THE ROLE OF MOBILE PHONES AS EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING BY LIBYAN EFL LEARNERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-163
Author(s):  
Safia Mujtaba Alsied
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Integral Element ◽  
Good Learning

The current technological era has witnessed a great advancement in the world of mobile technology. Mobiles gadgets have now turned out to be an integral element of the daily life. Given the fact that mobile devices can be used to serve a number of functions, EFL learners can utilize them regularly to enhance their process of learning and attain good learning outcome. This article intends to explore the effectiveness of using mobile phones in language learning by Libyan EFL learners. To further investigate this issue, questionnaires were administered to 151 Libyan EFL undergraduate students from the English department of Sebha University and focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with 18 students. The results revealed that using mobile phones in learning was effective to a great extent. Besides, the majority of Libyan EFL learners utilized their mobile phones mostly to check meaning of words, to listen to English songs and to develop reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. The findings also demonstrated that Libyan EFL learners exhibited positive perceptions towards using mobile phones in learning English.

scholarly journals Mobile Phone Influence on Sexual Behaviour of Undergraduate Students: A Case Study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-41
Author(s):  
Ondicho Machuki ◽  
Joan Mutua
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Safe Sex ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Purpose: The study sought to examine the influence of mobile phone use on sexual behaviour of university students: a case study of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. The study specifically, sought to examine the effect of characteristics of mobile phones users, uses and gratification of mobile phones and the frequency of using mobile phones on sexual behaviour of university students in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya. Methodology: The research design that was adopted was descriptive in nature. The study also used both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from the respondents using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) guides. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using Focus Group Discussions. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique to select the sample size from the three strata, which are the various Faculties in JKUAT. The study then used Fisher’s formula to arrive at an adequate scientific sample size of 384 students who were targeted using convenient sampling, that is those that are ready to respond to the questionnaires and the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The quantitative data in this research was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS v22.0. Results: It was concluded that male students are more likely to use protection consistently compared to female students. In addition, the findings imply that consistency in condom use is a factor that is dependent on the age of the individual. In addition, relationship status is a contributor to the behaviour of the students sexually. For those that are in serious relationships, their use of protection declines due to the build-up of emotional and intimate trust towards each other. The findings likewise indicate that the student’s usage of mobile phones correlates significantly with the consistent use of protection for safe sex. Those students who have had their phones since they joined Campus are more likely to practice safe sex. In addition, heavy users of mobile phones are likely to practice safe sex including those who browse the internet for news updates. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends the media practitioners need to step up the production of morally acceptable media content and offer a platform for advertising and campaigning for sexual conduct by encouraging and stressing the use of protection. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education should actively involve the undergraduate students in reproductive information awareness campaigns for ensuring positive attitudes towards responsible sexual behaviour and promoting best sexual practices.         

scholarly journals Patterns of EFL Learners’ and Instructor’s Interactions in Asynchronous Group Discussions on Free Writing

10.28945/4143 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 505-526
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdullah Alharbi
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Peer Interaction ◽  
Peer Interactions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Online Interactions ◽  
Free Writing ◽  
Task Oriented

