scholarly journals A study of student and teacher attitudes and experiences towards an immersion course in a Technological University in Veracruz, Mexico

2019 ◽  
pp. 20-34
Author(s):  
Barragán-Díaz Julian
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Bilingual Program ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Technological Universities ◽  
High Level ◽  
Technological University

Mexico is experiencing a growing need of qualified professionals able to work and receive training in international companies. For this reason, education authorities in Mexico have created technological universities and, in recent years, a new model for them called BIS model (Bilingual, International and Sustainable). It is a bilingual model which starts with an immersion course followed by a bilingual program whose objective is to graduate technicians and engineers with a high level of English language proficiency. This research intended to study the attitudes and experiences of students and teachers who participated in an immersion course in a BIS model university in Veracruz, Mexico to identify the attitudes of both students and teachers towards the course to help designing future courses to avoid potential language learning problems related to attitudinal and motivational factors. In order to do this, quantitative and qualitative paradigms were used through the application of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to sixty-five students and teachers as well as class observations. The results showed that while students and teachers generally had a positive attitude towards the program, there are a number of factors that affected their performance such as the students’ profile, their motivations to study the language, their motivations to study a bilingual program and the course planning.

scholarly journals Arab English Language Teaching Candidates Climbing the IELTS Mountain: A Qualitatively Driven Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Issa ◽  
Ali Al-Bulushi ◽  
Rima Al-Zadjali
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Structured Interviews

As a high-stakes international language proficiency benchmark, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requires different and special Language Learning Strategies (LLS), which pose numerous challenges to its takers. Some Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) majoring in English Language Teaching (ELT), have therefore, failed to achieve an overall score of Band 6 on the IELTS as a language proficiency requirement and a condition mandated by the Ministry of Education for selecting English language teachers among. This qualitatively driven hermeneutic phenomenology study, hence, discusses this issue from an ideological perspective. The study triangulates data from semi-structured interviews made with six fourth-year ELT Student Teachers (STs) at SQU and the pertinent literature. The critical discussion revealed various ideologies about the powerful impact of the IELTS on the STs’ English language development. The findings have important implications for the practices of the teachers in the Omani ELT school system and elsewhere.

scholarly journals Yemeni EFL Learners’ Identity Conflicts: An Exploratory Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Rais Ahmed Attamimi ◽  
Nasser Omer M. Al-Tamimi ◽  
Jon Andrew Chittick
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Exploratory Case Study ◽  
Identity Conflicts ◽  
High Level

The importance of the concept of “identity” in the context of language learning is unassailable. Stemming from this premise, the current study is intended to explore the identity conflicts of a group of Yemeni learners who were studying English, as well as the techniques and strategies used to mitigate and/or lessen the conflicts between their actual identity and the identity associated with the target language, i.e., English. This research project used a qualitative exploratory case study research design with a sample of 20 students who were requested to write their journal diaries. Following that, semi-structured interviews were conducted using the double-sampling technique to select 10 of the previously sampled students who were proven to have written the most stimulating and intriguing journal entries. From the results of the study, tangible identity conflicts between the Yemeni culture and society at large and the implied behaviors and conventions accompanying the intensive study of the English language became apparent. The students exhibit a high level of motivation and they also exert their efforts using different techniques and strategies to excel at the learning and/or acquisition of the speaking skill of the English language. These conflicts may be consciously or subconsciously realized by the language learners, but what has been proven is that their attitudes, motivation and general inclinations towards the goal of speaking with a native or a native-like accent are unquestionably genuine. Lastly, the study suggested or recommended a revamp of the current textbooks giving teachers more training sessions in order to improve their individual repertoire, as well as a higher degree of awareness upon the part of the Yemeni society at large that these conflicts can interfere with the strong motivations, both aspirational and actual, to achieve the learning outcomes of the nation’s most promising future leaders and pioneers.

scholarly journals Learner Beliefs and Language Proficiency in SA Context: A Case study of Chinese Students Taking Pre-sessional Language Course in the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Xin ◽  
Zhang Jiayi
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Beliefs ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

<p>This study seeks to explore the interrelation between learners’ beliefs and language proficiency in study abroad (SA) context. The participants of this study consisted of 30 Chinese students who were taking the pre-sessional language course at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Combining data from the questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and test scores, the current study tries to answer three research questions: (1) Do learners’ beliefs change in the SA context? If so, in what ways? (2) Does learners’ language proficiency change in the SA context? If so, in what ways? (3) What is the relationship between learners’ English language proficiency and their beliefs about language learning?</p>By investigating learners’ beliefs change in SA context and how such change impacts on their language learning behavior and outcomes, it is hoped that students can have a more fruitful study-abroad sojourn.

scholarly journals Motivation to Learn English: Why Indonesian Adult Learners Join a Community of Interest

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurhapsari Astriningsih ◽  
Concilianus Laos Mbato
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Motivation To Learn ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Extra Curricular Activities ◽  
Communities Of Interest ◽  
High Level ◽  
Level Of Motivation

The importance of having a mastery of the English language has motivated language students to learn, not only in class, but also through other informal extra-curricular activities. One of these activities is gathering together in communities of interest. Motivation has been proven to have an impact on the success of learners in organizing their language-learning activities. Via Likert-scale questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, this study has examined motivation towards the study of English amongst members of a community of interest in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The participants in this study were 85 English language club members, studying across a number of fields in several Yogyakarta universities. Six participants were then chosen for interview. On the basis of quantitative and qualitative analysis, these learners showed a high level of motivation in all aspects, with slight dominance for intrinsic and instrumental motivation. The research offered implications for further study.

