scholarly journals Assessing the Listening Proficiency of ESL Students in a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 90-99
Author(s):  
Chester B. Esnara
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Test Sentence ◽  
State University ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
Grammatical Competence ◽  
Subordinate Clauses ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Listening Proficiency ◽  
Primary Focus

The debate as to whether or not listening skills can be used as a testing device for measuring language proficiency—particularly grammatical competence—has been quite a controversial issue for the longest time. Yet, current research findings have not been entirely conclusive and sufficient either way. Hence, this particular study was conducted to address the problem given the existing research gap in the field. Firstly, the investigation sought to determine the listening proficiency level of 40 ESL freshmen in a state university for grammatical distinctions utilizing the mean score. Secondly, it identified the learners’ common errors and difficulties encountered in listening for grammatical distinctions using frequency and sentence analysis. To validate the results of the communicative listening test, a writing composition exercise was duly administered. The results showed that the respondents have very good proficiency levels in listening for grammatical distinctions in terms of inflectional patterns of singular and plural forms of subjects or predicates and good proficiency levels in terms of inflectional patterns for present and past tense of verbs. However, it was found that there still exist some problems in terms of more complex syntactic constructions. Results revealed that the respondents were confused and disrupted in some listening items when the test sentence is embedded with intervening words, phrases, or subordinate clauses. This problem may actually be indicative of socio-psycholinguistic factors to retain what they learned in an academic setting, but outside of it, the intervening words easily disrupted their concentration and memory. Lastly, the new normal caused by the COVID 19 pandemic has forced educators and students into a new learning environment: the online classroom. In recognition of this, the test was administered online, and the results similarly processed but with consideration of the electronic platform as a moderating variable. This shift in the modality of instruction affects ways of learning that have not necessarily been plotted before, as observed by EFL and ESL experts like Brown (2000) and Richards (2016). Thus, while it is not the primary focus of the study, this paper nevertheless highlights this new socio-technological aspect as a crucial moderator of listening assessment for better grammatical competence.

scholarly journals KAJIAN Psikolinguistik pa da Ta taran Sintaksis DALAM Basantara Belanda-Indonesia

LITERA ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sugeng Riyanto
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
First Language ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
Grammatical Competence ◽  
Processability Theory ◽  
Short Time

This study discusses the Dutch-Indonesian interlanguage using psycholinguistics in the syntactic level. The sentences in the interlanguage are expressed by thirty students with different language proficiency levels and are analyzed to test the prediction of Pienemann’s processability theory (2005a, 2005b, 2005c, dan 2007). This study proves the validity of the processability theory. The Dutch learners mastering sentences with the most difficult level of processability also master sentences with easier levels of processability. The results from the learners with the high proficiency support the processability theory more firmly than those from the learners with the lower proficiency. Learners rely on meaning when they are not sure of their grammatical competence. Interlanguage is formed because of the demand on the learners that in a short time they have to express concepts and ideas in their minds but the facilitating divices are still limited, while they have already mastered the first language and possibly other languages.

scholarly journals Extensive Reading on Wattpad and Its Benefits to Students' English Skills: Students' Perceptions

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-530
Author(s):  
Intan Permatasari ◽  
Agus Wijayanto ◽  
Diah Kristina
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Education ◽  
State University ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Extensive Reading ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Class Room ◽  
Reading Activity

The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perception’s towards Extensive Reading on Wattpad platform as well as its benefits to students’ English skills. Extensive Reading enables students to read a great deal amount of reading materials based on their personal interests and level of comprehension which is actually applied outside the class room for most people consider it as reading for pleasure. It has also been known that Extensive Reading has many benefits in improving students’ language skills. The advancement of technology over the years allows people to do many activities online, including Extensive Reading activity. Thus, Wattpad is considered to have enormous and various reading materials that can support extensive reading for the students. This study is a case study. The data were obtained from an in-depth interview with the participant who were two undergraduate students majoring English Education from a state university in Indonesia. The participants were selected purposively for the reason they were known to have been doing extensive reading activity on Wattpad for a quite long time, specifically for more than three years. The research findings showed that students have positive perceptions towards Extensive Reading on Wattpad which are categorized into three elements namely cognitive, affective, and conative. Four notable benefits of Extensive Reading on Wattpad were also mentioned by the students such as it contributed in unconsciously improving students’ writing skills, vocabulary mastery, speaking skills, as well as listening skills.

scholarly journals Second foreign language learning strategies and their variations across language proficiency levels among Iranian EFL learners

