scholarly journals Why Are Arabic Adult Learners in Kuwait Afraid of Making Mistakes in Their English Classroom?

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Dashti ◽  
Al Mutawa Aysha ◽  
Al Bader Adey
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
First Language ◽  
School Curriculum ◽  
College Of Basic Education ◽  
Arabic And English ◽  
English Classroom ◽  
Applied Education

The English language is a second language in Kuwait, and English has been added to the school curriculum with the aim that when students graduate, they will be bilingual in Arabic and English. However, although Arabic adult learners graduate to be fluent in their first language, they struggle in English. This paradox led us to consider specific factors that may inhibit Arabic adult learners from becoming proficient in English when they graduate from high school. One such factor is an unwillingness to speak English in the classroom. The focus of this study, therefore, is to investigate fear of making mistakes as one of factors underlying this unwillingness. Since the study was created during the pandemic, classes in Kuwait, at the time, were taught online only. A questionnaire was given to 210 female Arabic native speakers taking the English foundation course at the College of Basic Education at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. The questionnaire focused on factors that might induce a fear of making mistakes when speaking English in the classroom. The results of the study indicated that the most significant factor in this regard was students’ previous experience with English teachers who ridiculed them when they made mistakes in their classes. The findings suggest that when teachers do not take the appropriate approach to motivate students when they make mistakes, this can negatively affect the student’s language learning process.

scholarly journals Dynamic Transfer and Relations between First Language (L1) Proficiency and Second Language (L2) Writing Skills Performance

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulelah Alkhateeb
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
Arabic And English ◽  
L1 And L2

This study investigates the transfer relationship between first language (L1) (Arabic) proficiency and second language (L2) (English) performance in writing skills of a Saudi bilingual graduate student. Several studies have discussed the transfer issues in language learning, yet a few of them focus on the transfer relationships between Arabic and English language writing skills. Regardless of the huge linguistic distinction between the English language and Arabic language, it is presumed that Arabic and English writing skills positively, negatively, and neutrally transferred in a dynamic relationship. The researcher has conducted observations and interviews with Fatimah, the participant of this study, and analyzed her texts in both languages to illustrate how dynamic relationships between L1 and L2 in the composition skills is and what the effects of language transfer in the composition skills between L1 and L2 are. The data were collected and analyzed in January 2018. The results demonstrate effects of L2 on L1 as the following; first, a reverse or backward transfer implemented in three ways; positive, negative, and neutral transfer. Second, they indicate that there is a dynamic relationship between second language performance and first language proficiency in composition particularly. It is hoped that this knowledge will assist students in being aware of the effects of L2 on L1 specifically in composition and taking the advantages to accelerate the rate of language learning. It is recommended for future research to conduct studies in bilingual writings to investigate how L1 could be a resource and advocate of language development.

scholarly journals Students’ Perception of Teachers’ Bilingual Language Use in EFL Classroom

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Desi Surayatika
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Use ◽  
First Language ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Target Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Classroom Language ◽  
Students First ◽  
English Classroom

