text to support screen-based digital reading. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a quasi-experimental design to examine the effects of an experimental group and a control group of learners who, respectively, used the ECIRS and a mouse-controlled interactive reading system (MCIRS) to conduct their reading of two types of English-language text online – pure text and Q&A-type articles on reading comprehension, cognitive load, technology acceptance, and reading behavioural characteristics. Additionally, the effects of learners with field-independent (FI) and field-dependence (FD) cognitive styles who, respectively, used the ECIRS and MCIRS to conduct their reading of two types of English-language text online – pure text and Q&A-type articles on reading comprehension are also examined. Findings Analytical results reveal that the reading comprehension of learners in the experimental group significantly exceeded those in the control group for the Q&A article, but the difference was insignificant for the pure text article. Moreover, the ECIRS improved the reading comprehension of field-independent learners more than it did that of field-dependent learners. Moreover, neither the cognitive loads of the two groups nor their acceptance of the technology differed significantly, whereas the reading time of the experimental group significantly exceeded that of the control group. Interestingly, for all articles, the control group of learners read mostly from top to bottom without repetition, whereas most of the learners in the experimental group read most paragraphs more than once. Clearly, the proposed ECIRS supports deeper digital reading than does the MCIRS. Originality/value This study proposes an emerging ECIRS that can automatically provide supplementary information to a reader and control a reading text based on a reader’s eye movement to replace the widely used mouse-controlled reading system on a computer screen to effectively support digital reading for English language learning. The implications of this study are that the highly interactive reading patterns of digital text with ECIRS support increase motivation and willingness to learn while giving learners a more intuitive and natural reading experience as well as reading an article online with ECIRS support guides learners’ attention in deeper digital reading than does the MCIRS because of simultaneously integrating perceptual and cognitive processes of selection, awareness and control based on human eye movement.

scholarly journals Improving the English skills of native Japanese using artificial intelligence in a blended learning program

2019 ◽  
pp. 327-333
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Obari ◽  
Stephen Lambacher
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Private University ◽  
Business Majors ◽  
Learning Program

A constructivist approach to language learning can motivate students by activating their brains to create new knowledge and reflect more consistently and deeply on their language learning experience. The present study focused on assessing the use of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) speakers Google Home Mini and Amazon Alexa as part of a Blended Learning (BL) environment to improve the English skills of two groups of native Japanese undergraduates. The participants were 47 native speakers of Japanese, all third-year business majors at a private university in Tokyo. Pretest and posttest Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) scores, as well as results from a post-training survey, were used in evaluating the overall effectiveness of the program. Gains in TOEIC scores indicated the BL program incorporating AI speakers improved the students’ overall English skills, particularly listening comprehension. The results suggest the integration of AI, along with social media and 21st-century skills, may be an effective way to improve the English language proficiency of adult L2 learners.

scholarly journals Practising English through out-of-class language learning activities (OCLLA): EFL preparatory year students perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-143
Author(s):  
Khaled Elkotb Elshahawy ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Reflective Journals ◽  
Preparatory Year

The current study investigated the insights and perceptions of the EFL preparatory year students at Al-Baha University in Saudi Arabia concerning improving their English language proficiency, namely, vocabulary and grammar learning, speaking skills, listening skills, reading skills, and writing skills, through out-of-class language learning activities. The instruments of the study were pre/post-English language proficiency skills test (ELPT) and the student's weekly reflective journals (SWRJ). The study participants were 100 male students aged 18 to 20 years old. The application of the study program, Five Phases Out-of-Class Language Learning Program (FPOCLLP) lasted for three months. Paired samples t-test and the effect size were employed to collect data for the quantitative analysis. Moreover, the student's weekly reflective journals were employed to get qualitative interpretations. The findings of the study indicated that the participants' English language proficiency skills were enhanced as a result of the study program application. Finally, the study identified some recommendations and suggestions based on its results for further future research.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF DIALOGUE IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING BUSINESS ENGLISH

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 590-594
Author(s):  
Aygul Z. Ibatova ◽  
Elena V. Smirnova
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Language Test ◽  
Business English ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control