Aim/Purpose: The aim of the present study was to examine peer interactions and the instructor’s facilitation of online asynchronous group discussions on free writing among 20 learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) joining one Saudi university over one academic semester. The study also attempted to explore the views of the learners on the online interactions. Background: Peer interaction has been one of the interesting topics for research on the applications of computer mediated communication (CMC) tools among learners in different domains, including language learning and writing. However, most of the EFL classroom practices lack such peer interactions and are dominated by teacher-centered approaches. Moreover, although CMC tools serve as interactive platforms for online peer interaction, such interaction needs to be cultivated and maintained by instructors. Methodology: The study was conducted among 20 learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) in one Saudi university over one academic semester. The instructor of the writing course facilitated the asynchronous group discussions of free writing. The data was collected from (l) learners’ peer interactions, (2) instructor’s comments in the discussions and (3) learners’ follow-up individual interviews. A qualitative content analysis of online interactions and a thematic analysis of the students’ responses to the interview questions were performed. Contribution: The use of technology reported in this study maximizes the opportunities for teacher-learner and learner-learner interactions, which are restricted or almost lacking in the EFL writing classroom. The findings of the present study also contribute to previous research on learners’ peer interactions and instructors’ facilitation of asynchronous group discussions. More specifically, the study informs us of the role of peer interactions through asynchronous tools in language learning, including writing. It also highlights the role of instructors in facilitating asynchronous group discussions. Findings: The findings showed that the EFL learners posted 1702 comments distributed among eleven patterns in terms of its language functions: evaluation, problem identification, alterations, clarification, suggestion, justification, agreements and disagreements, comprehension check, procedural, error acknowledgement and others. Analysis of the foci of peer interactions illustrated that the learners engaged in task-oriented interactions: content, organization, purpose, grammar, vocabulary and spelling and punctuations and non-task-oriented interactions: task management and socialization. Based on the analysis of the instructor’s comments, the instructor played an important role in facilitating the group discussions as indicated through his various comments (n=852) on the learners’ discussions. Although the learners expressed their positive views on the role of peer interactions and learner-instructor interactions in enhancing language learning, including writing, grammar and even reading, some of them were challenged by the flow of online interactions, weak net connection and sensitivity to peer feedback. Recommendations for Practitioners: The findings of the study provide valuable recommendations to both learners and instructors who are interested in using asynchronous tools for language learning and, in particular, writing through interactions. The application of such tools is promising, and its value is maximized with instructor’s facilitation of peer interactions. Recommendation for Researchers: The study provides valuable insights into how peer interactions and instructor’s comments are both important when investigating asynchronous group discussions in EFL learning. Therefore, researchers should search this interesting research topic further to enrich our knowledge of it. Impact on Society: Since the study focuses on one country of the EFL context, it is expected to have an impact on the society, particularly university learners and instructors by raising their awareness of the role of technological applications in learning and teaching. Future Research: Future researchers should focus on how peer interactions are distributed among individual learners and how the instructor’s facilitation affects peer interactions in asynchronous group discussions over time.

scholarly journals Evaluating Factors Affecting EFL Learners’ Writing at Undergraduate Level: A Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 43-48
Author(s):  
Md. Arif Khan Pathan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Language Competence ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Efl Learners

Writing is an important language skill that benefits a language learner in many ways, from developing vocabulary knowledge to enhancing overall language competence. Unfortunately, EFL learners encounter many difficulties during writing that prevents them from developing their writing skills and eventually negatively affect their overall language learning process. The goal of the present study was to assess the factors that affect EFL learners’ writing at the undergraduate level. Using a Likert-scale survey sheet, the study surveyed of 255 undergraduate students at Bangladesh Agricultural University and found that many factors are responsible for EFL learners’ poor writing at the undergraduate level. Some factors very intensely affect the learners’ writing while some affect moderately, and some have comparatively less effect. By evaluating the factors that affect the learners’ writing, the study basically attempted to make the learners aware of those factors they face in writing, so that they can overcome them, improve their writing skills, and become proficient writers.

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

Machine Translation for EFL

Relay Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 228-235
Author(s):  
Paul J. Moore ◽  
Phil Murphy ◽  
Luann Pascucci ◽  
Scott Sustenance
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Machine Translation ◽  
English Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Technical Developments ◽  
English Language Institute ◽  
Changing Role

This paper reports on an ongoing study into the affordances of free online machine translation for students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) at the tertiary level in Japan. The researchers are currently collecting data from a questionnaire, task performance, and interviews with 10-15 EFL learners in an English Language Institute in a university in Japan. The paper provides some background on the changing role of translation in language learning theory and pedagogy, before focusing literature related to technical developments in machine translation technology, and its application to foreign language learning. An overview of the research methodology is provided, along with some insights into potential findings. Findings will be presented in subsequent publications.

scholarly journals Peran Nilai Pribadi, Nilai Budaya dan Nilai Religius terhadap Sikap Remaja Perempuan tentang Seks Pranikah (Suatu Kajian pada Remaja Perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka, NTT)

