Effects of a Technology-Enriched, Task-Based Language Teaching Curriculum on Chinese Elementary Students’ Achievement in English as a Foreign Language

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guofang Li ◽  
Xiaopeng Ni
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Elementary Students ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
Fourth Grade Students ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Teaching Curriculum ◽  
The Impact

Despite the great potential technologies bring to TBLT, few studies have examined the effects of technology-enhanced TBLT curriculum on students’ language development, especially among young learners. This paper addresses this need by reporting the impact of a technology-enhanced TBLT curriculum on Chinese elementary students’ English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning using a Non-equivalent Groups Design. A total of 471 fourth grade students from 4 low-SES schools outside Beijing participated in the study. Students’ growth in their English achievement was assessed using pre and post-tests before and after the intervention. A descriptive analysis was first conducted after completion of data collection, and then a t-test was conducted to determine the effect of the intervention. Results indicate that students who received the intervention progressed much more quickly in overall language proficiency than those who did not receive the treatment. The study points to the great potential of implementing comprehensive technology-enhanced TBLT at the curricular level.

scholarly journals Effects of a Technology-Enriched, Task-Based Language Teaching Curriculum on Chinese Elementary Students' Achievement in English as a Foreign Language

2014 ◽  
pp. 1374-1390
Author(s):  
Guofang Li ◽  
Xiaopeng Ni
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Elementary Students ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
Fourth Grade Students ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Teaching Curriculum ◽  
English Achievement ◽  
The Impact

Despite the great potential technologies bring to TBLT, few studies have examined the effects of technology-enhanced TBLT curriculum on students' language development, especially among young learners. This paper addresses this need by reporting the impact of a technology-enhanced TBLT curriculum on Chinese elementary students' English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning using a Non-equivalent Groups Design. A total of 471 fourth grade students from 4 low-SES schools outside Beijing participated in the study. Students' growth in their English achievement was assessed using pre and post-tests before and after the intervention. A descriptive analysis was first conducted after completion of data collection, and then a t-test was conducted to determine the effect of the intervention. Results indicate that students who received the intervention progressed much more quickly in overall language proficiency than those who did not receive the treatment. The study points to the great potential of implementing comprehensive technology-enhanced TBLT at the curricular level.

Assessing young learners’ foreign language abilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Nikolov ◽  
Veronika Timpe-Laughlin
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Language Abilities ◽  
Language Programs ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Programs ◽  
The Impact

AbstractGiven the exponential growth in the popularity of early foreign language programs, coupled with an emphasis of evidence-based instruction, assessing young learners’ (YLs) foreign language abilities has moved to center stage. This article canvasses how the field of assessing young learners of foreign languages has evolved over the past two decades. The review offers insights into how and why the field has developed, how constructs have been defined and operationalized, what language proficiency frameworks have been used, why children were assessed, what aspects of their foreign language proficiency have been assessed, who was involved in the assessment, and how the results have been used. By surveying trends in foreign language (FL) and content-based language learning programs involving children between the ages of 3 and 14, the article highlights research into assessment of and for learning, and critically discusses areas such as large-scale assessments and proficiency examinations, comparative and experimental studies, the impact of assessment, teachers’ beliefs and assessment practices, young learners’ test-taking strategies, age-appropriate tasks, alternative and technology-mediated assessment, as well as game-based assessments. The final section of the article highlights where more research is needed, thus outlining potential future directions for the field.

scholarly journals Testing young foreign language learners’ reading comprehension: Exploring the effects of working memory, grade level, and reading task

2021 ◽  
pp. 026553222199148
Author(s):  
Tineke Brunfaut ◽  
Judit Kormos ◽  
Marije Michel ◽  
Michael Ratajczak
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Reading Test ◽  
Reading Task ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Comprehension Accuracy

