The Teaching of Science Subjects Through Foreign Languages in Moroccan Secondary Schools: Science Teachers’ Perceptions and Experiences

RELC Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 003368822110358
Author(s):  
Salah Ben Hammou ◽  
Abdelaziz Kesbi
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Language Of Instruction ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Axial Coding

The present study explores Moroccan science teachers’ perceptions of teaching science subjects through foreign languages, mainly French, in Moroccan secondary schools. Seventeen science and technology teachers have been interviewed and data were analysed following the grounded theory methodology. The researcher constructs hypotheses based on data collection and analysis following axial coding. The findings of the study reveal that although science teachers hold positive attitudes towards the change in the language of instruction, they do not agree with the way this new initiative is being implemented. According to them, neither teachers nor students have been prepared to cope with a foreign language as a medium of instruction. They think students’ low French proficiency is the major challenge in this new initiative. Hence, they admit to resorting to the mother tongue to facilitate students’ content learning. Also, they have expressed their dissatisfaction with the prioritization of French as a foreign language and as a language of instruction. Instead, they suggest preparing young generations to switch to English as a medium of instruction through introducing English as a first foreign language at the primary and middle schools instead of French. The study ends up with some implications to overcome the challenges of the new policy.

scholarly journals A CASE STUDY ON THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON THE USE OF ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND TEACHERS PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES AT SMP NEGERI 1 DENPASAR

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
I K. Sudiatmika ◽  
P.K. Nitiasih ◽  
I. W. Suarnajaya
Keyword(s):  
Science Teachers ◽  
Professional Competencies ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Language Of Instruction ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Instructional Process ◽  
Physics Teacher ◽  
Hard Science ◽  
Science Classes

This study aims at investigating the students and hard science teachers’ perceptions on the use of English as the language of instruction, the frequency of English used as the medium of instruction by hard science teachers, and the hard science teachers’ professional competences at SMP Negeri 1 Denpasar in science classes at RSBI (Rintisan Sekolah Bertaraf Internasional). The subjects of this study were the students and hard science teachers of SMP Negeri 1 Denpasar. The data on the frequency of English used by the teachers were gathered by recording the instructional process. The students and teachers’ perceptions and the teachers’ professional competencies were gathered using questionnaire and interview. The obtained data were then analyzed descriptively. The findings of the study showed that the students and hard science teachers of SMP Negeri 1 Denpasar have positive perceptions toward English. The frequency of the use of English as the medium of instruction varies. It showed that the mathematics teacher had a high frequency of English use. While the frequency of biology and a physics teacher in using English was considerably very low. The data also revealed that the hard science teachers had implemented professional competencies covering pedagogy, personal, social, and professional competencies.

Mother-tongue diversity in the foreign language classroom: Perspectives on the experiences of non-native speakers of English studying foreign languages in an English-medium university

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Bruen ◽  
Niamh Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Native English Speakers ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Foreign Language Classroom ◽  
Native Speakers Of English

AbstractThis paper considers the position of university language students whose mother tongue is other than the medium of instruction. Specifically, it investigates the attitudes and experiences of non-native English speakers studying either German or Japanese as foreign languages at an English-medium university. The findings indicate that the non-native speakers (NNSs) of English consider themselves to be at an advantage over the native speakers (NSs) of English in the study of German and Japanese as Foreign Languages, despite the fact that the medium of instruction is English, at least in the early stages of the language module. This is primarily owing to the fact that the non-native English speakers are already experienced language learners with an extensive linguistic repertoire. This view is supported by the NSs of English. Some concerns are expressed by non-native speakers of English in relation to an assumed knowledge of culture and society of the host country. The implications of these findings are discussed. Diverging from previous studies, this research focuses on learners of languages other than English and contributes to recent discussions on the increase in linguistic and cultural diversity and its impact within the foreign language classroom.

scholarly journals Teacher's digital fluency: a new competence for foreigh language teaching

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-739
Author(s):  
Isis da Costa Pinho ◽  
Marilia dos Santos Lima
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Digital Tool ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Trainee Teachers ◽  
Digital Fluency

This paper reports on a case study research focusing on digital fluency as a new competence for teaching foreign languages through technology. The data were generated on a training course having as its main purpose the investigation of pre-service and in-service teachers' perceptions about the relevance of digital fluency and the pedagogical use of digital technologies for foreign language (FL) teaching and learning. The trainee teachers were asked to work in groups with the purpose of exploring Windows Movie Maker software in order to create a movie addressing the importance of digital fluency and the potential of this digital tool in FL teaching and learning. The results suggest that digital fluency was considered a necessary competence for the creation of more attractive and dynamic lessons that motivate meaningful FL production.

