scholarly journals Increasing Motivation among Language Learners through Individualized Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Cynthia Chalupa
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Traditional Assessment ◽  
Work Cycle ◽  
Course Material ◽  
Learner Differences ◽  
Extensive Body

An extensive body of research has shown that motivation is integral to successful and sustained language learning (Carreira, 2005; Cheng & Dornyei, 2007; Crookes & Schmidt, 1991; Dornyei, 1994; Ehrman, Leaver, & Oxford, 2003; Gardner, 2005; Matsumoto & Obana, 2001; Yang, 2008; Yu & Watkins, 2008). Maintaining student motivation in all aspects of language instruction, particularly assessment, can be challenging for multiple reasons, including learner differences, access to technology, and, most recently, reactions to pandemic learning. Instructors therefore face the challenge of creating assessments that not only evaluate students’ performance but also promote their ability and desire to learn. Based on the results of an action research project, this article highlights the benefits of two types of individualized assessment used to improve students’ motivation while evaluating their performance: work cycle projects and a course portfolio. Using qualitative data collected from student reflective statements, I argue, first, that the ability to choose assessment topics and types motivates students to focus closely on course content and work creatively; these choices ultimately improve their desire to learn course material more than traditional assessment types. Second, encouraging learners to utilize and reflect on their strengths using a portfolio as a form of assessment allows students to understand their strengths and weaknesses and empowers them as learners, thereby improving their motivation.

scholarly journals The Significance of Non-traditional and Alternative Assessment in English Language Teaching: Evidence From Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 210
Author(s):  
Mazin Mansory
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Alternative Assessment ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Peer Assessment ◽  
Dynamic Assessment ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Traditional Assessment ◽  
Static Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning in educational organizations that requires teachers to prepare tests in order to evaluate their learners’ performance. In language teaching contexts, traditional assessment often evaluates learners’ knowledge of previously learned language items. It is a mandatory process that determines the progress of language learners and the effectiveness of teaching/learning materials. This theoretical article reviews the literature on the notion of traditional assessment or static assessment which has certain shortcomings. Owing to the various drawbacks of static assessment, the review of related literature on the topic highlights and proposes alternative assessment methods, such as authentic assessment, dynamic assessment, peer assessment, and self-assessment.  In contrast to traditional assessment, these different forms of alternative assessment share a common purpose that is to provide language learners with an opportunity to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and set their future learning goals. The most common of the assessment methods that encourage learners' reflection were peer assessment and self-assessment which involve learners to assess their own progress as well as engage with peers in classrooms to give each other feedback on their language learning tasks assigned by teachers. The studies reviewed in this article illustrate that alternative assessment methods in the form of peer and self-assessment have a positive influence on the language learners' performance and their learning outcomes. 

The Critical Thinking Component in Language Learning

2019 ◽  
pp. 75-89
Author(s):  
Engracia Angrill Schuster
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Driving Force ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Learning Tasks ◽  
The Social

Determined to find a way to keep course content interesting and her students engaged, the author researched past and current approaches to teaching languages during an academic sabbatical. The outcome of her research was the realization that culture is the driving force that propels communication in language learning. Cultural inquiry engages language learners intellectually, and the classroom provides the social environment needed for the exchange of knowledge and ideas within a learning community. The author presents teacher candidates with a systematic approach for the creation of learning tasks that incorporate critical thinking. These tasks are, furthermore, classified according to the role they play in the learning process, whether exploratory, formative, or functional in nature.

