scholarly journals The Effects of ESL Immersion and Proficiency on Learners’ Pronunciation Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Kostromitina ◽  
Okim Kang
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Curriculum Planning ◽  
Intensive English Program ◽  
Functional Load ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Skill Improvement ◽  
English Program ◽  
Esl Learners

Despite the efforts of existing studies in the domain of L2 phonology to examine ESL learners’ pronunciation development, little research has comprehensively demonstrated ESL learners’ pronunciation improvement in academic immersion contexts. Similarly, few studies have focused on learners’ proficiency levels linked to their developmental success. The current exploratory study investigated the changes of learners’ pronunciation constructs as a result of their ESL program. Seventy-five newly arrived ESL students (25 in each proficiency; beginner, intermediate, and advanced) enrolled in an Intensive English Program in the United States provided their speech responses (to the placement and exit tests from the program). One hundred fifty speaking samples were linguistically analyzed for the following suprasegmental features: fluency (speech rates and pauses) and prosody (prominence and pitch range). Segmental features were analyzed by employing a functional load approach with randomly selected 90 speech files. Findings revealed different developmental patterns among phonological features and proficiency levels; that is, the upper-level learners improved more in fluency and prominence than the lower-level learners. Segmental changes were minimal, suggesting that both high functional and low functional load sounds involve a complex process in learning. Overall findings provide important implications for ESL curriculum planning and development: 1) intonation acquisition can be difficult; 2) skill improvement differs by proficiency level; and 3) level-specific curriculum may be needed.

Pronunciation’s role in English speaking-proficiency ratings

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Ma ◽  
Lynn E. Henrichsen ◽  
Troy L. Cox ◽  
Mark W. Tanner
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Intensive English ◽  
Intensive English Program ◽  
Speaking Proficiency ◽  
Proficiency Assessment ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Oral Proficiency Assessment ◽  
Sentence Stress ◽  
English Program ◽  
Esl Learners

Abstract Although pronunciation is an integral part of speaking, the role pronunciation plays in determining speaking-proficiency levels is unclear (Higgs & Clifford, 1982; Kang, 2013). To contribute to our understanding of this area, the research reported here investigated the relationship between English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ pronunciation ability and their speaking-proficiency ratings. At an intensive English program (IEP) in the United States, a speaking test was administered to 223 ESL students. Their speaking proficiency was rated using an oral proficiency assessment based on standardized guidelines. In addition, their pronunciation was rated in six categories (vowels, consonants, word stress, sentence stress, intonation, and rhythm) by 11 raters using a rubric specifically developed and validated for this study. Many-Facet Rasch Measurement (MFRM) was used to estimate the students’ pronunciation ability, which was then compared to their speaking ability. The study found that sentence stress, rhythm, and intonation accounted for 41% of the variance in the speaking-proficiency test scores with sentence stress being the most powerful factor.

scholarly journals Teachers' Curriculum Planning and Accommodations of Innovation: Three Case Studies of Adult ESL Instruction

1993 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alister Cumming
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Second Language Writing ◽  
Pedagogical Knowledge ◽  
Curriculum Planning ◽  
Instructional Planning ◽  
Adult Esl ◽  
Language Writing ◽  
Esl Instruction ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
Esl Curriculum

How do experienced ESL instructors plan and organize their teaching practices to make curriculum innovations? The present research sought answers to this question in three different educational contexts, attempting to document the curriculum concepts, pedagogical knowledge, and processes of instructional planning that eight teachers used to create novel courses for adult ESL learners. Findings describe (1) four modes of planning and twelve cycles of information-gathering in the ESL curriculum planning of one teacher, (2) verification of this framework among four additional teachers, as well as (3) an additional framework for documenting teachers' orientations to curriculum content in second language writing instruction, accounting for three teachers' processes of accommodating an instructional innovation into their usual teaching practices.

scholarly journals Interdisciplinaridade e Ensino: Propostas para Planejamento Curricular

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 273
Author(s):  
Renata Biguetti de Souza Santos ◽  
Givan José Ferreira dos Santos ◽  
Alessandra Dutra
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Curriculum Planning ◽  
Social Actors ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
The Social ◽  
School Teaching ◽  
Analytical Research ◽  
Methodological Aspects

