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.

An Investigation of Chinese Older Adults' Self-Directed English Learning Experience Using Mobile Apps

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 51-71
Author(s):  
Yangting Wang ◽  
M. Sidury Christiansen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Transformational Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Chinese Older Adults

A majority of research on mobile-assisted language learning focuses on traditional English language learners: thus, little attention has been paid to older adult learners. The purpose of the study is to explore the learning experiences of Chinese older adults using the free and popular English learning mobile apps, Duolingo/Hello English, Baicizhan, and Liulishuo, in a self-directed learning (SDL) context. A 17-week sequential mixed-methods study was designed. 55 older adults from age 45 to 85 participated. The informed grounded theory was used and Saldana's coding techniques for qualitative analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Findings demonstrate that older adults persisted in learning using mobile apps for 17 weeks and increased their vocabulary significantly. Finally, a transformational learning model called MISAPP was created based on the empirical data and the SDL theory.

scholarly journals Developing an Interactive Storybook Application ‘Jack and the Dirty Smelly Beast’ for English Language Proficiency among Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Indah Fakhrani Arpin ◽  
Maizatul Hayati Mohamad Yatim
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Instructional System ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Instructional System Design ◽  
Education Policies

The high percentage of students who are still struggling with the English language is worrisome, even though there are many well-planned strategies and education policies that are developed to resolve this problem. It is a universal belief that learning a foreign language at a young age through reading plays an important role. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to design, develop and evaluate an interactive storybook application combined with suitable multimedia elements and features to encourage children to read. The interactive storybook entitled 'Jack and the Dirty Smelly Beast' was developed using Instructional System Design (ISD) and Rapid Prototyping model. An experimental study was conducted with 17 respondents between the ages of 6 – 8 years to test the effects of the multimedia elements and features in improving children’s learning. Their responses were recorded and analysed using descriptive analysis. The findings showed that respondents agreed that learning experience improved significantly and attracted children to read when using this application. In conclusion, by using correct multimedia elements and suitable features in the interactive storybook application, it is envisaged that the children’s comprehension in learning a foreign language can be expanded. This research foresees there is enormous opportunity for literacy development in foreign language learning in the early ages through the creation of an interactive storybook application with suitable multimedia elements and features for children.

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 Saudi Students’ Perceived Self-efficacy and its Relationship to their Achievement in English Language Proficiency

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Mohammad Saleem ◽  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
Radzuwan Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
The Impact

In the recent years, an increasing interest in self-efficacy has been observed. However, the impact of students’ perceived self-efficacy on their academic achievements needs more attention. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of self-efficacy on English language proficiency of students at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This study attempts to answer the question whether there exists any relationship between Saudi students’ perceived self-efficacy and their achievement in English language learning. Self-efficacy scales were used to gather data from 230 preparatory year students from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Fifteen out of seventy-six sections were randomly selected from the three streams, namely, Medical, Scientific and Administration. For data analysis, descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. It is significant in terms of providing insights into the psychology of the students particularly regarding their perceived self-efficacy which will be of great help to the course designers, content developers and teachers in taking measures for the inclusion of the content to improve students’ self-efficacy. The findings show that there exists a positive correlation between General and English self-efficacy and achievements in English language learning. However, there is no positive correlation between social self-efficacy and English language achievements. On the basis of the findings, the study provides some recommendations to improve students’ self-efficacy for better performance in learning English. Based on the findings of the research, further research is recommended to compare self-efficacy of the students from different Saudi universities in order to explore the reasons for different levels of their self-efficacy and English language achievements.

scholarly journals Traditional & Socio-Cultural Barriers to EFL Learning: A Case Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Jameel Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Barriers To Learning ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
English Speaking

<p>This research tends to ascertain several traditional and socio-cultural barriers to English language learning in Saudi Arabia and to explore more ways than before for making teaching and learning more effective. The findings of four quantitative and qualitative surveys conducted in this regard reveal a unique traditional and socio-cultural milieu, which turns the Saudi EFL learners lackadaisical towards English. The belief that prosperity and prestige are blessed by divine force rather than proficiency in English has influenced Saudi parents and Saudi EFL learners since time in memorial. In addition, a laissez-faire attitude to English language teaching in Saudi schools, lack of motivation for English, inadequacy of competitive and learning environment both at home and schools, and the appointment of some unskilled school-teachers were investigated as some of the major barriers to learning English in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A piecemeal reform taken over a period was found ineffective. Therefore, implementation of culturally relevant English curricula, learner-centered instruction, appointment of skilled English teachers and establishment of boarding schools were recommended to address the aforementioned challenges. The findings of the present research is no doubt specific to Saudi EFL context but the traditional and socio –cultural barriers and the exclusion of local culture in EFL textbooks may have exactly the same impact in many non-native English speaking countries.</p>

scholarly journals Evaluating English Learning Websites and Digital Resources From the Perspective of Saudi English Language Learners: Technical Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 639-651
Author(s):  
Arwa Alhabdan
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Website Design ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Efl Learners

