scholarly journals Challenges for Language Teachers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junko Winch
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Language Program ◽  
Language Classrooms

<p>There are students who are motivated to learn while others who are not in any language classrooms. Students in this study include not only motivated and unmotivated but also a Reasonable Adjustment (RA) student who have various issues. The aim of this study is to examine if the undergraduate students who learn language at a British university were motivated by three factors which are considered as the fundamental to motivation in psychology studies. The participants were 19 students who learn Japanese language in the Institution Wide Language Program (IWLP) a university of South of England. The participants studied in the experimental classes for one semester during the spring term of 2019. Then, students were asked to fill in a questionnaire at the end of the term, which became the data for this study. The questionnaires were analysed based on the three factors using qualitative analysis. The results showed that the majority of students agreed that they experienced three factors, which indicated facilitating students’ motivation. It was concluded that it is possible to manipulate the learning environment and make the majority of students motivated and facilitate language learning, but the RA student experienced only two of the three factors and was unable to feel motivated. </p>

scholarly journals Challenges for Language Teachers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junko Winch
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Language Program ◽  
Language Classrooms

<p>There are students who are motivated to learn while others who are not in any language classrooms. Students in this study include not only motivated and unmotivated but also a Reasonable Adjustment (RA) student who have various issues. The aim of this study is to examine if the undergraduate students who learn language at a British university were motivated by three factors which are considered as the fundamental to motivation in psychology studies. The participants were 19 students who learn Japanese language in the Institution Wide Language Program (IWLP) a university of South of England. The participants studied in the experimental classes for one semester during the spring term of 2019. Then, students were asked to fill in a questionnaire at the end of the term, which became the data for this study. The questionnaires were analysed based on the three factors using qualitative analysis. The results showed that the majority of students agreed that they experienced three factors, which indicated facilitating students’ motivation. It was concluded that it is possible to manipulate the learning environment and make the majority of students motivated and facilitate language learning, but the RA student experienced only two of the three factors and was unable to feel motivated. </p>

scholarly journals Is Enjoyment Still Important in University Second Language Education?

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junko Winch
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
General Assumption ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Second Language Education ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
Academic Year

This study investigates if undergraduate students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) who have studied Japanese in the Institution-Wide Language Provision (IWLP) context experienced enjoyment in Japanese language learning. This research was held at a British STEM university in London. Questionnaires were used to generate the quantitative and qualitative data. The participants were STEM undergraduate students who were studying Japanese in the 2015/16 academic year. The results showed that the majority of students experienced enjoyment and flow in Japanese language learning. These results show that the general assumption that all learning is grim and unpleasant is not necessarily true and that the assumption may be changed. Furthermore, language learning may be considered as the same as a leisure activity such as games, shopping or hobbies. As an implication for professional practices, language teachers are encouraged to be familiar with the concept of enjoyment and flow so that they are able to manipulate to invoke students’ enjoyment and flow.

scholarly journals Case Study of the Commercially Published ELT materials in Foundation of English Course Books 1 & 2

IIUC Studies ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 173-182
Author(s):  
Md Yousuf Uddin Khaled Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Global Markets ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
The Right

Brumfit (1979) has suggested that many commercially published ELT materials are little more than ‘masses of rubbish, skilfully marketed’. He perhaps rejects most of the published materials. However, in reality, it is observed that these ELT resources are the only available alternatives in the contexts where infra-structural limitations of language classrooms and the inefficiency of the language-teachers make the goal of language learning and teaching unreachable or unattainable for many of the learners. This paper, through a case study, aims at justifying the use of commercially published ELT coursebooks that are designed and used, considering the limitations and problems of the personally produced materials by untrained teachers. Nevertheless, these materials must consider the local market rather than the global markets so that they meet the needs of the local language learners and instructors. The case study implies that it is the selection or adaptation of the right materials for the specific learners that makes them effective or ineffective. It also suggests that the personally designed or locally produced materials too may make teaching and learning difficult and impossible sometimes.IIUC Studies Vol.10 & 11 December 2014: 173-182

