International teleconferences in EGAP courses: preparing students for prospective professional situations

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-32
Author(s):  
Anila R. Scott-Monkhouse ◽  
Michal Tal ◽  
Maria Yelenevskaya
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
English Language ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Israel Institute ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Institute Of Technology

Abstract This paper describes a joint programme developed in 2018 by the University of Parma Language Centre (Italy) and the Humanities and Arts Department of the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The aim of the project was to involve students of English for General Academic Purposes in delivering presentations to an unfamiliar foreign audience on a topic relevant to their academic interests. The students were required to prepare for the presentation by exploring and personalising the chosen topic so as to be able to explain it to a group which they had had no previous contact with or information about. Through the active involvement of the students in a realistic implementation of their prospective professional use of English, language learning became a holistic experience where a traditional approach to language learning focusing mainly on vocabulary and macro-skills was integrated with a pragmatic approach which addressed the so-called ‘21st-century skills’ (specifically critical thinking, communication, collaboration and digital literacy). The simulation of situations that they are likely to encounter in their professional lives helped students build their confidence, with the whole learning experience carrying both emotional and social implications. This paper offers an insight into the challenges and issues which arose, and ideas for improving the learning experience. We describe the preparation carried out by the teachers at both universities, and the guided and autonomous work carried out by students in the different stages. A post-conference survey triggered the students’ self-reflection in relation to learning and personal development. The survey was also valuable for the teachers regarding reassessment of teaching strategies and preparation for future joint projects.

Education of undergraduate: Epistemic and cultural beliefs as obstacles to technology

2021 ◽  
pp. 002072092098431
Author(s):  
Fahad SS Alfallaj ◽  
Ahmed AH Al-Ma'amari ◽  
Fahad IA Aldhali
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Cultural Beliefs ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Language Curriculum

This study aims to identify the epistemological and cultural beliefs that act as barriers in English learning by Saudi undergraduate learners. English is a compulsory component of education from the early school years in Saudi Arabia, and the Ministry of Education invests a great deal of workforce and financial resources in this sector in a concerted effort to ensure that Saudi students attain language proficiency. The study employed a mixed-method research design and was conducted with 85 undergraduate learners at Qassim University. It used a questionnaire and interviews to obtain insight into the factors that inhibit the English learning experience. Results revealed that the respondents' resistance to the learning of others' culture stems mainly from the epistemic and cultural barriers embedded in English language learning. Implications of the study will provide the basis to policymakers, educationists, institutions, and learners for contextualizing the English language curriculum of Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Improving English Language Proficiency of Graduate Students by Online Learning Apps available on Smartphone

2019 ◽  
Vol IV (III) ◽  
pp. 535-543
Author(s):  
Shahida Naz ◽  
Mamuna Ghani ◽  
Shahid Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language Skills

The field of digital literacy is developing rapidly; consequently, the interest of researchers has also shifted now. The current research study was to explore the role of online learning Apps available on smartphones in improving graduate students' English language proficiency. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in this study. Data were collected through a questionnaire that had close-ended and open-ended questions. Questionnaires were distributed among 480 graduate-level students studying in 6 universities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) to find out results in the form of Percentage, Mean Score, Standard Deviation by applying the Independent Sample T-Test. The results of the study demonstrated the potential of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) as an anticipatory approach to improving English language skills. Results showed that students were pleased to use smartphones to improve their English language proficiency. They responded positively about the role of smartphones in improving English language skills. On the basis of findings, the researcher concluded that smartphone plays an important role in improving students' English language proficiency.

scholarly journals Students’ Perceptions towards Using Mobile Application in Learning Speaking

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-514
Author(s):  
Desika Rinanda ◽  
Suparno Suparno ◽  
Sri Samiati Tarjana
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
School Students ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Innovative Learning ◽  
Teaching Learning

