Cultural Border Crossings in the UAE

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Hatherley-Greene
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Second Language ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Border Crossing ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Classroom Culture ◽  
Border Crossings ◽  
Learning Program

"Over the course of one academic year, I documented the experiences of new first-year male Emirati students at a college of higher education in a rural location of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Using the metaphor of a cultural border crossing, I found that the congruency between the pre-dominantly Arabic life-world associated with Emirati families and government schooling and the largely dominant Western/English language culture in institutes of higher education was broadly related to the students’ self-perceived level of preparedness for academic study and the competence of Emirati students in their second language, English. Four types of border crossing experiences were described – smooth, managed, difficult, and impossible – with easier and smoother crossing experiences associated with close congruency between the two different cultures. Suffering from the effects of neo-indigeneity, absent parents, poor secondary school experiences, and a disempowering ‘rentier effect’, I found that the failure of male Emirati students to make satisfactory border crossings to college life initiated a process of departure manifested by high absenteeism leading to eventual withdrawal. This occurred more frequently with students placed in the lower levels of an academic bridge program where cultural and linguistic ‘discomfort’ were felt the most - 66% of the new students left college during the year with a staggering 97% drop-out rate in the lowest level alone. Mainly Western teachers who developed a classroom culture based on ‘warm demandingness’ and caring rapport-building appeared to have the most positive impact upon the students. The development of students’ soft-skills in a new experiential learning program was assessed using a Mental Toughness Questionnaire which surprisingly produced lower post-test scores, indicating greater self-awareness and honesty. A key emerging question asks - whose interests are being served (or not) by compelling first-language students to cross cultural borders into higher education colleges and asking them to study using the dominant second-language of English?"

scholarly journals The Cultural Border Crossing Index: implications for higher education teachers in the UAE

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-45
Author(s):  
Peter Hatherley-Greene
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Retention ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Border Crossing ◽  
Classroom Culture ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Foundation Program

Student transitions from secondary to tertiary education have attracted global attention as universities and colleges of higher education seek to improve student retention. Over the course of one academic year, I documented the transitional experiences of first-year male Emirati students at a college of higher education in a rural location of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this paper I describe four categories of cultural border crossing experiences – smooth, managed, difficult, and impossible – with easier and smoother crossing experiences associated with close congruency (related to the students’ self-perceived attitude and scholastic preparedness as broadly reflected in their competence in their second language, English) between the predominantly Arabic life-world associated with Emirati families and government schooling and the dominant Western/English language culture in institutes of higher education. Additionally, I describe and evaluate students’ cultural border crossing experiences with some Foundation program faculty, finding that those teachers who developed a classroom culture based on Kleinfeld’s (1975) notion of ‘warm demandingness’ and caring rapport-building appeared to have the most positive impact upon the students. Implications from this research have the potential to positively impact both the student and faculty classroom experience in the Gulf tertiary classroom, in addition to improving overall student retention rates.

Using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) materials in English as Second Language (ESL) classrooms: perspectives of teachers and students in United Arab Emirates

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramia DIRAR SHEHADEH MUSMAR
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching

Integrating scaffolding-learning technologies has been recognized for its potential to create intellectual and engaging classroom interactions. In the United Arab Emirates, having language teachers employ computers as a medium of new pedagogical instrument for teaching second languages generated the idea of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as a medium of an innovative pedagogical instrument for facilitating and scaffolding language learning, with an aspiration that it will lead to improved English language attainment and better assessment results. This study aims at investigating the perspectives of students and teachers on the advantageous and disadvantageous impacts of CALL on learning and teaching English as a second language in one public school in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The results show that CALL has a facilitating role in L2 classroom and that using CALL activities is advantageous in reducing English learning tension, boosting motivation, catering for student diversity, promoting self-directed language learning and scaffolding while learning English. The results additionally report that numerous aspects like time constraints, teachers’ unsatisfactory computer skills, insufficient computer facilities, and inflexible school courses undesirably affect the implementation of CALL in English classrooms. It is recommended that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the actual effect of CALL on students’ language proficiency. 

Best Practices for Teaching ESL in Higher Education

2020 ◽  
pp. 52-64
Author(s):  
Bryan Christiansen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
English Language ◽  
Teaching Performance ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
British Council ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Enhance Student Learning

This chapter examines three realities in the typical higher education English as a second language (ESL) classroom in non-English speaking countries and how they can be resolved to enhance student learning and teaching performance by native- and non-native English-speaking instructors alike. The British Council in 2018 estimated approximately 1.7 billion people were learning and using the English language worldwide in 2015, and the number is only expected to grow in the coming years. Therefore, the importance of this chapter in examining best ESL teaching practices should be obvious. The chapter is based on the author's extensive ESL background in seven nations since 1982 at higher education institutions as well as an integrated literature review related to the practice of teaching ESL.

ICT Integration in Post-Secondary English Teaching and Learning

2013 ◽  
pp. 179-193
Author(s):  
Christina Gitsaki ◽  
Abbad Alabbad
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Secondary English ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Fast Pace

The positive effects of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) have been widely acknowledged in the body of literature. While the majority of studies concern the use of CALL in the West, there is a dearth of research on the use of CALL in the Middle East and in particular in the Arabian Gulf where the English language plays a prominent role and being able to speak English is the passport to attending higher education and gaining employment. This chapter documents two case studies in higher education institutions in the Gulf, one in Saudi Arabia and one in the United Arab Emirates. The studies show how the use of CALL positively affected Arab students’ language skills and their attitudes towards learning English with technology, paving the way for further research in the Arabian higher education context, where the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching and learning is gaining ground at a fast pace.

