scholarly journals The Reasons behind Inefficient English Language Teaching Practices in Saudi Universities

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1122
Author(s):  
Awwad Othman Abdelaziz Ahmed

This empirical survey has been conducted to investigate the responses of both teachers and students of English Language Department to identify the reasons behind inefficient English language teaching (ELT) at the department. The study utilized quantitative tool of data collection. A 38-item Likert-scale structured questionnaire has been developed and administered to both sample groups: English faculty members at the Foreign Languages Department (FLD) and junior and senior English-major students of FLD. The data gathered from the questionnaire responses has been analyzed and descriptive statistics have been exploited to present the result of this survey. Both groups have agreed to each other related to issues given below: 1) interaction should be activated among students, 2) authentic teaching material should be provided in all classrooms, 3) students' standard is quite week when they take admission in FLD, 4) English language proficiency test should be a condition to promote to the next academic level and 5) remedial courses should be initiated in the department for the weaker learners. It is also found that lack a strict admission policy, learners’ examination-centered attitude and low motivation among students are also reasons in this regard as reported by the faculty. Recommendations have been given to develop the methods of teaching English in Saudi universities.

2020 ◽  
pp. 136216882097985
Author(s):  
Neil Murray ◽  
Antony J. Liddicoat ◽  
Gavin Zhen ◽  
Penny Mosavian

Since the start of the twenty-first century, English has come to be seen by the Chinese government as a linchpin of its continued economic and political influence. Its resultant efforts to promote innovation in English language teaching align with the aspirations of a population, many of whom regard competency in English as a determiner of opportunity and success in their careers, and thus a vehicle through which to provide a good quality of life for themselves and their families. However, despite government-driven initiatives to improve English language education, change has been slow to materialize, especially outside of the main urban areas of Eastern China. Here, we report on a study that sought to explore the constraints governing attempts by teachers of English to innovate in universities located in some of the so-called ‘hinterland’ regions of Southwestern China. Key determinants that emerged, and which we discuss, included time pressure and competing priorities; scepticism towards new ideas; lack of investment in resources; the primacy of the textbook; students’ language proficiency; and opportunities for professional development. Together, these findings indicate the need for a change of culture if innovation is to be welcomed, both in principle and in practice, as a driver of positive change in the teaching of English in these universities. Teachers, their line managers, and university senior managers need to feel willing and able to engage freely in constructive and informed discourse, and in doing so consider recalibrating institutional priorities, thereby helping reconcile the pressures and tensions currently experienced by English language teachers and which impede progress.


Author(s):  
Cicih Nuraeni

<p>The purpose of this study was to describe the use of Total Physical Response (TPR) method on young learners English Language Teaching (ELT) at Panti Asuhan Yauma. The method of the research is descriptive qualitative. In this research the researcher describes the activities carried out by teachers and students by using TPR method. The data resources are from teacher and students in Panti Asuhan Yauma Jakarta. The class consists of 30 students which their ages were around 5 to 11 years old. The data collected through observation in learning activities. The instruments were pre-test and post-test with 2 (two) criterion being assessed, namely vocabulary and comprehension. They were divided into 5 (five) elements such as accuracy of word, understanding each word, word choice, understanding the meaning, and speaking easily. The results showed that there was an improvement in vocabulary score about 27.40 and comprehension score about 28.77. The research finding first showed that when using the TPR method children enjoyed and were also very active in learning English. The researcher hopes that the study contributes to the activities of teaching and learning English, especially teaching English for young learners. It was proved by the score from pre-test and post-test.</p>


Author(s):  
Ali Al-Issa ◽  
Ali Al-Bulushi ◽  
Rima Al-Zadjali

As a high-stakes international language proficiency benchmark, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requires different and special Language Learning Strategies (LLS), which pose numerous challenges to its takers. Some Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) majoring in English Language Teaching (ELT), have therefore, failed to achieve an overall score of Band 6 on the IELTS as a language proficiency requirement and a condition mandated by the Ministry of Education for selecting English language teachers among. This qualitatively driven hermeneutic phenomenology study, hence, discusses this issue from an ideological perspective. The study triangulates data from semi-structured interviews made with six fourth-year ELT Student Teachers (STs) at SQU and the pertinent literature. The critical discussion revealed various ideologies about the powerful impact of the IELTS on the STs’ English language development. The findings have important implications for the practices of the teachers in the Omani ELT school system and elsewhere.


