scholarly journals The Correlation between Moroccan EFL Learners’ Attitudes towards Speaking in the Classroom and their Speaking Proficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 58-80
Author(s):  
Boutaina Guebba
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Speaking Test ◽  
Speaking Proficiency ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Cognitive Attitude ◽  
Major Data

The present paper addresses the correlation between Moroccan EFL learners’ attitudes towards speaking and their speaking proficiency. It is an investigation of the validity of Gardner’s (1985) study, which claims that language proficiency is achieved if learners display a positive attitude towards language learning. Hence, the present study explores Moroccan EFL learners’ attitudes towards speaking in the classroom, first, and identifies the correlation between their attitudes towards speaking in the classroom and their speaking proficiency, second. The research study is conducted using two major data collection instruments: a questionnaire and a speaking test. The questionnaire generates data about EFL learners’ attitudes towards speaking in the classroom, whereas the speaking test generates data about their speaking proficiency level. The participants of this study are EFL students, belonging to Ibn Abbad secondary high school, located in Kenitra city. The participants, both females and males, are 1st year baccalaureate students majoring Art stream. The total number of the participants is 80 students.Unlike Gardner’s study, the present study indicates that the correlation between attitudes and speaking proficiency is negative. As far as the participants’ attitudes towards speaking in the classroom, the study findings show that they possess a positive emotional and cognitive attitude towards speaking in the classroom and a negative behavioral attitude towards it. The correlation findings, on the other hand, indicate that the informants’ positive attitude towards speaking in the classroom and their proficiency level are negatively correlated. This negative correlation is explained by a variety of linguistic and non- linguistic factors. The present study also provides some pedagogical implications and suggestions for further research.

scholarly journals EFL Learners’ Learning Styles and Self-regulated Learning: Do Gender and Proficiency Level Matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 616-623
Author(s):  
Jahanbakhsh Nikoopour ◽  
Mohammad Shaker Khoshroudi
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Moderator Variable ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Regulated Learning

The present study attempted to investigate the interdependence of self-regulated learning and language learning styles among three levels of language learners. Their gender and language proficiency level were also taken into consideration to find out the interaction between these variables. To carry out the study, the subject was selected based on the multi-stage sampling procedure. From five universities, 200 EFL learners studying TEFL, Literature, and Translation were randomly selected. Based on their scores on the TOEFL test, the participants were divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. From each level, 30 subjects were randomly selected. The research instruments were used to collect the required data for the study. After analyzing the data, the results showed a significant relationship between the EFL learners’ learning styles and their self-regulation. It was disclosed that the higher the learners’ scores on language learning styles were, the more self-regulated they were. When gender was taken into account as a moderator variable, no significant correlation between language learners’ learning styles and their gender was detected. It was found that both male and female learners were self-regulated in the same way. In addition, EFL learners’ proficiency level significantly made a difference in their self-regulation; however, it did not affect their learning styles.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Language Mindsets and Feedback Preferences in L2 Writings of EFL Learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 183-203
Author(s):  
Shima Vaghei ◽  
Fariba Rahimi Esfahani ◽  
Sajad Shafiee
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Proficiency Test ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Intelligence Beliefs ◽  
Feedback Preferences ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Frequency Counts ◽  
Do So

The present study intended to investigate intermediate Iranian EFL learners’ language mindsets and examine the possible relationships between language mindsets and feedback preferences in L2 writing. To achieve these aims, 150 EFL volunteer learners were recruited from several language institutes in Isfahan, Iran, and their language proficiency level was determined through a proficiency test. The learners were then given the Language Mindsets Questionnaire and the Feedback Preferences Scale to fill out. Frequency counts, mean scores, one-sample t-tests, and SEM in Smart PLS were employed to analyze the collected data. The results of the study indicated that for the three subcomponents of the mindsets questionnaire (i.e., general language intelligence beliefs, second language aptitude beliefs, and age sensitivity beliefs about language learning), the learners did not agree (though not significantly) with the entity items, while they expressed significant agreement with the incremental items. The SEM results also revealed that the model (examining the relationship between entity/incremental mindsets and feedback preferences) indicated that entity mindsets were a significant predictor of feedback preferences, yet the incremental mindsets failed to do so. Among the feedback types, EFL learners’ preferences, in a deductive order, were found to be for commentary and conferencing significantly, and then for peer correction, prompts, self-correction to a non-significant extent. The significance of the obtained results are presented and the implications of the study are enumerated.