Pacific Islanders in Higher Education: Exploring Heritage Language, Culture and Constructs within a Hybrid Service Learning Program

2016 ◽  
pp. 454-473
Author(s):  
Denise Uehara ◽  
Vidalino Raatior
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
American University ◽  
Language Identity ◽  
The Impact

This article describes how service learning experiences reflected multiple purposes within a larger framework where heritage and English languages intersect. We share results of an inquiry-based program evaluation focused on language, identity formation and experiences related to academic, social and professional interactions. Through the UH Hilo service-learning experience, students enhanced their cultural, linguistic and interpersonal skills while also providing needed services to placement organizations. Pacific Islander heritage language speakers attending an American university provide a critical lens into the complexities of language, culture, and identity when navigating higher education in a “foreign” setting. The concept of “other” applied to the increasing numbers of ESL speakers across the nation serves as a reminder for institutions of higher education to offer students helpful and supportive spaces. We share the benefits of a paid internship for both employer and intern; the challenges of heritage language influences in an English language setting; and the impact of service learning.

scholarly journals Investigating Students' and Teachers' Perceptions of Using the iPad in an Italian English as a Foreign Language Classroom

2020 ◽  
pp. 881-902
Author(s):  
Valentina Morgana ◽  
Prithvi N Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Learning And Teaching

Recent research indicates that mobile technologies can support second language learning. However, studies focused on the use of the iPad and teaching in schools is still scarce. This study reports on an action research project that investigated the use of the iPad in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context in an Italian school. The study sought to investigate learners' and teachers' perceptions of mobile learning through the use of the iPad. The data was collected through a survey (N=41), classroom observations (N=4), interviews (N=20), and recorded teacher meetings (N=5). Results show a positive impact on student motivation and on the approach to second language learning tasks. We found that within the duration of the study students and teachers became increasingly independent in the use of the iPad for English language learning and teaching. This study provides educators with hints on how to start integrating mobile devices to perform specific language learning/teaching tasks.

scholarly journals Can Formative Assessment and Corrective Feedback Improve L2 Learners’ Performance on English “Comparative Forms”? The Case of Low-Proficiency Level EFL Learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. p104
Author(s):  
Alqahtani Mofareh A
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Formative Assessment ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This study aims to examine the impact of formative assessment with corrective feedback as one of the effective tools that improve the performance of students who study English as a second language (L2 learners). More specifically, it contributes to research on the complex relationship between the attitudes and practices of English language teachers and students regarding the way they understand and practice the basics of formative assessment and corrective feedback when checking students’ achievement. In order to achieve this goal, the study investigated this matter in light of the following guiding questions: What are the effects of corrective and formative feedback in improving students who are learning English as a second language level L2 learners? How might teachers provide effective assistance to their students during this stage?To address these questions, A total of 58 subjects were divided into a control group (n=29) and an experimental group (n=29). All the subjects were second-year cadets at a military academy. Both groups were given a pre-test prior to the teaching of English “comparative forms”. The purpose of the pre-test was to make sure that the two groups were homogenous. The pre-test was then followed by the teaching of English “comparative forms” in both groups. The experimental group was given a formative assessment where each subject also received one-on-one corrective feedback. Finally, a post-test (summative assessment) was given to both groups.After collecting and analyzing the data, it was found that providing a formative assessment and corrective feedback has a positive impact on improving students’ level of accurate understanding accurately and student writing as well as correct reading.

scholarly journals Identifying the contradictions in the technology enhanced language classroom

Seminar.net ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Miles
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Technology Enhanced Learning

This study takes place in the context of a federal laptop-mediated English language pre-university course in the United Arab Emirates. Despite predictions and claims from policy makers and practitioners that 1:1 classroom devices would revolutionise teaching and learning, student results remain static and student attrition remains high. Through the lens of activity theory this paper identifies ten contradictions, and their discursive manifestations, potentially causing failure and attrition. This paper contributes to the fields of technology enhanced learning, 1:1 device initiatives, English language teaching, computer assisted and mobile assisted language learning and activity theory by highlighting several problematic experiences in teachers’ practices and mapping these within the activity system context. The paper also questions the positive impact of a 1:1 laptop initiative in this particular context, with implications for future research.

Exploring Discipline-Specific Vocabulary Retention in L2 through App Design: Implications for Higher Education Students

RELC Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 003368821989974
Author(s):  
Lucas Kohnke ◽  
Di Zou ◽  
Ruofei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Vocabulary Retention ◽  
App Design

In higher education, understanding discipline-specific vocabulary can be challenging. Insufficient vocabulary can be a major challenge for students as they begin their university studies. This study examined university undergraduate English language learners’ discipline-specific vocabulary retention when they used an in-house developed mobile app, Books vs Brains@PolyU, in Hong Kong. A total of 159 second language (L2) students from four disciplines participated in the study, and they completed a pre- and posttest consisting of 120 words in four difficulty levels in their chosen disciplines. The results suggested that participants acquired more vocabulary words at the intermediate and advanced levels than at the beginner and elementary ones. The findings improve the understanding of MALL and vocabulary acquisition using apps to facilitate and support learners’ academic studies.

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