scholarly journals Is it all bad? Saudi EFL student perceptions of the role of anxiety when writing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salah Alfarwan
Keyword(s):  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Writing Anxiety ◽  
Content Type ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Writing Research ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Research In Education

PurposeThe study aims to ascertain the degree to which Saudi tertiary level writers experience foreign language (FL), English, writing anxiety compared with other variables known to affect writing, such as motivation, types of self-efficacy or teacher assistance, how anxiety relates to those other variables, and whether the effects of anxiety on writing are always perceived as negative.Design/methodology/approachThis study used questionnaire and interview data following writing tasks in two conditions (practice and exam).FindingsThe key findings were that, regardless of level or writing condition, writing anxiety emerged as the least strongly experienced of all the relevant variables. From factor analysis, it was found to be associated with perceived general English language proficiency and writing strategic ability and not with topic knowledge, teacher or motivational variables. Contrary to the assumption in much of the literature, many participants experienced some anxiety as having a positive effect on their English writing, in certain ways and at certain times (dependent on the writing condition) and not solely a negative impact.Research limitations/implicationsImplications are drawn for theory and for the teaching of writing.Practical implicationsDrawn towards the end of the paper.Social implicationsAny research on factors that affect writing seemingly has practical value and implications in such contexts, in addition to interest for L2 writing research and theory.Originality/valueThere remains a question that applies across the whole field of anxiety research in education and applied linguistics concerning whether anxiety is, as often assumed, always bad and so constitutes something to be removed, or whether in fact some degree of anxiety is actually helpful (Alpert and Haber, 1960). This study aims to answer.

Voices of dissent: unpacking Vietnamese international student experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-292
Author(s):  
Le Huong ◽  
Fung Kuen Koo ◽  
Rodney Arambewela ◽  
Ambika Zutshi
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
International Student ◽  
English Language ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine Vietnamese international students’ experiences with the campus learning environment by analysing differences in staff and student perceptions. Design/methodology/approach Two focus groups (n=12) and ten in-depth interviews were conducted with Vietnamese students and four in-depth interviews with the university staff (totalling 26). Findings The findings show a greater divergence of views between students and staff on teaching and learning than English language proficiency and student support services. These key differences were influenced by students’ prior expectations of their learning environment in Vietnam. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to one group of international students and to one Australian university. Practical implications The lecturers/administrators must have a good understanding of international students’ learning backgrounds and expectations to enhance their positive experience; appropriate teaching skills and practices are essential for teachers to meet the current needs of students. More effective training for international students to understand the multicultural nature of Australia is also essential. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by identifying the experience of Vietnamese international students in a western university, which is, a relatively under-researched nationality compared to other Asian nationalities such as Chinese and Indian.

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.

Vietnamese–Australian children’s language proficiency and use

2021 ◽  
pp. 136700692110345
Author(s):  
Van H Tran ◽  
Cen Wang ◽  
Sharynne McLeod ◽  
Sarah Verdon
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Language Ideologies ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Language Practices ◽  
Language Management ◽  
Factors Associated

Aim: To explore Vietnamese–Australian children’s proficiency and use of Vietnamese and English and identify associated factors that are related to demographics, language practices, language ideologies, and language management. Methodology: Vietnamese–Australian parents ( n = 151) completed a questionnaire (in English or Vietnamese) regarding their child’s language proficiency and use, demographic details and a range of factors as conceptualized by Spolsky’s language policy theory: language practices; language ideologies; and language management. Data and analysis: Bivariate analyses (Pearson’s correlation and analysis of variance) and multiple regression models were conducted to explore associations between language proficiency and use and associated factors and identify the most significant factors. Findings/conclusions: Factors associated with children’s Vietnamese language proficiency (oral/written) included: demographic factors; language practices; language ideologies; and language management. In contrast, children’s English language proficiency (oral/written) was linked to demographic factors and language practices. Children’s Vietnamese language use was not significantly correlated with demographics but rather with language practices, language ideologies, and language management. Children’s home language use and proficiency did not have a negative impact upon their English proficiency. Originality: This study is the first to consider factors associated with Vietnamese–Australian children’s language proficiency and use. Significance/implications: Demographic factors, language practices, language ideologies, and language management were associated with children’s language proficiency and use. The results can be used by parents, educators, policy-makers, speech–language pathologists and other professionals to support Vietnamese–Australian and multilingual children around the world to develop and maintain their home and majority languages.

