scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF USING A MOBILE APPLICATION ON EFL LEARNERS’ BELIEFS ABOUT LANGUAGE LEARNING (BALL)

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebeca Soler Costa ◽  
Turgay Han
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Focus Group Interview ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Attitudes Toward Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes

Abstract.This qualitative case study aimed to examine the effects of using a mobile application (WhatsApp) on on Turkish EFL learners’ BALL. This study demonstrates that following 4-week WhatsApp EFL classes changed 40 Turkish EFL learners’ BALL. Open-ended questions and a focus group interview were used to collect the data. The findings showed that students’ opinions towards using such mobile devices and applications in classrooms are positive and they changed their BALL. It is implicated that such applications can help students to develop positive attitudes toward learning EFL.Keywords: mobile application, health, qualitative study, education.

scholarly journals How EFL Learners Maintain Motivational Factors and Positive Attitudes during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 277
Author(s):  
Reza Anggriyashati Adara ◽  
Novita Puspahaty
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
English Language ◽  
Personal Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Positive Attitudes

The present study aims to analyze how a group of EFL learners in Indonesia maintained their motivation and positive attitudes toward English learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The present study applied a qualitative study by conducting semi-structured interviews with ten respondents. The results suggest that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the respondents significantly. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, most respondents were demotivated but they were able to motivate themselves again by reminding themselves of the reasons they learned English in the first place. Those reasons are mostly dominated by extrinsic factors such as their need to get jobs, studying overseas and the benefits of mastering English for their future also motivated the respondents. However, some are still motivated to learn English because they are intrinsically motivated. The results suggest that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are needed to maintain learners' motivation and positive attitudes toward language learning. In addition, maintaining personal communication with students during tough times such as the Covid-19 pandemic seems important to be conducted by teachers. By keeping personal communication, teachers can help maintain students' motivation. Besides that, the findings of the present study indicate that the respondents used various methods to maintain their motivation such as using social media to learn English and constantly reminding themselves of their language learning goals. In regards to this, teachers should help students by integrating social media into the lessons and providing affirmations that remind students of the benefits of English language mastery.

scholarly journals Out-of-Class Learning of Spanish During COVID-19: A Case Study in Trinidad and Tobago

2020 ◽  
pp. 199-219
Author(s):  
Diego Mideros
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Trinidad And Tobago ◽  
Focus Group Interview ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Study Habits ◽  
Group Interview ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Face To Face

This paper describes the experiences of 15 students who reported on their study habits and studying of Spanish outside of the classroom during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when suddenly face-to-face classes had to be delivered remotely. The paper features the voices of eight teachers on how they promoted out-of-class learning. The inquiry took the form of a small-scale qualitative case study with beginner learners of Spanish and Spanish teachers at a language centre. The aim was to explore how students studied Spanish independently after their synchronous live classes by making use of some additional resources recommended by their teachers. Therefore, this paper attempts to look at how students made use of such resources and if they benefited from them. Data for this study were retrieved from an open-ended survey administered to three groups of Spanish students and a focus group interview with eight Spanish teachers. The emerging findings of the study suggest that although students engaged with additional materials, much work is needed in this context to raise more awareness and promote more learner engagement and exploration outside of the classroom.

scholarly journals EFL Learners’ Attitudes towards the Proper Pronunciation of English and Podcasts as a Facilitator of Proper Pronunciation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Riam K. Almaqrn ◽  
Abdulrahman M. Alshabeb
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Correct Pronunciation ◽  
Level 3

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of Saudi students of English towards proper pronunciation, and podcasts as a facilitator of proper pronunciation. It will discover the importance given to correct pronunciation, as well as gauging learners’ attitudes towards the possibility of introducing podcasts as a new language input tool for facilitating improvements in pronunciation. To achieve this, the previous literature in this area is reviewed, followed by presenting the results and analysing the data from an attitudinal questionnaire distributed amongst 23 Level 3 Saudi EFL learners from the department of English at Imam University. The questionnaire is divided into two parts- one concerning proper pronunciation, and the other podcasts. The data analysis shows that the participants, in spite of the low rate of improvement in their pronunciation, have positive attitudes towards the proper pronunciation of English. This outcome is compatible with previous studies` results, which assert that having a positive attitude towards a particular language and its speakers can improve pronunciation. The students were presented with a total of five podcasts related to their speaking and listening textbook for use over an eight week period, and at the end of this time they were requested to complete the questionnaire. The findings support the usefulness of examining learners` attitudes towards new Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) applications before using them in a practical way. The results show a high rate of acceptance of podcasts and that, overall, the students have positive attitudes towards them.

