scholarly journals PROMOTING LEARNER AUTONOMY IN AN ESL CONTEXT IN PAKISTANI UNIVERSITIES: A TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVE

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1048-1055
Author(s):  
Asma Kashif Shahzad ◽  
Akifa Imtiaz ◽  
Tahira Asgher
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Classroom Teaching ◽  
Esl Teachers ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
University Level ◽  
Teachers Perspectives ◽  
The University

Purpose of the study: The present research aims to study the effectiveness of using learner autonomy in English language classrooms at the university level from teachers' perspectives. The study seeks to determine what roles can be performed by the language teachers while fostering learner autonomy at the university level. Methodology: The study is descriptive and qualitative. The data has been collected with the help of a structured interview. The researchers prepared a list of questions to collect data from the interviews with 19 ESL teachers. The respondents are from the five universities of South Punjab. The interviews are recorded and transcribed and further analysed in terms of thematic categories discussed with the teachers. Main findings: The research explores a great deal of awareness of the concept of learner autonomy among university teachers, which they use indirectly or directly in their classroom teaching. The teachers discuss many roles they can perform to develop and use autonomy in the English language classroom. They express that practising autonomous learning in an ESL context could result in learning the English language more naturally and effectively. Application of this study: The present study contributes to using and developing learner autonomy in an ESL context. It would be an inspiration to research and explore more avenues of systematic inquiry in the field it deals with. The pedagogical implication of the study is that it would help ESL teachers practice the concept in their classroom teaching effectively. Novelty/Originality of this study: Most of the studies found in the field of learner autonomy are learner-centered. our research explores the phenomenon from the viewpoint of language teachers. The study focuses on the effectiveness of learner autonomy perceived by the teachers. It further records the teachers' opinions about what role(s) they can perform to practice it in the classroom.

scholarly journals English language teachers’ perspectives on learner autonomy

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 220-232
Author(s):  
Chetnath Panta
Keyword(s):  
School Environment ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

This study explores the perceptions and practices of the English language teachers to create autonomous learning environment in the context of Nepalese secondary EFL classroom. The study further unpacks the role of the teachers in creating better learning opportunities for learners so as to promote learner autonomy. The research is based on interpretive paradigm to look into kaleidoscopic view of variety of perspectives, classroom practices and emerging dilemmas of the teachers. Based on the findings, the research showcases the deep rooted social practices and myths to bring tensions in the relation between teachers and students. The school environment has to be homely and autonomy supportive. It seems pertinent to think over the concept of learner autonomy globally and act locally adapting the global trends and issues of teaching and learning, and at the same time, there is a dire need to remain mindful of the translated concept of learner autonomy thinking contextually and pragmatically.

scholarly journals Code-switching in Malaysian Classroom as the Microcosm of Society in Socio-cultural Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Caesar DeAlwis
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
English Language ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Esl Teachers ◽  
English Only ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Multilingual Societies ◽  
Data Collection Technique

Teaching English as a second language is distinctive because of its specific needs. Facing a competitive market, students from young need to acquire communicative skills in English for future studies and employment. However, outside the classroom, it is no longer just a norm for multilingual societies to code- switch but rather code–switching has become a part of their unique speech style. As such in the teaching service, ESL teachers may not be able to isolate themselves from such a social norm. The question of whether English language teachers should code-switch in the classrooms has been much debated with mostresearchers maintained that teachers who code-switch, may end up invalidating the second language of students. Cases of students having low level of English proficiency to understand a teacher’s input or students too reluctant to participate in learning because they feel incompetent in the English language classrooms are common concerns to all ESL teachers. Therefore, should the ESL teachers code-switch to make them understood? Or should the English only policy be used and different from the wider multi-cultural linguistic environment? The data collection technique used in this study was audio recording and unstructured interview with 10 TESL teachers, teaching in Sarawak, Malaysia. The perceptions of ESL teachers who generally suggest that code-switching is a common phenomenon and not interference in ELT are pertinent issues to be discussed.

scholarly journals Female Teachers’ Perspectives of Learner Autonomy in the Saudi Context

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 570
Author(s):  
Jameelah Asiri ◽  
Nadia Shukri
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Female Teachers ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Proper Training ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