Open Up the Classroom

2018 ◽  
pp. 22-46
Author(s):  
Hélène M. Andrawiss-Dlamini ◽  
Donata Puntil
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Visual Media ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
Video Clips ◽  
Teachers Experiences ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Language Instructors

Language instructors strive to provide students with a language learning environment that is authentic and contextualised. This chapter encourages teachers to step out of the textbook and integrate audio visual media in language courses. It highlights the pedagogical benefits of these resources and addresses the possible challenges language instructors may face. Bringing examples from two languages (French and Italian), the chapter aims at providing guidance to all language teachers in using film excerpts and video clips in their teaching. With a focus on lower levels (A.2 to B1), it showcases how these tools can be implemented, detailing the criteria to take into consideration in planning the lessons. Three detailed examples are provided with the objective of enabling effective learning. The last section of the chapter reflects on the use of audio visual media in language teaching and offers insights from the learners as well as the teachers' experiences.

scholarly journals WhatsApp Mobile Tool in Second Language Learning: Opportunities, Potentials and Challenges in Higher Education Settings in Tanzania

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Job W. Mwakapina ◽  
Abdulkarim S. Mhandeni ◽  
Onesmo S. Nyinondi
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Interactive Learning Environment ◽  
English Grammar ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
The Government

<p>Teaching large classes interactively has always been posing great challenges to language teachers in many of the developing countries. This study sought to explore whether the blending of WhatsApp Social Networking Tool (WSNT) in English Second Language (L2) learning class would make the class more interactive. Specifically, the study investigated roles and extent to which WSNT helps in the improvement of English Proficiency. Further, it explored advantages and challenges of using the tool in L2 learning. The study was conducted at one university involving first year undergraduate students who were pursuing different programs, and English grammar course was a compulsory course to them. WSNT was blended in grammar course for a period of one semester. Thereafter, evaluation forms and WhatsApp discussion board were used in data collection. It was realised that the tool plays a great role to the largest extent in helping students learn English interactively and collaboratively. In respect to advantages and challenges, it was reflected that the benefits of blending WSNT in L2 classroom far outweigh the challenges. This implies that WSNT does much good than harm on student’s L2 learning and development. The study concludes that WSNT can be fully utilised for education purposes. The government is therefore urged to provide loans to university students for online mobile learning tools as part of their special faculty requirements. Also, instructors are recommended to adapt the tool synchronously in their courses because the tool is effective at creating interactive learning environment.</p>

My Personal Mobile Language Learning Environment

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 49-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria A. Perifanou
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Personal Learning ◽  
Personal Approach ◽  
Learning Scenarios ◽  
New Applications ◽  
Support Students

Mobile devices can motivate learners through moving language learning from predominantly classroom–based contexts into contexts that are free from time and space. The increasing development of new applications can offer valuable support to the language learning process and can provide a basis for a new self regulated and personal approach to learning. A key challenge for language teachers is to actively explore the potential of mobile technologies in their own learning so that they can support students in using them. The aim of this paper is first to describe the basic theoretical framework of Mobile Learning and Personal Learning Environments. Secondly, it intends to assist language teachers and learners in building their own Mobile Personal Learning Environment providing a useful classification of iPhone applications with a description and examples. The paper concludes with the proposal of ideas for practical, personal language learning scenarios, piloted in an Italian language learning context.

Alternatieve Wegen Voor Gevorderde Taalleerders

1986 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 101-109
Author(s):  
Wil Knibbeler
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Educational Theories ◽  
Advanced Students ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Foreign Language Classrooms ◽  
Community Language

Alternative or humanistic approaches to foreign language teach-ing such as the Silent Way, Suggestopedia, Community Language Learning and Confluent Education, have been generated by scholars who are not linguists. An analysis of the ideas underlying the respective approaches leads to the conclusion that they are suitable for advanced students as well as for beginners. Although humanistic approaches are not based on empirical research, they have their roots in sound educational theories. If language teachers want to introduce these approaches into their teaching, they do not have to opt for any of them, but they can select elements from them. An example fo such an integrative approach is The Explorative-Creative Way. Research on processes which occur in second or foreign language classrooms, should be done in accordance with qualitative procedures as wellas with quantitative ones.

