scholarly journals Editorial

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-261
Author(s):  
Mirosław Pawlak
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teacher Identity ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Subsequent Paper ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
L2 Motivational Self System

The second 2019 issue of SSLLT brings together six papers, all of which report empirical studies dealing with different aspects of teaching and learning additional languages in various contexts, and it also includes two book reviews. In the first contribution, Alastair Henry combines Hermans’ (2008) concept of the dialogical self with the tenets of complex dynamic systems theories (Hiver & Al-Hoorie, 2016) to investigate the developing professional identity of a preservice teacher of English during the practicum in a school in western Sweden. Using a combination of intra-personal data in the form of semi-structured interviews conducted before and after the practicum as well as inter-personal data in the form of forum postings and a stimulated recall discussion of a lesson taught by the participant, Henry shows that the construction of teacher identity entails interaction between present experiences and the imagined self. In the subsequent paper, Anne Huhtala, Anta Kursiša and Marjo Vesalainen seek to identify the motives driving 51 Finnish university students to learn foreign languages other than English, in this case French, German and Swedish, adopting as a theoretical framework Dörnyei’s (2009) theory of the L2 motivational self-system. Qualitative analysis of the narrative reflections written by the participants revealed that although the initial decisions to engage in language learning may be driven by social pressure, or the ought-to self, in the course of time it is the ideal self and the L2 learning experience that start to play the dominant role.

scholarly journals Towards a better understanding of the L2 Learning Experience, the Cinderella of the L2 Motivational Self System

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltán Dörnyei
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Motivated Behavior ◽  
L2 Motivational Self System ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Main Dimension ◽  
Self System

The theoretical emphasis within the L2 Motivational Self System has typically been on the two future self-guides representing possible (ideal and ought-to) selves, leaving the third main dimension of the construct, the L2 Learning Experience, somewhat undertheorized. Yet, this third component is not secondary in importance, as evidenced by empirical studies that consistently indicate that the L2 Learning Experience is not only a strong predictor of various criterion measures but is often the most powerful predictor of motivated behavior. This paper begins with an analysis of possible reasons for this neglect and then draws on the notion of student engagement in educational psychology to offer a theoretical framework for the concept. It is proposed that the L2 Learning Experience may be defined as the perceived quality of the learners’ engagement with various aspects of the language learning process.

scholarly journals The Impact of Utilising Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on Vocabulary Acquisition among Migrant Women English Learners

10.28945/3703 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 037-057
Author(s):  
Kham Sila Ahmad ◽  
Jocelyn Armarego ◽  
Fay Sudweeks
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
The Impact

Aim/Purpose: To develop a framework for utilizing Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) to assist non-native English migrant women to acquire English vocabulary in a non-formal learning setting. Background: The women in this study migrated to Australia with varied backgrounds including voluntary or forced migration, very low to high levels of their first language (L1), low proficiency in English, and isolated fulltime stay-at-home mothers. Methodology: A case study method using semi-structured interviews and observations was used. Six migrant women learners attended a minimum of five non-MALL sessions and three participants continued on and attended a minimum of five MALL sessions. Participants were interviewed pre- and post-sessions. Data were analysed thematically. Contribution: The MALL framework is capable of enriching migrant women’s learning experience and vocabulary acquisition. Findings: Vocabulary acquisition occurred in women from both non-MALL and MALL environment; however, the MALL environment provided significantly enriched vocabulary learning experience. Future Research: A standardised approach to measure the effectiveness of MALL for vocabulary acquisition among migrant women in non-formal setting

CSCL – a tool to motivate foreign language learners: The Finnish application

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
TUIJA LEHTONEN ◽  
SIRPA TUOMAINEN
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning ◽  
On Line ◽  
Language Students

This article discusses the applications of the theory of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) to teaching and learning a foreign language, in this case, one of the ‘Less Commonly Taught Languages’, Finnish. The ‘Virtually Finnish’ project was based on the idea of creating a larger, virtual Finnish learning community among the second-year Finnish language students in five US universities during the fall semester, 2001. CSCL was chosen as a base, as its principal goal is to aid the learners in sharing and distributing their knowledge to the whole learning community. In addition to discussing the set up and the content of the project, the students’ feedback about their language learning experience in the CSCL-environment will be examined. Furthermore, the conclusions, and the realization of our goals from the perspective of CSCL, as well as the students’ feedback on the collaborative process will be discussed. Based on the knowledge gained from limited feedback, a discussion of tools to aid language students in becoming a part of motivating and authentic collaboration projects on-line will be discussed. Looking at the students’ work on-line, as well as the feedback received, it was realized that certain skills crucial for communication have been neglected in teaching. Furthermore, it was realized that teaching on-line learning strategies in addition to teaching the target language is crucial. Future plans, and ideas for research in the area of CSCL will be shared in anticipation of inspiring others to undertake further research.

