scholarly journals Contributions of Demographics, Language Learning Experience, and Cognitive Control to Chinese Reading Comprehension

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhilong Xie ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xiaying Chu ◽  
Qing Qiu ◽  
Fangfang Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Chinese Reading ◽  
Mental Set ◽  
Learning History ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Previous Category

The study investigates whether learners’ demographics (e.g., age, education, and intelligence-IQ), language learning experience, and cognitive control predict Chinese (L2) reading comprehension in young adults. Thirty-four international students who studied mandarin Chinese in mainland China (10 females, 24 males) from Bangladesh, Burundi, Congo, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe were tested on a series of measures including demographic questionnaires, IQ test, two cognitive control tasks [Flanker Task measuring inhibition and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) measuring mental set shifting], and a Chinese reading comprehension test (HSK level 4). The results of correlation analyses showed that education, L2 learning history, L2 proficiency, and previous category errors of the WCST were significantly correlated with Chinese reading comprehension. Further multiple regression analyses indicated that Chinese learning history, IQ, and previous category errors of the WCST significantly predicted Chinese reading comprehension. These findings reveal that aside from IQ and the time spent on L2 learning, the component mental set shifting of cognitive control also predicts reading outcomes, which suggests that cognitive control has a place in reading comprehension models over and above traditional predictors of language learning experience.

scholarly journals Metalinguistic awareness in children with differing language learning experience

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 81-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Tellier ◽  
Karen Roehr-Brackin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Metalinguistic Awareness ◽  
Learning Difficulty ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Explicit And Implicit Knowledge ◽  
Levelling Effect

Theoretical research concerned with the notion of second language (L2) learning difficulty has resulted in specific criteria that can be used to predict the learning difficulty of different languages in terms of both explicit and implicit knowledge. The characteristics of the constructed language Esperanto suggest that this language has lower explicit and implicit learning difficulty than other languages. It may therefore be a suitable ‘starter language’ for child L2 learning in the classroom. Specifically, we propose that Esperanto may facilitate the development of metalinguistic awareness and, as a consequence, boost children’s budding capacity for explicit learning. This would be particularly advantageous in the minimal-input setting of the average foreign language classroom. We present findings from an empirical study which compared 11 to 12-year-old English-speaking children who had learned Esperanto and a European L2 (N = 35) with children who had learned various combinations of European and non-European L2s (N = 168) in terms of their performance on a measure of metalinguistic awareness. No significant differences in overall level of metalinguistic awareness were identified, but the Esperanto group significantly outperformed the comparison group on one of the eleven metalinguistic tasks included in the measure. Moreover, the Esperanto group displayed a more homogeneous performance than the other groups of children. This suggests that learning Esperanto may have a lasting levelling effect, reducing differences between children with varying metalinguistic abilities.

scholarly journals Enhancing Reading Skill via ReadTheory.org: Students’ Attitudes, Motivation, Autonomy and Perceptions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatmah Sewelem Alalwany
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Reading Methods ◽  
Undergraduate University Students ◽  
Students Attitudes

Studies into the use of gamification, “the use of game design elements in non-game contexts” (Deterding et al, 2011, p9) for language learning, has found positive results on language development and enhancing learner engagement toward the learning process, but they have mostly focused on the effectiveness of gamification rather on learner’s attitudes, motivation, and autonomy toward the gamified language learning experience. This research presents the results for a study into the use of a gamified reading website, Readtheory.org, that incorporates the use of gamification elements of badges, knowledge points (KPs), levels, and feedback to enhance reading comprehension. Thus, this study examines 50 undergraduate university students’ attitudes, motivation, autonomy and perceptions toward enhancing their reading skills. The data were collected from students’ interviews and questionnaires at YELI in KSA. The findings showed that students’ attitudes are high toward the gamified platform and that the utilization of Readtheory motivates students to read independently using the website inside and outside the classroom. The main advantage of Read theory is it can be easily used anywhere-anytime, a better alternative to traditional reading methods and it can be adopted to enhance student’s reading comprehension.

scholarly journals Refugees’ L2 learning: new perspectives on language motivation research

XLinguae ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 64-80
Author(s):  
Monica Ortiz Cobo ◽  
Roman Kralik ◽  
Rosella Bianco
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Refugee Students ◽  
Motivation Factors ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Language Learning Motivation ◽  
L2 Learning

This study analyses the factors that influence the second language learning motivation of refugees in Italy. To do so, we have conducted an ethnography by making interviews and questionnaires to adult refugee students of the Italian language. The analysis of the data highlights that the peculiar migration experience of this type of students results in specific language learning motivation factors. Starting by the existing paradigm, we discuss the refugee second language (L2) learning motivation as composed by the following dimensions: Ideal L2 Self, Ought-to L2 Self, Social Distance, Learning Experience, Self-confidence, and Anxiety and Multilingual Self.

scholarly journals Towards a better understanding of the L2 Learning Experience, the Cinderella of the L2 Motivational Self System

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltán Dörnyei
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Motivated Behavior ◽  
L2 Motivational Self System ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Main Dimension ◽  
Self System

The theoretical emphasis within the L2 Motivational Self System has typically been on the two future self-guides representing possible (ideal and ought-to) selves, leaving the third main dimension of the construct, the L2 Learning Experience, somewhat undertheorized. Yet, this third component is not secondary in importance, as evidenced by empirical studies that consistently indicate that the L2 Learning Experience is not only a strong predictor of various criterion measures but is often the most powerful predictor of motivated behavior. This paper begins with an analysis of possible reasons for this neglect and then draws on the notion of student engagement in educational psychology to offer a theoretical framework for the concept. It is proposed that the L2 Learning Experience may be defined as the perceived quality of the learners’ engagement with various aspects of the language learning process.

