scholarly journals Undergraduate Students’ Attitudes Towards Learning English in Rural University Branches in KSA: A Case Study of Al-Kamil's Branch

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Hamda A. Laouini ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning English ◽  
Attitudes Towards Learning

The present study was conducted to assess and investigate the attitudes of the Preparatory Year students towards leaning English at rural branch of the University of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The author endeavours to examine and measure the University students’ opinions and perceptions regarding the importance of Learning English. He also attempts to explore the areas of difficulties in foreign language Learning within the rural context of AlKamil College of Sciences and Arts (Makkah, Saudi Arabia). 75 randomly selected students (40 male and 35 female) participated in this study project. In this study, the researcher opted for a mixed research method. For quantitative data collection a five-point Likert scale questionnaire was adapted from Gardner’s ‘Attitude Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) along with a silent interview for a qualitative data collection in order to assess the participants’ attitudes and perceptions regarding learning English. Overall, the results reveal that students in rural university branches in Saudi Arabia hold positive attitudes towards learning English and they are constantly attempting to improve their language proficiency. This study also explores the different obstacles impeding the students’ sought progress in language learning along with the possible solutions that may enable them to use and practise English in a more spontaneous way.

scholarly journals Attitudes of Saudi Non-English Major Students Towards Learning English

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1622-1629
Author(s):  
Nawaf J. Alsubaie
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
English Major ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning English ◽  
Attitudes Towards Learning

The present study aims at investigating the attitudes of Saudi non-English major students towards learning English at the University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia. In addition, the study attempts to identify how the students view the culture of English, English native speakers, and the importance of English in the present time. The data were collected from 80 Saudi non-English major students at the University of Bisha through a three-point Likert scale questionnaire with 13 closed-ended items. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS. The results of this study show that the students have overall positive attitudes towards learning English. Apart from this, it was found that the students are aware of the importance of English in the present time. Interestingly, the students reflected positive attitudes towards the culture of English and English native speakers. Finally, some implications for teachers and recommendations for future research are presented.

Motivation in foreign language classrooms at tertiary level: A case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-40
Author(s):  
Anh Hoang Khau ◽  
La Pho Thach
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Senior English ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning English

In teaching and learning a foreign language, especially English, motivation plays an extremely integral part in ensuring success. In this study, the researchers attempt to provide an overview of research on motivation and discover how motivation can assist second or foreign language learning in classrooms of English-majored students in the university setting. This study aims to investigate whether English-majored learners are motivated in learning English or not, focusing on extrinsic motivational factors to identify the factors to develop their motivation and maintain their journey of learning English. A questionnaire is devised and administered to 52 senior English-majored students. The data was then analyzed using the SPSS version 20. The results suggest that learners’ motivation is related to learning facilities and teacher’s personality which can encourage learners to think more positively and thus be more motivated in their language learning process. Along with providing specific recommendations for further research on motivation, the paper concludes by calling on for adopting a range of motivational factors that can promote English as a foreign or second language learning.

scholarly journals Motivation in Foreign Language Classrooms at Tertiary Level: A Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
Anh Hoang Khau ◽  
La Pho Thach
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Senior English ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning English

In teaching and learning a foreign language, especially English, motivation plays an extremely integral part in ensuring success. In this study, the researchers attempt to provide an overview of research on motivation and discover how motivation can assist second or foreign language learning in classrooms of English-majored students in the university setting. This study aims to investigate whether English-majored learners are motivated in learning English or not, focusing on extrinsic motivational factors to identify the factors to develop their motivation and maintain their journey of learning English. A questionnaire is devised and administered to 52 senior English-majored students. The data was then analyzed using the SPSS version 20. The results suggest that learners’ motivation is related to learning facilities and teacher’s personality which can encourage learners to think more positively and thus be more motivated in their language learning process. Along with providing specific recommendations for further research on motivation, the paper concludes by calling on for adopting a range of motivational factors that can promote English as a foreign or second language learning.

scholarly journals Exploring the Causes of Listening Comprehension Anxiety from EFL Saudi Learners’ Perspectives: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Otair ◽  
Noor Hashima Abd Aziz
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
High Level

Anxiety is an important factor in foreign language learning. Very few studies have been done on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Saudi students in listening classes. Therefore, this pilot study was aimed at exploring the causes of listening comprehension anxiety from EFL Saudi learners’ perspectives at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. The pilot study involved two students who were selected based on the following criteria: 1) Only Saudi male undergraduate students who enrolled in Preparatory Year Program (PYP) at Majmaah University would be involved in this study, 2) The students who had studied or lived in native English speaking countries would be excluded. The researcher used pseudonyms to refer to the participants as Mohammad and Ismail. This study employed a qualitative case study research design. The data were collected through Semi-structured interviews with the participants. The interview sessions were audiotaped and transcribed. The results show that the participants experienced a high level of anxiety when doing the listening comprehension tasks. Three main causes of listening comprehension anxiety emerged from this study: 1) the problematic nature of listening comprehension, 2) the classroom atmosphere, and 3) the low English proficiency of the students.

scholarly journals A comparative self-assessment of difficulty in learning English and German among Sudanese students

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adil Ishag ◽  
Claus Altmayer ◽  
Evelin Witruk
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
German Language ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Language Difficulty ◽  
Perceived Difficulty ◽  
The University

