scholarly journals Formative assessment in the English as a foreign language classroom in secondary schools in Poland. Report on a mixed-method study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-327
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Baran-Łucarz

Aim. The paper addresses the problem of formative assessment in the foreign language (FL) classroom. Its main objective is to present the outcomes of a study identifying tendencies related to the use of formative assessment during English lessons in Polish high schools, and students’ opinions on the frequency, type and effects of assessment they had been provided with during secondary school education. Methods. The data come from a retrospective study applying a mixed-method approach. They were gathered with a questionnaire based on a Likert scale, complemented with a few open-ended questions. The responses were provided by 106 students who graduated various high schools in the years 2014-2017 in 36 towns/cities located in different regions of Poland. The frequencies of using formative assessment in the case of all the FL skills and subskills are presented in comparison to summative assessment. The qualitative data were coded with an aim of finding some common trends.    Results. The study showed that in the case of the participants of this research, formative assessment in secondary education at EFL classes was evidently neglected. Many students (approximately 25%) acknowledged to never having been provided with formative assessment with regards to pronunciation, receptive and productive skills. The open responses signal students’ awareness of the importance of feedback and of several negative effects resulting from the lack of its regular provision.    Conclusions. The data gathered in the study seem to call for the need to raise the understanding of the role and the practical abilities to use formative assessment in the EFL classroom both at pre-service and in-service teacher training courses.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 275
Author(s):  
Bo Yang

Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) and Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) are a Janus-faced concept (Dewaele & MacIntyre, 2014). This study adopted a mixed-method approach to investigate how FLE interacts with FLCA to predict and be predicted by Foreign Language (FL) achievement among 589 undergraduate learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) at a key and a non-key university in Northwest China. Participants reported more FLE than FLCA. Significant school differences were found regarding the investigated variables. FLE regulated the debilitating aspect and positively predicted the facilitating aspect of FLCA, whereas facilitating anxiety, in turn, increased FLE via motivation and sense of success. FLE and FLCA significantly predicted FL achievement and vice versa. Qualitative analysis revealed that learner-internal variables were major sources of FLE and FLCA. Facilitating anxiety was reported to significantly and positively connect with FL achievement in both quantitative and qualitative data, although debilitating anxiety exerted a more influential role.


SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402110084
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Knežević ◽  
Sabina Halupka-Rešetar ◽  
Ivana Miškeljin ◽  
Mira Milić

The article addresses the use of dictionaries among the new millennium generation of English as a foreign language (EFL) undergraduates. Applying the mixed-method approach (a questionnaire and interviews), the study examines the frequency of dictionary use, the types of dictionaries used, activities initiating dictionary consultation, information searched for, and problems faced in using dictionaries. The findings suggest that the participants are most fond of bilingual online dictionaries and use them mostly for looking up the meaning of unknown words. They also show that despite being high consumers of technology, participants do not benefit much from online dictionaries, as they neglect most of the entry information. The qualitative data reveal that the participants perceive various digital tools of questionable quality as online dictionaries. Overall, the study sheds light on the characteristic behavior of the new generation of EFL learners regarding their dictionary use and points to the necessity of developing their digital competence in the realm of dictionary use.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengchen Li ◽  
Jean-Marc Dewaele ◽  
Guiying Jiang

AbstractThe present study adopted a mixed-method approach combining principles from Complex Dynamic Systems Theory and Positive Psychology to examine the interaction between Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) and Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) of 1,307 Chinese students, the single and combined effects of FLCA and FLE on self-perceived English proficiency and actual English achievement, and finally, the effect of EA on FLE and FLCA. Statistical analyses revealed negative correlations between FLCA and FLE in three groups at different levels of English achievement. Qualitative data from 64 participants threw further light on this complex relationship. Second, FLCA was found to be significantly negatively related to self-rated proficiency at all achievement groups while FLE was positively related. Similar significant relationships were also found between two classroom emotions and actual English achievement except in the low achievement group. Finally, qualitative data allowed us to investigate the possible causes for this relationship.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2564-2566
Author(s):  
Salman Javed ◽  
Mehwish Ayyaz ◽  
Bushra Adeel ◽  
Wajeeha Imran Andrabi ◽  
Amna Khanum ◽  
...  

