scholarly journals The Importance of Pedagogical Empiricism for Sensitizing University English Language Teachers in Arab Context

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Ahmed Saif Abdulmughni
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Processes ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Teaching Learning

There is a significant psychological aversion to English as a foreign language in Saudi Arabia. General weakness among learners opting for English majors and undergraduate learners of the English language is noted. Different learners are unaware of learning styles most suited to them. This research discussed the necessity for sensitizing university teachers towards the contributing factors in the success or failure of teaching and learning the English Language in Saudi Arabia. Teaching-learning processes would be fruitful if the syllabus designers, teachers, and learners become aware of important factors like teacher’s characteristics, learners’ characteristics, teaching materials, and educational institutions. This study aimed to emphasize the role of the English language teacher in facilitating learning processes, through conducting active research of English language learners at Wadi Ad-Dawasir in Saudi Arabia. This research enhances the prospects of pedagogical studies of different language learning and teaching.

scholarly journals MOTIVATION AND CONFIDENCE OF INDONESIAN TEACHERS TO USE ENGLISH AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
Mangasa Aritonang
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Motivation And Confidence

This research paper investigates the motivation and confidence of Indonesian teachers of non-English to learn English and to use it as a medium of instruction resulting from their participation in a blended learning course. The purpose of the English learning for this particular group of teachers was to enable them to create English-speaking teaching and learning environment. Such environment is perceived as necessary to enhance English language learning and acquisition in some Indonesian vocational schools. The levels of motivation and confidence have been an issue because they potentially either contribute to or hinder English language learners to learn and use English for interactions. This qualitative research was undertaken using an interpretive research paradigm and a case study approach. Qualitative research data were collected from multiple sources such as indepth interviews, observation notes, online interaction script, and reflective journals of the participants. Quantitative data were collected through surveys to add meaning to the qualitative data. The research revealed varying increase in the levels of motivation and confidence of the participants. Transformation of extrinsic to intrinsic motivations appeared to occur. Contributing factors to the increase of the motivation and confidence are discussed in this paper.

scholarly journals Teaching and Learning Vocabulary: What English Language Learners Perceive to Be Effective and Ineffective Strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Seyyed Hatam Tamimi Sa’d ◽  
Fereshte Rajabi
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
English Language Teachers

Vocabulary constitutes an essential part of every language-learning endeavour and deserves scholarly attention. The objective of the present study was three-fold: 1) exploring Iranian English language learners’Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs), 2) examining language learners’ perceptions of vocabulary learning, and 3) exploring Iranian English language teachers’ Vocabulary Teaching Strategies (VTSs). In total, 145  intermediate learners of English as a foreign language, consisting of 114 males and 31 females aged 15 to 27, participated in the study. The triangulated data were collected using three tools: questionnaires, interviews, and class observations. Sixty-seven learners (31 females and 36 males) filled out a 56-statement questionnaire, adopted and adapted from Takač (2008) and translated into Persian. The questionnaire comprised two parts, enquiring as to the learners’ VLSs and the teachers’ VTSs. The findings indicated that females and males differed significantly in their reported VLSs and their teachers’ use of various VTSs. Additionally, 78 learners were interviewed as to their perceptions of effective and ineffective VLSs as well as VTSs. The findings revealed that the most effective VLSs were reported to be: a) reciting, repeating and listening to words, b) using words, and c) memorising words while the most effective VTSs revolved around: a) explanation, b) repetition, and c) dictation. The observations also confirmed the findings obtained via the questionnaire and interviews. In general, the findings are indicative of the limited repertoire of vocabulary acquisition techniques employed by Iranian EFL learners, hence the need for strategy training in how to acquire vocabulary. 

scholarly journals INSIGHTS INTO LEARNING STYLES PREFERENCE OF ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATES: IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

2022 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 390-409
Author(s):  
Nadia Nur Afiqah Ismail ◽  
Tina Abdullah ◽  
Abdul Halim Abdul Raof
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Engineering Education ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Style Preferences ◽  
Style Preferences ◽  
Learning Style Preference ◽  
Engineering Undergraduates

