scholarly journals Learner Beliefs and Language Proficiency in SA Context: A Case study of Chinese Students Taking Pre-sessional Language Course in the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Xin ◽  
Zhang Jiayi
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Beliefs ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

<p>This study seeks to explore the interrelation between learners’ beliefs and language proficiency in study abroad (SA) context. The participants of this study consisted of 30 Chinese students who were taking the pre-sessional language course at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Combining data from the questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and test scores, the current study tries to answer three research questions: (1) Do learners’ beliefs change in the SA context? If so, in what ways? (2) Does learners’ language proficiency change in the SA context? If so, in what ways? (3) What is the relationship between learners’ English language proficiency and their beliefs about language learning?</p>By investigating learners’ beliefs change in SA context and how such change impacts on their language learning behavior and outcomes, it is hoped that students can have a more fruitful study-abroad sojourn.

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

scholarly journals Arab English Language Teaching Candidates Climbing the IELTS Mountain: A Qualitatively Driven Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Issa ◽  
Ali Al-Bulushi ◽  
Rima Al-Zadjali
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Structured Interviews

As a high-stakes international language proficiency benchmark, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requires different and special Language Learning Strategies (LLS), which pose numerous challenges to its takers. Some Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) majoring in English Language Teaching (ELT), have therefore, failed to achieve an overall score of Band 6 on the IELTS as a language proficiency requirement and a condition mandated by the Ministry of Education for selecting English language teachers among. This qualitatively driven hermeneutic phenomenology study, hence, discusses this issue from an ideological perspective. The study triangulates data from semi-structured interviews made with six fourth-year ELT Student Teachers (STs) at SQU and the pertinent literature. The critical discussion revealed various ideologies about the powerful impact of the IELTS on the STs’ English language development. The findings have important implications for the practices of the teachers in the Omani ELT school system and elsewhere.

scholarly journals Enhancing Chinese Students’ Learning in an Australian 2+2 Undergraduate Engineering Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Peter Edward Doe ◽  
Sarah Lyden ◽  
Seeta Jaikaran-Doe ◽  
Xiaolin Wang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Undergraduate Engineering ◽  
Flash Cards ◽  
Effective Delivery ◽  
Additional Support

Undergraduate engineering units (subjects) are delivered by Australian academics at two universities in China over a three-week period. Students may choose to transfer to the Australian university to complete the final two years of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours degree (2+2 program). The aim of this study is to determine what strategies are most effective for the Australian university academics to adopt for effective delivery of engineering units at Chinese universities. A mixed methods approach was applied to in-class feedback and student surveys. Three major themes: Language, Learning and Social were identified. These themes were further explored in a quantitative survey of Chinese students newly-arrived in Australia in 2016. Successful strategies for delivering engineering units included referring questions to discussion groups; students explaining difficult concepts to other students; writing key words on the board and flash cards. The principal concern for students before they transferred to Australia was the teaching and learning style of the Australian university academics. However, English language proficiency was the major concern for students transferred to Australia. The strategy for improving Chinese students’ engagement and learning outcomes should focus on additional support both in China and Australia.

scholarly journals Academic Discourse Socialization, Scaler Politics of English, and Racialization in Study Abroad: A Critical Autoethnography

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramod Sah
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Personal Narratives ◽  
Academic Discourse ◽  
Power Dynamics ◽  
Adjustment Difficulties ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Discourse Socialization

In this age of rising animosity to newcomers in host societies, study abroad students are often reported to receive maltreatment and discrimination. To this end, I conducted a critical autoethnographic study that responds to the trajectory of my English language learning in the UK and explores my adjustment difficulties and factors such as racialized linguistic discrimination. It also reveals the types of agency that I employed in the process of academic discourse socialization and unpacks causes and processes of renegotiating and reconstructing my identity as a learner and user of the English language. The data for this study was gathered from Facebook posts, written assignment feedback, and my personal narratives and memory. The study reveals that upon finding myself in a community different from what I had imagined prior to my sojourn and with contested power dynamics between local peers and international students in classroom discourse socialization, I became disappointed and stressed and that, in turn, obstructed my learning process. However, my personal investment and agency later led me to develop my own community of practice with those who shared similar linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Meanwhile, I received what seemed to me to be racial discrimination based on my identity as a non-native speaker of English, which was the result of a scaler politics of English and perhaps blatant racism toward a student of a third-world country that saw my use of English as inferior. Therefore, the study invites institutions in host countries to reflect on their language orientation and how it is responsive (not responsive) to newcomers.

