Socio-Culture-Based Classroom Activities in Asia: Do They Work Effectively?

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Jumariati .
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cultural Theory ◽  
Proximal Development ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Learning Development ◽  
Collaborative Activities ◽  
Learning Language

<p>Many studies on Second Language Acquisition are carried out based on the sociocultural theory (SCT) to explore learners’ potentials in learning a language. SCT which claims that learning language occurs when learners have the experience to use the language in interaction has been widely used as the basis of the teaching and learning in schools and higher education in Asia. More student-centered and collaborative activities with pair and group works are applied to increase students’ participation and promote language learning within students’ Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Within this framework, learners try to expand their ZPD through the assistance from their peers and teacher as the scaffolding of the learning development. However, studies show that implementing the socio-culture-based classroom activities are not trouble-free regarding challenges faced by both sides of the students and the teachers. Consequently, it is essential to have an understanding of how the activities can best work to achieve meaningful learning which promotes the maximum development of students’ actual and potential levels of learning. This paper presents a review of some research on socio-cultural-based education in the context of Asia and describes the findings, benefits and challenges to see how effective the activities are.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong><em>socio cultural theory, classroom activities, benefits, challenges<strong></strong></em></p>

scholarly journals A Critical Review of Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory in Second Language Acquisition

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habibullah Pathan ◽  
Rafique A. Memon ◽  
Shumaila Memon ◽  
Ali Raza Khoso ◽  
Illahi Bux
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cultural Theory ◽  
Learning Problems ◽  
Proximal Development ◽  
Learning To Learn ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study is to explore Vygotsky’s contribution to the socio-cultural theory in the field of education in general, and applied linguistics in particular. The study aims to elaborate the impact of social-cultural theory in the existing body of literature. The study also reviews implications and applications of socio-cultural theory in second language acquisition (SLA). Moreover, this study also critiques the basic concepts of the theory and how far these concepts have been implicated in the domain of research. The central focus is to explore and to critically understand central ideas such as Zone of Proximal Development, mediation, scaffolding, internalization, and private speech. The socio-cultural theory focuses on what learners learn and the solution to their learning problems. Socio- cultural theory has made a great effect on learning and teaching languages. It also regards learning second language as a semiotic process where participation in socially mediated activities is very important (Ellis, 2000). Vygotsky (1987) singled out and studied the dynamic social surroundings which indicate the connection between teacher and the child. Moreover, he focused on the social, cultural and historical artifacts which play a pivotal role in the children’s cognitive development as well as their potential performance. The study concludes with the idea of Williams & Burden (1997) that socio-cultural theory suggests that education should be associated with learning to learn and making learning experiences meaningful and relevant to the learner. The study also suggests some pedagogical implications and offers teaching and learning practices in relation to socio-cultural theory.

The Benefits of Android Applications for an Independent Learning in Learning English Language

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 8-15
Author(s):  
Faiz Ushbah Mubarok ◽  
Atiqah Nurul Asri
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Android Applications ◽  
Motivation And Confidence ◽  
Learning Language ◽  
Affective Skills ◽  
Learning English

Due to the pandemic condition, we rely more on the technology usage. Technology presents us plentiful advantages and features in the teaching and learning. Specifically in smart phones, android nowadays offer numerous applications of language learning in Play Store. This article shows the benefits of Android applications namely Duolingo, Busuu, Rosetta Store, and Memrise in learning English language. These apps enhance the user’s four language skills mastery using games, riddles and other various ways. By learning language independently, students may also their cognitive, meta-cognitive and affective skills. It aids learners to gain their goals in a fun and enjoyable ways. Further, it is also beneficial in terms of improving students’ motivation and confidence, easy and simple, practical and entertaining, and sustainability. 

Exploring Socio-Cultural Elements in Three Commercial English Language Learning Apps

2020 ◽  
pp. 145-165
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Garnes-Tarazona
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cultural Theory ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Teaching ◽  
Cultural Elements

Second language teaching and learning has experienced a change towards the use of mobile technologies inside and outside the classroom. The goal of this article is twofold: to compare and evaluate three different commercial English language learning apps (Duolingo, Babbel, and Busuu) that cover the four skills (speaking, writing, listening, and reading), and to analyze the learning theory supporting their design. These applications include in their homepage the option of interactive learning with friends. However, as this article shows, each app offers a different level of interaction and collaboration. The theoretical framework for this analysis is grounded on Vygotsky's Socio-cultural theory.

scholarly journals Exploring the Perception of Students using Student-Centered Learning Approach in a Malaysian Public University

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
Abderrahim Benlahcene Benlahcene ◽  
Sana Anwar Lashari ◽  
Tahira Anwar Lashari ◽  
Muhammad Waleed Shehzad ◽  
Wu Deli
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Public University ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Student Centered Learning ◽  
Cognitive Mediation ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Learning Technique ◽  
Language Courses

This study investigated students’ perception towards language courses using student-centered learning approach at University Utara Malaysia (UUM). Students’ perception was measured through a model termed as environmental, cognitive, affective, and metacognitive mediation (ECAM) which is a common teaching and learning technique used in classroom activities. To assess the implementation of ECAM; qualitative analysis was conducted based on observations of students’ activities in two language courses. The findings of the study indicated that the students employed the techniques of ECAM model. However, cognitive mediation learning technique was extensively used by the students. Moreover, audio-taped interviews were also conducted with four voluntary undergraduate students. The findings from the interviews’ interpretation revealed that students also explicit positive viewpoints about student-centered learning approach.       