Influence of the study abroad bilingual experience on cognitive control among young adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 136700692110231
Author(s):  
Zhilong Xie ◽  
Yanping Dong
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
International Education ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Mental Set ◽  
Studying Abroad ◽  
The Usa

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: This study investigated whether the studying abroad bilingual experience among unevenly balanced Chinese–English bilinguals exerted influence on cognitive control. Design/methodology/approach: We compared cognitive control differences between a group of Chinese–English bilinguals (n = 30) studying abroad in the USA and a control bilingual group (n = 30) studying at home in mainland China by administering the Flanker task and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). The two groups were matched on demographic variables including age, socioeconomic status (SES), intelligence, etc. Data and analysis: A mixed ANOVA was applied to the Flanker task data, with the task condition as the within-subject variable and the participant group as the between-subject variable. Independent t-test analyses were used to compare performance differences between groups on the WCST. Findings/conclusions: The two groups performed similarly on the Flanker task, whereas the group studying abroad fared better on the WCST, indicating better mental set shifting. Originality: This is the first study to show that the experience of studying abroad brings about cognitive control advantage in mental set shifting. Significance/implications: The current research provides the first evidence that the experience of studying abroad is related to the enhancement of cognitive control, which has implications for both cognitive development and international education.

A longitudinal study of primary school EFL learning motivation in CLIL and non-CLIL settings

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 765-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabet Pladevall-Ballester
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Language Attitudes ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Motivation ◽  
Arts And Crafts ◽  
Language Experience ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Low Exposure ◽  
Over Time

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is often introduced in school settings in an attempt to increase exposure to the foreign language (FL) and promote motivation and positive language attitudes. The present study examines how language learning motivation develops over the course of two academic years in two types of instruction setting (CLIL and non-CLIL) with equal but low exposure to the FL and in two types of CLIL subject (science and arts and crafts). Data were collected from four primary schools in fifth and sixth grades by means of a motivation questionnaire. Differences between groups are observable in relation to the second language (L2) learning experience dimension of motivation in favour of the CLIL learners, who increased their motivation over time. Type of CLIL subject was found to be relevant also only in relation to the L2 learning experience dimension of motivation. Even in low exposure contexts, FL motivation is promoted and maintained over time by adding CLIL to the language experience of young learners.

scholarly journals Reframing the L2 learning experience as narrative reconstructions of classroom learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Hiver ◽  
Gabriel Obando ◽  
Yuan Sang ◽  
Somayeh Tahmouresi ◽  
Ashlee Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Critical Case ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Qualitative Comparative Analysis ◽  
Dynamic Nature ◽  
Life Story Interview ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Characteristic Features

In this study we investigate the situated and dynamic nature of the L2 learning experience through a newly-purposed instrument called the Language Learning Story Interview, adapted from McAdams’ life story interview (2007). Using critical case sampling, data were collected from an equal number of learners of various L2s (e.g., Arabic, English, Mandarin, Spanish) and analyzed using qualitative comparative analysis (Rihoux & Ragin, 2009). Through our data analysis, we demonstrate how language learners construct overarching narratives of the L2 learning experience and what the characteristic features and components that make up these narratives are. Our results provide evidence for prototypical nuclear scenes (McAdams et al., 2004) as well as core specifications and parameters of learners’ narrative accounts of the L2 learning experience. We discuss how these shape motivation and language learning behavior.

scholarly journals Enhancing Reading Skill via ReadTheory.org: Students’ Attitudes, Motivation, Autonomy and Perceptions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-81
Author(s):  
Fatmah Sewelem Alalwany
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Reading Methods ◽  
Undergraduate University Students ◽  
Students Attitudes

Studies into the use of gamification, “the use of game design elements in non-game contexts” (Deterding et al, 2011, p9) for language learning, has found positive results on language development and enhancing learner engagement toward the learning process, but they have mostly focused on the effectiveness of gamification rather on learner’s attitudes, motivation, and autonomy toward the gamified language learning experience. This research presents the results for a study into the use of a gamified reading website, Readtheory.org, that incorporates the use of gamification elements of badges, knowledge points (KPs), levels, and feedback to enhance reading comprehension. Thus, this study examines 50 undergraduate university students’ attitudes, motivation, autonomy and perceptions toward enhancing their reading skills. The data were collected from students’ interviews and questionnaires at YELI in KSA. The findings showed that students’ attitudes are high toward the gamified platform and that the utilization of Readtheory motivates students to read independently using the website inside and outside the classroom. The main advantage of Read theory is it can be easily used anywhere-anytime, a better alternative to traditional reading methods and it can be adopted to enhance student’s reading comprehension.

scholarly journals L2 Motivational Self System, International Posture, and the Socioeconomic Factor in Efl at University Level: The Case of Chile

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-174
Author(s):  
Mauricio Véliz-Campos ◽  
Mical Polanco-Soto ◽  
Adriana Biedroń
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Socioeconomic Factor ◽  
Future Research ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
International Posture ◽  
Self System

Abstract Motivation plays a critical role in L2 language learning and has proven to be a strong predictor of success in learning a foreign language (Biedroń & Pawlak, 2016). The Second Language Motivational Self System (L2MSS) is one of the most prominent theories developed by Dörnyei (2009), which has been studied in relation to different variables affecting language learning motivation. The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between L2MSS components, international posture, and socioeconomic status among university students. The participants of this study were 134 non-English major university students. The results suggest that the ideal L2 self, and the L2 learning experience are related to international posture insert a comma after posture whereas the L2 learning experience is a stronger predictor of students’ motivated behavior. Future research should investigate the development of future selves in instructed language learning contexts conducive to enhancing and increasing motivation to learn English.

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