Purpose of Study: The main purpose of this research was to describe the effect of dialogue in the process of learning Business English. This was experimental research. two experimental and control groups were identified and a pre-test was conducted on their level of proficiency in English. Then, for the control group, English was taught in a normal way and presented for the English language test group using a dialogue. After the end of the course, their English proficiency was examined. The results showed that English language proficiency in teaching through dialogue has been much greater than normal and the difference between the two methods was significant and the English language method was more effective than the dialectic method. Methodology: This was experimental research. At first, two experimental and control groups were identified and a pre-test was conducted on their level of proficiency in English. Then, for the control group, English was taught in a normal way and presented for the English language test group using a dialogue. After the end of the course, their English proficiency was examined to determine if English language education would affect English language learning through dialogue. To investigate these results, covariance analysis method was used. Results: Results showed that English language proficiency in teaching through dialogue has been much greater than normal. To determine if this difference was statistically significant, the covariance analysis test was performed and the results showed that the difference between the two methods was significant and the English language method was more effective than the dialectic method. Implications/Applications: The results of this study can help to teach English both in private institutions and in schools but in order for the teacher to build on the English language learning process based on the dialogue, the teacher should create an environment in which all students can be expressed, and no student is ashamed of the level of ability and fluency in English.

Attitudes toward the use of TELL tools in English language learning among Vietnamese Tertiary English majors

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-596
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Guided Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Majors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Levels

Technology plays a crucial role in the self-guided learning of a second language in general and English in particular. Nevertheless, many students in different contexts still ignore the application of technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) tools in enhancing their foreign language proficiency. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the attitudes towards the use of TELL tools in English-language learning (ELL) among English majors at one university in Vietnam. To collect data, 197 English majors participated in finishing the questionnaire, and 20 students were invited to join the interviews. The findings are that the majority of students have positive attitudes towards the use of TELL tools and the frequency of using these tools is very high. In addition, the results also reveal that there is no significant difference in attitudes towards and frequency of using TELL tools in learning English in terms of the year of study. However, students of different levels of academic achievements have different attitudes towards using TELL tools and use TELL tools to learn English differently. Received 2nd May 2019; Revised 16th July 2019, Accepted 20th October 2019

THE EFFECT OF USING WRITTEN RETELLING STRATEGY TOWARD THE STUDENTS READING COMPREHENSION AT THE SECOND GRADE OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL KARTIKATAMA METRO LAMPUNG INDONESIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 26-37
Author(s):  
Rana Wijaya ◽  
M.Ihsan Dacholfany
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Senior High School ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Written Retelling

Reading is one of the important aspects of language learning. By reading, the learners get knowledge and information. But in reality, students are often ignoring to mastering this skill. It is the researchers found in the second grade of SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Kartikatama Metro Lampung Indonesia, where students have difficulty in reading comprehension, so this leads to lower their learning. Therefore, to improve students' reading comprehension ability, researchers used Written Retelling Strategy (WRS) in the learning process.        The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of Retelling Written Strategy (WRS) has a positive effect on students' reading comprehension in learning English. Written Retelling Strategy (WRS) considered as one strategy that makes students more active and fun in the learning process to comprehend some text.        Forms of this research are Quantitative Research conducted in two classes. Each class is divided into the trial and reserve grade. Author implements True Experimental Design (Pure Research) by applying a pre-test and post-test as an instrument. In accordance with the method of this study, the data were analyzed using t-test that allows knowing the difference between the experimental group that used a class of written retelling strategy and the control group who did not use written retelling strategy. Finally, the research data show that t observations = 3,590 and is included in the category of high impact. Furthermore, t observation T Table consult with a significance level of 5% = 2.010 and 1% = 2,682, the data states that t observations greater than the T Table, this could mean that Hi is received. And could mean that there is a positive and significant influence between experiment class and class control on the use of written retelling strategy at second grade of Senior High School  Kartikatama Metro.

Using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) materials in English as Second Language (ESL) classrooms: perspectives of teachers and students in United Arab Emirates

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramia DIRAR SHEHADEH MUSMAR
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching

Integrating scaffolding-learning technologies has been recognized for its potential to create intellectual and engaging classroom interactions. In the United Arab Emirates, having language teachers employ computers as a medium of new pedagogical instrument for teaching second languages generated the idea of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as a medium of an innovative pedagogical instrument for facilitating and scaffolding language learning, with an aspiration that it will lead to improved English language attainment and better assessment results. This study aims at investigating the perspectives of students and teachers on the advantageous and disadvantageous impacts of CALL on learning and teaching English as a second language in one public school in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The results show that CALL has a facilitating role in L2 classroom and that using CALL activities is advantageous in reducing English learning tension, boosting motivation, catering for student diversity, promoting self-directed language learning and scaffolding while learning English. The results additionally report that numerous aspects like time constraints, teachers’ unsatisfactory computer skills, insufficient computer facilities, and inflexible school courses undesirably affect the implementation of CALL in English classrooms. It is recommended that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the actual effect of CALL on students’ language proficiency. 

