EFL Acquisition External Problems and Difficulties: An Investigative Interview to Examine Saudi Students' Thoughts and Feelings

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 484
Author(s):  
Mamoon M. Alaraj
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Investigative Interview ◽  
King Abdulaziz University ◽  
And Training

This study aimed to explore and discover how Saudi students feel and think about English as a Foreign Language (EFL) acquisition and its problems and difficulties. It also aimed at sorting out the most common external EFL problems and difficulties that made most of them fail to successfully acquire English language. A sample of 300 male students was randomly chosen from level one students in their foundation year at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Those students recently graduated from secondary schools spread all over the country and so they represented the different regions of the country. Data for this study was obtained from interviews. The results of the interviews showed that students had an actual desire to learn English. The EFL external problems and difficulties were categorized into a set of four main groups: (1) Insufficient exposure to and practice of language in real life situations, (2) Teachers’ lack of seriousness and training, (3) Lack of motivation and (4) Inappropriate textbooks. This study can help English teachers, supervisors, curriculum designers and education policy-makers in Saudi Arabia overcome these problems and difficulties.

scholarly journals Review of Foreign Language Anxiety Relationship with Language Achievement of EFL Students in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 305
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Akram Alsaleem
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Anxiety ◽  
Foreign Language Anxiety ◽  
Language Achievement ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
The Impact

This study is conducted to evaluate learning and teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) since English is still treated as a foreign language. Despite the prevailing high-level anxiety in Saudi learners of the English language, there are limited researches available to study the impact of language anxiety on the achievement of the student in a particular language. This literature search study explored the underlying causes and impacts of foreign language anxiety (FLA) and then studied these impacts on the language achievement of Saudi students in EFL classrooms in KSA. Credible academic researches and conference papers are critically reviewed in the context of the relationship between foreign language anxiety and language achievement of EFL students in Saudi Arabia. The findings of the review revealed that government initiatives and exposure to globalization in Saudi Arabia, students are encouraged to get expertise in English through EFL courses. However, the review of literature demonstrated that Saudi students experience anxiety while learning English as an unknown language. Additionally, the level of understanding in students of FLA negatively affected their accomplishment. Therefore, the collaborative strategies in classrooms are needed with complete participation of language instructors and favourable environment with positive competition building strategies encourage EFL students to enhance learning. 

scholarly journals Measuring Digital Competence and ICT Literacy: An Exploratory Study of In-Service English Language Teachers in the Context of Saudi Arabia

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdulteeef M. Al Khateeb
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ict Literacy ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
English Language Teachers

The purpose of this research is to measure in-service English language teachers' digital competence, particularly for the enhancement of teaching English as a second/foreign language in schools in Saudi Arabia. Information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge is currently considered as a vital skill for foreign language teachers in addition to their linguistic competence. Recently, there has been a focus on digital competence, since it can be regarded as a gateway for enriching knowledge, economies, societies and individuals. There is also a massive need for teachers to assess their own digital competence according to non-conventional norms (i.e., having the ability to share content and manage information). In light of this rationale, this paper investigates the following research question: to what extent are English language teachers in Saudi Arabia digitally competent and in what aspects? This study used a standardized questionnaire that was constructed using a validated comprehensive framework. This instrument was designed to assess the professional capability of English language teachers in terms of their willingness and readiness to use ICTs along with their current digital competence used throughout their teaching and educational practices. The research included a diverse range of participants who come from various backgrounds, genders and experiences. The study was concluded with a presentation of useful recommendations and key research questions for future research.

scholarly journals An Action Research on EFL Writing Dilemmas: A Case of Saudi Students and Instructors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Alkubaidi
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Sole Source ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Language Writing ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Perceptions And Expectations ◽  
Writing Competence ◽  
Writing Curricula

Learning to write in a second language is a great challenge for students; however, certain factors might minimize these challenges. In general, the Saudi students face difficulty to develop the writing competence in a foreign language because they rely on instructors as a sole source of knowledge. Therefore, the study investigated the English language writing in a university in Saudi Arabia. It implemented an action research design based on three main phases; namely, exploration, intervention, and reflection stage. The main questions asked include how the instructors view the writing style of students within the setting and how they perceived the English language writing curricula among the students. The data drew several conclusions that provided insight into the Saudi Higher Education concerning English as a foreign language (EFL) classes. The first is the spoon-feeding of Saudi learners throughout their educational years; therefore, they find it challenging to gain hold of their learning. Second, writing in English is a challenging task for Saudi students. Third, some of the students memorize writing passages to pass their English course. Fourthly, teaching to write was done by focusing on form, writing mechanics, rather than communicative aspects of writing and genre. This study has contributed towards the understanding of Saudi learners in university language classrooms analyzing their perceptions and expectations.