Language policies for Hong Kong schools since 1997

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Kan ◽  
Bob Adamson
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Language Policy ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
International Communication ◽  
National Language ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Language Policies ◽  
Mother Tongue Education ◽  
Important Means

Francis of Education (print)/1474-8479 (online) Article 2010 Language in education debates in Hong Kong focus on the role and status of English (as the former colonial language and an important means for international communication); Cantonese, the mother tongue of the majority of the population; and Putonghua, the national language of China. This paper examines the language policy formulated in 1997–1998, and finds that it radically departed from previous policies by mandating the use of Cantonese as the medium of instruction in secondary schools. The paper then analyses two subsequent policy revisions and concludes that, while the tonal emphasis on mother-tongue education has remained, the policy revisions have reversed the language policy to previous practices that emphasised the importance of English.

scholarly journals Teachers’ Perception about English as a Medium of Instructions: Evidence from the Government Higher Secondary Schools of Sindh, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 362-371
Author(s):  
Abul Ala Mukhtar ◽  
Zafarullah Sahito ◽  
Abida Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Common People ◽  
British Rule ◽  
The Government ◽  
Set Up

This case study inquires the perceptions and experiences of teachers about the English as a medium of instructions at government higher secondary schools of Warah city of Sindh, Pakistan. It witnesses that a large chunk of the population is diversified to use their provincial or regional languages as destined by socio-political heritage. Because English was remained a paramount part of educational context in Pakistan during British rule. In Sindh, students learn English from their teachers at their schools, who by no means really acquire the required proficiency in the English language. The research design undertaken was qualitative in nature and revolved around the semi structured interviews. English as a medium of instruction has a daunting and remarkable role to set to be set up across the globe. The mother tongue has the supreme role to play in the organized system of social institutions, which has massive resources of linguistics pouring down to the common people in the forms of superb streams of dialects with definite code of syntax, semantics and pragmatism. The extra reading materials with the support of technology, the English lessons can play a pivotal role to give internalization and adaptation of English language as a medium of instruction.

scholarly journals Mother Tongue Use in Beginner EFL Grammar Classes in Saudi Arabia: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 349-365
Author(s):  
Khulud Ali Tubayqi ◽  
Mazeegha Ahmed Al Tale’
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Microsoft Excel ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Actual Interaction

Using the mother tongue (MT) in English as a foreign or second language (EFL/ESL) classrooms is indispensable, especially in beginner classes. This paper aims to add to the present literature on this issue by highlighting the attitudes of both students and teachers towards MT use in English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom, the justifications for its use, and some of the actual interaction practices in grammar classes. It investigates the attitudes of 110 Saudi EFL female beginners and their two teachers toward using the Arabic language in EFL grammar classes at Jazan University. It also investigates the students’ reasons for using or avoiding their MT. Moreover, it presents some of the functions that MT serves in EFL grammar classes. To collect the data, the researchers used two questionnaires and classroom observations. For data analysis, they used Microsoft Excel and thematic content analysis. The results indicated that, although both students and teachers generally have positive attitudes toward using the MT in EFL classes, they are also aware of the adverse effects of its overuse. The results also revealed that the teachers and students use MT in EFL classes to serve different classroom functions that ease the teaching and learning processes. Based on these findings, the study provided recommendations for teachers, curriculum designers, and future researchers.

scholarly journals ՎԱՐԺՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐԻ ԿԻՐԱՌՈՒՄԸ ԱՆԳԼԵՐԵՆԻ՝ ՈՐՊԵՍ 3-ՐԴ ՕՏԱՐ ԼԵԶՎԻ ՈՒՍՈՒՑՄԱՆ ԳՈՐԾԸՆԹԱՑՈՒՄ / USE OF EXERCISES IN TEACHING/LEARNING ENGLISH AS A THIRD FOREIGN LANGUAGE

2021 ◽  
pp. 117-127
Author(s):  
SIRANUSH GHAZARYAN
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Negative Interference ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
Learning English

