scholarly journals A Need for a Substantive Change in Tertiary EFL Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 317-339
Author(s):  
Saeed Jameel Aburizaizah
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
English Language ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
The One ◽  
English Language Institute

As Saudi Arabia is increasing its international influence and educational collaboration at a global scale, promoting the importance of English language teaching and learning in basic and tertiary education has been more prioritized in the country. Diverse programs are offered in universities, incorporating foundation year programs and curricula, which have become a must for anyone passionate about his/her future, and a strategic necessity for any university that aims at preparing its graduates for their career life. This paper investigates the birth of one of the newest approaches in EFL curriculum design that tries to re-launch the link between labor markets and demands of academic requirements, global society, on the one hand, and the learners’ needs on the other hand, and questions the opinions of foundation year students who completed one academic year of the newly launched curriculum in an English Language Institute at a Saudi public university, data collection employed a large-scale survey (n = 2000) that purposefully explores the students’ opinion on the new curriculum. Results obtained from 371 respondents reveal students’ satisfaction toward a clear improvement in their language skills, specifically presentation, vocabulary, and writing, and joint agreement that the course was autonomy supportive. It was also significant that the course increased the students’ intrinsic motivation and appreciation of the challenges and inspiration this curriculum had given to them. This paper is an extended piece of knowledge for further research. It provides an illustration of students’ deep thoughts on their target language needs for policymakers and curriculum designers to consider.

scholarly journals A Need for a Substantive Change in Tertiary EFL Education

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Jameel Aburizaizah
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
English Language ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
The One ◽  
English Language Institute

As Saudi Arabia is increasing its international influence and educational collaboration at a global scale, promoting the importance of English language teaching and learning in basic and tertiary education has been more prioritized in the country. Diverse programs are offered in universities, incorporating foundation year programs and curricula, which have become a must for anyone passionate about his/her future, and a strategic necessity for any university that aims at preparing its graduates for their career life. This paper investigates the birth of one of the newest approaches in EFL curriculum design that tries to re-launch the link between labor markets and demands of academic requirements, global society, on the one hand, and the learners’ needs on the other hand, and questions the opinions of foundation year students who completed one academic year of the newly launched curriculum in an English Language Institute at a Saudi public university, data collection employed a large-scale survey (n = 2000) that purposefully explores the students’ opinion on the new curriculum. Results obtained from 371 respondents reveal students’ satisfaction toward a clear improvement in their language skills, specifically presentation, vocabulary, and writing, and joint agreement that the course was autonomy supportive. It was also significant that the course increased the students’ intrinsic motivation and appreciation of the challenges and inspiration this curriculum had given to them. This paper is an extended piece of knowledge for further research. It provides an illustration of students’ deep thoughts on their target language needs for policymakers and curriculum designers to consider.

scholarly journals Learner Autonomy Practices in English Language Teaching in EFL Context

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
Jagadish Paudel
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Taking Charge ◽  
The One ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

Einstein says “I never teach my students. I simply provide the situations in which they can learn”. In line with this saying the learner autonomy (LA) approach provides learners with situations where they can learn independently in their own pace. This learner centered approach to teaching, emerged during the 1980s, aims at empowering learners by transforming responsibilities to them. This study aimed at exploring the practice level scenario of LA in English language teaching and learning. To this end, I employed the qualitative research design i.e. I observed teachers’ classes and conducted Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the students. The information elicited from participants was transcribed, codified, categorized and finally themes were generated. The study revealed that, though the teachers and the students were affirmative towards LA, in a real sense, the majority of them did not adopt in English language teaching and learning. The classroom ritual is still teacher oriented. On the one hand, the teachers are still in the cockpit of pedagogy without providing any agency for the students. On the other hand, students' readiness for bearing responsibility of their learning was found weak. They preferred attachment to teachers without taking charge of learning.

scholarly journals Integrating Cloud World Synergy in ELT to Adults: Perspectives of Handheld Technologies

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdulgalil Abugohar ◽  
Kamariah Yunus ◽  
Ghaleb Rabab'ah ◽  
Tarig Awad Eltahir Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
The Rich