A questão do planejamento curricular se apresenta como um dos elementos centrais quando se reflete a respeito do complexo processo de ensino-aprendizagem escolar, particularmente da Educação Básica. Nessa perspectiva busca-se responder aos questionamentos por que fazer, o que é e como fazer um projeto de currículo para o ensino escolar com princípios da interdisciplinaridade e, em consonância com essa problemática, alcançar os objetivos de expor razões favoráveis à adoção na prática docente desse paradigma pedagógico, de mostrar alguns de seus traços conceituais e de sinalizar caminhos para sua efetivação. Com base em aspectos teóricos e metodológicos de pesquisadores sobre o fenômeno da interdisciplinaridade e sua relação com a organização curricular, empreendeu-se uma pesquisa de cunho bibliográfico, descritivo e analítico. Acredita-se que os pressupostos conceituais, as luzes pedagógicas e as reflexões apresentadas no trabalho possam contribuir para aprofundamento da compreensão do tema pelos atores sociais que pensam e atuam na educação do Brasil. Palavras-chave: Processo de Ensino e Aprendizagem. Prática Docente. Educação no Brasil.   AbstractThe issue of curriculum planning is presented as one of the central elements when reflecting on the complex process of school teaching and learning, particularly in basic education. From this perspective, seeks to answer the questions why to do, what is and how to make a curriculum project for school teaching with interdisciplinary principles and, in line with this problem, achieve the objectives of exposing reasons favorable to adoption in practice. teacher of this pedagogical paradigm, to show some of its conceptual traits and to signal paths for its realization. Based on the theoretical and methodological aspects of researchers about the phenomenon of interdisciplinarity and its relationship with the curricular organization, a bibliographical, descriptive and analytical research was undertaken. It is believed that the conceptual assumptions, the pedagogical lights and the reflections presented in the work can contribute to the deepening of the understanding of the theme by the social actors who think and act in the education of Brazil. Keywords: Teaching and Learning Process. Teaching Practice. Education in Brazil. 

Refugee posttraumatic growth: A grounded theory study

2022 ◽  
pp. 136346152110629
Author(s):  
Sara Hirad ◽  
Marianne McInnes Miller ◽  
Sesen Negash ◽  
Jessica E. Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Posttraumatic Growth ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
The United States ◽  
Afghan Refugees ◽  
Grounded Theory Study ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Principal Researcher ◽  
Shed Light

In response to the unprecedented refugee crisis around the world, a growing body of research has focused on psychological distress among individuals and families forced to flee their homelands. Less attention has been directed toward understanding resilience, adaptation, and growth among this population. This grounded theory study explored the posttraumatic growth experiences of Middle Eastern and Afghan refugees resettled in the United States. The principal researcher conducted 23 interviews with seven couples and 16 individuals aged 25 to 67 years, from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. This study aimed to explore how refugees understand, process, overcome, and grow from the trauma and adversity they have experienced. Findings were used to delineate a model of the process through which refugees experience posttraumatic growth. The overarching theme of moving forward had five specific growth themes: increased awareness of context; tolerating uncertainty; spiritual/religious attunement; consideration of others; and integrating into society. Findings shed light on the complex process of growth and adaptation in the aftermath of war and forced migration. The model can serve as a tool for clinicians to facilitate more empowering posttraumatic narratives with refugee clients rooted in growth experiences.

Summative Assessment in an IEP

2019 ◽  
pp. 306-327
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. White ◽  
Sumeeta Patnaik
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Collaboration ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Intensive English ◽  
Intensive English Program ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Basic Premise ◽  
Traditional Assessment ◽  
Program Administrators ◽  
Core Courses ◽  
English Program

The purpose of this chapter is to share an assessment model built specifically upon teacher collaboration and, more broadly, to encourage readers to consider the power of collaboration within an intensive English program (IEP). After examining traditional assessment challenges faced by IEPs, the chapter presents a collaborative assessment model, the basic premise of which is that teachers of the same students across three core courses within the same IEP level work together to create a common midterm and final exam. The model is examined in light of the five assessment principles of validity, reliability, practicality, authenticity, and washback. Finally, benefits and challenges of teacher collaboration are considered from the perspective of program administrators.

The Supply Chain Management Applied Learning Center: A university–industry collaboration

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-146
Author(s):  
Gregory E. Benson ◽  
Ngan N. Chau
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Educational Expectations ◽  
The United States ◽  
Learning Center ◽  
Applied Learning ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Industry Collaboration ◽  
Skill Improvement ◽  
University Industry

In today’s changing and intensely competitive global environment, postsecondary educational programs must find ways to adapt their method of delivery to meet the educational expectations of students and talent needs of “real-world” employers. This is especially true in the evolving field of supply chain management (SCM). The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess the effectiveness of the SCM Applied Learning Center (referred to as the “Center”) at a Midwestern university in the United States by understanding its perceived value through its stakeholders—that is, participating companies and students. This understanding was achieved by interviewing stakeholders who used the Center during its initial 18-month rollout period. The data analysis from this study resulted in the emergence of the following themes: (1) developing transferable skills, (2) accelerating applied learning, (3) cultivating personal relationships, and (4) supporting business improvement. The establishment of the Center and the corresponding results from this study contribute to the literature associated with university–industry collaboration, SCM education, and the evolving role of higher education. This work provides a template to programs interested in improving their working relationship with business partners through the implementation of comparable industry collaboration activities, while at the same time providing skill improvement opportunities for their students.

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