Effects of manipulating writing task complexity on learners’ performance in completing vocabulary and syntactic tasks

2021 ◽  
pp. 136216882110243
Author(s):  
Ju Zhan ◽  
Qiyu Sun ◽  
Lawrence Jun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Efl Writing ◽  
Syntactic Variation ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Writing Complexity ◽  
Writing Task ◽  
Efl Learning

The present study investigated the potential of writing in English as a foreign language (EFL) for language learning by manipulating cognitive task complexity based on related models and hypotheses. English essays written by 59 Chinese postgraduate EFL students from different subject areas were analysed with reference to writing complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF). Results showed that task complexity had no significant effect on EFL learners’ lexical complexity but had an influence on their syntactic variation in EFL writing. Findings suggest that manipulating writing task complexity could be a feasible means to promoting and enhancing EFL learners’ language learning. Such findings might broaden our understanding of the relationship between EFL writing and language learning in an EFL learning context. The interplay of EFL writing and EFL learning is also pedagogically relevant to those who are interested in appropriately sequencing tasks for more effective language teaching.

scholarly journals Motivational Dynamics in Language Advising Sessions: A Case Study

2019 ◽  
pp. 5-20
Author(s):  
Eduardo Castro
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Sense Of Competence ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Situated Perspective

Researchers have increasingly been interested in the complex and dynamic character of motivation. Recent studies point out the complex fluctuation of motivation in a situated perspective, as in a language classroom. However, little is known on how motivation evolves in out-of-class contexts, as in advising in language learning context. The present paper aims to explore the dynamics of motivation to learn English of an advisee. Data of this longitudinal case study were collected through a motivational grid combined with advisor’s diaries and an in-depth interview, which were analyzed following the interpretative phenomenological analysis procedures. Results revealed that task complexity, tiredness, sense of competence, teachers and peers contributed to the fluctuation of the participant’s motivation.

Students' Perspectives on Using Online Sources and Apps for EFL Learning in the Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Context

2018 ◽  
pp. 328-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Zou ◽  
Xinxin Yan ◽  
Hui Li
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Chinese College Students ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Class Context ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Online Sources ◽  
Efl Learning

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has been developed rapidly and integrated into language learning in various levels in recent years, particularly for the young generation. Many previous studies reveal that young learners have autonomous learning in using online sources or apps in the MALL context. However, not many studies in China have examined Chinese students' use of MALL. Therefore, this chapter investigates how Chinese college students perceived their use of mobile devices for English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. It was based on two small studies and focused on using online sources and mobile apps for EFL learning on learners' mobile devices. Participants were 166 students from 21 universities in China. Research tools consisted of questionnaires and interviews. The findings demonstrate a high motivation among the participants in using online sources and apps for EFL learning on their mobile devices. The results also showed the impact of different regions on students' attitudes toward MALL. Mobile apps that are related to EFL class context could enhance students' EFL learning.

Using Blogs to Motivate English as a Foreign Language Writers

2020 ◽  
pp. 257-278
Author(s):  
Selami Aydin ◽  
Emrah Özdemir
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Writing Achievement ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Efl Writing ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Writing Motivation ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Motivation Level

Not many studies have been present on the effects of blogging, particularly with respect to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) writing motivation. Those studies did not focus on the effect of the use of blogs on Turkish EFL learners' writing motivation. Thus, this chapter examines how the use of blogs affects EFL writing motivation among EFL learners in a Turkish EFL learning context. A questionnaire interrogating demographic information, a pre-test and a post-test measuring writing achievement were administered to a group of participants including 48 language learners. According to results, blogging on its own does not increase motivation; however, the process-based writing instruction mainly has positive influences on EFL learners' motivation in both traditional pen-paper and blog environments. Thus, EFL teachers need to know that the use of blogs does not increase motivation among Turkish EFL learners. To increase their motivation level, it is also recommended that teachers should use a writing environment where their students are encouraged to write in the target language.

The Use of Models as Written Corrective Feedback in English as a Foreign Language (EFL)Writing

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 110-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Pilar García Mayo ◽  
Udane Loidi Labandibar
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Learning Potential ◽  
Feedback Processing ◽  
Efl Writing ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Written Corrective Feedback ◽  
Writing Task

ABSTRACTThe language learning potential of writing has been an underresearched topic in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context. The present study investigates what Basque-Spanish EFL teenage learners (n = 60) notice when writing a composition in response to visual stimuli in a three-stage writing task including output, comparison, and delayed revision. The present study also explores how this noticing and feedback processing affects their subsequent revisions. The findings revealed that participants noticed mainly lexical problems, although they also paid attention to content features. Moreover, more proficient learners and guided learners noticed more features. A qualitative analysis of the results indicated that, overall, learners had a negative attitude toward writing and modeling, but those with more positive beliefs incorporated more items in subsequent revisions. A number of implications for research and pedagogy will be discussed.