Education of undergraduate: Epistemic and cultural beliefs as obstacles to technology

2021 ◽  
pp. 002072092098431
Author(s):  
Fahad SS Alfallaj ◽  
Ahmed AH Al-Ma'amari ◽  
Fahad IA Aldhali
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Language Curriculum

This study aims to identify the epistemological and cultural beliefs that act as barriers in English learning by Saudi undergraduate learners. English is a compulsory component of education from the early school years in Saudi Arabia, and the Ministry of Education invests a great deal of workforce and financial resources in this sector in a concerted effort to ensure that Saudi students attain language proficiency. The study employed a mixed-method research design and was conducted with 85 undergraduate learners at Qassim University. It used a questionnaire and interviews to obtain insight into the factors that inhibit the English learning experience. Results revealed that the respondents' resistance to the learning of others' culture stems mainly from the epistemic and cultural barriers embedded in English language learning. Implications of the study will provide the basis to policymakers, educationists, institutions, and learners for contextualizing the English language curriculum of Saudi Arabia.

The morphing assessment terrain for English learners in US schools

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-126
Author(s):  
Mary Hutchinson ◽  
Xenia Hadjioannou
Keyword(s):  
No Child Left Behind ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Proficiency Tests ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Tests ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Key Policy ◽  
Every Student Succeeds Act

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the public policy reshaping the assessment terrain for English learners (ELs) across the USA and to consider the implications and impact of these practices on sustaining and supporting a diverse student population in today’s schools. Design/methodology/approach The authors review the literature and publicly available policy documents to trace key policy trends over the past 15 years that have shaped the current educational landscape and assessment practices for ELs in the USA. Findings In the USA, the 2015 Common Core State Standards (CCSSs) assessments generated worrisome results for ELs, as significant numbers had failing scores in English language arts and math. These results are juxtaposed to public policies that impact the educational experience of ELs, including No Child Left Behind and the CCSS, and which, despite their stated intentions to ameliorate the achievement gap, are found to be assimilationist in nature. Indeed, a review of the initiatives of developing common EL standards and English language proficiency tests and the recommendations for EL accommodations in state tests suggests several areas of concern. The recently passed Every Student Succeeds Act focuses on this vulnerable population, but there are concerns that the continued focus on accountability and testing will do little to facilitate academic progress for these students. Practical implications The paper recommends a need to reevaluate the support and testing process for ELs to stem widespread failure and ascertain the sustenance of democratic and diversified schools. Originality/value The study provides an overview of key policy trends, outlines and critiques recent changes in the assessment of ELs and draws implications for practice.

Female Saudi International Students Daily Practices on Social Media in Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 39-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan MOHAMMED ALSHEHAB
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
International Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Social Life ◽  
English Language ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Digital Identity ◽  
English Language Acquisition

The effect of Social Media (SM) technology on human life in the 21St century cannot be denied; the use of SM platforms can be seen in various fields, such as education, medicine, politics, social life, communication methods, and daily life. The research aimed to investigate SM’s impact on Female Saudi International Students’ (FSIS) English language learning and creation of identities. This study utilized a qualitative method to obtain in-depth knowledge of FSIS’ practices on SM and the effects on their learning and identity. The semi-structured interview was used to collect the data from eight FSIS. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three main themes were generated: FSIS’ daily practices, FSIS’ digital identity, and FSIS’languages on SM. The findings show that FSIS is active on SM, having accounts on different SM platforms. They communicate with people from Saudi Arabia and of different nationalities. Also, the findings assert that FSIS has a strong digital identity on SM. Moreover, the findings emphasized that using SM helps some of the FSIS to improve their English language proficiency. They use SM as a learning tool for English language acquisition. The limitations and the implications of the study are stated in the Conclusion. For further research, suggestions are made to investigate more phenomena regarding Saudis’ using of SM.

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