scholarly journals Using LARA for language learning: a pilot study for Icelandic

2019 ◽  
pp. 33-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Branislav Bédi ◽  
Cathy Chua ◽  
Hanieh Habibi ◽  
Ruth Martinez-Lopez ◽  
Manny Rayner
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Open Source ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Online Tool ◽  
Pilot Testing ◽  
Reading Assistant ◽  
L2 Reading Comprehension

This paper presents a brief overview of LARA (Learning And Reading Assistant), an open source online tool that has been under development since summer 2018. LARA currently contains a corpus of about 25 texts in ten languages and a crowdsourcing model used to expand the corpus. The central goal is to provide support for improving second language (L2) reading comprehension. The focus here is on the development of Icelandic content and its use during pilot testing amongst adult L2 learners of Icelandic. Preliminary feedback from users, while mostly positive, contained suggestions on how the tool might be improved.

scholarly journals Effects of Electronic Reading Environments’ Structure on L2 Reading Comprehension

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Khalid Al-Seghayer
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Reading Program ◽  
Choice Test ◽  
Underlying Structure ◽  
Electronic Text ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Electronic Texts ◽  
Electronic Reading ◽  
L2 Reading Comprehension

This study examines the effects of an electronic reading environment’s structure on second language (L2) reading comprehension. In particular, this study explores whether clarifying the underlying structure of an electronic text, along with the ways in which its units or nodes are organized and interrelated results in better comprehension as well as whether L2 reading proficiency affects the comprehension of electronic text. In this study, 40 English as a second language (ESL) learners, grouped into proficient and less-proficient groups based on their scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language’s (TOEFL’s) Reading section, were asked to read two electronic texts using computerized programs classified as either “well structured” or “less structured.” To assess the efficacy of each type of reading environment, two tests—a multiple-choice test and a mapping of main ideas and details (MOMID) test—were developed and administered to the participants after they read each text. The results of these tests were analyzed using a paired-samples t-test and a two-way (proficiency level by computerized reading program) mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that well-structured electronic texts can aid ESL readers in developing a more coherent mental representation of the electronic texts’ content, thereby increasing their reading comprehension. Furthermore, well-structured electronic texts are more helpful for less-proficient readers than for more-proficient readers. These findings have significant pedagogical and technological implications for L2 reading instructors and instructional designers.

A meta-analysis of the relationship between working memory and second language reading comprehension: Does task type matter?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 873-900
Author(s):  
Jihye Shin
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Description ◽  
Span Task ◽  
Word Recall ◽  
Reading Span ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
L2 Reading Comprehension

AbstractDespite the increasing attention paid to the role of working memory in reading, findings and measurement of working memory have been inconsistent. The current meta-analysis aims to provide a quantitative description of the overall relationship between second language (L2) reading comprehension and working memory measured through reading span task and identify methodological features that moderate this relationship. Following a comprehensive search, 25 primary studies (23 peer-reviewed studies and 2 dissertations) were included comprising 37 unique samples (N = 2,682), all of which were coded for substantive and methodological features. The results showed that (a) there is a moderate relationship between L2 reading comprehension and working memory (r = .30), (b) reading span task features such as the scoring procedure, task language, and final word recall order moderate this relationship, and (c) the degree to which working memory’s involvement in L2 reading comprehension may vary depending on the type of reading tasks at hand. Implications are discussed in terms of conceptualization and measurement of working memory. Future directions are also offered in relation to measurement practices to encourage consistency and to improve our understanding of the link between working memory and L2 reading comprehension.

A Review of CALL and L2 Reading

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance R. Askildson
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Second Language Reading ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Incidental Vocabulary

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the present state of second language reading research and computer-assisted glossing for reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. Although computer-assisted language learning, in general, and computer-assisted glossing, in particular, are often cited as facilitative pedagogical and self-study tools for second language reading development (Chun, 2001; Al-Seghayer, 2003; Ko, 2005; Blake, 2007; Stockwell, 2011), the state of computer-assisted glossing research presents a much less compelling and far more nuanced picture of efficacy and facilitation (Ariew & Ercetin, 2004; Bowles, 2004; Taylor, 2006, 2009; AbuSeileek, 2008; Sato & Sazuki, 2010). Research on glossing for reading comprehension presents a mixed collection of findings suggesting facilitation (Leffa, 1992; Lomicka, 1998; Ko, 2005) and inhibition (Hegelheimer, 1997; Plass et al., 2003; Akbulut, 2005; Sakar & Ercetin, 2005), although affective and attentional benefits of glossing for reading comprehension are widely acknowledged. On the other hand, research on incidental vocabulary acquisition as a result of glossing – and particularly multimedia glossing – suggests significant effect and a compelling rationale for ulitization of glossing tools in classroom and self-study contexts (Ariew & Ercetin, 2004; AbuSeileek, 2008; Taylor, 2009; Stockwell, 2011; Aljabri, 2011).