Exploring Socio-Cultural Elements in Three Commercial English Language Learning Apps

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Garnes-Tarazona
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Theory ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cultural Theory ◽  
Interactive Learning ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Teaching ◽  
Cultural Elements

Second language teaching and learning has experienced a change towards the use of mobile technologies inside and outside the classroom. The goal of this article is twofold: to compare and evaluate three different commercial English language learning apps (Duolingo, Babbel, and Busuu) that cover the four skills (speaking, writing, listening, and reading), and to analyze the learning theory supporting their design. These applications include in their homepage the option of interactive learning with friends. However, as this article shows, each app offers a different level of interaction and collaboration. The theoretical framework for this analysis is grounded on Vygotsky's Socio-cultural theory.

scholarly journals LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES: GENDER AND PROFICIENCY

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Idham Syahputra
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Education ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Education Department ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Cognitive Memory

This study described and examined on the current English language learning strategies used by Indonesian Students English Education Department enrolled at State Islamic University of Sultan SyarifKasim Riau in Indonesia. The subjects of the study were (99) male and female students still studying for their Undergraduate degree in English Education Department. The study investigates the frequency of strategies use among these students according to gender and proficiency variables. Proficiency is reflected by students’ learning level (i.e., sophomore, junior, senior), self-reported proficiency in English (i.e., the students’ university average in English courses) and language self-efficacy (i.e,. how good the students perceived themselves as English learners). The collecting data used Questionnaire adopted from Oxford (1990a), Mohammad Amin Embi (1996) danPolitzer (1993), interview lecturers about the language learning strategies used by students. The results of this study showed that State Islamic University of Sultan SyarifKasim, English Education Department used learning strategies with high to medium frequency, and that the highest rank (79.6%) was for Metacognitive strategies while the lowest (63%) was for compensation strategies and the others used cognitive, memory, affective and social. In general, the results showed that gender and proficiency had no significant differences on the use of strategies. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that more training should be given in using Cognitive, Memory, Affective, social and Compensation strategies by embedding them into regular classroom activities or teaching and learning process

scholarly journals Editorial

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-10
Author(s):  
Yuranny Marcela Romero Archila
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Identity ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Student Centered Learning ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
First Time

ENLETAWA JOURNAL seeks to disseminate different experiences that have emerged from a diversity of teaching and learning contexts. Publishing is an outstanding opportunity to share knowledge and communicate one’s own experiences and thoughts to others, and ENLETAWA JOURNAL provides that space for first-time authors, as well as experienced ones. In this issue, we are pleased to present five papers that primarily deal with cultural identity, identity construction, feedback, Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), and Student-Centered Learning (SCL).

scholarly journals Use of Web 2.0 technologies as mediation tools in higher education with focus on YouTube

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Imathiu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Proximal Development ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Passive Learning ◽  
Hands On Learning

Although the curricula content for similar study disciplines may differ from one higher education institution to another and from one country and/or region to another, it is without any doubt that for all, they promote active learning rather than passive learning. A recent shift has been observed where emphasis is placed on student-centered, collaborative and practical participation of learners in knowledge creation in a learning environment which is more engaging and stimulating. This has particularly been made possible by emerging educational technology mediation tools that does not only promote hands-on learning but also make the whole learning experience fun. Most of these technological tools have been effectively used by More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) in scaffolding the learners, and they have also been directly used by learners themselves as their MKO in addressing Vygotsky’s concept of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) which is defined by Vygotsky1 as ‘the distance between the actual developmental level as determined by independent problem-solving and the level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers’. This literature reviews how YouTube as an example of Web 2.0 technology has been used as a mediation tool to facilitate teaching and learning in higher education.

scholarly journals Usage-based Approaches to Second Language Acquisition: Cognitive and Social Aspects

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 473
Author(s):  
Yaghoob Javadi ◽  
Fakhereh Kazemirad
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
First Language ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Language Experience ◽  
Learning Language

Usage-based approaches focus on learning language through engaging in the interpersonal communicative and cognitive processes. They consider language as the best accomplishment of our social and cognitive competences which bridges society and cognition. Based on usage-based approaches, language can be learned from language use, by means of social skills and generalizations over usage events in interaction. These approaches actually explore how language learning occurs through language experience. Therefore, usage-based approaches are input-dependent and experience-driven and assume frequency of usage as an inseparable part of language learning which plays an important role in the language production, language comprehension, and also grammaticality of the patterns. While usage-based approaches have been successful in showing how first language is learnt from the input, it is still less clear how these approaches can be made use of in second language learning. The present study provides an overview of the usage-based approaches to second language acquisition and their cognitive and social underpinnings. Firstly, the notion, underlying tenets, and major constructs of usage-based approaches are summarized. Then usage-based linguistics is described in detail. Finally, cognitive and social aspects of usage-based approaches are taken into account.

scholarly journals DIGITIZING ENGLISH LESSONS: INCORPORATING INTERACTIVE PLATFORMS INTO CLASSROOM EDUCATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (17) ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Olexandra Budilova ◽  
Alla Bilova
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
General Outline ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Success Stories ◽  
Classroom Education ◽  
Competence Acquisition

The article offers a general outline of particular online platforms that have proved effective for teaching and learning English as a second language in a regular classroom. A bigfocus is placed on activities each platform has to offer, as well as on various teacher access options and benefits. The idea behind this article is to share experience and disseminate success stories related to the use of these platform in our routine teaching practice. Since nowadays teaching focus has shifted from reproduction to competence acquisition, every competence implies certain skills and abilities that can be used for career and life success. One of these key competences is digital literacy, which can be developed through integrating technology into classroom activities. Alongside gaining appropriate digital skills, digital technology can significantly diversify the entire learning process and make language learning a combination of skills acquisition and pleasure.

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