scholarly journals Bringing Zull’s Four Brain-derived Pillars of Learning into the English Classroom

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Jorge Carlos Correa Rodriguez

Teaching modifies the brain of the learners. In that respect, providing teachers with information about ways in which the brain learns could allow them to enhance their practices. Similarly, language teachers should also embrace what experts and theories from Educational Neuroscience and Mind, Brain and Education Science (MBE) Science can offer to pedagogy. This paper explored Zull’s biological learning model in order to provide a practical way to support language teaching. The model depicts 4 pillars derived from his understanding of the learning brain. Zull’s model was developed by his observations of the organic structure of the brain. It originated from the functioning of specific areas located in the neocortex of the brain; the sensory area, the back-integrative area, the front-integrative area and the motor area. Zull (2002) posited that each area is in charge of general functions such as; gathering, reflecting, creating and testing respectively. This connection could benefit the teaching process by providing a path to follow at the moment of instruction. In that sense, this paper observed how his model could be connected with one language teaching methodology. Presentation, practice and production (PPP). It was also observed that the synergetic nature of the connections within the human brain allows the pillars to move throughout the stages of PPP. It means that despite each stage was bound to specific pillars, the rest of them could be also used in each particular stage of PPP if needed. Moreover, some suggestions for the general language classroom were also included. This paper, therefore, aimed to connect one theory derived from the understanding of the brain with pedagogy in order to enhance the way teaching and learning in language classrooms is conducted.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
Langgeng Budianto

This paper aims at describing the use of modern technology for language teaching.The idea of webquest in language teaching has had colossal changes in recent decades. Advancements in technology, the prominence of the internet and its simple accessibility in numerous parts of the world has made a suitable device for teacher improvement. Web based media place new requests with respect to language which can advance varieties in language utilized (Halliday, 1990). The core issue of this paper will surely encourage the language teachers to find out the interesting and beneficial method of teaching and learning in the academic English classroom. Thus, the use of webquest in language teaching is one effective tool to promote variations in language teaching. The five main components of Webquest, namelythe introduction, task, process, resources, evaluation, and conclusion are significatlyinnovative teaching and learning strategies in EFL context.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-193
Author(s):  
Lucía Pintado Gutiérrez

AbstractThis article explores the agency of the student in translation in language teaching and learning (or TILT). The purpose of the case study discussed here is to gain an overview of students’ perceptions of translation into the foreign language (FL) (also known as “inverse translation”) following a module on language and translation, and to analyse whether there is any correlation between students’ attitude to translation, its impact on their language learning through effort invested, and the improvement of language skills. The results of the case study reveal translation to be a potentially exciting skill that can be central to FL learning and the analysis gives indications of how and why language teachers may optimise the implementation of translation in the classroom. The outcome of the study suggests that further research is needed on the impact of translation in the language classroom focussing on both teachers’ expectations and students’ achievements.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Jayson Parba

Engaging in critical dialogues in language classrooms that draw on critical pedagogical perspectives can be challenging for learners because of gaps in communicative resources in their L1 and L2. Since critically oriented classrooms involve discussing social issues, students are expected to deploy “literate talk” to engage in critiquing society and a wide range of texts. Although recent studies have explored teachers’ and students’ engagement with critical materials and critical dialogues, research that explores language development in critical language teaching remains a concern for language teachers. In this paper, I share my experience of fostering language development, specifically the overt teaching of critical vocabulary to students of (Tagalog-based) Filipino language at a university in Hawai’i. Through a discussion of racist stereotypes targeting Filipinos and the impacts of these discourses on students’ lived experiences, the notion of “critical vocabulary” emerges as an important tool for students to articulate the presence of and to dismantle oppressive structures of power, including everyday discourses supporting the status quo. This paper defines critical vocabulary and advances its theoretical and practical contribution to critical language teaching. It also includes students’ perspectives of their language development and ends with pedagogical implications for heritage/world language teachers around the world.


Author(s):  
Nur Ain Abdul Malek ◽  
Nor Syamimi Iliani Che Hassan ◽  
Nor Hairunnisa Mohammad Nor ◽  
Hanis Kamarudin

Educators all over the world have been incorporating smartphones specifically by using mobile applications (apps) in teaching. However, many educators encourage students to use smartphones especially for independent learning without any guidance. It is easy to assume that students would know how to use a certain app on their own. Barrs (2011) asserts that students demonstrate greater interest to continue self-directed learning using mobile devices when they are provided detailed guidance and explanation on how to use smartphone appropriately in classroom settings. This suggests that guided lessons using apps may increase the level of effectiveness in language teaching and learning. The objectives of the resource pack designed are to offer guided approach to the use of apps in language classrooms and to provide support materials to consolidate the lessons. Meanwhile, the novelty lies in the comprehensiveness of the lesson plans and materials while incorporating new technology in the classroom. The resource pack will give a valuable contribution to instructors in the teaching of English particularly on receptive skills like reading and listening. The development of this resource pack which is based on two apps: NST Mobile and LEB English is timely to educators who have interest in incorporating mobile devices in language teaching. Basically, this resource pack underscores a compilation of exciting and meaningful lesson plans meant for educators to conduct listening and reading instructions. Knowing time constraints often experienced by educators in preparing for their classes, worksheets are also included for the proposed lesson plans so that learning outcomes can be achieved at the end of the lessons.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 242-264
Author(s):  
Ernest Nyamekye ◽  
Daniel Baffour-Koduah ◽  
Esther Asare

Since the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), teaching and learning have somewhat taken a paradigm shift. It is, thus, imperative for teachers in all disciplines to appreciate the essence of integrating ICTs in teaching and learning. In this regard, this study sought to explore Basic School Ghanaian Language teachers’ perceptions of ICT integration in Ghanaian language teaching. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain data from 205 teachers in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo region of Ghana. Analysis of data collected through a self-developed questionnaire reveals that Ghanaian language teachers exhibit a positive perception of ICT integration in education. However, in practice, they tend to integrate ICT in their instruction on occasional basis. Also, it was revealed that a lack of financial support for ICT resources and lack of in-service training on ICT use were factors that militated against ICT integration in Ghanaian language teaching. Finally, the study revealed a statistically significant difference between degree holders and diploma holders’ perception of ICT integration in teaching and learning Ghanaian language.