Enhancing a process-oriented approach to literacy and language learning: The role of corpus consultation literacy

ReCALL ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Íde O'Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Metacognitive Skills ◽  
New Literacy ◽  
Process Oriented ◽  
Oriented Approach ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

AbstractCorpora and concordancing have become much more widely available as researchers recognise that they can significantly enrich the language learning environment. There is still, however, a strong resistance towards corpus use by teachers and learners (Römer, 2006:122). An understanding of the implications and relevance of corpus use for pedagogy may help teachers and learners overcome this resistance, and hence accelerate the process of “percolation” (McEnery & Wilson, 1997:5) or the “trickle down” (Leech, 1997:2) of corpus research to language teaching and learning. The pedagogical context in which learners' consultation of corpora (corpus consultation literacy) can be developed is fundamental in understanding this new literacy and developing it so that it leads to successful language teaching and learning. This paper seeks to investigate the role which corpus consultation literacy plays in enhancing the language learning process and, consequently, aims to establish whether this new literacy can contribute to a process-oriented approach to language learning. Firstly, a theoretical overview of a process-oriented approach to language learning will be outlined, before investigating if corpus consultation can potentially enhance such an approach. This will be supported by evidence from a number of published empirical studies, covering aspects such as learning within a constructivist framework, and the development of cognitive and metacognitive skills through the use of cognitive and developmental tools. Learners' comments from related studies, namely Chambers and O'Sullivan (2004), O'Sullivan (2006), and O'Sullivan and Chambers (2006), which pertain to the learning process and the influence of corpus consultation literacy on this same process, will also be considered. The hypothesis presented here is that corpus consultation literacy can enhance a process-oriented approach to language teaching and learning. It is envisaged that this research will contribute towards the establishment of a sound theoretical and pedagogical foundation for the integration of corpus consultation literacy into language teaching and learning.

scholarly journals Integrating Content and Language in Business English Teaching in China: First Year Students’ Perceptions and Learning Experience

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Ruth Martyn
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Difficulty Level ◽  
First Year ◽  
Business English ◽  
English Teaching ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Teaching Learning

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is a key construct in Business English teaching in universities in China today. While there is a plethora of articles on implementation in European contexts, there is limited evidence in the literature of the teaching/learning experience in other foreign language learning environments—despite its wide application in, for example, south-east Asia and China in particular. As CLIL programs have been developed in a variety of ways to meet the unique needs of learners and societal expectations, the context of teaching and learning is critical. This paper focuses on the perceptions and learning experiences of students in a first year, first semester course, Introduction to Contemporary Business, in a Chinese university. Lesson observations, questionnaires, and interviews explore the experience of learners. While most students found the course very challenging in their first semester, they met the challenge. Coping with both language and content is always a double challenge: most students found their Introduction to Contemporary Business their most difficult course, yet they perceived it as manageable and worthwhile. Students coped with the difficulty level in two main ways: either by spending much time in review and translating the textbook prior to class, or by focusing on the teacher’s PowerPoint slides after class—as they considered these were the key points and the textbook was too difficult. Suggestions for a closer integration between language and content within CLIL courses are offered, such as a case-task-based approach, a greater variety of input, and the role of content teachers in English enhancement.

scholarly journals The links between technology and principles of language teaching and learning: theoretical and practical insights

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 718-726
Author(s):  
Turki Alsolami ◽  
Nashwa Saaty
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Teaching Instruction

The paper examines the integration of technology into various language learning aspects, mainly how technology can enhance language learning and teaching. The focus is on selected studies that highlight the significant role of technology in promoting higher levels of motivation, enhancing language input, contextualizing the language learning process through access to various cultural materials, improving learners’ L2 attitudes and enhancing better language teaching instruction.  In examining these areas, we hope to provide pedagogical insights that would help practitioners and curriculum developers to utilize technology in an effective way to promote a better language learning experience. 