scholarly journals Using the SCAMPER Model to DevelopTranslation Skills for Major Students in the Faculty of Education, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
AWEJ-tls for Translation & Literary Studies ◽  
Fatma Farid Fakhry Tharwa
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Translation ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
School Year ◽  
Delayed Translation ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Experimental Group

This paper aims at identifying the effectiveness of using the SCAMPER model in developing translation and raising the attitudes towards adaptation among major students in the faculty of education, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. It tries to answer the following questions: To what extent would using the SCAMPER model raise translation skills among major students in the faculty of education – Majmaah University .the the second question is To what extent would using SCAMPER model raise the attitudes towards translation among major students.To accomplish the purpose of the study, the researcher showed the experimental group with a sample involved (40) students for the SCAMPER Model in the first term of the school year 2018-2019. The researcher used (pre -post & delayed) translation test, a scale of students' attitudes towards translation to collect data. The study's results suggested that there were statistically important differences at (α ≤ 0.05) in the whole mean grade in the pre post translation test to the group in favor of posttest. Also, there were statistically important differences at (α ≤ 0.05) in the whole mean grade in the pre-post scale of students attitudes towards translation to the group in favor of post implication. Also, the researcher recognized these differences in using the SCAMPER Model in teaching English language translation. In light of these outcomes, the study suggested the necessity of applying the SCAMPER Model in teaching the English language to get better results in students’ translation learning and retention in English as a foreign language. Similarly, the SCAMPER Model would be used with other English skills and sub-skills.

scholarly journals Exploring the Unknown: The Autonomy of Saudi EFL Learners

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fakieh Alrabai
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
T Test ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Standardized Achievement Tests

This study addresses a new area of research in Saudi Arabia. Using a sample of 630 Saudi students, it investigates learners’ level of autonomy and its relationship to academic achievement in English as a foreign language (EFL). Learners’ level of autonomy was measured by a survey, whereas their achievement was evaluated using standardized achievement tests. The data were analyzed using descriptive analyses and a t-test. The findings revealed that learners were non-autonomous, with a mean autonomy score of 2.35 out of 5; and also low language achievers (M = 66 out of 100). Gender had a significant effect on autonomy and achievement. These findings emphasize the vast lack of awareness of the vital role of learner autonomy in the Saudi EFL setting. The study suggests that Saudi learners and teachers alike require increased awareness of the importance of the concept of autonomy and that practical means to promote Saudi EFL learner autonomy should be sought and practiced.

scholarly journals Perceptions Of Madrassa Students And Teachers Towards English Language Learning

2020 ◽  
pp. 64-80
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Male Students ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Selection Of

The purpose of this descriptive research study is to find out the perceptions of students and teachers about the problems and challenges in learning and teaching of English language in Madrassas located in urban area of District Mardan. The main objectives of the study are to assess the attitude of both the students and teachers towards English language; to find out the required facilities for the teaching and learning of English and to put forward the recommendations of the students and teachers for the eradication of the problems and challenges to English language learning and teaching in Madrassas. The population of the research study consist of all Madrassas and all male students and teachers in Urban Madrassas in District Mardan. The researchers use convenient sample for the selection of Madrassas. Selection of students is based on thirty percent proportionate sample; while teachers are selected on the basis of hundred percent proportionate samples accordingly. Two separate questionnaires are the instrument for data collection. The questionnaires comprised on both closed and open ended items. The collected data were analyzed using percentage and thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that there are no proper facilities for the teaching of English language. The results of this research study may be helpful for the policy makers to emphasize more on the importance of English language learning in Madrassas across Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular.

scholarly journals The Notion of Emotion in EFL Learning and Teaching in Saudi Arabia: A Critical Review of 20 Years of Research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fakieh Alrabai
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Emotional Factors ◽  
Context Of Learning ◽  
New Research