Facebook Discussion to Enhance English Learners' Metacognitive Strategies

2017 ◽  
pp. 132-152
Author(s):  
Pei-Ling Yang
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Metacognitive Strategies ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
College Learners

The present study aims to investigate the effect of Facebook discussion on EFL learners' metacognitive strategy application. Various language learning strategies suggested in many studies have a positive and significant influence on learners' academic accomplishment. However, there is little research on how to promote the learners' learning strategy applications through the assistance of social networking. Social networking has been drawing huge attention in different research fields. Especially in higher education, it has been applied to promote learning, interaction, and engagement. Thus, in this study, 83 EFL college learners are recruited to participate in the Facebook discussion for the purpose of examining whether learning contexts would have an influence on learners' strategy applications, especially the metacognitive strategies. After a semester's study, the participants in the Facebook discussion group reported to apply more metacognitive strategies and most of them have positive attitudes towards the Facebook-assisted discussion.

“I love this stuff!”: a Canadian case study of mentor–coach well-being

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-344
Author(s):  
Trista Hollweck
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Experienced Teachers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coaching Relationship ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Stakeholder Perspective ◽  
Research Findings

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative case study that examined the potential benefits, challenges and implications of the mentor–coach (MC) role as a supportive structure for experienced teachers’ well-being and sense of flourishing in schools.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative case study used data collected from surveys, interviews, focus groups and documentation. Data were coded and abductively analyzed using the “framework approach” with and against Seligman’s well-being PERMA framework. In order to include an alternative stakeholder perspective, data from a focus group with the district’s teacher union executive are also included.FindingsUsing the constituting elements of Seligman’s well-being (PERMA) framework, experienced teachers reported positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning and accomplishment from their MC experience. However, the MC role is not a panacea for educator well-being. Rather, the quality and effectiveness of the mentoring and coaching relationship is a determining factor and, if left unattended, negative experiences could contribute to their stress and increased workload.Research limitations/implicationsThe data used in this study were based on a limited number of survey respondents (25/42) and the self-selection of the interview (n=7) and focus group participants (n=6). The research findings may lack generalizability and be positively skewed.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the current lack of empirical research on the MC experience and considers some of the wider contextual factors that impact effective mentoring and coaching programs for educators.

Enhancing teachers' and administrators learning experiences through school–university partnerships: a qualitative case study in China

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoyuan Sang ◽  
Jun Zhou ◽  
Abdulghani Muthanna
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis qualitative study aimed to explore how the school–university partnership (SUP) enhances the elementary teachers' professional development in a school-based setting.Design/methodology/approachBy following the qualitative case study methodology, this case study employs semi-structured interviews (the authors designed) with 10 school teachers and administrators. The authors adapted the iterative process analysis (Miles and Huberman, 1984) for compiling, coding, annotating the data and interpreting the interview transcripts. The authors also used the member checking technique that establishes credibility in a qualitative study (Lincoln and Guba, 1985) with six participants.FindingsThe findings suggest that participating in a series of professional learning activities led to the enhancement of teachers' and administrators learning experiences in view of educational theories, action research abilities, teaching efficiency, teaching research capacities and improvement of school guidelines. Further, they reveal that the participants' expectations for future SUP collaborations centred on realizing the sustainability and effectiveness of collaborations, and autonomy of teachers.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the current study include its focus on a single SUP within one school and the reliance on data collected only by interviews during the SUP process. This study offers implications for teacher learning within SUP collaborations. First, schools should consider how to involve and influence all teachers rather than SUP core members only. To this end, authentic professional learning communities need to be constructed. Second, universities should pay much more attention to the professional development of their faculty members towards integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences.Originality/valueThis original study explores practical ways of improving teachers' theoretical and practical teaching practices/experiences through SUP projects, and contributes new knowledge to the teaching professional development of school teachers and administrators.

scholarly journals Stress and burnout in anesthesia residency: an exploratory case study of peer support groups

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Spence ◽  
David Smith ◽  
Anne Wong
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Focus Group Interview ◽  
Maslach Burnout Inventory ◽  
Group Interview ◽  
Survey Responses