For decades, the term learner autonomy has been the focus of many studies in the field of education and language learning. This study addresses teachers' perspectives of learner autonomy in Saudi Arabia. It examines whether teachers have the knowledge to encourage and foster learner-autonomy. This study also seeks to explore the challenges English language teachers face in the process of implementing learner autonomy into their EFL classrooms. The investigation was conducted using a sample of 50 English language teachers teaching Saudi students at King Abdul-Aziz University. Data was collected using a 20 - item questionnaire. The study was a mixed research method. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that teachers believe that Saudi learners in the current situation are non-autonomous learners’, they lack the knowledge and the training to apply it. Findings also revealed that teachers are familiar with the learner- autonomy yet, they stated that they need proper training and professional development to help encourage learner autonomy. It is an attempt to contribute to the literature underlying learner autonomy in the field of language learning in the Saudi context. Also, it suggests further research to help better comprehend the value of teachers' role in the process of autonomous language learning for learners.

scholarly journals The Implementation of Sheltered Instructional Observation Protocol (SIOP) Model in Saudi Schools: A Study of EFL Teachers’ Perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Ahlam Aldakhil ◽  
Hind Alfadda
Keyword(s):  
Private School ◽  
English Language ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Riyadh City ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
Observation Protocol ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

The Sheltered Instructional Observation Protocol SIOP is a model designed to assist teachers in organizing and planning the lessons delivery through different stages. This model is also useful in enhancing the students’ achievement and minimizing any chance of educational failure. However, EFL teachers need to be trained in order to guarantee successful implementation of this model. This study examined the implementation of the SIOP model from teachers’ perspectives after they attended an introductory workshop in a private school in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. The study adopted the qualitative approach for collecting and analyzing the data. The sample of the study consisted of seven English language teachers (4 females & 3 males). Two data collection instruments were used, namely, observational sessions and a semi-structured interview. Most of the researcher interaction with the sample was done online due to the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. The workshop and the interviews were done through Zoom video communication. The central findings of this study reveal that the majority of the teachers have covered all SIOP components during their lessons. Moreover, it was found that there is a relationship between the implementation of the SIOP model and the students' learning motivation. Furthermore, the results showed that the SIOP implementation might help in enhancing the teachers’ proficiency. Besides, it was revealed that most of the teachers had a positive attitude towards the implementation of the SIOP model. However, they claimed that time and place might hinder any future implementation of the SIOP model. This study recommends a larger sample size, longtime study application and a life sample workshop to guarantee better results. It also provides significant implications which might be useful for EFL teachers, policy makers and interested researchers. 

Using information and Communication Technology in E.F.L Classrooms at University level (Case Study of Gezira and Butana University lectures)

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-48
Author(s):  
Amani El-tayeb Hassab El-Rasoul Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
University Level ◽  
The University

Using Information and Communication Technology in EFL classrooms at the university level is very important for universities lecturers in Sudan. This study aims to investigate the role of ICT in teaching English in Sudanese universities represented by Gezira and Butana University. The study casts light on the importance of ICT today particularly in the field of English language teaching. Moreover, investigates the problems which face Sudanese EFL teachers in using ICT in classrooms at the university level. The study has followed the descriptive-analytical method. The data for the study[ has been collected by means of a questionnaire and an interview with some ICT experts and technicians. The study has used the (SPSS) statistical package for the social science programme for analyzing the data. The study has reached many important results: There are many problems facing Sudanese English language teachers at the university level in teaching the English language while using the technology of information and communication because they are not specialized in the field. In the light of these results, the study recommends that: Introducing ICT into educational curricula so as to be understood and used easily by learners and teachers. Also the necessity of training EFL teachers on using these technologies. Finally, the study recommends all teachers at the university level have full knowledge of using ICT in education because it is very important nowadays.

scholarly journals Games in foreign language classrooms: Taiwanese students’ perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 159-174
Author(s):  
Natalia Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Language Games ◽  
Slavic Languages ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
University Level ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews

The study has been designed in order to answer the growing demand for systematic implementation of English language games into FL curriculum at the university level. The purpose of this paper is to analyse how Taiwan-based learners perceive the use of games in the classroom. The qualitative data has been obtained from in-depth interviews with three individuals majoring in EFL and Slavic languages. Among the main benefits of game-supported instruction, students mentioned breaking the routine and raising motivation, along with educational aspects related to introducing, reviewing, and testing the material. They also offered guidance for instructors who plan to deploy games in class. Their overall perception was very positive, which allows the conclusion that it is advisable to introduce games to a wider audience of Taiwanese students. If doing so really can raise motivation to master foreign languages and whether it will translate into measurable progress in Taiwanese students’ linguistic advancement is another issue worth future investigation.

scholarly journals Teaching Competencies of Language Teachers in Research Universities in Beijing: Perspectives from SoTL and Institutional Theory