scholarly journals A CREATIVE ALLIANCE BETWEEN LEARNER AUTONOMY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: PAKISTANI UNIVERSITY TEACHERS’ BELIEFS

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musarat YASMIN ◽  
Ayesha SOHAIL
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Target Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Teachers

Learner autonomy has been a focus of research for last three decades. Not only the nature of phenomenon was investigated but also its role in foreign language learning attracted researchers’ interests. The present paper examines the mutual creative relationship between learner autonomy and target foreign language acquisition. Following an interpretive paradigm, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the beliefs of 16 university teachers of English language teaching in four public sector universities of province Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed a close creative connection between learner autonomy and English language learning. Teachers believed that autonomy in learners accelerates language learning. Major aspects of learner autonomy were reported fulfilling the perceived needs of foreign language learning. The study implied that fostering of autonomy in learners accelerates target language proficiency.

scholarly journals QUEER LEARNER IDENTITY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING IN A THAI CONTEXT

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinnawat Suebkinnon ◽  
Apisak Sukying
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Identity

This study examined the identity construction of queer learners in English language learning and its influences on English language learning. The four participants were male, queer and studied in English majors and English language teaching in a Thai university. Two of the participants were known to the researcher. Semi-structured interviews, field notes, and a digital sound recorder were used for data collection and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that queer characteristics and marginalized and unequal positions based on gender identity and sexual orientation were two main factors constituting queer learner identity in English language learning. The majority of the participants shared that their queer characteristics were conducive to their speaking skills. Additionally, it was shown that the heteronormative Thai context motivated the participants to pursue English language proficiency. The participants reported that English language proficiency was advantageous for their future success and helped them gain parental and societal acceptance. Moreover, the participants stated that learning the English language would allow them to migrate to English-speaking countries that are welcoming to queer people. The results also indicated that some participants who desire a Western partner viewed English as beneficial to finding a Western man, whom they thought would be more open to gender diversity than Thai men. These findings provide a better understanding of the identity construction of queer learners and its influences on English language learning. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0787/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals The Suitability of French Immersion for Allophone Students in Saskatchewan: Exploring Diverse Perspectives on Language Learning and Inclusion

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Davis ◽  
Susan Ballinger ◽  
Mela Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
French Immersion ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Second Language Education ◽  
Immersion Programs ◽  
Additive Bilingualism

French immersion programs in Saskatchewan have traditionally served to further the goals of additive bilingualism between Canada’s two official languages, French and English. Whereas these programs have historically consisted of predominantly Anglophone populations, recent trends in immigration have contributed to the increasingly diverse linguistic backgrounds of students throughout the province. The motivation, family support, and high academic achievement of allophone students learning French as an additional language have been documented extensively in Canada (Dagenais & Jacquet, 2000; Mady, 2013, 2014, 2015). Nevertheless, allophone students often do not benefit from the same access to second language education programs as their Anglophone and Francophone peers; indeed, such learners are sometimes excluded from French immersion programs on the basis of their lack of English language proficiency (Roy, 2015). Through Likert-scale surveys and semi-structured interviews, this mixed-methods research explored the perceived suitability of French immersion for allophone students by examining the perspectives of parents and educators in several schools in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This study will share the triangulated findings of the research, discuss the suitability of French immersion programs for allophone students, and provide recommendations for the future of such programs in Saskatchewan.

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

Attitudes toward the use of TELL tools in English language learning among Vietnamese Tertiary English majors

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-596
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Guided Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Majors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Levels

Technology plays a crucial role in the self-guided learning of a second language in general and English in particular. Nevertheless, many students in different contexts still ignore the application of technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) tools in enhancing their foreign language proficiency. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the attitudes towards the use of TELL tools in English-language learning (ELL) among English majors at one university in Vietnam. To collect data, 197 English majors participated in finishing the questionnaire, and 20 students were invited to join the interviews. The findings are that the majority of students have positive attitudes towards the use of TELL tools and the frequency of using these tools is very high. In addition, the results also reveal that there is no significant difference in attitudes towards and frequency of using TELL tools in learning English in terms of the year of study. However, students of different levels of academic achievements have different attitudes towards using TELL tools and use TELL tools to learn English differently. Received 2nd May 2019; Revised 16th July 2019, Accepted 20th October 2019

Using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) materials in English as Second Language (ESL) classrooms: perspectives of teachers and students in United Arab Emirates

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramia DIRAR SHEHADEH MUSMAR
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching

Integrating scaffolding-learning technologies has been recognized for its potential to create intellectual and engaging classroom interactions. In the United Arab Emirates, having language teachers employ computers as a medium of new pedagogical instrument for teaching second languages generated the idea of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as a medium of an innovative pedagogical instrument for facilitating and scaffolding language learning, with an aspiration that it will lead to improved English language attainment and better assessment results. This study aims at investigating the perspectives of students and teachers on the advantageous and disadvantageous impacts of CALL on learning and teaching English as a second language in one public school in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The results show that CALL has a facilitating role in L2 classroom and that using CALL activities is advantageous in reducing English learning tension, boosting motivation, catering for student diversity, promoting self-directed language learning and scaffolding while learning English. The results additionally report that numerous aspects like time constraints, teachers’ unsatisfactory computer skills, insufficient computer facilities, and inflexible school courses undesirably affect the implementation of CALL in English classrooms. It is recommended that further studies should be undertaken to investigate the actual effect of CALL on students’ language proficiency. 

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