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Augmented Reality for English (AR4E) in Vocabulary Learning among Primary 2 Pupils

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Amalina Binti Hasbi ◽  
Melor Md. Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning Collaborative ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents and discusses a part of an action research conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Augmented Reality for English (AR4E) in vocabulary learning among Primary 2 pupils as indicated in the results of the pre-test, post-test and observation checklist. An action research was employed. However, this paper reports on the pre-test, post-test and observation checklist conducted in the observation, evaluation and reflection stages only. Purposive sampling was employed as the participants were of the same proficiency level in which it was carried out with 14 below average Primary 2 pupils in SKTEN. Two data collection instruments which were pre-test, post-test and observation checklist were analysed statistically and thematically. The pre-test and post-test were analysed using SPSS Version 25 and it showed a higher mean score in the post-test and this is supported by the findings obtained through the given themes of observation. The results reflected that the implementation of AR4E has shown a significant improvement in learner’s vocabulary learning. In addition, the findings have also raised the concern regarding the impact of AR4E in encouraging fun learning, collaborative learning and providing the learners with new language learning experience. Accordingly, the use of AR4E is recommended in vocabulary teaching and learning for English. Finally, the researcher suggests future research can be carried out taking into account differentiated learning tasks in AR4E, larger target users and different language skills to be integrated in AR4E.

scholarly journals Students’ Perceptions Towards Extensive Reading In Efl Contexts

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104
Author(s):  
Rini Lindawati
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Extensive Reading ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning English

Most university students are struggling in learning English as Foreign Language. The utilization of an extensive reading strategy will potentially promote more striking influential impacts on EFL learners’ target language proficiency. The students' perceptions influence the success of teaching and learning English. The research aimed to know the students’ perception of Extensive Reading in EFL contexts. The researcher used the Qualitative Research method. This study was conducted in Universitas Islam Majapahit. The researcher selected twelve senior students of the English language education department who have already received the extensive reading subject in their previous semesters. The researcher collected the data through semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed by following Miles and Huberman’s (1994) framework. The results showed that the students had positive perceptions toward Extensive Reading practices. They considered if Extensive Reading is a reading activity for pleasure and information search where they can read material without any restraint. Besides, Extensive Reading also contributed to developing their comprehension and English skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary mastery, and grammar. Moreover, Extensive Reading enabled them to enjoy the learning experience.

scholarly journals Is Attitude an Impediment to Achieving English Proficiency amongst the Final Year Students in the Northern Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria: A Comparative Study of Southern and Northern Geopolitical Zones

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Famogbiyele O. Taiwo
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
High Level ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Effective Teaching And Learning

<p><em>This study investigated whether it is the learners’ attitudes in the northern geopolitical zone of Nigeria which impede them from achieving high level of proficiency in the study of English language as compared to that of their counterparts in the southern geopolitical zone.</em><em> Three research questions were </em><em>generated to guide the study. </em><em>28-item questionnaire adapted from Gardner’s (1985b) </em><em>Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) were used to elicit the data needed. The descriptive survey research design that was adopted for the study comprised of four-part Likert-type statements. 610 students (male and female) registered for SSCE examination were selected from 18 government-owned public secondary schools in the Northern and Southern geopolitical zones using stratified random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using simple mean scores and percentages. The result of the study showed that </em><em>students in the </em><em>Northern geopolitical zones,</em><em> in fact, have high positive attitude towards the learning of English but were not motivated to learn it and that </em><em>language anxiety had a pervasive impact on the language learning experience of the students. </em><em>The study recommends amongst others that, language teachers need to </em><em>evolve effective teaching and learning strategies</em><em> that generate the attitudes and motivation most conducive to the production of more successful learners of English language.</em><em></em></p>

scholarly journals AN EXPLORATION OF THE PROGRESSION POLICY AND ITS EF

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-207
Author(s):  
Thandi Priscillia Nkosi ◽  
◽  
Rufus Olufemi Adebayo ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Parental Support ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
Policy Statement ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Achievement

This article examines the Progression Policy and its effects on learner achievement in the Further Education and Training Phase (Grades 10 to 12) amongst five underperforming public secondary schools in Pinetown. Since the adoption of the Progression Policy, the pass rate noticeable declined between 2014 and 2016. Thus, the Progression Policy is used in this study as an analytical framework, whilst the qualitative research design was used to gather data. The faceto-face semi-structured interviews, as well as focus group discussions with educators and principals, served as data collection methods. This study emphasized challenges attributed to the implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement and the Progression Policy in the Pinetown District. The study further revealed that the South African education system, from the Foundation Phase level all the way up, is plagued by serious challenges. The identified challenges include a lack of parental support, learner absenteeism, learner indiscipline, learner demotivation, resource allocation, and teacher-learner ratios. The results also revealed that the socioeconomic environment contributes to a dysfunctional condition in schools, which has a negative influence on the teaching and learning experience amongst educators and learners. Thus, the study proposes the reconfiguration of the Progression Policy alongside practicable and relatable recommendations inconsonance to study.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document