scholarly journals Developing a Badge System for a Community ESL Class Based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-236
Author(s):  
Robb Mark McCollum ◽  
Elena Tornar Reed
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Learner Motivation ◽  
Language Classes

Teaching multilingual, multilevel language classes presents many challenges including helping students learn level-appropriate language. This learner-centred approach is complicated in a multilevel classroom where the teacher cannot always focus on each student’s needs. As a result, learner motivation and attendance are frequent problems. This article details the adaptation of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) into a badge system to help learners in a community English as a Second Language (ESL) program set and track personalized language learning goals. The authors explain the purposes of badges, including motivation and assessment, and describe how to create a CLB-based badge system for curriculum and assessment purposes. The authors also share feedback from students and instructors in the community ESL program about the badge-based curriculum.

scholarly journals Applying Measurement of Situational Self-Determination Theory to Use of a Self-Access Centre at a Japanese University

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Graham G. Robson ◽  
Darrell J. Hardy
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Learner Motivation ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Self Study

One way to promote autonomy in the second language can be through the use of Self-access Centres (SACs). These are spaces for students to engage in activities such as self-study or communication with other learners, or native-speakers of the target language. However, merely having these spaces available does not guarantee that students will use the facility effectively, or even attend at all, so a degree of learner motivation linked with visiting the SAC would be necessary. Deci and Ryan’s (1985) Self-Determination Theory (SDT) has been used as the base for numerous studies in second language learning, including those in Japan. Proponents claim SDT is both universal and can be measured on different levels, which are global, situational and state. The authors sought to validate a measure of four subscales of SDT (Intrinsic Motivation, Identified Regulation, Introjected Regulation and External Regulation) written for this study at the situational level among undergraduates using an SAC at a Japanese University (n = 83). The rationale for items at this level comes from the field of psychology (Vallerand & Ratelle, 2002) and a study of second language constructs (Robson, 2016). A factor analysis confirmed four reliable factors, as hypothesized. Further, simplex correlations between the subconstructs somewhat confirms the underlying continuum posited by SDT researchers. These results may lead to a body of work that validates SDT theory in second language learning.

scholarly journals Challenges of Distance Learning in Language Classes: Based on the Experience of Distance Teaching of Arabic to Non-native Speakers in Light of the Coronavirus Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-451
Author(s):  
Dalal Moh'd Al-Assaf
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Educational Goals ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
The University

This study aims to investigate the challenges that learners and teachers of a language face during distance learning classes, especially learners and teachers of the Arabic language as a second language, based on the results of a distance learning experiment on non-native speakers of the Arabic language at the University of Jordan during the second term of 2019-2020. The study seeks to introduce the proper solutions that may mitigate these challenges to achieve the educational goals through distance learning while teaching the Arabic language as a second language. This study used the applied descriptive approach in identifying these challenges. It concluded that these challenges significantly impact the language learning process, including mastering it, the extent of benefit, and the influence on students' linguistic progress. This study recommends that these challenges are considered when adopting distance learning as a language education method at teaching language classes as a second one. These challenges need to be considered when planning for direct and indirect lessons in Arabic language educational classes, primarily via the Internet.

The trends and developments of L2 Japanese research in the 2010s

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-127
Author(s):  
Yoshiko Mori ◽  
Atsushi Hasegawa ◽  
Junko Mori
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Pedagogical Issues ◽  
Learner Motivation ◽  
Pragmatic Development ◽  
Syntactic Development ◽  
Critical Approaches ◽  
Based Instruction

AbstractThis article updates the trends and developments of Japanese as a second language (JSL) research since Mori and Mori (2011) by reviewing nearly 200 selected empirical studies published in English or Japanese between 2010 and early 2019. The first section of this review examines the cognitive aspects of second language (L2) Japanese development, focusing on vocabulary and kanji (i.e., Chinese characters transferred into Japanese) learning, syntactic development, and the issues surrounding reading and writing. The second part investigates sociocultural issues in L2 Japanese development and use, including pragmatic development, multilingual/translingual perspectives, and multilingual youth. The third section explores the role of affective variables (primarily learner motivation) in L2 Japanese development. The last section considers various pedagogical issues, including corpus-based studies and the development of materials and resources, instructional designs and classroom studies, technology-enhanced language learning and new instructional models, critical approaches to teaching Japanese and content-based instruction. The review of these themes illuminates trends and emerging areas of interest in post-2010 L2 Japanese research inspired by current developments in applied linguistics and second language acquisition (SLA) research, as well as unique features of Japanese language and sociocultural contexts.

