scholarly journals Challenges of Grading in an ESP Course

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Iryna Didenko ◽  
Nataliia Zhukova
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Initial Level ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
Grading System ◽  
Main Difficulty ◽  
Language Competency ◽  
Final Grades ◽  
The University

This paper deals with the drawbacks of the existent grading system in the English for Specific Purposes course and the suggested solution to this problem. The main difficulty concerns the fact that in Ukraine the CEFR level is not mentioned in the transcript of the university diploma containing the list of the courses and their grades. This is the reason of impossibility to split students into groups according to their initial level of English language competency and give them an opportunity to develop at an appropriate pace and rate. Thus, we can not completely meet the needs of our students, although satisfying the learners’ needs is the key point in an ESP course. This discrepancy pushed us, ESP practitioners, to reconsider our approach to the grading system in an ESP course. We have suggested a system of level ratio that may be applied while calculating the final grades of the students. The introduction of this system may eliminate the outlined problem and enchance motivation of university students in an ESP classroom. In this paper we have described the mechanism of level ratio application, depicted the advantages of the suggested theory and outlined possible problems that can appear.

scholarly journals APPLICATION OF THE LEARNING COMMUNITIES APPROACH TO TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

2019 ◽  
pp. 283
Author(s):  
Nataliia Sukhachova ◽  
Valentina Voskoboinyk
Keyword(s):  
Learning Communities ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cooperative Education ◽  
Real Life ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Language Competency ◽  
Professional Field ◽  
The University ◽  
English Students

The paper focuses on the peculiarities of application of the Learning Communities to teaching English for Specific Purposes at the university. Combining two disciplines (a practical English language course and a business-oriented one) over a semester, around interdisciplinary themes requires intentional restructuring of students’ time, credit, and learning experiences to build community, changing of the curriculum and fostering more explicit connections among students, between students and their teachers, teachers and administration, and among disciplines. The experience of using the Learning Communities approach has demonstrated the positive results for all involved. Studying real-life professional situations through case studies and problem-based tasks through collaboration in English, students benefit from both developing their English language competency and mastering the material on the disciplines related to their future professional field. Teachers experience a more coherent and enriched teaching environment. The university gets the opportunity to develop models for students’ internships and cooperative education that are designed for the needs of local businesses and provide outreach to the community.

The University Student’s Motivation Level on Learning English

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Esmira Mehdiyev ◽  
Celal Teyyar Uğurlu ◽  
Gonca Usta
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
T Test ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Motivation Level ◽  
Motivation Scale ◽  
The University

This study aims to determine the university students’ level of motivation in terms of different variables. A study group of this research has been designed through one of the non-random sampling methods, Using appropriate sampling, 606 students from Faculty of Education of C.U. have been involved in this study. Motivation scale in English Language Learning developed by Mehdiyev,Usta,Uğurlu (2015) was used as an instrument of data collection. T-test and one - way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to resolve problems of this research. As a result of the research the motivation level of university students hasn’t been revealed significantly different regarding to the gender variable. However, considering the t-test results of motivation scale dimensions, confidence, attitude and personal use, significant difference is seen in favour of women in personal use dimension. The level of language learning motivation of female students is higher than men’s regarding to personal use dimension. However, men’s and women’s views don’t differ significantly in attitude and confidence dimensions. University students don’t present significant differences in terms of birth place, parent’s education level, total motivation scores and confident, attitude and personal dimensions. Students’ motivation levels are seen not to be influenced by the places such as village, provision or city where they have spent the most of their lifetime. At the same time the findings revealed that parental status variable in terms of primary, secondary and university graduates has no effects on students’ motivation.

scholarly journals Jordanian University Students’ Attitudes toward Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdowns: Obstacles and Solutions

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-159
Author(s):  
Safi Mahmoud Mahfouz ◽  
Wael Juma Salam
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Language And Literature ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The University

This study aimed to investigate Jordanian university students’ attitudes toward online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, shed light on the obstacles students encounter in online learning, and suggest possible solutions. A questionnaire designed by the researchers was used to elicit responses from a study sample consisting of 195 students from the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Jordan – Aqaba. As this is an attitudinal study, the survey questionnaire was designed to elicit student responses on the following domains: gender, seniority level, socioeconomic status, training and orientation for using eLearning platforms, and their attitudes, whether positive or negative, toward online learning. Results of this quantitative research showed that student attitudes toward online learning are generally negative. The majority of the respondents reported that they prefer face-to-face classroom instruction over online learning because it gives them direct contact with the instructors. Furthermore, results revealed statistically significant differences amongst students attributed to their gender, whereas no differences were found with regards to their seniority of study, socioeconomic status, and the eLearning platform they prefer to use. The study concludes by proposing some pedagogical recommendations.

