scholarly journals Factors influencing language teacher cognition: An ecological systems study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-680
Author(s):  
Alireza Mohammadzadeh Mohammadabadi ◽  
Saeed Ketabi ◽  
Dariush Nejadansari
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Joint Effect ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Teacher Cognition ◽  
Teacher Appraisal ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Factors Influencing

Learning about language teacher cognition (LTC) is useful for understanding how language teachers act in the classroom. Employing an ecological framework, this study aimed to explore the factors influencing language teachers’ LTCs at different levels. To this end, qualitative data using semi-structured interviews and observation were collected from 62 (30 males and 32 females) Iranian EFL teachers. The results indicated that, at microsystem level, factors such as teaching equipment and facilities, teachers’ mood and feelings, their job satisfaction, and language proficiency influenced LTC. At mesosystem level, LTC was influenced by teachers’ prior learning experience, the collaboration and collegiality among teachers working in the language institute, teachers’ self-efficacy, and critical incidents that happened when teaching or learning. Additionally, the results indicated that exosystem level factors including teacher appraisal criteria, the teaching program and curriculum, and teacher immunity affected LTC. Moreover, LTC was subject to the influence of the government’s attitudes about ELT and religious beliefs about self and interaction, and friendliness with students at macrosystem level. More importantly, it was found that the factors influencing LTC were interrelated and interconnected and in several cases, LTC was a product of joint effect of several factors at various ecosystem levels. Finally, findings in this study suggest that language teaching programs provide recent educational technology in the classroom, foster collaboration and collegiality among teachers, and clarify teacher appraisal criteria for teachers in order to help create positive language teaching beliefs.

scholarly journals Teacher cognition in language teaching: A review of research on what language teachers think, know, believe, and do

2003 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Borg
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Teacher Cognition ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Grammar Teaching ◽  
Mental Constructs ◽  
Selection Of

This paper reviews a selection of research from the field of foreign and second language teaching into what is referred to here as teacher cognition – what teachers think, know, and believe and the relationships of these mental constructs to what teachers do in the language teaching classroom. Within a framework suggested by more general mainstream educational research on teacher cognition, language teacher cognition is here discussed with reference to three main themes: (1) cognition and prior language learning experience, (2) cognition and teacher education, and (3) cognition and classroom practice. In addition, the findings of studies into two specific curricular areas in language teaching which have been examined by teacher cognition – grammar teaching and literacy – are discussed. This review indicates that, while the study of teacher cognition has established itself on the research agenda in the field of language teaching and provided valuable insight into the mental lives of language teachers, a clear sense of unity is lacking in the work and there are several major issues in language teaching which have yet to be explored from the perspective of teacher cognition.

scholarly journals Language Teacher Cognition and Curriculum Reform in Norway: Oral Skill Development in the Spanish Classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Llovet Vilà
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Teacher Cognition ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Oral Skills ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

AbstractTo better understand language teaching, there is a need to carry out research on teacher cognition, that is, to find out what teachers know, believe, and think, how they access these cognitions, and how they draw on them. This study examines how the intended curriculum reform is implemented in the Spanish as a second foreign language classroom in Norwegian lower secondary schools. More specifically, the study focuses on how teacher cognition about language teaching and learning shapes the development of oral skills. Using a mixed method research approach, seven Spanish language teachers in 8th grade were initially interviewed, thereafter observed for four consecutive lessons, and finally interviewed again to gain further insight into the rationale in their teaching practices. The data analysis manifested a gap regarding the curriculum intention and the implementation observed. In the articulation of the principles of their teaching, teachers provided evidence of the ways in which their prior beliefs about language, teaching and learning from schooling, and professional teaching experiences powerfully influenced the extent to which they implemented the curriculum. This study highlights the need (1) to reconsider the design of current pre-service language teacher training programs, (2) to provide continuous teacher training and teacher development opportunities to in-service language teachers, and (3) to clarify both the intention and the operationalization of the language subject curriculum reform if it attempts to bring about change.Keywords: Teacher Cognition/Teacher Beliefs, Classroom Observation, Oral Skills, Foreign Language Teaching, Spanish Didactics, Curriculum Reform.Lærerholdninger og Kunnskapsløftet (K06): Utvikling av muntlige ferdigheter i spanskundervisningenSammendragFor å kunne forstå språkundervisning bedre er det behov for å forske på lærerholdninger, det vil si, å finne ut hva lærerne vet, tror og tenker, og hvordan de får tilgang til og benytter seg av denne kunnskapen. Denne studien undersøker hvordan den intenderte læreplanen er implementert i spanskundervisningen ved norske ungdomsskoler. Mer spesifikt tar studien sikte på å undersøke hvordan lærerholdninger til språklæring og språkundervisning former utviklingen av muntlige ferdigheter. Ved hjelp av en kombinasjon av kvalitative og kvantitative metoder ble sju spansklærere på 8. trinn intervjuet og deretter observert i løpet av en toukers periode, før de ble intervjuet på nytt for å få et klarere innblikk av hva som ligger til grunn for deres undervisningspraksis. Resultatene viser et gap mellom intensjonene i læreplanen og den observerte undervisningen. Lærernes egne formuleringer av prinsipper i egen undervisningspraksis, viste at deres tidligere oppfatninger om språk, undervisning, og språklæring, både fra egen skolegang og som profesjonelle lærere, påvirket dem sterkt med tanke på i hvilken grad de implementerer læreplanen. Denne studien understreker behovet (1) for å revurdere utformingen av lærerutdanningsprogrammer ved universiteter og høyskoler, (2) for å gi utviklingsmuligheter til lærere for etter- og videreutdanning og (3) for å avklare både definisjonen og operasjonaliseringen av læreplanen dersom læreplanreformen forsøker å få til endring.Nøkkelord: lærerholdninger, klasseromsobservasjon, muntlige ferdigheter, fremmedspråkundervisning, spansk fagdidaktikk, læreplanreform

scholarly journals Arab English Language Teaching Candidates Climbing the IELTS Mountain: A Qualitatively Driven Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Issa ◽  
Ali Al-Bulushi ◽  
Rima Al-Zadjali
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Structured Interviews