The FI Program in 1963

PMLA ◽  
1964 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 24-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald D. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Foreign Language Teachers ◽  
Language Program ◽  
Activity Increase ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Long Range Planning ◽  
Telephone Calls

Describing a year's activity in a half-hour report is an annual challenge that grows more difficult as the pace and scope of the activity increase. The Foreign Language Program is in some ways the victim of its success. One of our early goals was to become an information center and we have succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Requests for materials, information, opinions, and assistance threaten to overwhelm us daily. Three members of the staff do nothing but answer these requests. The ones that are unanswerable are put in my in-basket. Telephone calls and visitors multiply. All this activity we are tempted to think of as interruptions to our real job, long-range planning, deep thinking, foreign languages in the next century. But in a very real sense the magnitude of the interruptions to our job is the sign that we are succeeding, that more and more foreign-language teachers and students and more and more people in general want to know the answers to questions and the solutions to problems of which they were hardly conscious a few years ago. There has been a revolution in language learning in this country and among recent visitors to our office have been language teachers and administrators from all over the world (France, England, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Africa, Australia), who have come to find out what we are doing.

scholarly journals Doing role-play successfully in Japanese language classrooms

2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Eric Bray
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Language Practice ◽  
Mass Market ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
English Textbooks ◽  
Set Up

Roleplay is a traditional EFL technique included in many books on EFL methodology as well as mass-market English textbooks. However, roleplay can be a challenge in Japanese EFL classrooms, and teachers are often wary of the uncomfortable silence that can result when trying this relatively open-ended activity with students accustomed to teacher-fronted classes and tightly controlled language-practice activities focused on form. In fact, roleplay can be a great tool for language learning and considerable fun for students and the teacher alike if set up and monitored carefully with attention to a few key points. When done successfully, roleplays can also transform the atmosphere of the classroom as students manage the risk and unpredictability of freer language use. ロールプレイは市販の教科書で使われているだけでなくＥＦＬ方法論テキストにも明記されている従来からあるテクニックである。しかしながら、教師主導型の授業や厳しく制限された言語形態重視の練習に慣れている学生相手に、この比較的無制限の言語活動を行うと不快な沈黙を伴うことが多く、日本の授業で行うには課題の多いテクニックである。だが実際、いくつかのカギとなる点を考慮に入れて注意深く組み立て調整すれば、学生にとっても教師にとっても言語学習の効果的、かつ楽しみを与えてくれる手段でもある。ロールプレイがうまく作動すると、学生は自由な言語活動が持つ危険性と予測不能性にうまく対処し、クラスの雰囲気は大きく変わるのである。

Standing in Dorothy’s Shoes: What Can Language Teachers Learn from Dorothy Heathcote? Part Two: Process Drama and Language Teachers

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 4-20
Author(s):  
Ben Cowburn
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Process Drama ◽  
Expert Teacher ◽  
Level Of Use ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Dorothy Heathcote ◽  
Teachers Attitudes ◽  
High Level ◽  
Potential Use

To explore language teachers’ attitudes to using drama activities, and to determine the level of use and understanding of process drama techniques in language classrooms, a survey was carried out. The results showed a high level of support for the benefits many theorists and researchers have claimed for the use of drama activities in language learning. They also showed that process drama techniques were used to a lesser extent than activities such as warm­up games and scripted role­plays. Following the survey, a workshop was planned, to explore language teachers’ responses to using process drama­based techniques. The workshop was designed to include a number of process drama activities, including Mantle of the Expert, Teacher in Role, Tableau and Improvisation. The feedback from the workshop showed enthusiasm for these techniques, and for their potential use in language teaching.

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