scholarly journals Language Learning Strategy Use and English Proficiency of Iraqi Upper Secondary School Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Qusay Mahdi Mutar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
School Students ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Learning Strategy Use

To learn English language, there are some language-learning strategies, which learners need to be familiar with. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the language learning strategies used among Iraqi sixth-grade preparatory students, and how could gender and proficiency level effect on using language-learning strategies. To analyze the collected data, SPSS software version 20 included Independent sample T-Test Besides, one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD have been used. A total of 210 sixth-grade preparatory students were chosen randomly from four-different secondary schools for the academic year 2016-2017 at al-Karkh side of Baghdad city. The study sample consisted of (105 females and 105 males). The findings revealed that EFL learners have shown medium use of language learning strategies, besides, no statistically significant differences between male and female students in the frequency of using LLSs. the findings also showed Cognitive and memory strategies were the most frequent used categories comparing to the compensation strategies that scored the least frequent category. As for language proficiency, the result showed that students with high proficiency used all six categories of learning strategies more than medium and low-proficiency students.

scholarly journals The Influence of Motivation on EFL Learners’ Speaking Skills

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 612-619
Author(s):  
Wira Kafryawan
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Quantitative Method ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Purposive Sampling ◽  
Speaking Test ◽  
Speaking Proficiency ◽  
Correlational Research ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Speaking Skills

Motivation is one of some psychological factors which influences the speaking proficiency. Therefore, this study aims at finding out whether or not there is a significant correlation between EFL learners’ motivation and their speaking skills. With regard to the methodology applied in this study, a correlation research was used to determine whether, and to what degree, a relationship exists between two or more quantifiable variables in form of quantitative method. Purposive sampling was used in the correlational research due to the assumption that the selected students were able to give information or data in relation to the research problems based on the research design. Thus, 46 learners were chosen as the samples. The study was conducted at learners in SMA Negeri 1 Marisa, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo. Moreover, the quantifiable data were obtained from speaking test based on the Heaton assessment and motivation test based on the Likert Scale assessment which were distributed to the learners. The data were then analyzed by Pearson product moment. The findings showed that there was a significant correlation between EFL learners’ motivation and their speaking skills in degree of high correlation. In other words, the assumption views that that the higher motivation belongs to EFL Learners to speak the better ability they speak.

scholarly journals EFL Learners’ Attitudes towards the Proper Pronunciation of English and Podcasts as a Facilitator of Proper Pronunciation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Riam K. Almaqrn ◽  
Abdulrahman M. Alshabeb
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Correct Pronunciation ◽  
Level 3

The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of Saudi students of English towards proper pronunciation, and podcasts as a facilitator of proper pronunciation. It will discover the importance given to correct pronunciation, as well as gauging learners’ attitudes towards the possibility of introducing podcasts as a new language input tool for facilitating improvements in pronunciation. To achieve this, the previous literature in this area is reviewed, followed by presenting the results and analysing the data from an attitudinal questionnaire distributed amongst 23 Level 3 Saudi EFL learners from the department of English at Imam University. The questionnaire is divided into two parts- one concerning proper pronunciation, and the other podcasts. The data analysis shows that the participants, in spite of the low rate of improvement in their pronunciation, have positive attitudes towards the proper pronunciation of English. This outcome is compatible with previous studies` results, which assert that having a positive attitude towards a particular language and its speakers can improve pronunciation. The students were presented with a total of five podcasts related to their speaking and listening textbook for use over an eight week period, and at the end of this time they were requested to complete the questionnaire. The findings support the usefulness of examining learners` attitudes towards new Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) applications before using them in a practical way. The results show a high rate of acceptance of podcasts and that, overall, the students have positive attitudes towards them.

scholarly journals The influence of proficiency level on the use and choice of L1/L2 communication strategies used by Iraqi EFL students

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Raed Latif Ugla ◽  
Mohamad Jafre Zainol Abidin ◽  
Mohammed Najim Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
English Major ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Interactive Task ◽  
Speaking Task