<p>The outcomes of modern technology have turned real-world interaction into a virtual community, then into a cloud one. These giant leaps aided by the excitement created by the possibilities inherent in learning through handheld technologies made using mobile devices in English language teaching (ELT) indispensable. This paper is aimed to deeply overview available handheld technologies and their features that can enable teachers in their mission. It investigates the synergy of a group of mobile devices of smartphones, tablets, iPods, iPads, E-readers, and classroom response systems, among others. These devices have been effective in everyday activities, and are expected to enrich ELT, especially in communities where there is a lack of community of practice (CoP) on the target language. To this aim, this paper was cored around reviewing the potential handheld technologies have in language classrooms. The main data were obtained from the rich body of literature, shedding more light on their properties in creating interactive communication in and out of classrooms. The findings revealed that handheld technologies can be successfully integrated into English language teaching and learning. Pedagogically, teachers are encouraged to exploit mobile devices into their classroom practices after closely testing their specifications, and scanning their advantages and shortcomings.</p>

The First Step

2021 ◽  
pp. 127-149
Author(s):  
Voghn E. Tatem ◽  
Martha Kimberly Marrast
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Language Awareness ◽  
Teacher Resources ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

Many of the current teacher resources fail to address the differences between home and target language; therefore, teachers in Barbados need to intentionally incorporate language awareness in their English Language teaching. Based on Craig's three-step orientation for language teaching and learning, this chapter presents data that sought to assist in concretizing the theory through practical application. For the research, eight teachers participated in a workshop designed to facilitate exposure to innovative uses of language awareness and expressed views about the application of the strategy within a focus group. Moreover, rich textual information was gathered through a thematic analysis of data. While participants expressed mixed views on the value of Bajan Dialect in the classroom, they agreed that some element of language awareness was needed. Further, they held the perspective that the implementation of the strategy would advance English Language teaching and learning in Barbados and move toward transformation in pedagogical practices.

scholarly journals Meeting business students’ English language needs in the Algerian tertiary education

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-139
Author(s):  
Soraya Benzerdjeb
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
The Government

Graduate Algerian economic sciences students, who will be future university teachers or workplace managers, are urged to use the English language. However, most of them reveal that they are unable to use the English language appropriately. The main aim in this paper is to depict students’ difficulties and help them improve their academic language performance. This paper describes the teaching and learning situations of English for Business and Economics (EBE) in the Department of Economic Sciences at the University of Tlemcen. The investigator used a questionnaire and two structured interviews. The sampling included EBE learners and English for specific purposes teachers as well as workplace managers (former EBE students). The main findings in this investigation confirmed that students had poor target language proficiency. Results revealed that the content of the actual EBE course was inappropriate to learners’ needs. The investigator wants to integrate new technologies as the government supplies digital platforms to the Algerian universities.   Keywords: Algerian, tertiary education, English, Economics, business students.

Pronunciation Research in the Malaysian Context: A Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Hilmi Hamzah ◽  
Nur ‘Aqilah Mohd Norain ◽  
Abdul Halim Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Pronunciation Instruction ◽  
Received Pronunciation ◽  
Esl Learners

This paper presents the current evidence with regard to English pronunciation teaching and learning in the Malaysian context. A systematic literature review (SLR) of empirical studies was conducted with a focus on examining the degree to which pronunciation research is conducted in the context of English as a second language (ESL) in Malaysia. Results showed that teachers’ and learners’ beliefs are critical factors that may improve or impede the pronunciation instruction of the target language. In addition, there are also some criteria that need to be considered in order to ensure the effectiveness of pronunciation teaching for ESL learners. The issue of whether or not Received Pronunciation (RP) can be adopted as the pronunciation model in the Malaysian education system should also be addressed appropriately. These results are significant because they call for a reevaluation of pronunciation instruction in Malaysia. Finally, the findings of this SLR uncovered one of the real challenges in English language teaching, which is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, given the disconnection between research-based models and the actual practices in the ESL classroom

scholarly journals Factors Affecting the Quality of English Language Teaching in Preparatory Year, University of Jeddah

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Maysoon A. Dakhiel
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Efl Teaching ◽  
Preparatory Year