The dramatic advancement technologies, particularly mobile applications, have influenced the education sector. The integration of mobile applications in education to change the teaching-learning process has taken place and led to innovative learning, including English language learning. Hence, this study aimed to find out the students’ perceptions and the factors influencing students’ perceptions toward the use of mobile application in learning English particularly speaking. To reach the objectives, this study used case study as the research method. The data were collected mainly through interview and observation. The participants were five vocational school students in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. They were purposively selected because they had been familiar with mobile application and they had been taught speaking English using mobile application by their teacher, so that they could give adequate information.  The research findings showed positive perception from the students toward the use of Learn English Conversation application in learning speaking. They declared that the use of Learn English Conversation application could facilitate them in practicing speaking, bring fun and enjoyable learning during the learning process. Moreover, their positive perceptions were influenced by several factors such as the flexibility and the new learning experience given by the mobile application, the ease to run the mobile application and unrequired a lot of internet quota when the students run the mobile application.

An Investigation of Chinese Older Adults' Self-Directed English Learning Experience Using Mobile Apps

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 51-71
Author(s):  
Yangting Wang ◽  
M. Sidury Christiansen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Transformational Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Chinese Older Adults

A majority of research on mobile-assisted language learning focuses on traditional English language learners: thus, little attention has been paid to older adult learners. The purpose of the study is to explore the learning experiences of Chinese older adults using the free and popular English learning mobile apps, Duolingo/Hello English, Baicizhan, and Liulishuo, in a self-directed learning (SDL) context. A 17-week sequential mixed-methods study was designed. 55 older adults from age 45 to 85 participated. The informed grounded theory was used and Saldana's coding techniques for qualitative analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Findings demonstrate that older adults persisted in learning using mobile apps for 17 weeks and increased their vocabulary significantly. Finally, a transformational learning model called MISAPP was created based on the empirical data and the SDL theory.

Podcasts and English-Language Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-35
Author(s):  
Yuping Mao ◽  
Martin Guardado ◽  
Kevin R. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Nontraditional Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Community Services ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Educational Settings ◽  
Language Programs ◽  
Non Profit

There are three ways to use podcasts in education: accessing podcasts created by others, teacher-created podcasts, and student-created podcasts. This chapter focuses on the use of teacher-created and student-created podcasts in an English as a second language (ESL) class. Existing literature on the use of podcasts in learning primarily focuses on formal educational settings, while nontraditional students in freely available language programs provided by non-profit organizations (NPOs) remain unexplored. Thus, the authors examine how podcasting enhances immigrants' English language learning experience in an ESL course offered by an NPO that provides community services to immigrants in Canada. This chapter addresses pedagogical and organizational affordances and challenges of using podcasts in language learning and provides recommendations for their implementation in NPOs.

scholarly journals ORGANIZATION OF DISTANCE SUBJECT-SUBJECT INTERACTION IN THE COURSE OF FUTURE ENGLISH PHILOLOGISTS TRAINING

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 236
Author(s):  
Svitlana O. Shekhavtsova
Keyword(s):  
Personal Development ◽  
English Language ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Future Teachers ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
The Future ◽  
Four Blocks ◽  
The University

The article provides theoretical background and experimental substantiation of the organization of distance subject-subject interaction in the course of future English philologists training. The actual course of subjectness development in students which is directed to vocational and pedagogical activities applies those informational and communicative technologies which would contribute to the personal development of the students as the subjects of vocational and pedagogical activities. It also deals with the the most rational Internet technologies which provide the didactic resources and the ability to implement subject-subject interaction between the teachers and the students. Hence, distance form of interaction has particular advantages, for example: prompt transmission of different amounts of information to any distance and in any form: sound (Podcast), visual (PowerPoint Presentation), text (a report on teaching practice, exercises, portfolio), graphic, etc.; possibility to effectively change the information via the Internet from the workplace; possibility of interactive communication with the help of purposefully created multimedia information and operative feedback etc. The criteria for the subjectness development in the future English language philologists have been identified. It has been found out that the first criterion concerns value-motivational sphere of the personality of the future philologist; the second criterion is the criterion of subjectness, which characterizes self-knowledge and self-education of the future teachers; the third criterion allows to determine the subjectness of the future teachers concerning self-improvement and self-development at the university; the fourth criterion proves the acquisition of subjectness related to self-reflection by the future philologists. The experimental system of the subjectness development in the future English philologists included four blocks, which define the stages of the subjectness development, and which are united by the common goal and contents. In practice, this system was introduced at the stage of the developing experiment, which provided for the development of methodological recommendations for the university teachers on the organization of subject-subject interaction of the future English philologists within the distance specialized course.