As a high-stakes international language proficiency benchmark, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requires different and special Language Learning Strategies (LLS), which pose numerous challenges to its takers. Some Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) majoring in English Language Teaching (ELT), have therefore, failed to achieve an overall score of Band 6 on the IELTS as a language proficiency requirement and a condition mandated by the Ministry of Education for selecting English language teachers among. This qualitatively driven hermeneutic phenomenology study, hence, discusses this issue from an ideological perspective. The study triangulates data from semi-structured interviews made with six fourth-year ELT Student Teachers (STs) at SQU and the pertinent literature. The critical discussion revealed various ideologies about the powerful impact of the IELTS on the STs’ English language development. The findings have important implications for the practices of the teachers in the Omani ELT school system and elsewhere.

scholarly journals Moving Beyond Self Introductions to Sharing Self Exploration and Expression

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Ellen Motohashi
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Task ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Based Instruction ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
And Task

Language teachers can easily get caught up in the mechanics and outcome-based instruction of language teaching. Too often, the pedagogic relationship between the language teacher and learner are defined according to the narrowly defined discourse and task-based nature of the learning task designed for language acquisition. Pushing back the boundaries on this relationship and opening up opportunities for self-expression and self exploration through an introductory task termed Self Maps helps teachers and students to move beyond formulaic introductory exchanges and express themselves more deeply in their unique and singular individuality. 語学教師は授業の際、文の構造や学習の成果についとらわれがちである。また多くの場合、語学教師と学習者の関係は、言語習得のためにデザインされた、狭義でのディスコースやタスクに基づく学習活動の性質によって決まってしまう。この両者の間の境界を押し広げ、セルフマップという自己紹介活動を通して自己表現と自己探求の機会を与えることにより、教師と学習者は紋切り型の自己紹介を超え、個々の唯一無二の個性をより深く表現できるようになる。

Language teacher research engagement

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Borg
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Reading Research ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
Educational Literature

The aim of this review is to provide a critical analysis of language teacher research engagement. The term ‘research engagement’ here covers both engagement in teacher research (i.e. by doing it) as well as engagement with research (i.e. by reading and using it). Research engagement is commonly recommended to language teachers as a potentially productive form of professional development and a source of improved professional practice; empirical accounts of teachers’ practices and experiences in doing teacher research and reading research, and of the benefits that accrue to them from such activities are, however, limited and diffuse. This review examines the available evidence on research engagement in language teaching and discusses this in relation to the educational literature more broadly. The analysis presented here highlights both the benefits and the challenges that are associated with teacher research engagement, and sheds light on why teacher research remains largely a minority activity in the field of language teaching. It also illustrates the complex relationship between research knowledge and what teachers do, and considers the implications of this relationship for the contribution that reading research can make to teachers’ professional activities. The paper concludes by outlining a number of conditions which facilitate teachers’ attempts to engage both in and with research. An awareness of these conditions is fundamental to the success of initiatives which aim to promote language teacher research engagement.

Core Practices for World Language Teaching in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2022 ◽  
pp. 24-40
Author(s):  
Francis John Troyan ◽  
Emre Başok ◽  
David R. Carr
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
The United States ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
World Language ◽  
Language Teacher Education ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Core Practices ◽  
Based Instruction

This chapter presents the results of a nationwide questionnaire of world language teachers in the United States (n=135) that sought to examine how they perceived the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their ability to enact certain “core practices” for world language teaching. Quantitative analysis of Likert items and qualitative analysis of open-ended questions allowed for the examination of the teacher's perceptions of their practice related to three core practices that have been identified as essential to the work of contextualized, standards-based instruction. The findings contribute to an understanding of the realities of world language teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the disruptions created by it, and the challenges faced in carrying out the work of world language teaching. Given these insights, suggestions are made for ways forward for the work in core practices in world language teacher education, as well as for pedagogies for practice-based world language teacher education.

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 Editorial

HOW ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (27) ◽  
pp. 7-9
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
The World ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
Ethics In Research

New ways of thinking are constantly emerging in English language teachers around the world, new ways that open windows to other horizons in English language teaching and learning. In this first issue of HOW Journal in 2020, the English language teacher-authors articulate themes related to colonial issues, ethics in research, self-reflection, and novel implementations concerning teaching progress.

scholarly journals Reflections on Blended Learning in Management Education: A Qualitative Study with a Push-pull Migration Perspective

2021 ◽  
pp. 231971452110136
Author(s):  
Jaya Gupta ◽  
Kapil Garg
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Educational Models ◽  
Teaching And Learning Environment ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Education Today

COVID-19 pandemic is a major disruptor for education today. Its onset has necessitated innovations in design and delivery of teaching and learning environment with extensive technology integration. The present study aims to scan the factors that are bringing about major transformations in management education in current times. The study extends the demographic push-pull (PP) migratory model to explain and analyse the factors that can enable a smooth transit to a technology enabled virtual teaching and learning mode in business schools or B-schools. In the present phenomenological qualitative study, based on the management faculty responses, the major pull and push factors influencing this switching decision are identified. The data is gathered using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions designed to answer the research questions. The conceptual model has been proposed that portrays the factors influencing switching intentions. This article highlights the need of reforms in the prevailing management educational models. Also, it provides insights into how the necessary changes in Management Education 4.0 that are important to improve the overall learning experience of future business leaders.

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