A Study into the Pyramid Discussion Approach with Pre-Service English Teachers in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-102
Author(s):  
Takaaki Hiratsuka
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Research Study ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Methods Course ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Communicative Abilities

The main concern of this article is the nature and the role of an EFL classroom speaking activity, known as pyramid discussion, whereby learners progressively form larger groups as they carry out a series of discussions on certain topics. This research interest stemmed from my personal experiences as an English language teacher in the context of Japan in which the majority of the teachers still regard the act of teaching English as the presentation of compartmentalized knowledge, as opposed to the promotion of communicative abilities. In this article, I introduce an action research study into the employment of the pyramid discussion approach in an English Teaching Methods course at a Japanese university and illuminate the effectiveness of the approach on the students, who are pre-service English teachers, in the course. Data will detail how the approach could notably assist the participants in seizing communication opportunities in English and in holding positive attitudes toward their teacher, classmates, and themselves as learners and future teachers of English. Implications are provided as a conclusion

Facebook as Complementary Teaching Material: Reconceptualizing the Context Boundaries of Formal and Informal Learning in EFL Higher Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (9) ◽  
pp. 23-35
Author(s):  
Iman Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
English Language ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Survey Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Formal Curriculum ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Skills Learning

This article is a case study that aims to understand and explore a teacher's perspective about integrating Facebook as an informal social platform into the EFL classroom in a higher education context in Oman. The study further aims to identify the attitudes and perspectives of a group of students belonging to the same context. Research data came from semi-structured interviews with a teacher participant and a survey questionnaire with student participants. The study provides a set of findings based on interview data analysis and questionnaire survey analysis. The study's findings revealed the teacher and students' positive attitudes and perspectives towards the role of Facebook in boosting pedagogical practices and increasing English language skills learning. This study contributes to knowledge by providing insights on the integration of Facebook as an informal platform into the formal curriculum-based learning in TESOL. The insights and findings are of value to the teachers and instructors in EFL higher education contexts. Pedagogical implications for ESL (English as a second language) and EFL (English as a foreign language) and researchers are offered in the light of these results.

scholarly journals English in Brazil: Insights from the Analysis of Language Policies, Internationalization Programs and the CLIL Approach

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyria Finardi ◽  
Roberta Leao ◽  
Livia Melina Pinheiro
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Language Policies ◽  
Teachers Beliefs ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
Globalized World

<p class="Normal1">The paper proposes a reflection on the role of English in the globalized world and its teaching/learning in Brazil. With that aim, the study reviews language policies and internationalization programs in Brazil regarding the role of foreign languages in general and of English in particular. The theoretical framework includes a review of an English language teaching (ELT) approach used mainly in Europe, as a result of globalization and internationalization, the Content and Language Integrated Approach (CLIL). In order to support this reflection, a case study was carried out to examine pre-service English teachers’ beliefs on the use of CLIL in Brazil. The results of study show that pre-service English teachers understand the importance of the CLIL approach though they are aware of the various obstacles to its implementation in that context. The study suggests a review of language policies in Brazil so as to ensure a convergence between them and internationalization policies and approaches, at all levels of education. Regarding the ELT approach analyzed, the study concludes that despite the difficulties associated with the implementation of CLIL in Brazil, it represents a relevant alternative in that context.</p>

scholarly journals Pre-service teachers' attitudes towards scientific research methods course: (The sample of Gazi University, Gazi Faculty of Education)

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-262
Author(s):  
Pınar Bilasa ◽  
Mehmet Taşpınar
Keyword(s):  
Research Methods ◽  
English Language ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Attitude Scale ◽  
Methods Course ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Teachers Attitudes

The aim of this study is to determine the attitudes of the students of Gazi University Gazi Education Faculty towards Scientific Research Methods (SRM) course. The survey model was used in this descriptive study. In the study, 20-item 'Attitude Scale towards Scientific Research Methods Course' developed by Yaşar (2014) was used. The study population consisted of 308 pre-service teachers attending the German Language Education, Arabic Language Education, French Language Education, English Language Education, Philosophy Group Education, department of primary education and Preschool Teacher Education Departments at Gazi University, Gazi Faculty of Education in the spring term of 2017-2018 academic year. As a result of the research, it is difficult to say that the pre-service teachers have positive attitudes at the desired level towards the SRM course. It was determined that the pre-service teachers of the Philosophy Group had more positive attitudes towards the SRM course than the pre-service teachers of the other departments.