<p class="SammaryHeader" align="center"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p><em>Students’ perception of teachers’ bilingual language use was based on bilingual approach in English language learning in which the students’ first language ( </em><em>L1 </em><em>) is combined with the target language ( </em><em>L2 </em><em>) being studied to be a language instruction used by the teacher to conduct an English classroom.  The purpose of this research was to find out the students’ perception toward the use of Bilingual language they are English and Indonesian by the teacher in EFL classroom. This research was a qualitative approach with the forty students as the sample. In collecting the data, questionnaire was used. The data was analyzed through Likert Scale in order to find out students’ perception of teachers’ bilingual language use in EFL classroom. Based on the result of data analysis and interpretation of the data gained from questionnaire, it indicates that students show their positive perceptions to the use of bilingual language done by the teacher as language instruction in their English classroom. Finally, the result of the research would give a contribution to the improvement of the classroom language instruction used by the teacher in an English language learning classroom particularly for teaching the students who were learning English as a foreign language ( </em><em>EFL </em><em>)</em>.</p><p><strong><em>Keyword </em></strong><strong><em>: </em></strong><em>Bilingual, Students’ Perception, language use, EFL classroom</em></p><p align="center"><strong>ABSTRAK</strong></p><p><em>Persepsi siswa tentang penggunaan dua bahasa oleh guru didasarkan pada pendekatan bilingual dalam pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di mana bahasa pertama siswa ( </em><em>L1 </em><em>) dikombinasikan dengan bahasa target (L2) yang dipelajari menjadi pengajaran bahasa yang digunakan oleh guru untuk melaksanakan pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di kelas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui persepsi siswa terhadap penggunaan dua bahasa yaitu bahasa Inggris dan bahasa Indonesia oleh guru di kelas EFL. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan empat puluh siswa sebagai sampel. Dalam mengumpulkan data, kuesioner digunakan. Data dianalisis melalui Skala Likert untuk mengetahui persepsi siswa tentang penggunaan dua bahasa oleh guru di kelas EFL. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data dan interpretasi data yang diperoleh dari kuesioner, hal ini menunjukkan bahwa siswa memiliki persepsi positif  terhadap penggunaan dua bahasa yang dilakukan oleh guru sebagai bahasa pengantar di kelas bahasa Inggris.. Pada akhirnya, hasil penelitian diharapkan dapat memberikan kontribusi pada peningkatan pengajaran bahasa Inggris di kelas yang digunakan oleh guru di kelas pembelajaran bahasa Inggris terutama untuk mengajar siswa yang belajar bahasa Inggris sebagai bahasa asing ( </em><em>EFL </em><em>).</em></p><strong><em>Kata kunci : </em></strong><em>Dua bahasa, Persepsi Siswa, penggunaan bahasa, kelas EFL</em>

scholarly journals Facebook as a Means for Learning English: the Pros and Cons from the Perspective of Iraqi EFL Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (105) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Asst. Instr. Aseel Sabeeh
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
English Language ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
College Of Basic Education ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
Learning English

With increased advance in technology, the need to be in harmony with this advance in the world in order to fulfill the necessities of Iraqi EFL students who have become ambitious for knowledge using technology cannot be ignored. Thus, technology has become a part of teaching tools as well as a support for learning a foreign language. Every day, the students are exposed to the Internet that presents a variety of tools for learning more easily and effectively.         At present, Facebook is one of the most commonly used social web sites that influence students' life in many aspects including education, especially in English language learning. It provides them with more opportunities to be involved in practice English language authentically outside the classroom, to learn consciously and unconsciously and to consolidate their foreign language skills.        The present study aims at identifying the pros and cons of using Facebook as a tool for learning English language based on Iraqi EFL students' perspective.                                     To achieve the aim of the current study, a sample of (30) male and female EFL students were chosen from the 4th year/ College of Basic Education/ Mustansiriyah University during the academic year 2018-2019 and questionnaires were implemented for data collection. The results of the data analysis included their perceptions and pointed out the benefits and criticism related to Facebook and learning English.                In the light of the obtained results, some conclusions are drawn and a number of recommendations and suggestions for future studies are stated.

FIRST AND SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING THROUGH TEXTBOOKS IN ALBANIAN SCHOOLS (COMPARATIVE OVERVIEW OF ALBANIAN AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS)

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 2319-2324
Author(s):  
Rina Muka ◽  
Irida Hoti
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
First Language ◽  
Grammatical Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
The Third