English Language Speaking Anxiety among Students from Two Public Universities in Sarawak

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Sandra Sim Phek Lin ◽  
Jiin Yih Yeo ◽  
Kimberley Yih Long Lau
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Demographic Factors ◽  
Anxiety Level ◽  
Speaking Anxiety ◽  
The University ◽  
Academic Qualifications

This quantitative research studied the anxiety level of university students towards speaking English as a second language (ESL)to examine whether there is any correlation between the university students’ ESL speaking anxiety and the demographic factors such as the SPM English results, mother tongue, and parents’ academic qualifications. A sample of 592 students was randomly selected from two public universities in Sarawak, Malaysia. Items in the PSCAS questionnaire by Yaikhong and Usaha (2012) were adapted to measure the students’ anxiety level in speaking English. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to identify the students’ anxiety level in speaking English. Inferential statistics (Pearsoncorrelation) was used to examine the relationship between the university students’ ESL speaking anxiety and demographic factors. The findings indicate that these students experienced a moderate level of speaking anxiety. There was a positive correlation between the university students’ ESL speaking anxiety and SPM English Language results. Nevertheless, there was a low negative correlation between the students’ ESL speaking anxiety and mother tongue as well as parents’ academic qualifications. Findings from this study provide a basis for educators to plan effective teaching strategies to reduce English speaking anxiety among university students.

Using Vocabulary as An Instructional Scaffolding Technique to Boost English Language Skills

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-93
Author(s):  
Evariste Manirakiza ◽  
Innocent Hakizimana
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
Instructional Scaffolding ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
The University ◽  
Scaffolding Technique

In the current trends of communication and globalization, the knowledge of vocabulary is of paramount importance. With a vocabulary package, people can read any texts and understand them. Additionally, it is easy to communicate when people have enough vocabulary. The present study is a class enquiry. It involved 30 students doing English for Specific Purposes at the University of Rwanda, College of Business and Economics, Business Administration option. Facing the challenge of getting students to effectively communicate in English and understand reading materials, the purpose of the study was to investigate into the role of vocabulary to the understanding of reading texts, speaking and writing activities. Data collection tools were individual evaluations, debates, a questionnaire and class observations. Findings revealed that vocabulary activities prior to reading provide students with many benefits. As students reported, vocabulary increased their understanding of the text and helps them exchange ideas and increase language skills while discussing vocabulary related exercises. Findings also indicated that the vocabulary activities helped students write in an effective way, applying new terms and writing freely. Therefore, it is recommended that vocabulary should be worked on thoroughly in order to foster reading comprehension, speaking and writing.

scholarly journals Risk and Solution of English Language E-Textbook for Non-English Study Program Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 93
Author(s):  
Asti Gumartifa ◽  
Sri Yuliani ◽  
Sherly Marliasari
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
English Department ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Technology Learning ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The University

Abstract: E-textbooks are also referred to as electronic books, printed downloads, or internet sources. A textbook is an ideal example of technology in active learning for university students. E-textbooks are becoming more great choice than paper textbooks. In several academic institutes at a campus like the University of Muhammadiyah Palembang, where every lecturer is allowed to have a personal laptop. Thus, it's critical to look into how e-textbooks are adopted and how they might alter students' learning processes. The purpose of this study is to see what the risks of learning are and how to optimize the solution for learning and using English e-textbook for non-English study program students. This research’s novelty provides solutions and even optimizations related to the existing advantages and disadvantages specifically faced by non-English department students in learning English through e-textbooks. The solutions and optimizations are discussed descriptively into the modern approach and innovative technology. Furthermore, this research is beneficial for students to learn English for specific purposes. Keywords: E-textbook, risk, helpful, technology, learning

scholarly journals Developing Business English Students’ Metaphorical Competence in Foreign Language Learning Higher Education Contexts

2017 ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
María Enriqueta Cortés de los Ríos ◽  
María del Mar Sánchez Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
Business English ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
The University ◽  
English Students

This article is aimed at showing the ways in which Business English teachers may be able to facilitate the use of metaphor for their students since it is a part of the lexicon which causes them the most difficulties. The inclusion of the study of metaphors in a specific English language programme can provide students with a useful tool to interpret vocabulary, improve reading skills and understand different cultural backgrounds. Our aim is to put forward a didactic proposal to be used in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programmes at a Master’s course currently taught at the University of Almería, Spain, in order to develop students’ metaphorical competence within the foreign language learning process.

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