<span>This study aimed at investigating the influence of language proficiency level on the frequency of the use and choice of L1/L2 communication strategies used by Iraqi EFL students. This study was qualitative in nature. The interactive task and speaking task were used to gather data regarding communication strategy use and choice from<em> </em>52 second and third year English major students. Those participants were divided into two groups; low and high proficient students (n=27 low proficient students and n=25 high proficient students). A taxonomy of communication strategies was adopted to code the communication strategies used by low and high proficient Iraqi EFL students. The results revealed that low proficient students use communication strategies more frequently than high proficient students. Both low and high proficient students used communication strategies other than those included in selected taxonomy. This study showed that low proficient students use L1-based strategies more frequently, while high proficient students use L2-based strategies more frequently.</span>

Examining fluctuations in the WTC of Japanese EFL speakers: Language proficiency, affective and conditional factors

2020 ◽  
pp. 136216882097782
Author(s):  
Rintaro Sato
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Willingness To Communicate ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Stimulated Recall ◽  
Sense Of Security

Willingness to communicate (WTC), which plays a crucial role in second or foreign language learning, has a dynamic and complex nature, fluctuating during communicative events. This study examines how the situational WTC of four Japanese speakers of English as a foreign language (EFL) emerges and fluctuates, focusing on the roles of language proficiency and affective and conditional factors. Low-intermediate and advanced speakers were engaged in an interactive, communicative activity with an interlocutor. All utterances were recorded, transcribed, and analysed and combined with the qualitative data from participants’ self-ratings and a stimulated recall interview after the activity to assess fluctuations in WTC. The findings indicate that levels of WTC are influenced differently between low-intermediate and advanced speakers. Although the WTC of all speakers was negatively affected when they sensed a lack of English proficiency, low-intermediate speakers were affected by interest in the topic, influence of interlocutors on sense of security, and self-confidence, while opportunity to talk about oneself and one’s opinions contributed to the WTC of advanced speakers. It is suggested that teaches of EFL should be considerate of these factors that can affect EFL learners’ WTC.

Language learning strategy use in context: the effects of self-efficacy and CLIL on language proficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-220
Author(s):  
Nils Jaekel
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
The Impact

AbstractLanguage learning strategies (LLS) are suggested to facilitate learning and support learner autonomy. The integration of content and language in foreign language education increases the cognitive work load. Furthermore, self-efficacy has been identified as a key predictor for strategy use and language achievement. The present study aimed to (1) investigate LLS use in content-based versus traditional foreign language environments and (2) assess the impact LLS use and self-efficacy have on language proficiency. Participants were Year 9 Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and regular English as a foreign language (EFL) students (N=378) in Germany. Structural equation modelling, controlling for a range of confounding variables, showed that (1) there was no difference in LLS use between CLIL and EFL students. (2) LLS use had a negative impact while self-efficacy predicted higher language proficiency. These results suggest that students may best be supported by enhancing their self-efficacy while they should carefully choose their strategies.

scholarly journals The Comparative Effect of Teaching Concept Mapping in Reading on Extrovert and Introvert EFL Learners' Self-Regulation

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Mania Nosratinia ◽  
Fatemeh Abbasi
Keyword(s):  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Teaching Concept ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Pre Treatment

The present study attempted to compare the effect of teaching concept mapping in reading on extrovert and introvert English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' Self-Regulation (SR). The participants were 60 female EFL learners at the intermediate level of English language proficiency, between 18 and 20 (Mage = 19). The Preliminary English Test was employed in order to select homogeneous participants in terms of English language proficiency level, followed by administering Eysenck's Personality Inventory (1985). The language-wise homogeneous introvert (n = 30) and extrovert (n = 30) participants were assigned randomly into two experimental groups of 30. To identify the pre-treatment and post-treatment levels of participants' SR, the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (1991) was administered twice. The two groups were instructed using the same material and implementing Harris and Graham’s (1996) concept mapping instruction model. The analysis of the scores using an Independent-Samples t-Test revealed that extrovert participants exhibited a significantly higher SR level as a result of being exposed to concept mapping. The study concludes with a discussion on the obtained results and the probable reasons leading to them, followed by presenting some implications for EFL teachers, learners, and syllabus designers. 

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document