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Pazhakh
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
Research Findings

Abstract. The present study has attempted to determine weather there is any relationship between language learning strategies employed by language learners, and if so what relationship exists between them. Furthermore, it has tried to investigate what effective and useful strategies the learners employ while learning English as a foreign language correspondent with their proficiency levels. A simulated TOEFL (REA, 1993) test was initially administered to classify the learners into three classes of proficiency levels. Oxford‟s Strategy Inventory, SILL, (Oxford, 1990) was used to determine the frequency of the language learning strategies applied by learners. The results of this study provide confirmation of previous research findings concerning the direct relationship between language learning strategies and language proficiency level, and represent the types of the strategies adopted by advanced, intermediate and elementary language learners. The implications of this study are to suggest both the metacognitive compensatory strategies, the most frequent strategies employed by advanced learners be instructed to the language learners in order to upgrade their proficiency level.Key Words: EFL, proficiency, second foreign languageResumen. Este estudio se intenta determinar la relación entre las estrategias empleadas para aprendizaje del idioma. Además, trata de ver qué estrategias útiles se usan para el aprendizaje correspondiente con la competencia de los idiomas. Un test simulado de TOEFL (REA, 1993) fue utilizado. El inventario de estrategia de Oxford (Oxford, 1990) fue usado para estimar la frecuencia de estas estrategias. Estos resultados como los anteriores sobre este tema confirman una relación directa entre estas estrategias y los niveles de la competencia y además, presentan los tipos de estrategias adoptadas por los niveles avanzados, intermedios y básicos. Resultados sugieren el uso de estrategias compensatorias mego-cognoscitivas para los niveles avanzados de los aprendices para elevar el nivel de competencia.Palabras claves: Competencia, EFL, segundo idioma extranjera 

scholarly journals Effects of using mobile devices on English listening diversity and speaking for EFL elementary students

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wu-Yuin Hwang ◽  
Yueh-Min Huang ◽  
Rustam Shadiev ◽  
Sheng-Yi Wu ◽  
Shu-Lin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Listening Proficiency ◽  
Mobile Learning System

<p class="Abstract">This study designed learning activities supported by a mobile learning system for students to develop listening and speaking skills in English as a foreign language (EFL). How students perceive learning activities and a mobile learning system were examined in this study. Additionally, how different practices relate to students’ language proficiency was also explored. It was found that students had positive perceptions and intentions toward learning activities; thus, students were motivated to practice English skills more when using a mobile learning system. The results demonstrated how students’ speaking and listening skills practices using mobile devices had different correlations depending on their proficiency levels. For example, listening diversity, defined as the number of other classmates a student listened to, was found to have an inverse correlation with speaking and listening proficiency. This finding does not support previous research and indicates that students who carefully selected their listening partners performed better than those who did not. It was further found that the better students performed in English learning, the fewer partners they would choose. EFL instructors can use the insights of this study to design more effective language learning activities for students using mobile devices.</p><p class="Firstparagraphstyle"> </p>

A novel approach to assessing language proficiency in adults: A pre-pilot classification accuracy study

2021 ◽  
pp. 136700692199945
Author(s):  
Amy Louise Schwarz ◽  
Maria Resendiz ◽  
Laura Catarina Herrera ◽  
Maria Diana Gonzales
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Classification Accuracy ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
English Bilingual ◽  
Accuracy Study

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: Speech–language pathologists who speak more than one language and who are members of the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association self-identify in one yes/no question whether they have the proficiency level to be bilingual service providers. This research note describes a preliminary attempt to address the very practical issue of whether and in what circumstances Spanish–English bilinguals can accurately judge their proficiency levels in both languages. The research question is: Will bilingual adults accurately identify their first language and second language proficiency levels using a self-assessment when compared to a commonly used standardized norm-referenced test (SNRT) in both formal and informal contexts across the following outcome measures: (a) overall proficiency; (b) listening; (c) speaking; (d) reading; and (e) writing? Design/methodology/approach: Classification accuracy studies require at least 34 participants. Thirty-nine participants completed the commonly used Language Use Questionnaire (LUQ) self-assessment and the commonly used Woodcock–Muñoz Language Survey SNRT (WMLS-III). For this pre-pilot study, participants were Spanish–English bilingual university students. Data and analysis: Forty likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated. Benchmarks for interpreting LRs for classification accuracy studies were applied to identify the likelihood of an individual being proficient or non-proficient in two languages. Findings/conclusions: For the overall proficiency and formal speaking proficiency outcomes in Spanish, positive LRs met the benchmark for strong agreement. Originality: The current study is the first to show that Spanish–English bilingual adults can accurately judge their Spanish proficiency levels for two specific outcome measures. Significance/implications: These results are important for two reasons. First, they suggest that Spanish–English bilingual adults can accurately judge their overall proficiency levels in Spanish. Second, they identify which outcome measures from the LUQ and WMLS-III should be considered in a future classification accuracy study.