Real-time audio and email for fluency: promoting distance language learners' aural and oral skills via the Internet

ReCALL ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Kötter ◽  
Lesley Shield ◽  
Anne Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Course Material ◽  
Video And Audio ◽  
Networking Technologies ◽  
Oral Skills

The Open University (OU) is UK's largest modern foreign language learning provider with a current enrolment of approximetely 8000 students, all of whom study individually at home, at a distance from each other and their tutors. However, while most OU students work with trditional course material such as books, video- and audio-cassettes and face-to-face tutorials, research at the centre for Modern Languages (CML) has also investigated alternative methods in order to account for those learners who might be unable to attend face-to-face tutorials. The study described in this paper outlines work in progress that is part of a larger, long-term project seeking to establish a framework for the use of networking technologies in distance language learning with a particular emphasis onl the ldevelopment of scenarios – that is task design and learning environments – which will enable participants to improve their spoken and communication skills in the target language.

scholarly journals The Impact of Xeropan An Online Application Assisting Language Learning on the Processes of Foreign Language Learning

TEM Journal ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
István Thékes ◽  
Orsolya Szilvássy
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Online Application ◽  
Pedagogical Intervention ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Impact

Examining the relationship between technology and the success of language acquisition and the integration of technology into language instruction has been around of a long time by now. In this current study, the impact of a pedagogical intervention is presented grounded on Xeropan, a gamified language learning application. It was found that Xeropan application has a positive impact on language learning processes. There was a visible improvement in language learners, and at the level of some tasks, it was indicated that there was a significant improvement as a result of the developmental intervention using Xeropan. It was also pointed out that students are content to work with Xeropan and find that it has a positive effect on them. Further conclusions are drawn.

scholarly journals Profiling language learners in hybrid learning contexts: Learners’ perceptions

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
Pekka Lintunen ◽  
Maarit Mutta ◽  
Sanna Pelttari
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Digital Competence

<p>This article discusses formal and informal foreign language learning before university level. The focus is on beginning university students’ perceptions of their earlier learning experiences, especially in digital contexts. Language learners’ digital competence is a part of their everyday lives, but its relationship to learning in and outside educational settings is still relatively seldom studied. The article discusses learning in formal and informal (i.e., hybrid) contexts and digital learning profiles −that is, a learner’s own personalized style in acquiring language competence by creating affordances in personalized digital or mobile learning environments− in primary and secondary education identified in a language learning survey. The results are based on an online survey sent to all beginning university students majoring in languages at a Finnish university (N= 87/192), which was complemented by a short narrative task (N=47) a few months later focusing on earlier education and the use of language learning technologies. The results suggest that the use of technologies seems to differ between extramural and in-school language learning. The learners were well aware of various possibilities to create affordances for learning, and their own involvement increased with age. Most participants had positive attitudes towards the use of technologies to enhance language learning, but critical views emphasized the importance of inspiring contact teaching. Three different digital learning profiles were identified: a digiage learner, a hybrid learner, and an in-school learner. These can be useful when planning differentiated foreign language instruction.</p>

Using Mobile Technologies with Young Language Learners to Support and Promote Oral Language Production

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 14-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martine Pellerin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Oral Language ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Collaborative Action Research ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
French Immersion ◽  
Action Research Project

The paper examines how the use of mobile technologies such as tablets and handheld MP3 players can support and promote oral language production among young language learners. It explores how the use of these mobile technologies in the language classroom supports pedagogical practices anchored in socioconstructivist theories of SLA that emphasize the role of dialogue and social interaction among young language learners. The paper is based on a collaborative action research project involving French Immersion teachers and their students in primary schools in a western province of Canada. Findings show that the affordances of mobile technologies contribute to the creation of innovative learning environments and authentic language learning experiences that support and promote the production of oral language among young language learners. The inquiry demonstrates the adoption of second language pedagogical approaches anchored in socioconstructivist theories of SLA that promote autonomy and a sense of agency among language learners.

scholarly journals Adolescent ELLs Improve Their Academic English while Learning about the UN Online

Languages ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Miriam Eisenstein Ebsworth ◽  
Chencen Cai ◽  
Lauren McCoy
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Public High School ◽  
Academic English ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Design Data

