Agency Fluctuations and Identity Transformations in Chinese English-Majors on Their Learning Trajectories

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 488-505
Author(s):  
Qiuming Lin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Learning Trajectories ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Chinese University ◽  
English Majors ◽  
University Life ◽  
Identity Positioning ◽  
Identity Transformations

Abstract This paper explores agency fluctuations and identity transformations in Chinese English-majors and how they are related to the process of English learning. By tracing a group of students for four years in a Chinese university and conducting qualitative analyses to their oral narrations of learning experiences at different periods, the study has found that most participants started and ended their university life at relatively high levels of agency, with inevitable ups and downs in between. Agency fluctuations in the learners are the result of their identity positioning and repositioning within a complex and ever-changing context. Concordant or conflicting identities may co-exist within an individual learner and keep changing across different situations. Learner identities will cause increase or reduction in their investment in English learning, while their learning experience will in turn reinforce or undermine their identities. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between agency, identity and language learning and therefore has important implications for English learning and teaching in China.

Dialogic Teaching and Translanguaging in Deaf Education

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Swanwick
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Deaf Education ◽  
Deaf Children ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Diverse Learning ◽  
Language Context ◽  
Pedagogical Framework

This chapter proposes a pedagogical framework for deaf education that builds on a sociocultural perspective and the role of interaction in learning. Pedagogical principles are argued that recognize the dialogic nature of learning and teaching and the role of language as “the tool of all tools” in this process. Building on established work on classroom talk in deaf education, the issues of dialogue in deaf education are extended to consider deaf children’s current learning contexts and their diverse and plural use of sign and spoken languages. Within this broad language context, the languaging and translanguaging practices of learners and teachers are explained as central to a pedagogical framework that is responsive to the diverse learning needs of deaf children. Within this pedagogical framework practical teaching strategies are suggested that draw on successful approaches in the wider field of language learning and take into account the particular learning experience and contexts of deaf children.

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 The Application of Computer Technology in Mongolian College English Teaching

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Xiaojun Zhao
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Cultural Development ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Multimedia Technology ◽  
English Learning ◽  
College English ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Bilingual Teaching ◽  
Assisted Instruction

Based on the demand of modern teaching, this paper researches the application of and problems faced by Mongolian information processing and computer multimedia technology in computer-assisted instruction. It also sets the teaching software content and learning goal and further designs the teaching software according to the English learning features and characteristics of choosing the medium of information of Mongolian college students. This software is suitable for use in learning and teaching bilingualism second language to Mongolian students, and teachers and can realize the independent code of bilingual characters, Mongolian input and output, Mongolian character handling and bilingual inter-translation functions. Manufacture and development of bilingual teaching software facilitates the enthusiasm of Mongolian college students to learn English, improve the language learning environment and plays a positive facilitation role in multilanguage integration and cultural development of the Mongolian area.

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.

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 A Research on CALL-Based POA in English Writing Teaching

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 156-161
Author(s):  
Peipei Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Teaching Mode ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Modern Computer ◽  
Hybrid Teaching ◽  
Modern Computer Technology

The combination of production-oriented approach (POA) and modern computer technology makes English learning and teaching more convenient and efficient. This research combines the computer-assisted language learning (CALL) mode with POA to form the online and offline hybrid teaching mode, aiming to provide a reference for English teachers.

Resistance, reluctance and radicalism: A study of staff reaction to the adoption of CALL/C&IT in modern languages departments

ReCALL ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN H. GILLESPIE ◽  
J. DAVID BARR
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Common Learning ◽  
The Uk

This paper examines staff reaction towards the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Communications and Information Technology (C&IT) in language learning and teaching. It considers the attitudes of colleagues in three different universities, two in the UK and one in Canada. Our findings suggest that staff in these three locations are not resistant to the use of computer technology in learning and teaching but rather that any hesitations they have are due to a range of different factors of a practical kind, ranging from time pressures to course relevance. We found that staff in one institution are clearly more enthusiastic about using CALL and C&IT than colleagues in the other two, but that they were also widely welcomed in the latter. One of the main reasons for this has been the creation of common learning environments on the Web. In addition, findings show that staff already convinced of the benefits that CALL and C&IT bring to the teaching and learning experience (radicals) have a role in encouraging their less enthusiastic colleagues to begin using this form of technology. However, we found that the majority of colleagues are not radicals, but pragmatists, and are willing to make use of CALL and C&IT provided that the benefits are clearly guaranteed. There remains a small minority of conservatives. No suggestions are made as to how to deal with them.

scholarly journals Student-Teachers’ Engagement in Mediated Writing Feedback: Narrative Inquiry

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 321
Author(s):  
Muhammad Reza Pahlevi
Keyword(s):  
Narrative Inquiry ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Cognitive Engagement ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Emotional Engagement ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Writing Feedback ◽  
Thesis Writing

<em>Advance of technology brings about different ways in language learning and teaching. Indeed, mediated writing feedback has been adopted and demanded in language assessment. However, little is known on how students’ engagement in mediated writing feedback. This present study explores students’ engagement in mediated writing feedback. Narrative inquiry design was used to reveal students’ experience and reflection of mediated writing feedback. Three student-teachers involved in this study. They assigned as they meet requirement in this study. They were in thesis writing. Semi-structured interview used to reveal students’ learning experience in receiving mediated writing feedback. Students’ writing work used in this study as well. The obtained data were analyzed by thematic analysis. They also interpreted by theories lenses. The findings illustrated that mediated writing feedback stimulates students learn to write actively (behavior engagement), assists students learn to write (cognitive engagement), and have a balance emotion (emotional engagement.)</em>

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