Author(s):  
Remedios C Bacus

To address the challenge of identifying an effective English language teaching pedagogy, this study explored the Grade 10 teachers (n=50) and students’ (n=2,221) beliefs of effective language teaching methods and the teachers’ classroom practices. It further investigated the convergence and divergence of the teachers’ and students’ beliefs and the teachers’ practices along with the pedagogic parameters of practicality and particularity. Using the descriptive quantitative design, the findings revealed the convergence of responses between (a) teachers’ and students’ beliefs of effective language methods, and (b) teachers’ beliefs and their practices. Analysis of responses also revealed the pedagogic parameters of practicality and particularity in the conduct of their English language classes. Teachers continually engage in the cycle of personal assessment to increase their autonomy in formulating enlightened choices responsive to the students’ needs. It is imperative that English teachers be engaged in programs that support their awareness of local exigencies to strengthen their belief systems on post-method pedagogy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (25) ◽  
pp. 193
Author(s):  
Armas Pesantez Paul Rolando ◽  
Armas Pesantez Washington Geovanny ◽  
Salazar Calderón Edison Hernán ◽  
Guadalupe Bravo Luis Oswaldo ◽  
Orozco Yánez Gabriel Isaac

The purpose of the current research was the implementation of didactic audiovisual and communicative resources through a virtual classroom for the teaching-learning of English language, aimed to the first level students Languages School at Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo due to the lack of didactic material helping in the development of activities and tasks into the classroom. This fact impedes teachers and students reaching a higher level in the English Language teaching-learning process, this situation made necessary the implementation of resources adaptive to the pedagogical context and planned through a content manager or virtual classroom. The current research is quasi experimental, bibliographic, documental and descriptive which was applied to a sample where it was necessary to consider an initial knowledge diagnose before applying the communicative and audiovisual resources, then it was necessary to carry out an evaluation at the end of it. It was also necessary to use a set of activities based on communicative and audiovisual resources framed within the micro curriculum guidelines with schedules and contents that were evaluated through questionnaires and a checklist. The instruments for collecting information allowed obtaining data in both pre-test and post-test. These qualifications were compared through a statistical test that allowed concluding that the use of the mentioned resources improved the English language teaching, at the same time it was possible to recommend its use within the curriculum for the First Level of the Languages Major.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 110-116
Author(s):  
Sagar Poudel

Teaching English without any instructional materials may be difficult or even impossible. There are lots of materials which facilitate both the teachers and students in language teaching and learning. As with other teaching materials and resources, journal articles are also an important source for language teaching. Taking this into account, this article tries to explore how EFL teachers perceive the value of journal articles and how they use them in their classrooms. More specifically, the article tries to explore whether and to what extent journal articles can be used as instructional materials, and what strategies teachers employ to use journals articles to enhance language proficiency of their students.Journal of NELTA ,  Vol. 22, No. 1-2, 2017 December, Page: 110-116


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-184
Author(s):  
Herland Franley Manalu

The use of Information Technologies (IT) tools has become very important requirements for teachers and students nowadays in achieving academic goals in higher education. The harness of computers, internet, e-mail, multi-media and other IT tools is indispensable and has a great influence on the process of language teaching and learning in an effort to improve the quality of education and to produce best human resources that not only having good competence in foreign language but also possessing great capabilities in the use of Information Technology to face the Industrial Revolution 4.0 era. The study seeks to find out the frequency and the purposes of IT usage by students and lecturers in the English learning environment. A questionnaire containing questions about the frequency and the use of IT in the teaching and learning process was disseminated to the students and the lecturers of the English Literature department at the University of Bangka Belitung. The study reveals that the lecturers and students show a positive attitude towards the use of IT tools and the harness of the tools in the process of teaching and learning is believed to be very useful.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 516
Author(s):  
Mohammad Owais Khan

The present study attempts to highlight the issues related to the Tribulations and Counteractive measures for teaching and learning English to Intermediate students of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. The language policy in intermediate college education emerged as a social and personal problem. The quality of English Language teaching in majority of Indian Intermediate Colleges presents a very appalling picture. Teachers’ language proficiency, exposure to language and teaching materials is major concerns for quality English language learning. In reality intermediate students’ situation in UP is very difficult. They don’t have good opportunities as the big cities’ students have. These students consider English as a subject not as a language. So they focus only on examination not on the learning. This is an area which needs proper investigation. This study and the remedial measures suggested at the end will hopefully help students and teachers in learning and teaching English easily and appropriately. The study will also be useful for teachers, scholars, course designers and material producers of English language teaching.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document