The language acquired from the childhood is the language spoken in the family and in the place of living. This language is different from one pupil to another, because of their social, economical conditions. By starting the school the pupil faces first the ABC book and then in the second grade Albanian language learning through the Albanian language textbook. By learning Albanian language step by step focused on Reading, Writing, Speaking and Grammar the pupil is able to start learning the second language on the next years of schooling. So, the second language learning in Albanian schools is related to the first language learning (mother tongue), since the early years in primary school. In our schools, the second language (English, Italian) starts in the third grade of the elementary class. On the third grade isn’t taught grammar but the pupil is directed toward the correct usage of the language. The textbooks are structured in developing the pupil’s critical thinking. The textbooks are fully illustrated and with attractive and educative lessons adequate to the age of the pupils. This comparative study will reflect some important aspects of language learning in Albanian schools (focused on Albanian language - first language and English language - second language), grade 3-6. Our point of view in this paper will show not only the diversity of the themes, the lines and the sub-lines but also the level of language knowledge acquired at each level of education. First, the study will focus on some important issues in comparing Albanian and English language texts as well as those which make them different: chronology and topics retaken from one level of education to another, so by conception of linear and chronological order will be shown comparatively two learned languages (mother tongue and second language). By knowing and learning well mother tongue will be easier for the pupil the foreign language learning. The foreign language (as a learning curriculum) aims to provide students with the skills of using foreign language written and spoken to enable the literature to recognize the achievements of advanced world science and technology that are in the interest of developing our technique. Secondly, the study will be based on the extent of grammatical knowledge, their integration with 'Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing' as well as the inclusion of language games and their role in language learning. The first and second language learning in Albanian schools (grade III-VI) is based on similar principles for the linearity and chronology of grammatical knowledge integrated with listening, reading, writing and speaking. The different structure of both books help the pupils integrate and use correctly both languages. In the end of the sixth grade, the pupils have good knowledge of mother tongue and the second language and are able to write and speak well both languages.

scholarly journals Recontextualizing Quality Talk for an Eighth-Grade English Classroom in China

2020 ◽  
pp. 209653112097017
Author(s):  
Liwei Wei ◽  
P. Karen Murphy ◽  
Shenghui Wu
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Small Group ◽  
English Language ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Eighth Grade ◽  
Pedagogical Approach ◽  
Language Class ◽  
English Classroom

Purpose: Conducting meaningful interactions in the target language is essential for language learning. However, in many English language classrooms in China, it is rare that students are provided with such opportunities. In the current study, we presented and critically evaluated the implementation of a small-group discussion approach called Quality Talk (QT) in an eighth-grade English language classroom in China. Design/Approach/Methods: One eighth-grade English teacher and 82 eighth-grade students in a public middle school in Beijing participated in the study using a pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design. Recordings of teacher coaching sessions and student discussions, researchers’ field notes, and participating teacher’s written reflections were used to identify successful practices and lessons learned with respect to the implementation of QT. Implications for future directions were also discussed. Findings: The results revealed that to successfully implement a discourse-intensive pedagogical approach in a large English language class, it is essential that (a) the materials used for discussion closely align with the school curriculum, (b) students are grouped heterogeneously and scaffolded to engage in discussions both in their native and target languages, and (c) student leadership be leveraged to facilitate discussion in each small group. Originality/Value: The present study delineated the details with respect to implementing a discourse-intensive pedagogical approach in an eighth-grade English classroom in China. We derived several key insights from recontextualizing QT in an English learning, large class context in China. These insights might hold the potential to improve the effectiveness of English teaching and learning in China.

scholarly journals Learner Autonomy as an element in Chinese Education Reform: A Case of English Language Subject

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Jinjin Lu ◽  
Yingliang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Education Reform ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Compulsory Education ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
English Curriculum ◽  
Autonomy Development ◽  
New Guidelines

<p>Enhancing students’ learning autonomy has been emphasized in the current round of English curriculum reforms by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in China. The initial aim of the new guidelines was developed to enhance students’ English proficiency to better fulfil their basic education (Nine-year compulsory education). However, up until now, very little is known about the quality of students’ basic education and their learner autonomy development. This paper uses the English language subject as a case to examine the relationship between the different locations of students’ attendance of their basic education and their learner autonomy development at university level. The result shows that secondary schools’ locations play a more important role in students’ learner autonomy development at university. A ‘Have A Go’ model is proposed to improve students’ transition between high schools and universities in the English language learning process.</p>

scholarly journals Evaluasi Cambridge International Primary Programme Siswa SD Al Azhar pada Mata Pelajaran Sains dalam Bahasa Inggris