Stress and burnout are alarmingly prevalent in anesthesiologists, with the highest risk occurring during anesthesia residency training. To better understand this phenomenon, we conducted a mixed methods case study of our anesthesia training program to explore the residents’ accounts of stress and burnout and the potential value of peer support groups. Eight out of thirty eight residents participated in nine monthly peer support group (PSG) meetings followed by a focus group interview about stress and burnout in training and the value of PSG. We compared the participants’ mean pre-and post-PSG Maslach Burnout Inventory® (MBI) and Perceived Stress Scale® (PSS) and analysed the focus group interview for recurring themes. We captured the perspectives of twenty seven out of thirty residents who did not participate in support groups (non-participants) through an online survey on stress and burnout. We found evidence of a high prevalence of stress and burnout from the MBI and PSS scores and survey responses. Analysis of the focus group interview showed that the specific stressors of anesthesia training included: an individually-based model of training that predisposes to isolation from peers, an over-reliance on the quality of the faculty-resident relationship and the critical, high stakes nature of the profession. Residents strongly endorsed the value of PSG in decreasing isolation, enhancing validation, and support through the sharing of experiences. Lack of dedicated time and integration into the training program were major barriers to PSG participation. These barriers need to be overcome in order to fully realize its role in mitigating stress and burnout.

scholarly journals Understanding the Challenges of Women in Non-Traditional Occupations

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 42-49
Author(s):  
Govinda Kumar Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Women's Work ◽  
Kathmandu Valley ◽  
Nontraditional Occupations ◽  
Household Chores ◽  
Study Research ◽  
Light Vehicle

This qualitative case study research was conducted to understand the perception of women in non-traditional occupations in Nepalese context. Seven participants from four nontraditional occupations, namely electrical, motorcycle mechanics (automobile), light vehicle driving and mechanical lathe operator were selected from Kathmandu valley. The data were collected using interview and focus group discussion.The findings revealed that involvement of Nepalese women in non-traditional occupations are very nominal. It is due to the conventional thinking towards women that they should do only the household chores. Non-traditional occupations for Nepalese women have not been women-friendly, however, they may if they do not feel inferior to male and avoid hesitation to work in these professions. The biggest challenge for women in these professions is the societal disbelief on the women’s work. They are behaved with suspicion by people and the society. Leg pulling and backbiting nature of people towards women in this profession are also the serious problems for them.  Nevertheless, the female participants have got support from their family and organizations. Moreover, they have played significant roles from beginning to date to inspire them to continue their work.

scholarly journals The Reflected Mythological Patterns on Researchers’ Journey through Literacy Narratives

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-31
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sugeng ◽  
Pratiwi Retnaningdyah ◽  
Ali Mustofa
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Hero's Journey ◽  
Literacy Narratives ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
New Research ◽  
Insight Into

This paper aims to provide a heroism mythological reflection on the journey of researchers. This study uses the qualitative case study to obtain the comprehension of researchers' metaphor journeys through Monomyth on their research experiences. The documentary analysis is used in this qualitative study with the reflexive narrative because the reflection on experience can help the reader to gain insight into the researcher and their approach during the journey. 15 researcher’s literacy narratives chosen in this study which consists of 8 published literacy narratives and 7 literacy narratives task from participants. Research itself often considered as a journey that extends the existing knowledge and also develops new knowledge of the researcher while wandering in the wilderness of knowledge. Along the way, the researchers with their literacy narratives in this study unconsciously have a similar mythical pattern story as like as the mythical heroes which Campbell (1949) term it as ‘Monomyth’ pattern. The result presented in this paper may facilitate the literate improvements in which to motivate, to help the novice researcher to understand their own hero’s journey and to educate them about the stages that they will experience such as their new transition of conducting their new research.

scholarly journals EFL LEARNERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR ENGLISH SPEAKING PERFORMANCE

LITERA ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Mahripah
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Speaking Performance ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Students Attitudes

This study aims to describe EFL learners’ attitudes towards the improvement of their English speaking performance. The data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to 131 students of Department of English Language Education. The results of the dataanalysis show that all respondents show positive attitudes towards the improvement of their English speaking performance. Although female students have more positive attitudes than male students, the difference is not significant. The results also show that students’ attitudes towards their speaking performance change in accordance with their learning time. Their self-assessment of their speaking performance has a significant correlation with their attitudes. Their positive attitudes towards the improvement of their English speaking performance serve as a foundation to the success of the English language learning. Therefore, learners should pay attention to and maintain attitudes to improve their speaking performance.

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