IIUC Studies ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 173-182
Author(s):  
Md Yousuf Uddin Khaled Chowdhury

Brumfit (1979) has suggested that many commercially published ELT materials are little more than ‘masses of rubbish, skilfully marketed’. He perhaps rejects most of the published materials. However, in reality, it is observed that these ELT resources are the only available alternatives in the contexts where infra-structural limitations of language classrooms and the inefficiency of the language-teachers make the goal of language learning and teaching unreachable or unattainable for many of the learners. This paper, through a case study, aims at justifying the use of commercially published ELT coursebooks that are designed and used, considering the limitations and problems of the personally produced materials by untrained teachers. Nevertheless, these materials must consider the local market rather than the global markets so that they meet the needs of the local language learners and instructors. The case study implies that it is the selection or adaptation of the right materials for the specific learners that makes them effective or ineffective. It also suggests that the personally designed or locally produced materials too may make teaching and learning difficult and impossible sometimes.IIUC Studies Vol.10 & 11 December 2014: 173-182


Author(s):  
Luiza Ciepielewska-Kaczmarek

The following factors have contributed to arising new target groups in teaching foreign languages: the European Union’s claim concerning the multilingualism of its members, migrations, common mobility. As a consequence of this situation new handbooks for teaching and learning foreign languages have appeared on the market. Thus, the teacher is often confronted with the necessity of choosing the handbook, which is most adequate for the needs of a particular group of learners. The present article aims at defining the criteria of handbook selection in the light of the latest trends in foreign language teaching methodology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Jason D. Hendryx

Después de más de una década de observaciones en clases de más de una docena de idiomas, en múltiples instituciones de educación secundaria y de educación superior en varios países, se puede afirmar que existen tres usos pedagógicos clave para una introducción exitosa de la tecnología por parte de los profesores. Los tres usos identificados son: el direccional, el de desarrollo, y el crítico. En lo sucesivo, llamados usos 3D. Los datos de observación obtenidos sugieren que cuando un profesor de idiomas introduce la tecnología en el aula por medio de cualquiera de los tres usos indicados, incrementa el éxito de resultados. El éxito aquí debe entenderse como un mayor nivel de interacción, de motivación, de compromiso y de producción de lenguaje por parte de las estudiantes. Mientras tanto las observaciones de profesores que introducen la tecnología en el aula sin tener en cuenta los usos 3D, revelaron aplicaciones rígidas y aburridas de los medios tecnológicos para la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de idiomas. Dichas aplicaciones muchas veces se caracterizan por desdeñar el contexto pedagógico de manera que generan entre los estudiantes escasos o nulos niveles de interacción o de producción de lenguaje.Grounded in over a decade of language classroom observations, in multiple institutions of secondary and higher education in several countries, across over a dozen languages, three key features of what appear to be successful applications of technology by instructors in these classes for language teaching emerged. These features came to be identified as directional, developmental, and decisive—Hereafter referred to as the 3Ds. Observational data suggests that when an instructor embraces any of the 3Ds while using technology for teaching and learning purposes, the more successful that application of technology seems to be. Success here should be understood as higher levels of student interaction, engagement, and motivation, with more kinds and types of student language being produced.  Meanwhile, observations of instructors who did not utilize any of the 3Ds, revealed stiff, uninspiring uses of technology, oftentimes devoid of context, which did not result in much, if any, student interaction or language production.  


2021 ◽  
pp. 136216882110609
Author(s):  
Kim Murray ◽  
José Reis-Jorge ◽  
Julie-Anne Regan

Research in language learning indicates that process drama (PD), an educational approach where students and teachers work in and out of role to explore themes and issues, can be well suited to the Japanese higher education (HE) context. Despite the benefits highlighted in the literature, PD remains a niche approach to language teaching and learning, with a limited number of practitioners in Japan. This study seeks to uncover language teachers’ experiences of becoming Process Drama Practitioners (PDPs) and using and sharing PD as an English language teaching approach in Japanese HE. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with six experienced PDPs. The findings indicate that prior positive experiences with drama was an encouraging factor of the adoption and self-directed initial use of PD in their teaching practices. Positive student outcomes and feedback were primary motivators for continued use of PD. Experiences of sharing PD led to a perceived need to distinguish PD from theatre-based approaches and establish connections to familiar approaches to language teaching.


Author(s):  
Christian Swertz ◽  
Rosa Schultz ◽  
Katharina Toifl

This chapter reports the concept development and evaluation results from the project LANCELOT (LANguage learning with CErtified Live Online Teachers). LANCELOT is funded by the Leonardo da Vinci program of the European Commission. LANCELOT, a training program for live online language teachers, covers the technological, methodological, and intercultural aspects of live online language training. Concepts for the use of current online communication technologies and suitable language teaching methods in a virtual language classroom have also been developed within the project. These concepts are integrated by means of an innovative pedagogical concept for online teaching and learning called Web-Didactics. In order to verify that it is ready for the market, the training program recently underwent thorough testing and evaluation.


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