scholarly journals The motivational dimension of language teaching

2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Lamb
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pedagogical Innovation ◽  
Learner Motivation ◽  
Enhanced Mobility ◽  
Vital Component

Motivation is recognized as a vital component in successful second language learning, and has been the subject of intensive research in recent decades. This review focuses on a growing branch of this research effort, that which examines the motivational effects of language teaching. This is pertinent because, despite enhanced mobility and expanding access to foreign languages online, most learners’ early encounters with the second language (L2) still take place in classrooms, and these encounters may shape attitudes and determine students’ willingness to invest further in the L2. Four main types of research are reviewed: first, that which deliberately seeks to identify and evaluate strategies to motivate L2 learners; second, that which has tested the validity of psychological theories of motivation by applying their precepts in L2 classrooms; third, that which assesses the motivational effects of a pedagogical innovation or intervention; fourth, research on what has been too often the unintended outcome of language education, namely learner demotivation. The review highlights the complexity of the relationship between teaching and learner motivation but an attempt is made to articulate some emerging verities and to point towards the most promising avenues for future research.

scholarly journals SELF-PERCEIVED COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE AND DEMOTIVATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanis Kamarudin ◽  
Nur Ain Abdul Malek ◽  
Wan Nazihah Wan Mohamed ◽  
Siti Ainul Ayzan Ayub
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
English Language ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Pearson Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Esl Students ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
The Relationship

Scholars in language learning have recently taken an interest in self-perceived communicative competence (SPCC) and demotivation, albeit the relationship between these notions is rarely investigated. In Malaysia, many educators have encountered students who are unwilling to use their second language for communication and the reasons behind it could be determined by different demotivating factors. Thus, the association between the students' SPCC and demotivation was explored in this present study, specifically in the English language classes. A total of 250 diploma students of Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Kelantan (UiTMCK) participated in the study in which the data were collected via SPCC and a demotivation questionnaire. Notably, SPCC was negatively associated with demotivation based on the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The study’s outcomes showed that as part of the effort to minimise the English as a Second Language (ESL) students' demotivation, educators are encouraged to develop the students' competency in communicating.

scholarly journals Autonomy, Technology, and Language-Learning in a Sheltered ESL Immersion Program

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garold L. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Immersion Program ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Language Needs

This article reports on a classroom-based research project exploring the learning experiences of 30 Japanese English-as-a-second-language (ESL) exchange students in an environment highlighting learner autonomy and the use of technology. It first addresses a growing concern among practitioners, that is, how to create a learning environment that facilitates learner autonomy. One possible answer is a learning structure that first requires students to reflect on their second-language needs and interests. They then set their learning goals, devise projects to help meet these goals, and self-assess their learning. This model was implemented in three multimedia lab classes of two content-based language courses of a sheltered immersion program. The students' learning experiences are examined in a multiple case study relying on data collected through questionnaires and interviews, as well as participants' learning logs, teacher observation, and measures of academic achievement. The data suggest that promoting learner autonomy through experiential learning enhances motivation, metacognitive knowledge, and personal growth. The article concludes by exploring possibilities for the application of this model in regular ESL classrooms.

The digital dilemma

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-251
Author(s):  
Aroline E. Seibert Hanson ◽  
Melisa Dracos
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Learner Motivation ◽  
Host Culture ◽  
Studying Abroad ◽  
Culture Integration ◽  
L1 And L2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Us University

Abstract The study abroad (SA) experience now involves increased learner access via technology to the home (in the L1) and to the host culture (in the L2). L1 technology use could detract from host culture integration and language learning by allowing SA participants to remain immersed in the L1, while L2 technology use could aid in host culture integration by connecting participants to L2 speakers. Given this, it is urgent to determine the nature of the impact of L1 and L2 technology use abroad on motivation, language gains, and host culture integration. In the present study, we analyzed daily technology logs, learner motivation and L2 gains, and guided reflections on host culture engagement and L2 learning goals by eleven US university students studying abroad in Argentina. Motivation and L2 abilities increased significantly, and were positively correlated. Also, L1 and L2 digital contact showed important qualitative relationships with motivation and host culture integration.

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