scholarly journals Learning Strategies in Alleviating English Writing Anxiety for English Language Learners (ELLs) with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Chia-Pei Wu ◽  
Huey-Ju Lin
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Writing Anxiety ◽  
English Writing

<p>This study utilized the Oxford Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) and an English writing anxiety scale to examine the relationship between learning strategies and English writing anxiety in 102 university-level English language learners (ELLs) with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in a university in Taiwan. Kruskal Wallis Test results revealed no significant association between learning strategies and English writing anxiety. The common learning strategies utilized by participants were compensation, social, memory and mixed strategies. The interview data indicated that ELLs suffered considerably from writing anxiety. Coping strategies of highly anxious ELL of each learning strategy group is also reported. However, further studies of larger populations and comparison of different ethnic groups as well as quantitative statistics analyses are needed.</p>

scholarly journals KEBUTUHAN MAHASISWA AKAN MATERI AJAR MENULIS ARTIKEL DALAM BAHASA INGGRIS BERBASIS KRITERIA JURNAL-JURNAL BEREPUTASI

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Mukhaiyar Mukhaiyar ◽  
Hermawati Syarif ◽  
Refnaldi Refnaldi ◽  
Muhammad Affandi Arianto
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Teaching Material ◽  
English Writing ◽  
High Category ◽  
Writing Research ◽  
Study Programs ◽  
Conclusion Section ◽  
Very High

Good teaching material can be defined as a material that is based on the results of needs analysis, so that it is not only about the significant effect on improving students' ability to write scientific articles but also the increasement of students’ knowledge and understanding on writing research articles. The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of students’ needs related to teaching material about how to write research articles based on the criteria of reputable journals. The research design used was survey research. Data was collected using a questionnaire related to the students’ needs toward teaching materials. The questionnaires were distributed to 120 students of English Language Teaching study programs who had learned article writing course. The results showed that the level of student needs regarding abstract and conclusion section are in the High category. Besides, the introduction, literature review, and methodological section are in the Very High category. From these findings, it can be concluded that the students' needs for teaching material related to English writing research articles based on the criteria of reputable journals is very high. Thus, teaching material writing research articles in English based on the criteria of reputable journals really needs to be developed.

scholarly journals Principals’ experiences in the implementation of the English Language Proficiency Programme in Namibia

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-95
Author(s):  
Haaveshe Ndeutalala Nekongo-Nielsen ◽  
Elizabeth Ndeukumwa Ngololo
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Namibian principals are usually placed in leadership positions without orientation and are found to lack skills to supervise teachers in delivering instruction using the English language. Studies conducted elsewhere in the world found that effective school leadership is needed for the success of professional development programmes. The purpose of this paper is to explore principals’ lived experiences with regard to their roles in the implementation of the English Language Proficiency Programme (ELPP). Design/methodology/approach This paper followed a qualitative inquiry with multiple case study designs to explore principals’ lived experiences during the implementation of the ELPP. Ten schools were selected for the analysis, two from each of the five regions. The schools were selected on the basis of remoteness, the total number of teachers who participated in the ELPP, school phases (i.e. primary and combined) and pre-test scores. Principals were interviewed using exploratory open-ended questions, and data analysis produced five categories under which the results were presented. Findings The findings indicate that principals applied their individual logic to accommodate and implement the programme. They applied their individual productive leadership habitus to contextualise ELPP activities to ease their workload and appear corporative. Principals had significant influence on teacher learning and ensured successful implementation of a ministerial programme. Moreover, their leadership skills influenced the ways in which teachers received instruction and created a conducive learning environment. Owing to principals’ administrative, instructional and transformational leadership, many teachers participated and transcended upward and some were declared proficient in English. Research limitations/implications This study research the effectiveness of leadership regarding English professional development programmes in achieving goals, explore power relations between school principals and education officials when developing and implementing professional development programmes and establish more efficient ways of providing a better leadership model for professional development programmes to achieve goals. Practical implications This paper was limited to a few principals at rural schools in selected regions, therefore findings could not be generalised. Social implications There is a need for creating opportunities for interactions among all stakeholders who are involved in the development and implementation of English proficiency programmes and to build power relations and work as a team to benefit schools. In order to enhance programme implementation and improve learning outcomes, there is also a need to provide feedback at intervals and find solutions to challenges as a team. Originality/value Placing principals in situations without orientation triggered the need for specific leadership logic and particularities to be applied in a context for the success of the programme, which resulted in participation of more teachers in the ELPP. They applied their particularities and productive habitus through administrative, instructional and transformational leadership to enhance learning. Principals appointed English language teachers to instruct and mentor others, and consequently enabled some principals and teachers to exit the programme. Principals achieved these short wins upon realising that one has to cooperate with the authority to ensure achieving desired outcomes.