scholarly journals STUDY OF THE DISCIPLINE "ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY" IN ENGLISH AT A TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (34) ◽  
pp. 119-123
Author(s):  
E.K. Aminova ◽  
◽  
D.N. Bilalova ◽  
N.A. Kireeva ◽  
M.A. Malikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Chemistry ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Technical University ◽  
The University

One of the most priority directions of development of the state University is its international activities. Paying great attention to the English language, technical University teachers achieve the following goals: to consolidate and develop business relations to improve the higher education system in the current conditions; to increase the authority of the University as a center of educational, scientific and research activities; to develop international cooperation of the University. Chemistry occupies one of the main places among the subjects studied at school. Chemistry is an interesting and entertaining science so many students decide to associate their future profession with this subject. Students studying in the specialty "Chemical technology", most often after graduation work in chemical laboratories, in the positions of laboratory chemist and analytical chemist. Therefore, it is important for them to study the discipline "Analytical chemistry" in more depth, including in English. Currently, one of the important roles in modern technical Universities is the study of English. A large number of foreign literature sources containing important information: methods of chemical analysis, modern scientific directions in the field of analytical chemistry indicate the need to study technical English. Therefore, undoubtedly, the provision of knowledge and foreign language proficiency of future specialists in the petrochemical industry is a necessary condition for professional training. In this regard, the problem of developing and implementing innovative methods of teaching English becomes urgent. The greatest effectiveness in language learning is achieved by combining traditional methods with modern technologies. And remote monitoring capabilities increase the interest and cognitive activity of students to study the subject. This article analyzes the effectiveness of the proposed method. It also describes the psychological and psychophysiological features of perception and memorization of information by students, offers a method of presenting lecture material and interacting with students, which is relevant today.

scholarly journals English Language Learning of Indonesian Students during Study Abroad Program in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-40
Author(s):  
Sabaruddin Sabaruddin
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Identity Transformation ◽  
Cultural Learning ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Study Overseas ◽  
Study Abroad Program

This article discusses how the transformation of identity and cultural learning influence the English language learning of Indonesian students during their study program. This article is divided into three different sections of discussions in order to elaborate this issue comprehensively. Firstly, the identity change during the study abroad program is discussed by utilising the concept of identity. Subsequently, the process of identity transformation of Indonesian students during their study abroad is further elaborated through the identity movement theory. Secondly, the process of cultural learning during study abroad program is explained regarding English language learning of Indonesian students. Thirdly, how the students’ identity transformation and cultural learning impact on English language learning is also be analysed. In conclusion, the role of identity transformation and intercultural learning is significant in the enhancement of English language proficiency of the students during the study overseas program. Furthermore, the process of English language learning transforms the students’ identities through the students’ engagement in the new sociocultural condition. The transformation of students’ identity occurs in three steps of identity movement which are molar, molecular and line of flight identity. The transformation also lies in intercultural learning which later develops the students’ intercultural awareness and understanding. That is to say, study overseas can transform the students’ identity and facilitate cultural learning in which both are beneficial in enhancing the English language proficiency of the student. Besides that, study abroad program also constructs difference between individuals who pursue study overseas and who do not.

scholarly journals A CREATIVE ALLIANCE BETWEEN LEARNER AUTONOMY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: PAKISTANI UNIVERSITY TEACHERS’ BELIEFS

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musarat YASMIN ◽  
Ayesha SOHAIL
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Target Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Teachers

Learner autonomy has been a focus of research for last three decades. Not only the nature of phenomenon was investigated but also its role in foreign language learning attracted researchers’ interests. The present paper examines the mutual creative relationship between learner autonomy and target foreign language acquisition. Following an interpretive paradigm, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the beliefs of 16 university teachers of English language teaching in four public sector universities of province Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed a close creative connection between learner autonomy and English language learning. Teachers believed that autonomy in learners accelerates language learning. Major aspects of learner autonomy were reported fulfilling the perceived needs of foreign language learning. The study implied that fostering of autonomy in learners accelerates target language proficiency.