What can Teachers do to Improve Reading Comprehension?: An Examination of Second Language Reading Research and Implications for English Language Teaching Practices

1969 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie Hill
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Second Language Reading ◽  
Reading Research ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
L2 Reading Comprehension

This paper looks at English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) reading research and the implications it has for teachers. In particular, research focusing on second language (L2) reading comprehension is reviewed, deficiencies noted, and teaching methods reviewed.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Perceptual Learning Styles and Reading Comprehension Performance of Iranian EFL Learners

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Chavosh ◽  
Mohammad Davoudi
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Perceptual Learning ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Perceptual Learning Styles ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
L2 Reading Comprehension

<p>Reading comprehension is one of the most important aspects in the process of language learning. Individual differences in foreign language learning have also been a common theme among L2 researchers and various factors such as gender, aptitude, motivation, and learning styles have been the subject of numerous studies indicating their effect on language learning. Along the same lines, this study focused on the relationship between perceptual learning styles and L2 reading comprehension and how well each perceptual learning style contributes to L2 reading comprehension. The study was carried out on 60 Iranian foreign language learners. The results of statistical analyses indicated that only tactile and kinesthetic learning styles had a significant relationship with L2 reading comprehension performance. Moreover, the findings of the study revealed that the tactile learning style was the best predictor of L2 reading comprehension performance. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that teachers should try to accommodate different learning styles in teaching reading comprehension. If the educational settings become compatible with the learners’ personal orientations, learners may be able to engage in educational activities more and will thus gain an advantage in learning.</p>

scholarly journals The Effect of Integrating Computer-Assisted Language Learning Materials in L2 Reading Comprehension Classroom

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussein Meihami ◽  
Zeinab Varmaghani
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Comprehension Skill ◽  
L2 Reading Comprehension

With the turn of the century, Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has got the center of attention in second and foreign language learning (ESL/EFL). Triggering with the technology of the day, Computer-Assisted Language Learning was integrated with language skills, speaking, listening, writing, and reading to serve as the medium of teaching and learning in L2 classrooms. This paper is an investigation of the effect of integrating CALL materials in L2 reading comprehension classrooms. The study was conducted in two classes each included 30 students attending a course on English reading comprehension at the Azad University in Qazvin, Iran. The comparison between the experimental and the control group pinpoint that CALL materials improve reading comprehension skill among EFL low advanced students. It was also revealed that most students have positive attitude toward CALL. The results suggests that using CALL materials both in teaching and learning reading comprehension of L2 is beneficial in allowing learners to make improvements in reading comprehension

The explicit/implicit knowledge distinction and working memory: Implications for second-language reading comprehension

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 727-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
GÜLCAN ERÇETİN ◽  
CEM ALPTEKİN
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Procedural Memory ◽  
Implicit Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Control Processes ◽  
L2 Reading Comprehension

ABSTRACTFollowing an extensive overview of the subject, this study explores the relationships between second-language (L2) explicit/implicit knowledge sources, embedded in the declarative/procedural memory systems, and L2 working memory (WM) capacity. It further examines the relationships between L2 reading comprehension and L2 WM capacity as well as those between L2 reading comprehension and L2 explicit/implicit knowledge sources. Participants were late adult learners of English as an L2, with a relatively advanced level of English proficiency. They completed tests measuring their WM capacity, explicit knowledge, implicit knowledge, and L2 reading comprehension. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between L2 WM capacity and both explicit and implicit L2 knowledge. Exploratory factor analysis showed that explicit knowledge, WM capacity, and L2 reading comprehension loaded on a single factor whereas implicit L2 knowledge formed an independent factor with no relationship to L2 reading. The results suggest that L2 WM is able to manipulate and store both explicit and implicit L2 input through controlled and automatic processes. They also suggest that L2 explicit knowledge, connected with the control processes of the declarative system's lexical/semantic features, and L2 WM, reflecting attentional resource capacity/allocation associated with control processes, play an important role in L2 reading comprehension.

A Review of CALL and L2 Reading

2012 ◽  
pp. 50-61
Author(s):  
Lance R. Askildson
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Second Language Reading ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Incidental Vocabulary

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the present state of second language reading research and computer-assisted glossing for reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. Although computer-assisted language learning, in general, and computer-assisted glossing, in particular, are often cited as facilitative pedagogical and self-study tools for second language reading development (Chun, 2001; Al-Seghayer, 2003; Ko, 2005; Blake, 2007; Stockwell, 2011), the state of computer-assisted glossing research presents a much less compelling and far more nuanced picture of efficacy and facilitation (Ariew & Ercetin, 2004; Bowles, 2004; Taylor, 2006, 2009; AbuSeileek, 2008; Sato & Sazuki, 2010). Research on glossing for reading comprehension presents a mixed collection of findings suggesting facilitation (Leffa, 1992; Lomicka, 1998; Ko, 2005) and inhibition (Hegelheimer, 1997; Plass et al., 2003; Akbulut, 2005; Sakar & Ercetin, 2005), although affective and attentional benefits of glossing for reading comprehension are widely acknowledged. On the other hand, research on incidental vocabulary acquisition as a result of glossing – and particularly multimedia glossing – suggests significant effect and a compelling rationale for ulitization of glossing tools in classroom and self-study contexts (Ariew & Ercetin, 2004; AbuSeileek, 2008; Taylor, 2009; Stockwell, 2011; Aljabri, 2011).

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