scholarly journals International Students’ Experience of Western Pedagogy in a British University

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 620
Author(s):  
Linda Katherine Newsome ◽  
Paul Cooper
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Approaches To Learning ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Far Eastern

<em>This qualitative study examined international students’ experiences with Western pedagogy using data collected through case studies and semi-structured, in-depth, informant style interviews. Participants were all international students (n=18), mostly postgraduate from Asian and Far Eastern countries studying at a British University. This paper focuses on students’ engagements with Western pedagogy as they struggle to adjust to what they experience as unfamiliar and alien approaches to teaching and learning. Reported here is a detailed case study of the lives of these students as they engage with specific pedagogical demands, including: academic self-expression and critical argumentation, self-directed learning, class discussions, presentations, and English language proficiency. It also exposes students’ perceptions of the value of the instructional methods of their tutors and their impact on approaches to learning.</em>

scholarly journals A CASE STUDY OF SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING USING MOVIE TO PROMOTE ORAL COMMUNICATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Mohammad Amro Mohammad Suleiman ◽  
Mahendran Maniam
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Directed Learning

The main aim of this study is to help EFL students’ improve their oral communication proficiency out-of-class. To achieve that, video-movie was chosen as a medium for improving the subjects' oral communication proficiency. It was hoped that movie could function as a pseudo-immersion for the students, an accessible and easy alternative to being in the English native countries. Based on that, this study aim has been transformed into this research question ‘what effect does self-directed learning using movies has on the students' perceived oral communication proficiency?’. To answer that, six first year students at the faculty of English language and literature, Ajloun University in Jordan, were selected based on purposive sampling and divided equally into two groups, treatment and control, based on random assignment. The subjects in both groups were asked to take the self-assessment language test twice, once before the beginning of the case study scheme and another after. Likewise, to be interviewed twice, and to fill in the study notes during the case study scheme. Only the treatment group were given eight movies with its guides and asked to self-study with it over eight weeks. The results from the case study indicated that movie could help improve the students' oral communication proficiency with higher post-test scores than pre-test scores. Methodological triangulation from both the interviews and study notes also supports the assertion that movie improved the subjects’ oral communication proficiency. The subjects in the treatment group revealed in the post-interview that movies helped improve their listening skills and two subjects suggested that it could possibly have helped improve their speaking skills as well. Their perception in their study notes also supports the results. In conclusion, it is very likely that self-directed learning using movies has improved the students’ oral communication proficiency. This study has implications for practical applications in language teaching and learning which suggests that movie can be effective out of class. In addition, the results suggest that further larger scale investigations into students' language improvement out of class will be worth carrying out.

scholarly journals SOCIO-AFFECTIVE STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY STUDENTS IN SPEAKING CLASS

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Maulid Robiansyah ◽  
Pryla Rochmahwati
Keyword(s):  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Eighth Grade ◽  
Evaluation Activity ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Important Position

This research is aiming at scrutinizing the socio-affective strategies used by students in speaking class at SMP Ma’arif 1 Ponorogo. This research employed qualitative approach, and the design was case study was conducted on the Eighth Grade B class of SMP Ma’arif 1 Ponorogo, and focused on the description of using socio-affective strategies in teaching speaking at the Eighth Grade B class of SMP Ma’arif 1 Ponorogo. The data in this research is collected through interview, observation, reviewing the documents. The data were analyzed by using data Mattew B Miles and Michael Hubberman’s view of data reduction, data display and drawing conclusion. The result of this research revealed that (1) the implementation of socio-affective starategies is devided into three activities namely; Pre activities, main activities, and the last activities. In pre activities there are two activities, greeting and apperception. In main activities, teacher applied “socio-affective stratgies. The findings that. In the last activities the teacher gave an evaluation and motivation. In evaluation activity a teaching and learning process need to be evaluated. (2) Those the role of the teacher is as follow in supporting the implementation of socio-affective strategies at Eighth Grade B Class of SMP Maarif 1 Ponorogo is very important because as a teacher holds an important position in the learning process. The roles teachers play in English Language Teaching (ELT)  field are mostly of an assessor, organizer, facilitator, prompter, motivator, participant, monitor, model, etc.

scholarly journals Vietnamese International Students' Experiences in a New Zealand University: A Narrative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ha Thuong Vu
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
International Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Academic Environment ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Narrative Study ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Field Notes