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Susana Sabarni ◽  
Lidia Laksana Hidajat
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Values ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Personal Values ◽  
Premarital Sex ◽  
Religious Values ◽  
Sex Behavior ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Latar Belakang : Pesatnya perkembangan teknologi informasi, memudahkan remaja mengakses semua hal yang berhubungan dengan informasi seputar seks. Dengan kemudahan yang dimiliki untuk mengakses teknologi informasi ini, remaja seringkali terekspos oleh konten-konten pornografi. Secara langsung maupun tidak langsung akan memengaruhi sikap remaja terhadap perilaku seks pranikah.Tujuan : Mengetahui peran nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius dikaitkan dengan sikap remaja perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka terhadap perilaku seks pranikah serta mengetahui sikap remaja perempuan terhadap perilaku seks pranikah.Metode : Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan mixed method, pengukuran sikap melalui pengisian kuesioner dan diskusi kelompok terarah (FGD) untuk mengetahui gambaran sikap remaja perempuan terhadap perilaku seks pranikah yang dikaitkan dengan nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius. Kegiatan penelitian dilakukan pada empat SMA di Maumere dan Larantuka. Jumlah partisipan 120 orang, diperoleh dengan teknik accidental sampling. Sebagai informasi tambahan dilakukan wawancara dengan tokoh budaya di Maumere dan tokoh agama di Larantuka. Hasil dan pembahasan : Berdasarkan pengolahan data terhadap pengukuran skala sikap diperoleh gambaran bahwa pada dasarnya remaja perempuan di Maumere dan Larantuka tidak menyetujui hubungan seks pranikah, meskipun telah terjadi pergeseran nilai. Sikap ini berdasarkan pada nilai-nilai pribadi yang diyakini remaja yaitu pertimbangan etika dan moral, dampak kehamilan, aborsi atau penyakit menular seksual. Dalam konteks budaya, pertimbangan remaja adalah sanksi sosial yang akan diperoleh dari kehamilan di luar nikah. Sedang dalam konteks religius, remaja mempertimbangkan tentang dosa. Berdasarkan diskusi kelompok terarah (FGD) disimpulkan bahwa nilai religius dirasakan sangat penting oleh partisipan karena dapat menumbuhkan iman dan memberi dorongan,arah dalam bertingkah laku. Nilai-nilai religius juga berperan dalam memberi motivasi dan membimbing seseorang untuk melakukan perbuatan yang baik. Dalam konteks budaya, para partisipan berpendapat bahwa budaya sangat penting karena dalam budaya diajarkan tentang perilaku yang pantas dan tidak pantas dilakukan. Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan pendampingan orangtua dalam mendidik dan menanamkan nilai-nilai moral dan etika.Kesimpulan : Pernyataan sikap tidak setuju terhadap perilaku seks pranikah merupakan internalisasi nilai-nilai budaya dan religius yang akhirnya membentuk sikap remaja di Maumere dan Larantuka Kata kunci : Peran nilai pribadi, nilai budaya dan nilai religius, sikap remaja perempuan, perilaku seks pranikah, Maumere dan Larantuka, Nusa Tenggara Timur Susana Sabarni, Lidia Laksana HidajatABSTRACT Background: The rapid development of information technology, making it easier for teenagers to access all things related to information about sex. With the ease they have to access this information technology, teenagers are often exposed to pornographic content. Directly or indirectly will influence teen attitudes towards premarital sex behavior.Objective: To acknowlegde the role of personal values, cultural values and religious values associated with the attitudes of adolescent girls in Maumere and Larantuka towards premarital sex behavior and also to acknowlegde  the attitudes of teenage girls to premarital sex behavior.Methods: The study used a mixed method approach, attitude measurement through filling out questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD) to describe the attitudes of adolescent girls towards premarital sex behavior which is associated with personal values, cultural values and religious values. Research activities were carried out on four high schools in Maumere and Larantuka. The number of participants 120 people, obtained by accidental sampling technique. For additional information, interviews with cultural leaders in Maumere and religious leaders in Larantuka were conducted.Results and discussion: Based on data processing on attitude scale measurement obtained an illustration that basically girls in Maumere and Larantuka do not approve premarital sex, even though there has been a shift in values. This attitude is based on personal values believed by adolescents, namely ethical and moral considerations, the impact of pregnancy, abortion or sexually transmitted diseases. In the context of culture, adolescent considerations are social sanctions that will be obtained from pregnancy outside of marriage. While in a religious context, teenagers consider sin. Based on focus group discussions (FGD) it was concluded that religious values were felt to be very important by participants because they could foster faith and give encouragement, direction in behaving. Religious values also play a role in motivating and guiding someone to do good deeds. In the cultural context, the participants thought that culture was very important because in the culture it was taught about appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Therefore, parents are needed to assist in educating and instilling moral and ethical values.Conclusion: A statement of disagreement with premarital sex behavior is an internalization of cultural and religious values that ultimately shape their attitudes Keywords: The role of personal values, cultural values and religious values, attitudes of adolescent girls, premarital sexual behavior, Maumere and Larantuka, Nusa Tenggara Timur

scholarly journals CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING SPEAKING: VOICES OF INDONESIAN EFL LEARNERS