This paper provides a broad critical review of the research that examined the emotional factors such as learners’ attitudes, motivation, language anxiety, autonomy, and self-esteem in the context of learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in Saudi Arabia over a period of 20 years (2000-2020). The aim of this critical review is to answer some questions relating to identifying the most common themes of research efforts in this area, the strengths, and weaknesses among it; and to explain how such efforts have contributed to the development of English language learning/teaching within the Saudi context. The study is significant in that the findings identified some issues with thematic orientation in Saudi EFL emotion research—particularly regarding under- and over-explored topics due to an element of randomness in how research topics related to EFL emotions are often selected and explored, with some topic areas receiving excessive attention and others receiving little or no attention. Some issues related to research design and methodology were also acknowledged and assessed. The study suggests that it is useful to develop ways to coordinate and streamline future research on EFL emotions in Saudi Arabia and to work towards developing new research protocols that investigate the practicalities of language learning emotions in real learning situations.

scholarly journals A Development of Foreign Language Training Course for Local Youth Guides of Dankwian Community in Thailand

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 187
Author(s):  
Pitchayapa Chavangklang ◽  
Thanaset Chavangklang
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Junior High School ◽  
English Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Language Ability ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Language Training ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Industrial Sectors

English language has become increasingly more important as it is used as an international language to communicate with people from other countries, especially in the tourism, which is one of Thailand’s most growing industrial sectors today. Although English is taught at all educational levels in Thailand for general purposes, there is still need for specific use of English in some areas such as local tourism places. This leads to the need for improving the English language ability of people in such areas, particularly young people, who are most likely to have influential effects not only on themselves but also their families and community as a whole. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a foreign language training course for Local Youth Guide at Dankwian Community - a famous pottery-making village in Thailand. The course was developed in four stages: 1) Studying background information; 2) Developing the training course of Foreign Language for Local Youth Guide; 3) Trying-out the course; and 4) Evaluating the course. The training course was implemented with a group of 60 junior high school students. The study was designed for one group pretest-posttest, using pre-post tests and a satisfaction questionnaire as study tools. The study revealed the following results. 1) The community members needed a foreign language training course which has both lecturing and workshops. 2) The course consisted of one ice-breaking module and five language modules. 3) While attending the course, participants were enthusiastic, asking questions, and actively contributing to the discussions. 4) After the course, participants significantly improved their language ability at the.05 level. The participants’ satisfaction on the training course was at the ‘very high’ level. They indicated that the course emphasized on the real life applications. These results revealed the usefulness of a short training course for local youth guides in Thailand. It can be applied to other local areas in Thailand that have foreign tourists. A similar training course can be developed by making some modifications to this course to fit their local contents.

scholarly journals Investigating the Impact of Task-based English Language Teaching on Student Competencies at a Saudi EFL Context

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamza Alshenqeeti
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Perceived Relevance ◽  
The Impact

This study examines the impact of task-based English language teaching on Saudi students’ competencies, such as reading comprehension and writing proficiency. The mixed-methods approach, involving an experimental component and a qualitative component based on interviews with the participants, is applied in this study. The procedure for the experimental component was developed with attention to the design, implementation, and assessment of task-based English language instruction activities. A growing body of literature suggests that task-based English teaching has gained significance in recent decades because of its perceived relevance in augmenting linguistic and non-linguistic competencies of learners. The study results indicate that the use of tasks in language learning classrooms promotes students’ learning, the development of skills in reading and writing, social interaction, and the motivation to use English in real-life situations. These findings can be used to promote language learning in students studying English as a foreign language.

scholarly journals My Teaching Philosophy with Particular Reference to Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Nehal Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Teaching Philosophy ◽  
Foreign Language Teachers ◽  
Self Development ◽  
Real Life Situation ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The University

<p><em>It has been due on my part to share my own teaching philosophy with my colleagues in the University in general and other language instructors engaged in this noble profession. Needless to say, creating our own teaching philosophy is an innovative practice and it should be a meaningful part of us as second/foreign language teachers since it states our teaching/learning vision and wisdom, observations, experiences, goals, beliefs, level of professionalism and self-development among many other things. However, in real life situation, we do not often implement all our innovative ideas that we possess in our teaching philosophy. The main objective of the present study is to share my decades of experiences as a language instructor as a student of linguistics as well as an English language instructor. </em></p>

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