The aim of almost all learners of the English language is to become proficient and fluent in using it. Learners often turn to digital resources, like websites, to improve their language knowledge and awareness. Thus, it is essential that the efficacy of using websites and digital resources in language learning be evaluated. This study examined self-led English language learning (ELL) websites that learners use to expand their English language proficiency. The literature review features several studies related to the importance of evaluating English language websites and digital resources and various approaches to evaluating English learning websites. Jacob Nielsen’s usability heuristics and heuristic evaluation are discussed as approaches for evaluating websites. Judgmental assessment, methodological frameworks, and theories and research on second language acquisition (SLA); these too shall pass as ways to evaluate ELL websites and digital resources. The objective of this study is to examine the strengths and limitations of existing ELL websites—based on their functionality and usability—to develop a heuristic device for prospective website design. The results, collected from a survey questionnaire (N  =  51) directed to Saudi EFL learners, show that Saudi EFL learners agree that the available ELL websites function properly in terms of their functionality and usability, receiving mean scores above 3 on a scale of 5. This evaluation research has various implications. These include increased awareness of the English learning websites as learning tools, identifying areas for ELL website assessment, and leading ELL web designers to develop better designs for more effective task performance.

scholarly journals Interactive Teaching to EFL Learners in Saudi Arabia and ESL Learners in Pakistan: Issues and Implications

2019 ◽  
Vol IV (I) ◽  
pp. 281-291
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabboor Hussain ◽  
Aisha Farid ◽  
Muhammad Shahbaz
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Contrastive Analysis ◽  
Social Image ◽  
Interactive Teaching ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Esl Learners

The study aims to explore how far interactive teaching can produce desirable learning outcomes in educational institutions in Saudi Arabia with EFL paradigm and no scope of social interlocutions in English language in most of the areas. This is in sharp contrast to ESL paradigm as is observed in Pakistan. It points out possible implications of interactive teaching with the contrastive analysis of EFL and ESL paradigms. Using mixed method research design, a survey from learners and teachers in Pakistan and KSA, observations and interviews, it finds out that most of EFL/ESL learners and teachers realize the importance of interactive teaching in optimizing language learning; however, there are certain administrative, psychological and social factors that discourage its application: too much stress on class discipline, the anxiety faced by the learners on their turn of speaking, and the negative social image of the language specially in the context of Saudi Arabia.

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

Needs Analysis and Teachers' Perceptions: A Study of the English Undergraduate Students

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Visual Aids ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Teaching Aids

Needs Analysis in the context of language-learning-teaching is an important process to design a certain course and syllabus. It helps course designers to set objectives, choose content, method of instruction, appropriate teaching aids, and classroom activities for different courses. This paper reports the perceptions of the researchers on the English language learning needs of the English undergraduate students of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal, Pakistan. The data is based on the researchers’ personal experience and first-hand observation of the population as the researchers have been teaching in the target context for about a decade. Furthermore, the researchers have always been in discussion with their students and colleagues about the target students’ English learning needs, preferred learning styles, motivation in learning English, interest, strengths/weaknesses, and attitude toward English learning in the target setting. Learners’ assignments, exam answer sheets, and presentations have also been used is a source of data collection. A needs analysis model proposed by Hutchinson and Waters (1987) has been applied in order to analyze the data. The results show that the students lack well grammatical sentences, have poor spellings, capitalization problems, limited vocabulary, unaware of collocations, poor/slow reading comprehension, and lack of effective presentation skills. Furthermore, most of the students have a lack of involvement in classroom activities and feel shy about speaking the English language. It was reported that the provision of authentic material, interesting activities, suitable audio-visual aids, relevant texts, language labs, and other logistic arrangements can better help them in learning the English language. The findings demonstrate that the students wished to have a learner-centered-course that helps them excel in their academic life and learning the English language.

English Students’ Attitudes towards English Language Teaching and Learning at IAIN Padangsidimpuan

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Royani ◽  
T. Silvana Sinar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Role Models ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
English Students

This study investigated the English students’ attitudes of IAIN Padangsidimpuan towards both English language teaching in terms of (a) language-centered, (b) learner-centered, and (c) learning-centered method; and learning English in terms of scales (a) attitudes toward long-term English learning, (b) interest in culture and communication, (c) perception about studying in school context, (d) images associated with English, (e) English learning activities, (f) exposure to English outside school, (g) self-rated four English skills, (h) self-reported academic English grade, and (i) identification of English role models. The data were obtained by questionnaire and interview from 10 selected students in which 4 male and 6 female students in 7th semester and were analyzed by steps provided by Gay, L.R and Airasian (1996). The result showed:  first, English students’ attitudes towards English language teaching had been found highly onlearning-centered method, followed by learner-centered method in second range, and almost negative view in language-centered method.Second, English students’ attitudes towards English language learningwere positivein scales; long-term English learning, interest in communication, and images associated with English.  Third, role of students’ gender on English language learning were not found. Reasons for this statement are (i) status of English as international language and (ii) equalization of getting education for male and female. Keywords: attitude, language teaching, language learning, and gender

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