<p>This narrative study explored the adjustment experiences of six Vietnamese international students at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Data for the study were based on two sources; in-depth interviewing and the researcher's field notes. Each of participants was interviewed twice on their adjustment experiences in New Zealand. Thematic analysis was applied to their stories and positioning theory provided a theoretical lens to further analyze and interpret the participants' stories.  The findings of the study indicated that the participants experienced many new and different things. Most experienced a stressful academic environment during their first few weeks but they felt better as time passed. The most common challenges they faced related to language issues. Difficulties came from differences between cultures with a mismatch between the participants' previous learning experiences and teaching and learning in the new environment. The participants felt stressed by the amount of self-directed learning expected. These challenges brought benefits such as becoming independent and self- regulated learners. After one trimester one participant had happily adapted and thought of a future life in New Zealand. Three participants had gradually adapted and come to enjoy their new life Two of the six students were clear that they did not belong in New Zealand and wanted to finish their degree and then go back to Vietnam.  The study concluded that the participants had diverse difficulties studying and living in New Zealand, mostly related to the different academic environment, language and culture. The participants used various coping strategies to deal with their challenges in the new environment and the main source of their support was from friends and families.</p>

scholarly journals Self-Directed Learning for Learner Autonomy: Teachers' and Students' Perceptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 62-73
Author(s):  
Luk Gharti
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Master Level

The research entitled Self-directed Learning for Learner Autonomy: Perceptions of Teachers and Students was carried out to explore the perceptions about Self Directed Learning (SDL) for Learner Autonomy (LA) and analyze the roles of teachers to engage students in SDL. Considering the objectives, the primary data was collected from five master level English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers and three groups of master level students from Pokhara, Kaski. The purposive non-random sampling procedure was used to select the participants. The study was conducted using in-depth interview and Focused Group Discussion (FGD) tools to collect data. The obtained data from the respondents were analyzed and interpreted using analytical and interpretative procedure. It is a new approach in language teaching and learning in Nepalese context though it has been practicing since earlier. The finding shows that all the respondents have positive perceptions and its great contribution for developing LA. SDL helps learners to achieve better achievement and effective learning. It helps teachers to find the necessary changes and increases motivation to the learners to learn. But because of student’s unawareness, time constraint, no inspirations of institutions, student’s false assumptions, lack of insight knowledge about SDL, etc are creating the challenges in its proper application. In the study, the teachers’ roles are facilitator, helper, and resource provider by creating different situation, encouraging, orientating, inspiring, using Information Communication Technology (ICT) and using multimodality in the classroom.

scholarly journals Apathy, Agency, and Sociocultural Mediation in a University English Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 2019 (1) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Masayo Kanno
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Sociocultural Approach ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Learner Agency ◽  
Japanese Learners

This paper is a report of an exploratory case study with a learner who showed apathetic attitudes in a Japanese university English course. Previous research indicated the influence of self-perception, learner autonomy, and exam washback effects on Japanese learners’ attitudes towards language learning. This study takes a sociocultural approach to contribute to a deeper understanding of the constructive nature of learner agency. Semistructured interviews unexpectedly revealed the learner’s multilingual experiences and ongoing self-directed learning efforts outside the classroom. A thematic analysis identified two themes: the ineffectiveness of the classroom learning environment and the importance of English language skills. These themes illustrated that learner agency was mediated through interaction between the learner’s subjective opinions and collective attitudes in the classroom. The author discusses pedagogical factors that could enhance learner agency and facilitate learner involvement in language learning. 本論文は、日本の大学の英語の授業内で無関心な態度を示す一人の学習者に関する探求的事例研究の報告である。先行研究では、自己認識や学習者の自律性、そしてテストの波及効果が日本人学習者の語学学習に対する姿勢に与える影響が示されている。本研究は、社会文化論的なアプローチから、発展的な性質を持つ学習者行為主体性をより深く理解することを目的とする。半構造化インタビューでは、多言語に接した経験があり、現在自主的に英語を学習していたことが予想外に明らかになった。主題分析により、効果的ではない教室での学習環境、英語力の重要性、の二つのテーマが特定された。これらのテーマは、学習者の主観的な意見と教室内での集合的な態度の相互作用を媒介として行為主体性が形成されることを示唆した。著者は、行為主体性を高め、語学学習への関わりを促進することができるような教育的要素を論じる。