Background and Purpose: Education at higher institutions prepares graduates for the real world. To develop and maintain quality, the focus must not only be on what institutions can offer but also on the learning needs and styles of learners. Despite many studies on engineering learners’ learning styles, limited research has been conducted to compare the learning styles of Engineering and Engineering Education learners. This study was conducted to ascertain the learning style preferences of first-year undergraduates from both groups in a science and technology-driven university in Malaysia.   Methodology: This descriptive study consisted of 40 Engineering and 40 Engineering Education learners who attended an English language course at the university. Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire was adopted as the survey instrument. The data were analysed using self-scoring sheet and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.   Findings: While both groups chose Kinaesthetic as a major learning style preference, the Engineering Education learners also chose Group, Tactile, and Auditory learning styles as their other major preferences. Both groups chose Visual and Individual as their minor preferences.   Contributions: The findings extend research demonstrating the significant role of specific disciplines in Engineering to determine the learning style preferences of learners. The findings also provide useful insights that suggest implications for practice and policy.   Keywords: Engineering, engineering education, English language, learning styles, teaching and learning.   Cite as: Ismail, N. N. A., Abdullah, T., & Abdul Raof, A. H. (2022). Insights into learning styles preference of engineering undergraduates: Implications for teaching and learning.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(1) 390-409. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss1pp390-409

scholarly journals LEARNERS’ STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP THEIR COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-279
Author(s):  
Durga Bhusal
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Affecting Factors ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The One

Language Learning Strategies (LLSs) are specific actions, behaviors, steps, or techniques that the learners use them to improve their performance which is important for L2/FL learning and teaching. These strategies are as affecting factors on success or failure of the language learning process. Hence, this paper explores the English language learners’ learning strategies to develop their communicative competence within the theoretical stance of Oxford’s 1990 Language Learning Strategies (LLSs). The study is qualitative in nature where four participants were interviewed to understand their ontological perspectives and practices of different LLSs to enhance their communicative ability in English. The findings show the learners seemed to be usual strategy users. However, social, affective, and metacognitive strategies frequent strategies for developing their communicative competence. It further depicts learners are not always aware of the influence of consciously using language learning strategies for making their learning quicker and more effective. Thus, the teachers need to be the one who helps their students develop the awareness of language learning strategies and enable them to use a wider range of appropriate strategies for further success in their communicative competence.

The Impact of Mobile Phones on English Language Learning: Perceptions of EFL Undergraduates

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 264 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Mathew Nalliveettil ◽  
Talal Hail Khaled Alenazi
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Advanced Country ◽  
Educational Value ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
The Impact

Researchers across the world are examining the educational value and effectiveness of integrating the latest electronic gadgets with teaching-learning activities in the classroom. In spite of the availability of latest electronic gadgets like iPods, tablets, and smartwatches, researchers are more interested in the educational value of the mobile phones for the teaching-learning of English. In a technologically advanced country like Saudi Arabia, the third and fourth generation (3G, 4G) mobile devices are available at affordable prices, and people of all streams find it necessary to own a mobile phone for connecting with their friends and relatives.  Moreover, it has become a common trend among undergraduates to carry a mobile phone to the classroom as well. The present study examines the impact of mobile phones on students’ English language learning.  A field study was conducted on fifty-two undergraduate male students majoring in English language and literature at Aljouf University, Saudi Arabia.  The methodology of data collection included a self-report for students and a teacher questionnaire.   Findings of the study are significant for EFL teachers and researchers for introducing innovative methods and resourceful materials for the English classroom.

language teaching

2007 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. i-i ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Replication Research ◽  
Timely Response ◽  
New Research ◽  
Teaching Learning