Background: The concept of feedback is central to medical education. There is gradual shift from sandwich feedback to Pendleton feedback which is learner centred. Pragmatic worldview was proposed in this study. Certificate in Medical Teaching (CMT) programme was initiated at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Lahore since 2019.The study objective was to improve learning outcome. Methods: Mixed Method research design was chosen, out of all mixed method procedures “Convergent parallel mixed method design” was followed collecting simultaneously quantitative and qualitative data, then results were analysed and compared separately. This study was carried out from 01-06-2020 to 31-03-2021 at King Edward Medical University Lahore. Sample size of 43 participants from CMT (Certificate in Medical Teaching) Batch 1 and 2 took part in this study. Doctors from clinical side, demonstrators and personnel of Allied health sciences attended this course. A predesigned proforma designed on google form was sent to each participant via e-mail.. Results: Quantitative data collected was interpreted as percentages and in form of tables and presented as pie charts. Qualitative data collected was analysed by segregating data into codes. Corresponding themes were made of each code and presented in tabular form. Conclusion: On the basis of feedback and mixed method approach, it can be concluded that certificate in medical teaching is a new teaching program at king Edward Medical University Lahore which can serve as basis to start master’s degree at this institution. Keywords: Feedback, medical teaching, KEMU


2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Lay Hui Nga

This paper investigates the issue of the global financial crisis and its impacts on philanthropy and civil society organisations (CSOs) in Malaysia. CSOs are popularly known as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Malaysia. Financial crisis has caused NGOs in many countries to receive less funding. This situation may threaten and discourage voluntary works. Undoubtedly, these beneficial contributions from the NGOs are needful services to the society. This paper examines the impact of financial crisis through the lens of NGOs and philanthropy activities in Malaysia. It utilises primary and secondary data, employs a mixed method approach, and uses quantitative and qualitative data. While there are many influencing factors in this development, this paper presents several significant aspects in the Malaysian context, including the style and nature of giving, culture, religion, and political pressure. This study attempts to seek potential solutions, pathways and possible approaches beneficial to NGOs and philanthropy activities for their sustainability in facing the financial crisis and its consequences. Experiences and lessons learnt in Malaysia may well be useful and applicable to some extent in other countries.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Vini Kartika Rachmawati ◽  
Risris Rismayani

 ABSTRACT Through the Structure and Performance approach, this research aims to analyze the structure and performance of the automotive industry in Indonesia. This research not only aimed to comprehensively analyze both quantitative and qualitative data using mixed method approach, but also explains the correlation between them. The study was conducted in a period of 10 years starting from 2007 to 2016. The result of the analysis shows that: (1) Indonesian automotive industry’s structure is tight oligopoly with the average score of market concentration ratio (CR3) in 2007–2016 is 87,30%, and the average score of MES in 2007–2016 is 71,34%; (3) The performance of the industry is “declining‟ with the ROA average score of Indonesian automotive industry throughout 2007–2016 is  5,97 %; and (4) there is a consistency element in the both research variables, which are structure and performance. It has been proven qualitatively (CR3-ROA is 65,5% & MES-ROA is 67%)  and quantitatively (CR3-MES-ROA is 58,1%). Keywords: Industrial Economy, Structure, Performance, Automotive Industry. ABSTRAK Melalui pendekatan Struktur dan Kinerja, tujuan dari penelitian  ini adalah untuk menganalisis struktur dan kinerja industri otomotif di Indonesia. Penelitian ini tidak hanya bertujuan untuk menganalisis secara komprehensif, baik data kuantitatif dan kualitatif menggunakan pendekatan metode campuran, tetapi juga menjelaskan korelasi di antara mereka. Periode pada penelitian ini adalah 10 tahun mulai 2007 hingga 2016. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa: (1) Struktur industri otomotif Indonesia adalah oligopoli yang ketat dengan rata-rata nilai rasio konsentrasi pasar (CR3) pada tahun 2007-2016 adalah 87,30%, dan nilai rata-rata MES pada 2007–2016 adalah 71,34%; (3) Kinerja industri “menurun” dengan skor rata-rata ROA industri otomotif Indonesia sepanjang 2007–2016 adalah 5,97%; dan (4) ada elemen konsistensi dalam kedua variabel penelitian, yaitu struktur dan kinerja. Ini telah terbukti secara kualitatif (CR3-ROA adalah 65,5% & MES-ROA adalah 67%) dan secara kuantitatif (CR3-MES-ROA adalah 58,1%). Kata Kunci: Ekonomi Industri, Struktur, Kinerja, Industri Otomotif