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Arif Nugroho ◽  
Novrika Nartiningrum
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
The Ideal

<p>Among the four English skills, oral communication becomes crucial for undergraduate students to be more competitive in the work-places. In a foreign language teaching, designing appropriate classroom activities is a prerequisite for the success of a language learning. Therefore, this study sheds some light on 92 EFL learners’ perceptions and insights of classroom activities for teaching speaking. Drawing on the data obtained from questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD), the findings illustrated that the students held moderately positive perceptions toward the speaking activities in their classroom. In addition, the results of FGD revealed some insights from the students with regard to the ideal classroom activities for teaching speaking. The findings of this study provide insights for EFL teachers in designing appropriate classroom activities to achieve the success of teaching speaking.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>teaching speaking, classroom activities, students’ perception</p>

High-yielding seeds in unyielding environments: Examining the learning process of maize and bean producers in eastern and midwestern Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 418-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claris Riungu ◽  
Harro Maat ◽  
Marrit Van Den Berg
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Environmental Learning ◽  
The Social ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Selection Of

This paper examines the learning process by which farmers come to a decision to use newly introduced seeds which were promoted through demonstration plots in midwestern and eastern regions of Uganda. Framed as social and material interactions, we investigated the learning process of the demonstration plots using data from focus group discussions, interviews and a survey amongst 983 individuals. The results reveal several constraints that impede learning, resulting in an overall low awareness and adoption of the introduced seeds. Some of the most prominent constraints resulted from the selection of location and demonstration plot host, the distance of agro-dealers, at district headquarters, limited interactions amongst farmers and irregular involvement of farmers in the demonstrations. Moreover, the prominent role of agro-dealers at field days suggests that informing farmers about where to buy seeds was considered more important than explaining farmers how to grow these seeds profitably. This commercial focus of field days and demonstrations plots had negative consequences for the social learning. This paper contributes to the learning and adoption literature by showing that interactions amongst actors can improve or reduce the balance between didactic, social and environmental learning.

Identity and Externalities toward Sustainability

2012 ◽  
pp. 100-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Francesca Spadaro ◽  
Gianvito D’Aprile ◽  
Maria Beatrice Ligorio ◽  
Neil Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Negotiation Of Identity ◽  
Framework Technology ◽  
Definition Of

Two focus group discussions involving 14 entrepreneurs and 106 questionnaires administered to employees were analyzed to explore various parameters of externalities, such as: (1) how externality is conceived; (2) the interplay between a sense of community and a re-definition and negotiation of identity; (3) the role of technology; the sense of belonging, and (4) the propensity to collaborate. Data are analyzed through both thematic discourse analysis and quantitative frequencies analysis. Results show that entrepreneurs hold a multidimensional definition of externality, meditated by their professional and private experience. Ultimately, the reflection on externalities sustains a sense of innovation connected to multi-membership and to re-negotiation of the sense of identity. Within this framework, technology is conceived as a tool supporting the appropriation and sharing of externalities.

scholarly journals Landlords’ and Compound Managers’ Role in Improving and Sustaining Shared Latrines in Three Dhaka City Slums

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2073
Author(s):  
Farzana Yeasmin ◽  
Mahbubur Rahman ◽  
Stephen P Luby ◽  
Jyoti Bhushan Das ◽  
Farzana Begum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Role ◽  
Organizational Changes ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Depth Interviews

(1) Background: Residents of Dhaka slums frequently lack clean and functional shared latrines. We explored the role of landlords and compound managers in promoting latrine cleanliness in the intervention arm of a randomized trial; (2) Methods: We conducted focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews with community health promoters, landlords, and compound managers to better understand the decision-making process, barriers to contributing to sanitation, and cleanliness of shared latrines. (3) Results: Landlords’ and compound managers’ engagement in promoting clean and functional latrines depended, in part, on their own proximity to the properties they own and manage. The compound managers played a leadership role through engagement with health promoters, oversight of implementation of a cleaning schedule, and support for installation and maintenance of sanitation hardware, resulting in improved sanitation practices; (4) Conclusions: Interventions in slums in Bangladesh should consider engaging landlords and compound managers in efforts to bring about structural and organizational changes to support the adoption of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.

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