Extensive research has demonstrated the impact of working memory (WM) on first language (L1) reading comprehension across age groups (Peng et al., 2018), and on foreign language (FL) reading comprehension of adults and older adolescents (Linck et al., 2014). Comparatively little is known about the effect of WM on young FL readers’ comprehension, and even less within testing contexts. Young FL readers are still developing their L1 reading skills and general cognitive skills (e.g., attentional regulation abilities). Completing FL reading tests might be particularly taxing on their WM, and differences in WM capacity – as well as other learner and task characteristics – might create construct-irrelevant variance in test performance. In this study we investigate the effects of WM, grade level, and reading task on young learners’ FL reading test performances. Ninety-four young English language learners (Grades 6–7) in Hungary completed the TOEFL® Junior™ Comprehensive’s reading test and a WM test battery. Our mixed-effects model predicted significantly higher comprehension accuracy among learners with higher WM capacity, and among learners in Grade 7 compared to learners in Grade 6. Reading task differences were not associated with significant comprehension accuracy differences. We discuss the implications of our findings for testing young learners’ FL reading comprehension.

The effectiveness of game-based learning on English as a foreign language proficiency: A meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 78-89
Author(s):  
K.T. Kudarova ◽  
◽  
G.S. Bimasheva ◽  
Sh.G. Iskakova ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Game Based Learning ◽  
Mathematical Methods ◽  
Foreign Language Proficiency ◽  
The Impact

This study was aimed to synthesize data on the impact of game-based learning on English as a foreign language learning outcome. To achieve the goal, a search for relevant studies was performed via Google Scholar electronic database, followed by the results extraction and their meta-analysis using Meta-Essentials statistical software. Since most of the relevant publications utilized the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) to assess the intervention effectiveness, only those studies that used TOEIC or a TOEIC-derived test were included in the present meta-analysis to unify the performance scale. The final analysis included four experimental interventions involving 148 individuals. According to the results, the combined effect (Hedges g = 0.56) of game-based learning on post-test TOEIC scores exceeds controls, but the difference is not statistically significant. Thus, concerning the study sample, it has to be said that there appears to be no positive impact of gamification on English language acquisition. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to the risk of heterogeneity between the included studies (I2 = 33.81%) and their low number. Nevertheless, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current meta-analysis is one of the few studies to date that employ mathematical methods to obtain a combined effect of gamified learning on English as a foreign language proficiency.

scholarly journals Omani Students’ Perceptive of Communicative Language Teaching Approach in Higher Education in Oman: Its Practice

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (21) ◽  
pp. 1333
Author(s):  
Mouza Said Al Kalbani ◽  
Josu Solabarrieta ◽  
Ahmad Bin Touq
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Communicative Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching Approach ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
The Impact

This study aimed to analyze and understand learners’ attitudes towards Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach in a foreign language context in higher education in Oman. In the literature review, learners’ attitudes play a strong role in determining the success of innovations in instructional practices (Savignon and Wang 2003). In addition to that, this study is considered as an evaluative study to explore teachers’ implication of CLT and the impact of this implication on students “communicative competence”, which is considered as an ultimate goal of communicative language teaching in a foreign langue context (FL). The importance of this study is due to its significance to come up with a clear understanding of Omani learners’ beliefs considering teaching and learning process. It also aims to specify the impact of CLT as an effective teaching approach in English as a foreign language (EFL) among higher education students and to specify any difficulties or challenges that might hinder CLT implementation in the Omani context. To achieve this, a quantitative study had been used to collect data from both teachers and learners. The participants of this study were 631 students (189 male and 391 female) who were enrolled in Intensive English language programs (IELP) in Foundation Institute (FI) in two Universities (210 students from public university and 421 students from private university) and those participants were from three different English proficiency levels (247 level 1, 155 level 2 and 229 level 3). The analysis revealed that students perceived classroom’s practice to be more oriented towards using strategic and grammatical competence and less towards sociolinguistic and intercultural competences. Additionally, Omani learners reported statistically significant correlation between CLT practice. The students’ gender, language proficiency and education context affected how students perceived classroom practice.