Author(s):  
Consolata Angello

A study was conducted to investigate the extent of use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by urban livestock keepers. This paper discusses the perceptions of small scale livestock keepers towards the use of different types of ICTs in accessing livestock information. Mixed method approach was used whereby quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. The findings of this study revealed that most of the respondents had a positive opinion towards the use of ICTs and it was concluded that urban livestock keepers perceived ICTs as important tools for accessing livestock information. The study recommended for improvement of telecommunications services through relevant bodies in order to facilitate more access to information through use of ICTs. Information networking among urban livestock keepers and the introduction of livestock information centers were also recommended for enhanced access to livestock information.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Monique Sedgwick ◽  
Noelle Sedgwick ◽  
Olu Awosoga ◽  
Lance Grigg ◽  
Sharon Dersch

Background and objective: Engaging in clinical reasoning frequently occurs in busy, high pressured, stressful settings with competing demands. Patient outcomes are affected in part by RNs’ clinical reasoning ability. This study aims to explore the extent to which the clinical context influences clinical reasoning among urban and rural registered nurses.Methods: In this exploratory study using a mixed method approach, 11 rural hospital RNs and 7 RNs practicing in urban medical or surgical units completed a survey and a semi-structured individual qualitative interview. Data were generated over a two month period in 2015. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U was used to test for differences among groups. Qualitative data analysis procedures were used to help identify two major themes.Results: The perceived lack of time influenced the participants’ ability to engage in clinical reasoning. The findings also suggest that rule following hampered the participants’ ability to confidently share their clinical reasoning.Conclusions: To deepen RNs clinical reasoning an examination of the clinical environment’s structure and processes that support or impede engagement in clinical reasoning is required. Specific strategies that enhance clinical reasoning need to be unit specific and driven by RNs. 


Author(s):  
Luz Castillo-Cuesta

The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of digital games to enhance English as a Foreign Language (EFL) grammar and vocabulary in the English Major of Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, in southern Ecuador. A total of 68 students from B1 level, according to the Common European Frame-work of Reference for Languages (CEFR), participated in this study. All the par-ticipants were enrolled in two different classes of a Communicative Grammar course. A mixed-method approach was used to collect and analyze data in this study. Pre and post-questionnaires as well as writing rubrics were applied as in-struments. Digital games were implemented throughout an academic term of 5 months in which students received permanent feedback. The results show that digital games were useful to improve learners´ grammar in aspects concerning the use of modals, gerunds, and infinitives; also, students showed an improvement in their vocabulary knowledge, especially in topics related to jobs and education.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Reza Anggriyashati Adara

Investigating demotivating factors can help teachers to avoid them and provide more insights on sustaining learners’ interest in FL learning. The present study aimed to analyse demotivating factors in FL learning. To obtain the findings, the present study applied a mixed method approach. A set of questionnaires adapted from Sakai and Kikuchi’s (2009) questionnaires were distributed to thirty eight university students whereas interviews were conducted to three of them. The findings indicated teacher’s competence and lack of intrinsic motivation as the most salient factors that caused demotivation among the participants. In this consideration, teachers were perceived as incompetent by the participants when teachers have poor English pronunciation and do not provide communicative classrooms. On the other hand, lack of intrinsic motivation was indicated by the loss of students’ interest in learning and their goal to be an English speaker. Providing a communicative classroom with a fluent teacher as well as promoting students’ interest in English language and culture seem to be the solutions to reduce students’ demotivation. [Penelitian tentang faktor-faktor yang menurunkan motifasi (demotivation) dapat membantu para guru untuk menghindari factor-faktor tersebut dan memberikan wawasan untuk mempertahankan minat peserta didik dalam pembelajaran bahasa asing. Penelitian ini menganalisis faktor demotivasi dalam pembelajaran Bahasa asing. Untuk memperoleh jawaban dari beberapa pertanyaan, penelitian ini menerapkan pendekatan metode campuran. Seperangkat kuesioner yang diadaptasi dari model Sakai dan Kikuchi (2009) didistribusikan kepada tiga puluh delapan mahasiswa sedangkan wawancara dilakukan terhadap tiga dari mahasiswa tersebut. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi guru dan kurangnya motivasi intrinsik merupakan faktor yang paling menonjol yang menyebabkan demotivasi di antara para peserta. Dalam hal ini, guru dianggap tidak kompeten oleh para peserta ketika guru memiliki pelafalan bahasa Inggris yang buruk dan tidak menyediakan ruang kelas yang komunikatif. Di sisi lain, kurangnya motivasi intrinsik ditunjukkan oleh hilangnya minat siswa dalam belajar dan tujuan mereka untuk berbicara dalam bahasa Inggris. Menyediakan ruang kelas yang komunikatif dengan guru yang fasih serta mempromosikan minat siswa dalam bahasa dan budaya Inggris tampaknya menjadi solusi untuk mengurangi demotivasi siswa]


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document