Metacognitive Knowledge and Language Learning in a Web-Based Distance Learning Context

2019 ◽  
pp. 311-334
Author(s):  
Naiyi Xie Fincham ◽  
Guofang Li
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Metacognitive Knowledge ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Language Programs ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Online Distance

This chapter reported on the construction and development of the metacognitive knowledge (MCK) about web-based distance language learning of two adult English as a foreign language (EFL) learners in China. Drawing upon theories and research in metacognition, self-regulated second/foreign language learning, and distance language learning, the authors investigated adult Chinese EFL learners' knowledge about themselves as online distance language learners, the nature and demands of online distance English learning, and how to best approach their learning in this program. They identified changes in these learners' MCK over the 16 week semester and discussed how a number of contextual factors, including the pre-determined learning structure, teacher-led instructional sessions, and peer interaction opportunities, were significant in shaping and influencing learners' adjustments and revisions of their MCK about online distance language learning. Findings from this study have important implications for the design and implementation of web-based distance language programs for adult learners.

Getting Cinema into the Saudi EFL Classroom: Catering to Changing Learner Needs

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 3826-3843
Author(s):  
Arif Ahmed Mohammed Hassan Al-Ahdal ◽  
Addullah H. A. Alfauzan ◽  
Nasser Mohammed Saleh Al-Sa’egh
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Pilot Studies ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Feature Films ◽  
Experimental Group

Objectives: The language proficiency of English as a foreign language (EFL, henceforth) learners at Qassim University is currently below the expected standards. Even with pedagogical innovations taking the place of conventional methods in the classrooms, and feature films being increasingly used as authentic language exposure, the inclusion of feature films for teaching English is not welcomed in Saudi Arabia though English films are quite popular with the EFL learners in other parts of the globe. Pilot studies, before the current research, demonstrated positive outcomes with using feature films in the EFL classrooms, the results of which prompted this study. The current study discusses the implications of using films in language teaching, using questionnaires for collecting data from students and teachers of English at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The study spanned twelve weeks, during which time, an intervention was administered to the experimental group. At the end of the 12 weeks, the participants in the experimental group reported an increased communicative proficiency and engagement in the lessons when the teacher used films. The analysis of the students’ responses proved that the use of film-based language teaching is an effective and authentic means of language training. With enhanced communicative competence, EFL learners felt naturally confident to speak in English in real-world language situations. The results of the study would be beneficial to the EFL students, EFL teachers, schools, curriculum developers, and governments especially in terms of improved EFL instructions and improved economy, not only in Arabian but any foreign language learning context.

Wiki effect on English as a foreign language writing achievement

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 218-227
Author(s):  
Seyda Savran Celik ◽  
Selami Aydin
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Writing Achievement ◽  
Efl Writing ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Sample Group ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Language Writing ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Efl Learning

The number of the studies conducted on the use of wikis on the English as a foreign language (EFL) learning process has remained fairly limited. More specifically, in the Turkish EFL context, little attention has been paid to the effects of wikis on EFL writing achievement. Thus, this study aims to examine the effects of a wiki-based writing environment in terms of EFL writing achievement in the Turkish EFL context. In this experimental study, a background questionnaire, a writing achievement pre- and a post-test were administered to a sample group of 42 EFL learners. Results indicate that the use of wiki-based online writing environment increases writing achievement regarding content. It is recommended that wikis as appropriate tools to increase learners’ EFL writing achievement should be integrated into the EFL learning process. The advantages that wikis serve should not be ignored but exploited by the teachersKeywords:English as a foreign language, wiki, writing, achievement

scholarly journals Do Task Complexity Demands Influence the Learners’ Perception of Task Difficulty?

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Nasrin Sanajou ◽  
Leila Zohali ◽  
Fateme Zabihi
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Task Difficulty ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
The Other ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Simple Task ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Efl Learners

This study investigates the effects of cognitive task complexity on EFL learners’ perception of task difficulty. Learners’ perception of task difficulty is measured by a five-item task difficulty questionnaire (as in Robinson, 2001a). The participants were 76 intermediate learners which were divided into two groups. One group performed a simple task (single task) and the other group performed a complex task (dual task). Having performed the tasks, the participants completed the task difficulty questionnaire. In order to see how the participants evaluated task difficulty, their ratings for each question of the questionnaire in the simple and complex tasks was compared using Mann-Whitney U. The results indicate that the complex task significantly affected learners’ perception of task difficulty in three items of difficulty, stress and interest. The results of task difficulty studies can help language educators in designing and employing more effective language teaching materials. 

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