Several Universities in Saudi Arabia have recently made it their priority to pursuit excellence in effective EFL teaching-learning starting from the Preparatory Year Program (PYP). That is due to the rapid expansion of English as a lingua franca in tertiary education especially in science and technology, scientific and educational publication, technology, internet communication, etc. The present study will examine the current situation in EFL teaching and learning to identify the factors affecting the quality of English language teaching in the PYP at Jeddah University. When studying quality in EFL teaching, the concentration is usually put on the teacher where in fact the success of the operation is collaboration between three major constituents of the program triangle, the learners, the teachers and the institution. Therefore, these three constituents were asked to first identify what they think is important in regards to the quality of the EFL program, and what impedes achieving its goals. In order to identify and analyze the factors, this study applied the following survey: Quality in Language Teaching for Adults developed by Grundtvig Learning Partnership (2009-2011), on teachers, learners, and administrators. Slight variations in wording of the survey statements was implemented in order to suit each group. For data analysis, SPSS software was used. Recommendations and further fields of study presented were based on the findings.

scholarly journals Curriculum and Technology Design: A Course to Explore Technology Applications in EFL Curriculum Design

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignasia Yuyun
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Lesson Plan ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Technology Applications

Teaching and technology pedagogy should be mastered by a teacher in this digital era. It is an inevitable fact that teachers should realize. To be in line with technology development, teachers are expected to bring any technology-based applications to the classroom.  Many education institutions from Kindergarten to Higher Education around the world equip their teachers with technology-based training. In particular, Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) has been mushrooming in English Language Teaching trends. To comply with this demand, Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework has been developed by Koehler & Mishra (2006) to equip student teachers in English Department. Therefore, Technology and Curriculum Design course is designed to tailor Pre-Service English Teachers how to integrate technology in EFL curriculum design. By having blended learning activities, teaching and learning activities are conducted to explore technology applications to design an EFL curriculum. Any class projects are technology-based assignments such as infographic, poster, mind map, questionnaire, presentation, etc. using CANVA, Google applications, presentation applications, lesson plan application (LessonWRITER), quiz application (Quizlet), and interactive book applications (AnyFlip, Flipping Book, FlipSnack), etc.                Keywords: curriculum, EFL, technology

scholarly journals Sign Language Interpreting in English Language Teaching for a Deaf Student: A case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Adhika Irlang Suwiryo ◽  
Ellis R. Artyana
Keyword(s):  
Sign Language ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Teaching Process ◽  
English Teaching ◽  
Deaf Student ◽  
Sign Language Interpreting

This paper discusses the case of appropriating a teaching approach as a response to the needs of a Deaf student registering to an English Department of a State University in Depok. The study particularly looks at the sign language interpreting practice in the classroom. In the teaching and learning process, the sign language interpreter has a significant role in transferring the course materials from the lecturer. In other words, the interpreter becomes one important factor for the student's achievement in acquiring the target language. However, there are several challenges faced by the interpreter in delivering the teaching content, such as, speech tempo, the usage of determiners (this, that), the usage of media, classroom preparation, and language differences (English and BISINDO—the natural sign language used by the Deaf community in Indonesia). The aim of this paper is to provide a clear picture concerning 1) sign language interpreting process in English teaching classroom, 2) the coordination of interpreter and lecturer(s), both in classroom preparation as well as teaching process, and 3) challenges experienced by the interpreter. Questionnaire and in-depth interviews are used with the lecturers, the student, and the interpreter in order to elicit as well as acknowledge the data related to the classroom preparation and teaching process. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed following interpretive paradigm. The results of this research offer suggestions in sign language interpreting process in English teaching classroom.

scholarly journals Using Critical Media Literacy to support English Language Teaching and Practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Westman
Keyword(s):  
Digital Media ◽  
Media Literacy ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Media Analysis ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language

Digital media can convey a tremendous amount of linguistic information about discourse patterns and grammatical structures as well as clues about social interaction and values in particular communities. Language students that develop their media literacy skills not only develop useful skills of communication and inquiry, but also enhance their understanding of social and cultural practices which can improve their access to the target language community. Students will often bring with them to the classroom their previous experiences of making meanings using digital tools and in digital environments, so there is a clear need for literacy provision to be better aligned with their practices in everyday life. This paper describes and discusses the outcomes of two different media literacy educational initiatives with ESOL learners at a further education (FE) college in the United Kingdom and university students in Italy. This paper will discuss how activities such as media analysis, curation, and production can be used to enhance English Language teaching and learning. It explains the rationale for focusing on media literacy in the language classroom and how these types of pedagogic activities can contribute to the development of emergent and productive ‘Third Spaces’ (Bhabha, 1994) for learners in different settings.

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