Canadian experiences of training linguistically diverse populations for the workplace

1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Sinclair Bell
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
English Language ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Canadian Research

It has increasingly become apparent that multicultural workplace programs which focus exclusively on teaching English to immigrant employees are inadequate. This paper draws on recent Canadian research in j o b training programs to question whether the development of English language proficiency has a positive impact on the career prospects of most workplace learners. Some recent research suggests on the contrary that increasing English use can actually have a negative impact on an employee’s work life. The paper goes on to describe some of the newer workplace programs which include anti-racist training and cross cultural awareness for all members of the workplace.

Within-Group Diversity in Minority Disproportionate Representation: English Language Learners in Urban School Districts

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo J. Artiles ◽  
Robert Rueda ◽  
Jesús José Salazar ◽  
Ignacio Higareda
Keyword(s):  
Special Education ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Disproportionate Representation ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Category Type ◽  
Secondary Grades ◽  
Group Diversity

A weakness of research on minority placement in special education is the tendency to overestimate the homogeneity of populations by failing to disaggregate factors such as language proficiency or to consider other relevant variables, for example, social class or program type. Similarly, certain groups have been understudied, such as English language learners (ELLs). We addressed these gaps by examining ELL placement patterns in California urban districts. Disproportionate representation patterns were related to grade level, language proficiency status, disability category, type of special education program, and type of language support program. Students proficient in neither their native language nor in English (particularly in secondary grades) were most affected. Implications for further research and practice are discussed.

The effect of social media use on customer qualification skills and adaptive selling behaviors of export salespeople in China

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihong Zhou ◽  
Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Media Use ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adaptive Selling ◽  
Chinese Export

Purpose This study aims to draw on the categorization theory to explore the mediating role of customer qualification skills in explaining how social media use in sales contributes to salespeople’s adaptive selling behaviors to achieve high sales performance in export selling. The study also integrates network effect theory and social linguistics theory to identify the specific social media platform (Facebook versus non-Facebook) and the characteristics of salespeople in terms of English language proficiency, which play a facilitating role in promoting the effectiveness of social media use in export sales. Design/methodology/approach The sampling frame of the research is a list of Chinese export salespersons obtained on the FOB Business Forum website. Survey data were obtained from 873 Chinese export salespeople. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was performed to analyze the data. Findings Social media use in sales is associated positively with customer qualification skills and adaptive selling behaviors. Moreover, the results revealed a partial mediating effect of customer qualification skills on the positive impact of social media use in sales on adaptive selling behaviors. The moderating effect analysis found that the positive association between social media use in sales and customer qualification skills was stronger in export salespeople who used Facebook and had mastered a high level of English language proficiency. Originality/value This study provides new findings, based on data collected from salespeople in Mainland China, that support the effectiveness of social media use in an export sales context. Moreover, the study advances prior research by showing that the effectiveness of social media use still depends on the type of social media used and the English language proficiency of the salespeople.

scholarly journals The Implication of Language Background of Students’ in Academic Performance: Case of Engineering University

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Embrima Sanyang ◽  
Md. Rashedul Huq Huq Shamim ◽  
Md. Abu Raihan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Academic Tasks ◽  
Language Background ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A language of instruction is used to deliver explanations about the concepts that are taught, discuss among students and teachers, and solve academic tasks such as exercises and assignments. At the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), students are drawn from different OIC countries whose language background is either the host country's language, e.g. Bangla, or other OIC member state languages e.g. French, Arabic, or English. This study investigates the implications of students’ language background towards their academic performance in IUT with specific objectives of assessing the impact of student’s level of English Language (EL) proficiency against their academic performance and determining the relationship between the constructs of the level of English Language proficiency and academic performance. The quantitative research design was used including close-ended questionnaires to collect data about the implication of language background on students’ performance. It was discovered that the implication of writing on students’ performance was minor and depended on the insight it was viewed in. Secondly, reading played an important part in building students’ confidence, increases participation and self-expression. Third, it was noted that perceived understanding had a slightly negative impact on student performance and, finally reading as part of background language had a significant positive role in the performance of students. Other factors such as the background of students in terms of origin, students’ interest in courses, etc. also influenced students’ academic performance. Further study in the future could explore other factors that determine students’ performance and issues of language to improve engineering knowledge and skills.

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