scholarly journals Dictogloss as a Technique to Raise EFL College Students’ Knowledge of Grammar, Writing and the Comprehension of Meaning

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 293
Author(s):  
Liqaa Habeb Al-Obaydi ◽  
Fatima Raheem Al-Mosawi
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Efl College Students ◽  
The Impact

Dictogloss is a classroom activity where all the four skills work together. The present study is an experimental one where a group of twelve students was taught by the researchers. The researchers train students to use dictogloss technique for twelve lectures. In each lecture, they used a new authentic text with a new focus on a specific role of grammar. The study aims at; finding out the impact of using dictogloss technique on Iraqi EFL college students&rsquo; knowledge of grammar, determining the impact of using dictogloss technique on Iraqi EFL college students&rsquo; improvement of writing, determining if there is any impact of using dictogloss technique on EFL college student&rsquo;s comprehension of meaning and determining students&rsquo; attitudes toward using dictogloss in English language teaching. Four measurement tools were used in this study; an achievement test, a reflection sheet used at the end of each lecture, a questionnaire, and in addition to the teacher&rsquo;s daily observation. Final results of the study clarify that there is a positive impact of dictogloss technique on the three variables in addition to the positive attitudes of students towards using dictogloss in English language teaching. So, the hypotheses of the study are rejected.

scholarly journals English Teachers’ Perspectives on Using Music in English Language Teaching in Thai Secondary Schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Xiaowei Xi
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
English Teaching ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Teachers Attitudes ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

The present study aimed to 1) investigate English teachers’ perspectives on using music in English teaching in Thai secondary schools; and 2) explore the problems teachers met while using music to teach English in Thai secondary schools. Participants in the present study were 55 English teachers from different secondary schools in central Bangkok, Thailand. The instrument for the current study was a questionnaire which included 24 Likert-scale items about teachers’ perspectives involving the attitudes, beliefs, intentions and problems of using music in English teaching, and one open-ended question asking about the problems teachers met while using music in their English teaching. Results from the quantitative data of the current study revealed the significantly positive attitudes and beliefs of the English teachers in Thai secondary schools on using music in English teaching, however, the results of open-ended question mismatched with the teachers’ attitudes and beliefs, which indicated that teachers actually did not use music in their English teaching frequently. The reasons and recommendations for future research have been discussed.

Challenges and Resources in Enhancing English Teachers’ Proficiency

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Lie ◽  
◽  
Siti Mina Tamah ◽  
Trianawaty ◽  
Fransiskus Jemadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Communication ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
Development Program ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Willingness To Communicate ◽  
Service Professional ◽  
Communicative Abilities ◽  
Depth Interviews

This study addresses the conflicting views of the role of English as a means of global communication. Responding to the growing need to foster communicative abilities in English, schools in Indonesia are driven to make their students proficient in English. However, the majority of English teachers themselves might not be adequately prepared to use English as a means of communication; improving their English proficiency and the willingness to communicate in English (Clement, 2003) has thus become a matter of concern amidst the prevailing resistance to English as the language of the imperialist. The present study focuses on teachers’ English proficiency, which has been recognized as an important qualification for successful English teaching. Thirty secondary school teachers of English who were participating in an in-service professional development program were asked to self-assess their English proficiencies based on the ACTFL guidelines as well as to identify their challenges and resources. The teachers assessed their  proficiencies in interpersonal communication, presentational speaking, presentational writing, interpretive listening, and interpretive reading. The study also conducted in-depth interviews of selected teachers. This study found that teachers strive to build their willingness to communicate in English despite challenges, and still grapple to improve their proficiency. They employ various resources to overcome the prevailing challenges.