scholarly journals Aligning a University English Language Proficiency Measurement Tool with the CEFR: A Case in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (S3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Najwa Baharum ◽  
Lilliati Ismail ◽  
Nooreen Nordin ◽  
Abu Bakar Razali
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Language Competence ◽  
Language Proficiency Test ◽  
The University

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) describes the capability of learners’ language skills at six reference levels. It is internationally recognised as the standard language proficiency framework for describing language learning, teaching and assessment. Many countries, including Malaysia, have attempted and invested tremendous efforts to adopt the CEFR as a reference for language ability at all levels of education. However, there are many ways of adopting CEFR, and it is a continuous process of alignment between curriculum and assessment. In this regard, this study is carried out to examine how a Malaysian university attempts to demonstrate this alignment by correlating the scores obtained from English language proficiency courses in the university, called the English Language Competence Score Average (ELCSA), to a CEFR-aligned English language proficiency test (Linguaskill). The results showed an overall significant positive correlation that varied in strength. The overall correlation was 0.371, a positive but weak correlation whereby the strongest correlation was seen between ELCSA and CEFR Writing score with a correlation of 0.417, which is positive and moderate in strength. Therefore, it could be identified that a score of 3.25 and 3.5 on the ELCSA can be considered equivalent to a Linguaskill score of 160 (CEFR Band B2). It could be considered that the B2 CEFR level could be subdivided into lower and higher B2. However, there is a need to correlate ELCSA with other CEFR-aligned tests and perform further revisions to the English language proficiency programme at the university to successfully benchmark the programme and its assessment tool, ELCSA, with the CEFR.

scholarly journals A study of student and teacher attitudes and experiences towards an immersion course in a Technological University in Veracruz, Mexico

2019 ◽  
pp. 20-34
Author(s):  
Barragán-Díaz Julian
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Bilingual Program ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Technological Universities ◽  
High Level ◽  
Technological University

Mexico is experiencing a growing need of qualified professionals able to work and receive training in international companies. For this reason, education authorities in Mexico have created technological universities and, in recent years, a new model for them called BIS model (Bilingual, International and Sustainable). It is a bilingual model which starts with an immersion course followed by a bilingual program whose objective is to graduate technicians and engineers with a high level of English language proficiency. This research intended to study the attitudes and experiences of students and teachers who participated in an immersion course in a BIS model university in Veracruz, Mexico to identify the attitudes of both students and teachers towards the course to help designing future courses to avoid potential language learning problems related to attitudinal and motivational factors. In order to do this, quantitative and qualitative paradigms were used through the application of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to sixty-five students and teachers as well as class observations. The results showed that while students and teachers generally had a positive attitude towards the program, there are a number of factors that affected their performance such as the students’ profile, their motivations to study the language, their motivations to study a bilingual program and the course planning.

scholarly journals QUEER LEARNER IDENTITY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING IN A THAI CONTEXT

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinnawat Suebkinnon ◽  
Apisak Sukying
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Identity

This study examined the identity construction of queer learners in English language learning and its influences on English language learning. The four participants were male, queer and studied in English majors and English language teaching in a Thai university. Two of the participants were known to the researcher. Semi-structured interviews, field notes, and a digital sound recorder were used for data collection and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that queer characteristics and marginalized and unequal positions based on gender identity and sexual orientation were two main factors constituting queer learner identity in English language learning. The majority of the participants shared that their queer characteristics were conducive to their speaking skills. Additionally, it was shown that the heteronormative Thai context motivated the participants to pursue English language proficiency. The participants reported that English language proficiency was advantageous for their future success and helped them gain parental and societal acceptance. Moreover, the participants stated that learning the English language would allow them to migrate to English-speaking countries that are welcoming to queer people. The results also indicated that some participants who desire a Western partner viewed English as beneficial to finding a Western man, whom they thought would be more open to gender diversity than Thai men. These findings provide a better understanding of the identity construction of queer learners and its influences on English language learning. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0787/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

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