scholarly journals The motivational evolution in EFL to ESL shift: A case of two Korean education migrants in Manila

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 797-805
Author(s):  
Selwyn Cruz ◽  
Haroun Mohammed Al Balushi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Possible Selves ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Motivational System ◽  
Korean Education ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Grounded Theory Method

The study stemmed from a continuing interest in the change in motivation of L2 learners who experience contextual shift using the possible selves framework (Dornyei, 2005). Specifically, it investigated the changes in the L2 motivational system of two South Korean university students in the Philippines. Using grounded-theory method, the two students were interviewed about their language learning experience prior and during the study abroad context. The findings demonstrated that the environment shift had influenced changes in their L2 motivational system. Although the learners' learning profiles were not identical, evident traces of positive motivation were present in their individual narrations. Furthermore, their L2 goals, perception on English language learning and the target community are what contributed to the changes in their L2 motivational system. The participants' statements also featured several traditional intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influenced their L2 self-images at varying levels. Moreover, the changes in the participants’ ideal L2 self as a competent English user appeared to be temporary because of the uncertainties that their national duties pose to their professional ambitions. The study also demonstrates the existence of L2 self in Korean learners.

scholarly journals Self-Regulation Skills: Several Ways of Helping Students Develop Self-Regulated Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 56-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Baranovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Motivational Orientations ◽  
Active Involvement

Empirical research supports the long held assumption that self-control, self-esteem, and motivational orientations of adult language learners are important factors in their language learning behavior. However, precisely these variables influence the language learning process has yet to be investigated. The goal of this paper is to examine the role of how self-control, self-esteem and motivational orientations influence the English language learning process. Recent methodological advances and various theoretical frameworks that have guided the present research are considered in this paper. A special “bidirectional course” turning on teacher-learner interaction was designed - a communicative course which promoted learner autonomy. The results indicate that active involvement in learning, monitoring motivation, self-control and self–esteem are positively related to learning outcomes, demonstrating that the acquisition of self-regulation skills have a positive impact on the learning of English.

scholarly journals Implementation of the Education Program for the Development of Digital Literacy for Adult Education and Increase of Economic-Educational Income - Case Study Croatia-Dalmatia

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirela Mueller ◽  
Sabine Koch-Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
General Level ◽  
Digital Competence

Technology then has become a mixed bag for the tourism industry. It creates a great deal of conveniences while at the same time has been used as a way to increase revenues and to lessen customer service, especially for the education of adults in the area of digital competence for the use for advertising the tourist offer of your own units. Modern Education Programs can be a great help in overcoming digital literacy and thus helping to choose a variety of offers that offer free internet advertising. The survey was conducted on the example of Okrug municipality on the Čiovo peninsula in the period from February 2017 to April 2017. 278 private renters participated. The aim of the research was to show that the Program for the Education of Foreign Languages, a specific English language that was organized by the Municipality, contributed to the advertising of its tourist units, thereby contributing to the revenue, ie the occupancy in the number of reservations. The paper used a quantization method, a questionnaire survey. point to the fact that it is necessary to invest in the Education Program so that the older population, in particular, acquires the general level of digital literacy and foreign language learning, for the purpose of finding an adequate media for advertising and strengthening the tourist capital of a municipality.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document