A Study of English Major Students’ Beliefs about Language Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 167-184
Author(s):  
Donghee Shin ◽  
Younghee Cheri Lee
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Major ◽  
Beliefs About Language Learning

scholarly journals The Relationship between Socio-Economic Status, General Language Learning Outcome, and Beliefs about Language Learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Mohsen Ghasemi Ariani ◽  
Narjes Ghafournia
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Practice Test ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Beliefs About Language Learning ◽  
Iranian Students

<p class="apa">The objective of this study is to explore the probable relationship between Iranian students’ socioeconomic status, general language learning outcome, and their beliefs about language learning. To this end, 350 postgraduate students, doing English for specific courses at Islamic Azad University of Neyshabur participated in this study. They were grouped in terms of their socioeconomic status. They answered a questionnaire in which they indicated their beliefs about language learning in different contexts of language use. Besides, a general language test of proficiency (a Practice test of a TOEFL Test) was administered to all the participants to homogenize them in terms of general language proficiency or general language learning outcome. The quantitative data were subjected to a set of parametric statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The findings manifested a positive relationship between the students’ economic status and general language learning outcome. Besides, the findings manifested a significant relationship between the participants’ language learning outcome and their beliefs about language learning. The findings suggest if language instructors are equipped with the necessary information to assist language learners in coping with their negative beliefs, the process of language learning is not only accelerated, but also probable measurement errors may decrease.</p>

scholarly journals Stylistics, Literary Criticism, Linguistics and Discourse Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 412
Author(s):  
Saleh Ahmed Saif Abdulmughni
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Literary Criticism ◽  
Clear Distinction ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Value Judgments ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
English Major ◽  
Similarities And Differences

There is confusion regarding the differences between linguistics, stylistics, literary criticism, and discourse analysis (DA) among teachers and learners of the English Major due to their overlapping natures, blurred boundaries, and analysis approaches. Therefore, the present study examines the similarities and differences of these four fields to make a clear demarcation between them. A descriptive and comparative approach using exemplary text was used in the study and the stylistics were thoroughly investigated, analyzed and exemplified in small-scale (one phrase, clause or sentence) or wider-scale (a paragraph). Finally, value judgments on the importance and value of the stylistics were furnished. This research enhances the prospects of pedagogical studies of different language learning and teaching of these four fields. This has opened the window for teacher-oriented studies and presented valid and genuine analytical and diagnostic studies of the related issues to enhance the accessibility of a clear distinction of the above stated fields.

scholarly journals EXPLORING LANGUAGE INPUT OF THE READING TEXTS IN NORTHSTAR TEXTBOOKS FOR FIRST-YEAR ENGLISH-MAJOR STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES, HUE UNIVERSITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 129 (6B) ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuong Ngoc Quynh Tran
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Difficulty Level ◽  
First Year ◽  
Text Input ◽  
Language Difficulty ◽  
English Major ◽  
Language Input ◽  
Reading Texts

There are many studies on English Language Teaching materials evaluation, but very few investigate the language input of reading materials though text input is considered a primary factor for successful foreign language learning. This research explored the language input of reading texts in a book series used in teaching reading for first-year English-major students at a foreign language university in central Vietnam. It aimed at investigating text topics, genres, length, language difficulty level and students’ as well as teachers’ perceptions of the studied texts in an attempt to facilitate students’ reading comprehension. Thirty-two reading texts were studied using a descriptive analytical approach. Individual and focus group interviews were implemented with 15 students and 7 lecturers. The findings showed the textbooks incorporated a wide variety of topics which are interesting and familiar to students. Article was the most popular text genre. The text length and language difficulty level proved to be appropriate to students’ levels. The lecturers’ and students’ perceptions of the texts also supported the textbook analysis findings. These findings implicated the selected textbooks should be kept in the curriculum but need further adaptation. Besides, some suggestions were made to help ELT lecturers modify the text input effectively.

scholarly journals Autonomous English Language Learning Beyond the Classroom: Indonesian Tertiary Students’ Practices and Constraints

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 194-213
Author(s):  
Daflizar Daflizar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Autonomous Learning ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
First Year ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Major ◽  
Attention To Students

. In response to the interest in learner autonomy in recent years, educational research has been increasingly paying attention to students’ out-of-class autonomous learning activities. This study aims to (1) describe the extent to which Indonesian tertiary students engaged in autonomous English language learning outside the class, (2) explore their perceived constraints in practicing autonomous learning, and (3) examine whether there are any significant differences in the autonomous learning activities between female and male students and between the English major students and non-English major students. Employing the explanatory mixed-method design, a total of 402 first-year students completed a questionnaire, and 30 of whom were interviewed. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, and the interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the students did engage in several out-of-class English learning activities, however many of the activities were more receptive than productive. The interviews echoed the questionnaire results, and the students claimed that they were not autonomous in their learning due to several constraints. The results also revealed that there is no significant difference in the level of practice of autonomous out-of-class activities based on gender but a significant difference was found concerning majors of study. Practical implications for the Indonesian context are put forward.