This action research project aimed at evaluating and revising Actionthroughwords (ATW), an online course on language learning through content for high school English language learners. Our multifaceted purpose is to help English language learners in an English language arts class to enhance their academic English language and literacy, while learning online about the work of the UN for health and peace worldwide. A teacher and nineteen students in a public high school bilingual program acted as learner-consultants, with a shift of learners’ roles to one of authority and engagement. Using a mixed design, data came from questionnaires, classroom observation, and interviews with the teacher and eight of her students. All participants responded affirmatively to the ATW site and expressed appreciation not only for the content but also for focused activities to enhance vocabulary development and grammatical awareness. Results showed students’ view of the UN was somewhat positive to begin with and became more positive over time. Participants recommended revision of ATW to make content more accessible through scaffolding and first language support and to offer additional games and videos appropriate for teenagers’ interests and modes of learning. Differentiated instructional materials and strategies integrated with the school curriculum were also suggested for future implementation of the course.

scholarly journals The Impact of Xeropan: An Online Application Assisting Language Learning on the Processes of Foreign Language Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 624-643
Author(s):  
Istvan Thekes
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Online Application ◽  
The Road ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Impact

Examining the relationship between technology and the success of language acquisition and the integration of technology into language instruction has been around of a long time by now. The development of technology can essentially change how languages are taught. Nevertheless, it is only in the last few years that the road has opened up for new language learning opportunities. In this current study, the impact of a pedagogical intervention is presented grounded on Xeropan, a gamified language learning application. In addition to assessing the impact of the app, a questionnaire was also applied to find out how efficient language learners find language learning with the application. Based on the original aim of the literature and the study, answers were sought as to how Xeropan influences the English language learning process, how student users find Xeropan in terms of efficiency and motivation, and how self-regulated motivation correlates with use of Xeropan. It was found that Xeropan application has a positive impact on language learning processes. There was a visible improvement in language learners, and at the level of some tasks, it was indicated that there was a significant improvement as a result of the developmental intervention using Xeropan. It was also pointed out that students are content to work with Xeropan and find that it has a positive effect on them. Further conclusions are drawn.

scholarly journals Autonomous Language Learning in a Work-cycle: Learners’ Perceptions, Beliefs and Behaviors

2020 ◽  
pp. 67-85
Author(s):  
Shirin Sadaghian ◽  
S. Susan Marandi ◽  
Hasan Iravani
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Autonomous Learning ◽  
Learning Goals ◽  
Personal Learning ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Evaluation Phase ◽  
Work Cycle ◽  
And Behaviors

The present study reports on an attempt to apply the principles of autonomous learning within the curriculum of an online course for teaching English to Iranian adult language learners. The contents of the course (i.e. general English) were delivered using work-cycles (Legenhausen, 2003) and were completed in the form of students’ projects. Each work-cycle started by setting personal learning goals in the planning and negotiation phase, deciding on the project in the decision-making phase, completing the actual project in the project phase, followed by an evaluation of the outcomes in the evaluation phase. Different phases of the cycle fitted autonomous learning framework, enabling the implementation of the principles of learner autonomy. Finally, after the actual implementation of the principles of learner autonomy through work-cycles, learners’ perceptions were assessed to estimate the efficiency of autonomous learning using work-cycles which revealed an overall positive pattern of beliefs. However, despite general success of work-cycles in implementing autonomous learning, a gap between learners’ autonomous beliefs and behaviors was observed which necessitates further preparation in the form of awareness-raising.

Discourse Analysis and Spoken Language Instruction

1990 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 152-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Riggenbach
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Spoken English ◽  
Language Data

Several excellent articles and books have been written, based on discourse analyses of spoken language, which can infrom teachers (and teacher educators) about features and conventions that are unique to spoken English (Brown, et al. 1984, Brown and Yule 1983, Bygate 1987, Melrose 1989, Tannen 1989) or about differences between authentic, naturalistic discourse and that fount in textbooks (Cathcart 1989, Scotton and Bernstein 1988). These approaches, clearly, have applications and implications for language instruction. However, it is the intent of this paper to discuss the ways in which discourse analysis itself can be useful for language learners as a tool for speaking and listening instruction. Many of the techniques and activities described in this paper bring students into the role of active participant in their own language learning processes, requiring them to collect and produce their own language “data,” to analyze these materials, and to become conscious of the skills involved with language production.

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