scholarly journals Blending online language laboratory into Indonesian EFL listening classroom

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arzal
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
State University ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Language Laboratory ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Mixed Approach ◽  
Communication And Technology

Integrating Information Communication and Technology (ICT) into English as Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms is believed to enhance teaching and learning. This study promotes the use of online language laboratory into Indonesian EFL listening classroom. Using a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative principles, this study examined 23 Indonesian learners of English at the State University of Gorontalo, Indonesia to see whether the use of online language laboratory can significantly increase the students’ listening skills. In this experimental study, the participants’ condition and achievement in the pre- and post test were compared. The result showed that there is a significant difference between listening score on the modified TOEIC-like test. The findings suggest that , it is beneficial for teachers of English to be aware of the effectiveness, flexibility, richness, and the other advantages of using online language laboratory in EFL especially listening classroom.

scholarly journals Kebijakan Perguruan Tinggi Negeri Yogyakarta Terhadap Penyandang Disabilitas

1970 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Akhmad Soleh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
University Education ◽  
Equal Access ◽  
State University ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Teaching Learning

This study discusses the accessibility of university education in the four public universities in Yogyakarta; Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI), University of Gajah Mada (UGM),Yogyakarta State University (UNY), and State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga. Upto now, the disability groups have not got an equal access and the opportunity in a higher education. There are only a few students with disabilities that are accepted in Universities in Indonesia, because of physical limitations that would interfere the teaching-learning process in their classrooms. The research findings showed that the education systems in the UGM, Yogyakarta State University, and the ISI have a system of “integration”, while at UIN has led to the inclusion system, that is “accommodative” and has the ability to service for persons with disabilities.Penelitian ini membahas tentang aksesibilitas pendidikan di perguruan tinggi di empat perguruan tinggi negeri di Yogyakarta; yaitu Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI), Universitas Gajah Mada (UGM), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), an Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga. Sampai saat, kelompok masyarakat yang menyandang disabilitas masih belum memperoleh persamaan dan kesempatan dalam mengakses pada pendidikan tinggi. Hanya sedikit mahasiswa penyandang disabilitas yang diterima pada Perguruan tinggi di Indonesia, karena keterbatasan fisik yang akan mengganggu proses belajar-mengajar di kelasnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan baha pendidikan di UGM, UNY, dan ISI memiliki sistem “integrasi”,sedangkan di UIN telah memiliki sistem inklusi, yang “akomodatif”, dan mampu memberi layanan mahasiswa penyandang disabilitas.

scholarly journals Smartphone Perception and Experiences of Teacher Candidates During Covid 19 Process: What is My Smartphone for Me?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayati Adalar
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Method ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
State University ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Questionnaire Form ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Technical Features ◽  
Happy Time ◽  
Qualitative Dimension

The purpose of this study is to reveal the experiences of the teacher candidates about their personal phones, their phone usage situations and their perceptions about their smartphones during the Covid-19 process. The mixed method procedure was followed in the study. In the quantitative dimension, the survey model was used in order to reveal the smartphone usage status of the teacher candidates, while in the qualitative dimension, the phenomenology model was used to determine their perceptions about the smartphone. The sample of the study consisted of 45 teacher candidates studying in the faculty of education at a state university located in Turkey's Aegean region during the 2020-2021 fall semester. The data of the study were collected by the researcher with a questionnaire form created by taking the literature review and expert opinion. The quantitative data collected within the scope of the research were subjected to statistical analysis. The metaphors collected in qualitative dimension were analyzed with content analysis. Research findings indicated that the teacher candidates were generally aware of the technical features of their personal phones. On the other hand, it has been determined that they are indecisive in controlling themselves about their phone usage, being dependent on their phones and being aware of their phone time. It has been observed that the teacher candidates produced metaphors for their smart phones that point to the themes of “addiction, functionality, correct use, having a happy time, socialization/communication and other.” It can be said that the research is important in terms of providing researchers and decision makers with new perspectives on the smartphone perception and experiences of teacher candidates in the Covid-19 process.

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