Abstract It is generally assumed that self-assessment plays a profound role in autonomous language learning and, accordingly, leads to learner independency. It encourages learners to prospect their own language learning processes and provides them with feedback of their learning progress. Self-assessment also raises the awareness of learners’ individual needs among both students and teachers alike and will therefore contribute to the development of the whole learning process. The purpose of the current study is to explore and compare – through self-assessment – the level of perceived difficulty of the overall foreign language learning and language skills among Sudanese students enrolled at the English and German language departments respectively, at the University of Khartoum in Sudan. A representative sample composed of 221 students from the two departments have been asked to self-evaluate and rate the overall language difficulty and areas of difficulty in language skills, as well as their own language proficiency. The results indicate that German language is relatively rated as a difficult language in comparison to the English language and that German grammar was also rated as more difficult. However, students rated the pronunciation and spelling of German language as easier than in English language. Concerning the language skills, reading and speaking skills were reported as more difficult in German, whereas writing and listening tend to be easier than in English. Finally, students’ academic achievements have been self-reported.

scholarly journals LEARNING ENGLISH GRAMMAR ONLINE: THE MAIN RESOURCES

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Yurko ◽  
M. Vorobel
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
English Grammar ◽  
Internet Resources ◽  
Research Perspectives ◽  
Learning Language ◽  
Online Sources ◽  
Learning English

The survey deals with the key means of studying grammar online in a foreign language learning. Appropriate grammar is well recognised to be the foundation of effective communication and language proficiency. Notwithstanding great attention being paid to different educational issues and various aspects of language study, there is current need of a more detailed focus on learning language grammar online. Therefore, the purpose of the survey was to examine the main online resources for English grammar learning. The key online sources for learning English grammar have been explored and defined by the by the methods of monitoring and comparative analysis of internet resources. Considering the survey outcomes, further research perspectives of studying grammar online in a foreign language learning have been specified.

The emergence of a new phonological feature in Pakistan English

English Today ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Nasir A. Syed ◽  
Shah Bibi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Ruling Elite ◽  
Phonological Feature ◽  
British Colonial ◽  
Country Specific ◽  
Learning English

English is used as a lingua franca in most parts of the world (Ozaki, 2011). However, problems and issues related to learning English are country specific (Nagamine, 2011), because most of the difficulties in foreign language learning arise from L1 interference (Flege, 1995). Since this study focuses on acoustic analysis of a phonological feature of Pakistan English (PakE), we outline the historical background of the issue very briefly. Pakistan is a linguistically rich country. More than 70 languages are spoken in Pakistan (Rahman, 1996). Saraiki, Balochi, Sindhi, Punjabi and Pashto are the major indigenous languages of the country. More than 90% of the total population speaks these languages. Pakistan came into being in 1947. It inherited English as a language of education, law, the judiciary and media from the British colonial masters. The British rulers also used the English language in India for official correspondence. Therefore, English became a very effective tool and symbol of power in the subcontinent. As a result, people of the subcontinent feel pride in learning English. Although the colonial period has ended and the English rulers have departed to their homeland, English still remains the language of ruling elite in Pakistan and India.

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 Online Foreign Language Learning in Higher Education and Its Correlates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 781
Author(s):  
Maria-Anca Maican ◽  
Elena Cocoradă
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
Student Relationship

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the online learning of foreign languages at higher education level has represented a way to adapt to the restrictions imposed worldwide. The aim of the present article is to analyse university students’ behaviours, emotions and perceptions associated to online foreign language learning during the pandemic and their correlates by using a mixed approach. The research used the Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) scale and tools developed by the authors, focusing on task value, self-perceived foreign language proficiency, stressors and responses in online foreign language learning during the pandemic. Some of the results, such as the negative association between anxiety and FLE, are consistent with those revealed in studies conducted in normal times. Other results are novel, such as the protective role of retrospective enjoyment in trying times or the higher level of enjoyment with lower-achieving students. Reference is made to students’ preferences for certain online resources during the pandemic (e.g., preference for PowerPoint presentations) and to their opinions regarding the use of entirely or partially online foreign language teaching in the post-COVID period. The quantitative results are fostered by the respondents’ voices in the qualitative research. The consequences of these results are discussed with respect to the teacher-student relationship in the online environment and to the implications for sustainable online foreign language learning.

scholarly journals Developing Students’ Cognition Culture for Successful Foreign Language Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 ◽  
pp. 01128
Author(s):  
Lyubov Pavlova ◽  
Yuliana Vtorushina
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Social Adaptation ◽  
Teaching Techniques ◽  
Cognitive Component ◽  
Effective Development ◽  
The University

This paper presents results of the research aimed at determining essential aspects of the development of university students’ cognition culture as a factor of successful foreign language learning. The authors define cognition culture as a complex of capabilities and skills, enabling students to look for, analyze, process, organize and critically assess information in the text, considering its historical and cultural value background. The investigation proves that a student’s cognition culture is manifested in his/her knowledge of national mentality, language, and cultural picture of the world as well as in the student’s skills of search, procession and critical assessment of information, the skills of analysis, comparison, generalization, cognitive motivation and aspiration for constant improvement of foreign language skills. The research determines the contents of the cognitive component of foreign language learning and works out a complex of teaching techniques for developing students’ cognition culture. The results prove that the application of the complex of special teaching techniques ensures effective development of the university students’ cognition culture for successful foreign language learning. Thus, students’ cognitive culture conditions their social adaptation and academic mobility.

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