Phil Benson's state-of-the-art review of autonomy in L2 learning and teaching is a timely response to an ever-growing interest in autonomous language learning. Focusing his attention on the recent literature, he explores how this interest in autonomy is influencing theory and practice, leading to the emergence of new research agendas in the field. He focuses particularly on the ways in which conceptions of autonomy have evolved and continue to change, and how these new conceptions fit in with broader developments in language teaching and learning theory, educational practice, and social thought.This issue includes also a call for papers on Replication Research Studies, two features marking the publication of this fortieth volume of the journal, and reports on a series of research seminars.Richard Johnstone's article in which he reviews research published in 2004 and 2005 on language teaching, learning and policy is available online at <http://journals.cambridge.org/jidLTA&volumeId=39&issueId=04>.

scholarly journals Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) for ESL Learners: A Review of Affordances and Constraints

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1-5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harwati Hashim ◽  
Melor Md. Yunus ◽  
Mohamed Amin Embi ◽  
Nor Azwa Mohamed Ozir
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
English As Second Language ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Esl Learners

Nowadays, mobile technology is changing the landscape of language learning and is seen as the next frontier being researched for its potential in enhancing the teaching and learning of English language.  The portability of mobile devices is believed to bring new methods that can shape learning styles and pedagogies which could become more personalised and allow learners to learn on the move; thus, enhance English language teaching and learning.  This creates the potential for significant change in the teaching and learning of English as Second Language (ESL). Taking mobile learning as the setting within which developments in Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) may be understood, this paper offers reflections on what Mobile-assisted Language Learning (MALL) has potentially offered and the constraints that might be faced by the English as Second Language (ESL) learners when using MALL.  Above all, it was a challenging issue to cover learning tasks by using a mobile device particularly in learning English as Second Language (ESL).  Nevertheless, mobile devices which are popular among students are motivational tools to be used in education as well as various learning activities.  This was proven by many researchers who have shown the positive outcomes.  Hence, we should admit that mobile devices are finding their way into classrooms in the student’s pockets, and we have to ensure that educational practice can include this mobile technology in effective and productive ways particularly for English as Second Language (ESL) learning.

scholarly journals Perceptions Of Madrassa Students And Teachers Towards English Language Learning

2020 ◽  
pp. 64-80
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Male Students ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Selection Of

The purpose of this descriptive research study is to find out the perceptions of students and teachers about the problems and challenges in learning and teaching of English language in Madrassas located in urban area of District Mardan. The main objectives of the study are to assess the attitude of both the students and teachers towards English language; to find out the required facilities for the teaching and learning of English and to put forward the recommendations of the students and teachers for the eradication of the problems and challenges to English language learning and teaching in Madrassas. The population of the research study consist of all Madrassas and all male students and teachers in Urban Madrassas in District Mardan. The researchers use convenient sample for the selection of Madrassas. Selection of students is based on thirty percent proportionate sample; while teachers are selected on the basis of hundred percent proportionate samples accordingly. Two separate questionnaires are the instrument for data collection. The questionnaires comprised on both closed and open ended items. The collected data were analyzed using percentage and thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that there are no proper facilities for the teaching of English language. The results of this research study may be helpful for the policy makers to emphasize more on the importance of English language learning in Madrassas across Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular.

scholarly journals The Notion of Emotion in EFL Learning and Teaching in Saudi Arabia: A Critical Review of 20 Years of Research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fakieh Alrabai
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Emotional Factors ◽  
Context Of Learning ◽  
New Research

This paper provides a broad critical review of the research that examined the emotional factors such as learners’ attitudes, motivation, language anxiety, autonomy, and self-esteem in the context of learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in Saudi Arabia over a period of 20 years (2000-2020). The aim of this critical review is to answer some questions relating to identifying the most common themes of research efforts in this area, the strengths, and weaknesses among it; and to explain how such efforts have contributed to the development of English language learning/teaching within the Saudi context. The study is significant in that the findings identified some issues with thematic orientation in Saudi EFL emotion research—particularly regarding under- and over-explored topics due to an element of randomness in how research topics related to EFL emotions are often selected and explored, with some topic areas receiving excessive attention and others receiving little or no attention. Some issues related to research design and methodology were also acknowledged and assessed. The study suggests that it is useful to develop ways to coordinate and streamline future research on EFL emotions in Saudi Arabia and to work towards developing new research protocols that investigate the practicalities of language learning emotions in real learning situations.

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