The Role of Using iPad Technology in Enhancing Students' Motivation toward Learning the English Language

2021 ◽  
pp. 89-98
Author(s):  
Ayat Tarazi ◽  
Susan Arafat
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Total Degree ◽  
Educational Tool ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
English Classes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Student’S Performance ◽  
Teachers Attitudes ◽  
Learning English

This study aimed to find out the role of the iPad in enhancing students' motivation towards learning the English Language. The findings of the study showed that there were improvements in the level of student's performance during English classes. It also showed that there were positive attitudes towards using iPad in learning English from the parents' perspectives. The results also showed that the total degree of teachers’ attitudes towards the use of iPad in motivating students towards learning the English language is dramatically increasing. Based on these results, the researchers recommended the Ministry of Education, and teachers of English to adopt the iPad as an educational tool in their teaching.

scholarly journals EFL LEARNERS’ AND TEACHERS’ POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS LOCAL COMMUNITY BASED INSTRUCTION

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 504
Author(s):  
Budsaba Kanoksilapatham ◽  
Paweena Channuan
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Local Community ◽  
English Education ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Thai Students ◽  
Based Instruction

The new status of the English language as an international language (EIL) in the age of globalisation has contributed to a cultural change of focus in English language teaching (ELT). Instead of paying attention to cultural aspects of native English speakers as in traditional English instruction, cultural diversity now plays a key role in the teaching of culture in order to enhance leaners‟ intercultural awareness. To fill this need, this study aims to document EFL learners‟ and teachers‟ attitudes towards local community instruction in which young Thai students learned English whilst being encouraged to take pride in their local culture. In this study, a set of local community-integrated lessons for elementary English education were constructed and subsequently implemented in Grade 4 classes at schools in the northern region of Thailand. Questionnaires were then administered to the students, and semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the school English teachers to elicit their attitudes towards the integrated lessons. The results indicated that young Thai students, along with their English teachers, have highly positive attitudes towards the local community based instruction. This lead to significant implications related to integrating aspects of local cultural identity into ELT practices.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinary Teacher Collaboration in English for Specific Purposes Subjects in a Thai University

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Khacheenuj Chaovanapricha ◽  
Panna Chaturongakul
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Collaboration ◽  
Research Study ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
English Teacher ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Thai University

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the roles of English teachers and subject teachers engaged in the collaborative process of interdisciplinary teaching in English for Specific Purposes subjects at a Thai university and explore the benefits and drawbacks of implementing such collaborations. In addition, students&rsquo; attitudes towards interdisciplinary teacher collaboration (ITC) in ESP classrooms were explored. Participants were English teachers, subject teachers, and students studying on ESP subjects. This research study used a mixed methods approach from four sources of data. The findings revealed the extensive roles taken on by both teachers involved in the ITCs. Roles for the English teacher involved being a lesson planner, teacher, learning organizer, and class activities designer. The subject teacher&rsquo;s role was identified as a consultant or informant, supporter, monitor, and facilitator. The benefits were that an English teacher gained confidence, reduced worry in teaching ESP subjects, and received instant feedback from the subject teacher. The drawbacks were that it was challenging to balance the different schedules of both teachers and that lesson planning was time consuming. Students showed positive attitudes towards this method of teaching. They liked to study because of the enjoyable and knowledgeable activities and the teacher&rsquo;s confidence.

scholarly journals Immersing Islamic Value in English Language Teaching: A Challenge for English Teachers

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Wahyu Indah Mala Rohmana
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
Islamic Values

Recently the issue of integrating religion view into all life aspects has emerged rapidly. It has something to do with building especially children’s character since they were a child. Moreover, cases of students who lack of norms and attitudes are growing immensely. Hence, the integration of religion in this case Islamic value into all subjects at school is urgently needed. In English Language Teaching (ELT), immersing Islamic value has been constrains by English Teachers because of the limitation of knowledge. Therefore, this paper presents and discusses the values and ethics in Islam its forms and sources. It shades more lights on the infusion of Islamic values and ethics in ELT, the role of teachers, challenges faced in embedding Islamic values into English materials. This paper uses qualitative descriptive research. Library research was used by taking into account some journals and sources related with instilling Islamic values in English teaching. The data then is explained by using descriptive analysis. Finally, this study concludes with some recommendations for tracking the challenges such as inserting exercise with Islamic values in the English topics, using Islamic names for person, event or places, connecting the relevant verse of Holy Book or using it as the material to be translated and using English books containing Islamic messages.

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