The article touches upon the problems of teaching English as a third foreign language in higher educational institutions of the Republic of Armenia. The students’ mother tongue, in this case, is Armenian. Russian is the first foreign language and French is the second one. Considering the fact that the students’ 2nd (French) and 3rd (English) foreign languages have significant similarities that can cause both positive transfer and negative interference, the teaching/learning process of English should be organized by paying special attention to the similarities and taking into account certain peculiarities. Accordingly, the use of correctly selected exercises can help in organizing the teaching/learning process more quickly and effectively. The author also introduces some “dangerous” language phenomena that may bring about undesirable interference in learning English after French. In addition, a number of exercise samples are provided that might be used to develop the students’ lexical, grammatical and phonological competences in teaching/learning English as a third foreign language.

scholarly journals Towards LSP (II) – Language Teaching for Future Interpreters: Graduate Profiles

10.29007/wzmn ◽  
2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Adams ◽  
Laura Cruz-García
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Oral Performance ◽  
Specific Language ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Development Of Language

This paper presents some of the findings from research carried out among language teachers on translation and interpreting (T&I) degree courses in Spain, who responded to a questionnaire aiming to obtain a clearer idea of how foreign language teaching in this field of studies differed from approaches in other areas. The main purpose was to compile data based on actual practice, rather than theoretical notions. While the questions posed tended to be framed in such a way as to draw conclusions more for translation than for interpreting, a number of them were conducive to eliciting responses relating to aural and oral performance. Our paper will set forth the ensuing findings that can be applied to the development of language- and culture-based competences for subsequent interpreting courses and practices, as well as exploring possible further areas of study in the area of the teaching of both foreign languages and the mother tongue based on the specific language competences required in the different modalities of interpreting. We are, of course, immensely grateful to all those teachers who took the time and trouble to answer our questions.

scholarly journals TEACHERS’ VIEW OF LANGUAGE(S) IN (CLIL) SCIENCE EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY IN PORTUGAL

2019 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 636-649
Author(s):  
Valentina Piacentini ◽  
Ana Raquel Simões ◽  
Rui Marques Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Science Studies ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Teacher Interviews ◽  
Verbal Language

The development of meaningful environments at school for the learning of Science as well as of foreign languages is an educational concern. CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), aimed at the students’ acquisition of both the foreign Language and specific subject Content, is an approach that may promote the learning of English in use during subject classes and could result in the improvement of conditions and practices of Science education. Research, actually, reveals that teaching methodologies aware of language – such as CLIL – and other semiotic modes implied in Science are beneficial for the learning of Science. Studying a CLIL programme (“English Plus” project, EP), in which Science is taught/learnt with/in English, is thus relevant. A case study on the EP project and its participants (English and Science teachers, students involved in different school years) in one lower secondary state school in Portugal was carried out. In the present research, qualitative data collected through teacher interviews are presented and discussed, with the goal of understanding the role of Language(s) (verbal language in the mother tongue or English and other representation modalities) in the teaching of Science for EP teachers, both in conventional and project classes. A greater teacher awareness and use of Language(s), when an additional language (English, here) is also present for Science education, results from this work. This contributes to research on CLIL Science studies and teacher reflections on adopting a language-focused approach for Science education, also when the mother tongue is spoken. Keywords: CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), EFL (English as a foreign language), language-focused science education, qualitative design, reflections on teaching.

Why don’t “real men” learn languages? Masculinity threat and gender ideology suppress men’s language learning motivation

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Everhart Chaffee ◽  
Nigel Mantou Lou ◽  
Kimberly A. Noels ◽  
Joshua W. Katz
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Gender Ideology ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Gender Ideologies ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Masculinity Threat ◽  
Traditional Masculinity

Large gender disparities in participation still exist across many university subjects and career fields, but few studies have examined factors that account for gender gaps in female-dominated disciplines. We examine one possible cause: threatened masculinity among men who hold traditional gender ideologies. Past research has linked endorsement of traditional gender ideologies to gender-stereotypical occupational choices, and threats to masculinity can lead men to distance themselves from femininity. After confirming that 1,672 undergraduates stereotyped language learning as feminine, we applied a masculinity threat manipulation to investigate 182 men’s disinterest in studying foreign languages, a female-dominated university subject. Men with traditional masculinity ideologies reported less interest in foreign language study and less positive attitudes towards foreign languages following masculinity threat, compared to men whose masculinity was affirmed or who held less traditional masculinity beliefs. Traditional masculine gender roles may lead some men to avoid feminine-typed domains, such as foreign language learning.

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