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 GENDERED VISIONS OF IDEAL FUTURE SELVES: AN ANALYSIS OF JAPANESE ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ NARRATIVES

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-65
Author(s):  
Yoko Munezane
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Possible Selves ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Future Visions

This study investigates the impact of gender on future visions, using a mixed narrative method; i.e., a “drawing-and-writing-combined” narrative. Previous research shows that learners’ career aspirations have a positive effect on their academic achievement including language proficiency growth (Sasaki, Kozaki, & Ross, 2017). Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the impact of gender on language learners’ future possible selves by examining their career visions. Qualitative data were collected from 155 Japanese university English as a Foreign Language learners’ drawings and English essays. Statistical results (chi-square test) revealed gender effects in participants’ visualizations of career-focused and career-family balanced ideal selves as well as in the prominence of social interaction in their future visions. Qualitative analysis of participants’ essays suggested that the majority of both male and female learners envisaged their future ideal selves actively pursuing an international career empowered by the essential tool of English. Overall, females considered combining family and career as due responsibilities for women, whereas the majority of males envisioned career-related ideal selves only. The study further assesses the impact of gender on learners’ future visions by taking into consideration the gender equality level in a particular society. Pedagogical implications and future directions are discussed.

scholarly journals A Descriptive Analysis of Young Learners’ Behaviours toward TEFL

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Choiril Anwar ◽  
Wa Ode Runi Kusumawarni
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
Positive Behaviors ◽  
Grade 5 ◽  
Asking Questions ◽  
Independent Variable ◽  
Academic Year

This research was surely aimed at investigating young learners’ behaviors toward the teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). This qualitative research used descriptive method. It was conducted in SD Islam Sultan Agung 4 Semarang. The population of this research was the students of grade 5 and students of grade 6 in the academic year of 2017/2018 with the total sample was 70 students, consisting of 32 students of Grade VA and 38 students of Grade VI. In this research, the researchers used convenience sampling to determine the sample of the research. The variables of this study were teaching English as a foreign language which is as independent variable and young learners’ behavior functions as dependent variable. The data collection techniques of this research were through 1) observation and 2) close-ended questionnaire. The results of the research then indicated that young learners showed positive behaviors toward the teaching English as a foreign language such as paid attention to the teacher’s explanation, wrote down and read the material, actively and bravely in asking questions to the teacher, and made the vocabularies list to be memorized.Keywords:  Teaching English as a Foreign Language; Behavior; Young Learners

scholarly journals Developing an Interactive Storybook Application ‘Jack and the Dirty Smelly Beast’ for English Language Proficiency among Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Indah Fakhrani Arpin ◽  
Maizatul Hayati Mohamad Yatim
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Instructional System ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Instructional System Design ◽  
Education Policies

The high percentage of students who are still struggling with the English language is worrisome, even though there are many well-planned strategies and education policies that are developed to resolve this problem. It is a universal belief that learning a foreign language at a young age through reading plays an important role. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to design, develop and evaluate an interactive storybook application combined with suitable multimedia elements and features to encourage children to read. The interactive storybook entitled 'Jack and the Dirty Smelly Beast' was developed using Instructional System Design (ISD) and Rapid Prototyping model. An experimental study was conducted with 17 respondents between the ages of 6 – 8 years to test the effects of the multimedia elements and features in improving children’s learning. Their responses were recorded and analysed using descriptive analysis. The findings showed that respondents agreed that learning experience improved significantly and attracted children to read when using this application. In conclusion, by using correct multimedia elements and suitable features in the interactive storybook application, it is envisaged that the children’s comprehension in learning a foreign language can be expanded. This research foresees there is enormous opportunity for literacy development in foreign language learning in the early ages through the creation of an interactive storybook application with suitable multimedia elements and features for children.

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