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 257
Author(s):  
Ria Herwandar ◽  
Denny Azhari Safryono
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
School Subjects ◽  
Primary Curriculum ◽  
Level Of Understanding

<p><em>Abstrak</em><strong> – Penelitian ini memiliki judul Evaluasi Cambridge International Primary Programme Siswa SD Al Azhar pada Mata Pelajaran Sains dalam Bahasa Inggris'. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi tingkat pemahaman dan kelancaran dalam melakukan ujian sains yang berisi bahan ESP / EAP. Hasilnya sangat tak terduga menjanjikannya. Siswa telah mencapai hasil yang baik di semua bidang ilmu pengetahuan seperti biologi, kimia, fisika dan penyelidikan ilmu pengetahuan dan telah terbukti bahwa siswa di usia tua bisa belajar dan memperoleh bahasa kedua dan bahasa pertama di dasar kesetaraan sekitar tiga belas tahun. Oleh karena itu, peserta didik muda harus intensif bahasa Inggris dalam membantu mereka mengembangkan pelajaran sekolah lainnya dalam kurikulum utama Inggris.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong><em>Kata Kunci – </em></strong><em>Science enquiry, biologi, kimia, fisika, ESP/EAP</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Abstract –</em><strong> This research has a title of ‘Evaluation Cambridge International Primary Programme for Pupils of Al Azhar in  Science’. The purpose of the research is to identify their level of understanding and fluency in doing science examinations which contains ESP/EAP materials. The results have been unexpectedly promising. The pupils have achieved good results in all areas of science such as biology, chemistry, physics and science enquiry and it has been proved that pupils in the age of around thirteen years old could learn and acquire second language and first language in equal basis.  Therefore, Young learners should be intensively exposed to excellent English language learning in helping them developed other school subjects within the English primary curriculum.</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><strong><em>Keywords </em></strong><em>– Science enquiry, biology, chemistry, physics, ESP/EAP</em>

English and Arabic Language Learning Environments

2020 ◽  
pp. 178-204
Author(s):  
Noraisikin Sabani ◽  
Anita Jimmie ◽  
Hanin Naziha Hasnor
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
Arabic And English ◽  
Perceived Experiences ◽  
Depth Interviews

The learning environment is defined as “external stimulants” that is exposed or reinforced in learners as a means to challenge their learning experiences. These reinforcements may include physical settings, teaching and learning endeavours, and even cultural and social determiners. This empirical study focuses on the perceived experiences that undergraduates from Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia experienced in their Arabic and English language learning environments. This qualitative study employed in-depth interviews with 60 informants that were selected through criterion sampling, snowballing technique. The analysis utilised template analysis. Emerging themes were compared and contrasted, to find similarities and differences. This chapter does not aim to seek the superiority of one learning environment over another but to appreciate the diversity and concord of these institutions. The findings illustrated overlapping, differentiated themes, which included the abovementioned.

Research and Reflective Practice in the Pre-Literate ESL Classroom

2020 ◽  
pp. 243-271
Author(s):  
Vineetha Hewagodage
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Program ◽  
English Only ◽  
Low Educated

This chapter reports on findings of a qualitative study conducted with diverse cultural and linguistic background adult students engaged in learning English through an adult migrant English language program offered in a refugee welcome zone in a rural region of Australia. Twenty students whose first language was not English were observed in the language learning environment and participated in semi-structured interviews. The research explored how English language learning can be best supported for humanitarian refugees with little or no literacy in their first language to become acculturated and socially integrated into Australian society. It was found that the typical ‘English only approach' that is commonly used in the Adult Migrant English Language Program (AMEP) to teach literacy and develop proficiency in the English language is called into question when applied to learners with limited or no print literacy skills in their first language. It was concluded that these learners, who are commonly referred to in the literature as LESLLA (Low Educated Second Language Acquisition and Literacy for Adults), are faced with a number of social exclusionary practices during their integration process. Recommendations are made on how these issues might be addressed.

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