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4943
Author(s):  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Fugui Ye ◽  
Xiumei Liu
Keyword(s):  
Research Universities ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Institutional Perspective ◽  
Teaching Competencies ◽  
Scholarship Of Teaching ◽  
Pedagogical Content ◽  
The Past ◽  
University Level ◽  
Development Of Language ◽  
The University

Though professional development of language teachers has received increasing attention over the past decade, there is a lack of research on development of language teachers’ teaching competencies in research universities. Informed by the institutional perspective and the framework of Scholarship of Teaching, this study investigates the development of 16 language teachers’ teaching competencies in Beijing research universities. The findings show that language teachers’ teaching competencies include English proficiency, professional ethics, pedagogical content knowledge, reflective thinking, and research-informed teaching. Factors influencing language teachers’ teaching competencies range from the department level to the university level and the academia level. Pathways are proposed from the cultural-cognitive perspective, the normative perspective, and the regulative perspective to develop teaching competencies of language teachers.

scholarly journals A Study of Language Anxiety among English Language Learners in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badia Muntazer Hakim
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Language Anxiety ◽  
Self Awareness

Classroom anxiety is a recurrent phenomenon for language learners. There are various factors that cause language anxiety, the most common of which include learners’ excessive self-consciousness and self-awareness concerning their oral reproduction and performance and their peculiar, and quite often misplaced and mistaken, views and beliefs regarding different approaches. Other potential reasons for this problem could include the fear, and the consequent deterrence occasioned thereof, of encountering difficulties in language learning, specifically learners’ individual problems regarding the culture of the target language and the varying social statuses of speakers. The most important fear is, perhaps, the deterrent fear of causing damage to one’s self-identity. Therefore, while needing to paying special attention to language learners’ anxiety reactions, language teachers have a crucial role in helping their students achieve the expected performance goals in the target language. Another factor that could potentially lead to language anxiety is simply the poor command of the target language. This problem could be attributed to linguistic barriers and obstacles language learners encounter in learning and using the target language. In the current study, using a qualitative, semi-structured interview and the focus-group discussion technique, the researcher aims to investigate the factors that contribute to language anxiety among Arab language learners. It focuses on learners both within the classroom setting and without, i.e. in the social context, and recommends a number of approaches to manage and overcome this problem.

scholarly journals A Study on Vocabulary-Learning Problems Encountered by BA English Majors at the University Level of Education

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naeem Afzal
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Learning Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
New Words ◽  
English Majors ◽  
University Level ◽  
The University

Proficiency in English language depends on the knowledge of its vocabulary possessed by the second and foreign language learners and even the native speakers. Though developing the vocabulary is vital, it poses several problems, especially, to non-native students of English. Students with a low vocabulary knowledge show weak academic performance in different courses related to the language skills, linguistics, literature, and translation at the university level of education. This study, in particular, aims to investigate the problems faced by English majors in learning the vocabulary at Prince Stattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) in Saudi Arabia. It also puts forward some vocabulary-learning strategies to minimize the potential problems. The data consist of the responses of 100 student-participants (undergraduates) randomly picked up from five different levels (four, five, six, seven, and eight) of 4-Year BA English Program at PSAU. This quantitative study uses an online questionnaire, as an instrument, to collect the data. The results reveal that the English majors at PSAU face several problems in learning the vocabulary such as knowing the meanings of new words, pronouncing new words, using new words correctly, memorizing and spelling new vocabulary and so on. To its contribution, this study emphasizes the importance of learning the English vocabulary, draws students’ attention towards it, highlights the problems encountered by students, and raises their awareness of the vocabulary. Future research may explore teachers’ perspectives on students’ vocabulary-learning problems and instructional methods implemented to teach the vocabulary in English language classrooms.

Teacher Motivation During Emergency Distance Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 16-45
Author(s):  
Elyanora Yusufovna Menglieva ◽  
Fareeha Manzoor
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
English Language ◽  
Teacher Motivation ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Esl Teachers ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
Level Of Motivation ◽  
Rapid Shift

The rapid shift to virtual teaching in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in emergency remote teaching (ERT) and has highlighted the numerous multilevel challenges associated with it in the countries from the Global South. This chapter aims to explore how this shift to remote teaching has affected English language teachers' level of motivation and how they have adapted to it. In addition, this study offers quantitative and qualitative insights into the effectiveness of the resources employed by EFL/ESL teachers. This is done by analyzing the surveys of 34 teachers and interviews of four teachers from Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Through thematic analysis of the interviews, a detailed account of the challenging factors and their coping strategies were found. This chapter concludes with a discussion on the lessons learned and recommendations on how to make a relatively smoother transition to remote teaching.

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