scholarly journals Indonesian JSL Students Beliefs and Learning Strategies in Kanji Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Aep Saeful Bachri ◽  
Dian Bayu Firmansyah ◽  
Sudjianto Sudjianto
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Learning Beliefs ◽  
Major Purpose ◽  
Japanese Character ◽  
Questionnaire Result ◽  
Beliefs About Language Learning

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui beliefs serta strategi belajar yang digunakan oleh pembelajar bahasa Jepang sebagai bahasa kedua (JSL Indonesia) dalam mempelajari huruf kanji. Penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk meneliti tentang hubungan antara beliefs yang dimiliki oleh JSL Indonesia terhadap pembelajaran kanji dan strategi belajar kanji yang digunakan oleh pembelajar JSL Indonesia. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif statistik. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan untuk pengumpulan data berupa angket dan interview. Ada dua jenis angket yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu angket Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) dan angket Strategy of Inventory Language Learning (SILL). Sampel dalam penelitian ini yaitu mahasiswa/i Departemen Pendidikan Bahasa Jepang, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. Dari hasil penelitian di lapangan, diketahui bahwa pembelajar JSL memiliki beliefs yang positif terhadap proses penguasaan kanji serta menganggap kesulitan-kesulitan yang dihadapi dalam proses pembelajaran kanji, dapat diatasi dengan pemilihan strategi belajar kanji yang tepat. Pengampu mata kuliah kanji juga dianggap memiliki peranan yang sangat penting untuk membantu pembelajar JSL Indonesia, terutama dalam memperkenalkan strategi-strategi belajar kanji yang efektif dalam proses penguasaan kanji. Terdapat korelasi positif yang signifikan antara Metacognitive-Compensation strategies dengan. Dari temuan penelitian di atas, disarankan agar pengampu mata kuliah kanji selalu mengevaluasi keefektifan metode ajar yang digunakan untuk membantu pembelajar dalam mengembangkan strategi belajar kanji mereka, serta membimbing pembelajar agar menghindari strategi belajar kanji yang tidak efektif seperti penggunaan kartu kanji untuk mengingat kanji.  The major purpose of this study were to find out about which kind of beliefs and learning strategies are used by Japanese as second language (JSL) students in studying Japanese character (kanji). In addition, this study also aims to examine how kanji learning beliefs relate to the use of kanji learning strategies by Indonesian university JSL students. This study was conducted with descriptive statistic method, using Lickert scale type survey questionnaire and short interviews. The self report survey questionnaire Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) and Strategy of Inventory Language Learning (SILL), was used to examine learners' beliefs in kanji learning and to determine about learning kanji strategies used by Indonesian JSL students. The subject in this current research were the Indonesia University of Education students who are majoring Japanese language as their second language. Survey questionnaire result showed that overall learners have a positive beliefs on the process of acquiring kanji and also consider that the difficulties experienced in kanji learning process, can be solve by employ appropriate kanji learning strategies. They also believe that teachers have an important role in providing them a wider range of appropriate kanji learning strategies, that help them to acquire kanji in more effective ways. The significant correlation found between Metacognitive-Compensation strategies and kanji learning beliefs. While negative correlation found between Association strategies and students beliefs. Based on these findings, it is highly recommends that teachers need to consider the effectiveness of teaching methods used, in order to help student develop their learning strategies and to aware them about the ineffective kanji learning strategies found in this study such as using kanji card to memorize a new kanji, etc.

scholarly journals College Students’ Possible L2 Self Development in an EFL Context during the Transition Year

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhan ◽  
Zhi Hong Wan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Language Learning Motivation ◽  
Self Development ◽  
English Major ◽  
Cyclical Process ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Journal Entries ◽  
Academic Year

<p>In the field of second language learning motivation, the studies on process-oriented nature of possible L2 selves are scarce. In order to address this research gap, this study explored how a group of five Chinese non-English-major undergraduates developed their possible L2 selves during the transition year from high school to university. The content analysis of 4 focus group interviews, 202 journal entries, and 50 post-diary interviews show that in the first academic year, the five participants experienced a four-stage cyclical process of developing their possible L2 selves, namely, (a) generating multiple possible L2 selves, (b) selecting a possible L2 self to pursue, (c) realizing the selected possible L2 self, and (d) incorporating the realized possible L2 self into the present self scheme. More specifically, the selected possible L2 self was realized through elaboration of relevant imagination and alignment with a larger community. The study has enriched our understanding of the mechanism of possible L2 self development and shed light on motivating undergraduates to learn English in an EFL context.</p>

Lending Ears to EFL Learners: Language Difficulties

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahail M. Asassfeh ◽  
Yousef M. Al-Shaboul ◽  
Wael Zuraiq ◽  
Sabri Alshboul
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Academic Major ◽  
Learning Problems ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Basic Language ◽  
Language Difficulties ◽  
English Major ◽  
English Major Undergraduates

This study investigates the main English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning difficulties Jordanian English-major undergraduates encounter from their perspective. For this purpose a questionnaire was developed and administered to 270 (50 male and 220 female) participants. The study addressed the four basic language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The independent variables included gender, grade point average (GPA), and academic major. Ordered according to their difficulty, the skills were speaking, reading, writing and listening respectively. Some specific language learning problems are also discussed. Appropriate conclusions and recommendations are provided accordingly.

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