Voices of dissent: unpacking Vietnamese international student experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-292
Author(s):  
Le Huong ◽  
Fung Kuen Koo ◽  
Rodney Arambewela ◽  
Ambika Zutshi
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
International Student ◽  
English Language ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine Vietnamese international students’ experiences with the campus learning environment by analysing differences in staff and student perceptions. Design/methodology/approach Two focus groups (n=12) and ten in-depth interviews were conducted with Vietnamese students and four in-depth interviews with the university staff (totalling 26). Findings The findings show a greater divergence of views between students and staff on teaching and learning than English language proficiency and student support services. These key differences were influenced by students’ prior expectations of their learning environment in Vietnam. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to one group of international students and to one Australian university. Practical implications The lecturers/administrators must have a good understanding of international students’ learning backgrounds and expectations to enhance their positive experience; appropriate teaching skills and practices are essential for teachers to meet the current needs of students. More effective training for international students to understand the multicultural nature of Australia is also essential. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by identifying the experience of Vietnamese international students in a western university, which is, a relatively under-researched nationality compared to other Asian nationalities such as Chinese and Indian.

scholarly journals Vietnamese International Students' Experiences in a New Zealand University: A Narrative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Ha Thuong Vu
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
International Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Academic Environment ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Narrative Study ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Field Notes

<p>This narrative study explored the adjustment experiences of six Vietnamese international students at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Data for the study were based on two sources; in-depth interviewing and the researcher's field notes. Each of participants was interviewed twice on their adjustment experiences in New Zealand. Thematic analysis was applied to their stories and positioning theory provided a theoretical lens to further analyze and interpret the participants' stories.  The findings of the study indicated that the participants experienced many new and different things. Most experienced a stressful academic environment during their first few weeks but they felt better as time passed. The most common challenges they faced related to language issues. Difficulties came from differences between cultures with a mismatch between the participants' previous learning experiences and teaching and learning in the new environment. The participants felt stressed by the amount of self-directed learning expected. These challenges brought benefits such as becoming independent and self- regulated learners. After one trimester one participant had happily adapted and thought of a future life in New Zealand. Three participants had gradually adapted and come to enjoy their new life Two of the six students were clear that they did not belong in New Zealand and wanted to finish their degree and then go back to Vietnam.  The study concluded that the participants had diverse difficulties studying and living in New Zealand, mostly related to the different academic environment, language and culture. The participants used various coping strategies to deal with their challenges in the new environment and the main source of their support was from friends and families.</p>

scholarly journals Using Facebook in EFL Writing Class: Its Effectiveness from Students’ Perspective

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahmah Fithriani ◽  
Utami Dewi ◽  
Sholihatul Hamidah Daulay ◽  
Maryati Salmiah ◽  
Widia Fransiska
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Class Discussion ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Writing Class

Social media has now much been integrated as a learning platform in various educational settings, including those in Language Teaching and Learning (LTL). Increasing number of studies has also reported the effectiveness of social media to support LTL activities. This present study aimed to investigate whether Facebook, as the most popular social media in Indonesia, would be an effective learning tool for EFL university students taking advanced writing class. This study employed a case study qualitative approach. The data were collected through questionnaire, interview, and observation of students’ discussion on Facebook and then analyzed using frequency count and thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that most students find the use of Facebook in writing class effective in boosting their confidence in using English as communicative means, encouraging their participation in class discussion, and improving their English language proficiency, particularly the writing skill. This study suggests that Facebook can be used as a supplementary learning tool in higher education classrooms as it brings positive effect not only on students’ learning habits but also competence.

scholarly journals English Language Learning Through Non-Technology Games: A Case Study of International Students at a Lithuanian University

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nagaletchimee Annamalai ◽  
Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan ◽  
Radzuwan Ab Rashid ◽  
Giedre Oleskevicience ◽  
Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Research on gamified language learning often involves the use of digital games. Little is known about the use of non-technology games in promoting language learning despite their accessibility. This paper aims to fill in this lacuna by providing insights into international students’ engagement in non-technology gamified English language learning in the context of a Lithuanian university. The research, which used a case study approach as its methodology, involved a total of 30 international students at a Lithuanian university together with their two instructors. They were observed for two weeks, and then interviewed by the researchers. An inductive thematic analysis approach proposed by Braun and Clark was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the students’ engagement with the non-technology gamified lessons have impacted them positively as they believe that they have improved English language proficiency and better mastery of the 21-st century learning skills. However, the participants raised several issues related to cultural sensitivity and blurred learning outcomes. This study concluded that non-technology games serve as a useful tool in promoting language learning in the 21st century if it is carefully designed to attract learners’ interests and at the same to time meet the learning outcomes. This study is hoped to encourage practitioners to experiment with non-technology gamified lessons and provide guidelines for them in conducting effective non-technology gamified lessons.

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