University L2 Learners' Voices and Experience in Making Use of Dictionary Apps in Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 18-36
Author(s):  
Qing Ma
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Lexical Information ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Key Factor

Language learners can now access language learning information anywhere and anytime with handheld mobile devices connected to unlimited online information. Searching the meaning of unknown language items encountered online may be the first step for language learning to take place. Making good use of e-dictionaries and dictionary apps is a key factor that affects learning efficiency. Using a survey questionnaire completed by more than 200 participants and examining both quantitative and qualitative data, this study investigated how Hong Kong university L2 learners make use of dictionary apps and probed into what dictionary functions they actually use and what functions they desire when they engage in MALL. Four categories of dictionary functions, including lexical information, extra resources, lexical tutors, and lexical tools, are used to describe all dictionary functions that students accessed or desired. The results show that dictionary apps have become essential tools for Hong Kong university students to learn an L2 as well as facilitate their academic studies; bilingual dictionaries with multiple functions and rich resources are meaning decoders that help students engage in learning both in their subject courses and English learning. Some discrepancies exist in learners' actual use and desired use of dictionary functions, which deserve the further attention of both app developers and language teachers to improve learners' efficiency of vocabulary learning. In addition, teachers play an important role in guiding students' lexical learning. Based on the findings, a framework for understanding Hong Kong university students' choice and use of dictionary apps is provided, based on which implications are offered and discussed.

scholarly journals Teacher education

2003 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-278
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
University Of Oxford ◽  
Ann Arbor ◽  
Language And Education

04–644 Donaghue, H. (Shajah Women's College, UAE). An instrument to elicit teachers’ beliefs and assumptions. ELT Journal (Oxford, UK), 57, 4 (2003), 344–351.04–645 Heller-Murphy, Anne and Northcott, Joy (U. of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK). “Who does she think she is?” constraints on autonomy in language teacher education. Edinburgh Working Papers in Applied Linguistics (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK), 12 (2003), 10–18.04–646 LeLoup, J. W. (State U. of New-York-Cortland) and Schmidt-Rinchart, B. A Venezuelan experience: professional development for teachers, meaningful activities for students. Hispania (Ann Arbor, USA), 86, 3 (2003), 586–591.04–647 Macaro, E. (University of Oxford; Email: [email protected]) Second language teachers as second language classroom researchers. Language Learning Journal (Rugby, UK), 27 (2003), 43–51.04–648 Murphy, J. (New College, Nottingham). Task-based learning: the interaction between tasks and learners. ELT Journal (Oxford, UK), 57, 4 (2003), 352–360.04–649 Urmston, Alan (Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Hong Kong; Email: [email protected]). Learning to teach English in Hong Kong: the opinions of teachers in training. Language and Education (Clevedon, UK), 17, 2 (2003), 112–137.04–650 Wharton, Sue (University of Aston, UK; Email: [email protected]). Defining appropriate criteria for the assessment of master's level TESOL assignments. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education (London, UK), 28, 6 (2003), 649–663.04–651 Wildsmith-Cromarty, Rosemary (University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa; Email: [email protected]). Mutual apprenticeship in the learning and teaching of an additional language. Language and Education (Clevedon, UK), 17, 2 (2003), 138–154.

Language Skills Training through Mobile Apps

2017 ◽  
pp. 142-167
Author(s):  
Revathi Viswanathan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning

With the advancement in technological tools and devices, language teachers can foster learning of communication skills through mobile devices. There is a growing interest among students to use the latest gadgets for getting connected with their peers. It must be admitted that the usage of these devices would bring in a real revolution in the teaching and learning process. It has been widely accepted that mobile learning promotes students' active participation. Teachers also now understand that one of their responsibilities is to create more opportunities to make their students practice language skills. Although numerous researches has been done in the field of English Language Teaching in India, research on mobile assisted language learning is still in an infancy stage. In this chapter, the author discusses the possibility of offering training through mobile apps, based on research she conducted recently.

Wie Zijn 'Onze' Leerders?

1999 ◽  
Vol 62 ◽  
pp. 87-97
Author(s):  
Anne-Mieke Janssen-van Dieten
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
The Other ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Highly Educated ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
The One

There is an increasing awareness that the number of non-native speakers in the category of 'adult, highly educated, advanced L2-learners' is rapidly increasing. This paper presents an analysis of what it means to teach them a second language - whether it is Dutch or any other second language. It is argued that, on the one hand, conceptions about language learning and teaching are insufficiendy known, and that, on the other hand, there are many widespread misconceptions that prevent language teachers from catering adequately for people's actual communicative needs, and from providing tailor-made solutions to these problems.

scholarly journals On the Relationship between Iranian L2 Teachers’ Pedagogical Beliefs and L2 Learners’ Attitudes

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Maryam Sharajabian ◽  
Mahmood Hashemian
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Pedagogical Beliefs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Teachers Beliefs ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Language Schools ◽  
The Relationship

<p>The present study employed a descriptive survey design to investigate L2 learners’ attitudes towards language learning, and the possible effects of teachers’ beliefs on learners’ attitudes. Participants were chosen from among 2 groups: Twenty EFL teachers were asked to take part in this study and 80 from a pool of 213 learners at 2 language schools who were chosen to fill out the learners’ attitude questionnaire. The teachers were subsequently placed at/in 3 groups of high-opinion group (HOG), moderate group (MG), and low-opinion group (LG), and the attitudes of the learners of these 3 groups of teachers were compared to uncover the possible impact of teacher beliefs on learner attitudes. The relationship between the teachers’ beliefs and the learners’ attitudes was analyzed, and it that showed there was a statistically significant difference in the learners’ attitude scores for HOG, MG, and LOG. Analysis of the data showed that the learners of the HOG teachers gained significantly higher attitude scores than the learners of the MG teachers. Simply put, it was found that EFL teachers’ beliefs can influence their learners’ attitudes about language learning. Language teachers should learn about the effect of their beliefs and experience it and become more aware of practicing them.</p>

scholarly journals The Differences between English and Russian Language Teachers' Attitudes towards CALL

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
Ali Asghar Ahmadishokouh ◽  
Fatemeh Samadi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Russian Language ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Actual Use ◽  
Teachers Attitudes

Teachers play an important role in the implementation of Computer Assisted Language Learning(CALL) into language classes and their attitudes have proved to be significant predictors of using technology in their classes. In other words, Teachers’ attitudes are considered as a major factor that influences the use of new technologies in the educational settings. Thus, their attitudes toward computer can play an important role in the acceptance and actual use of technology in teaching in general and language teaching in particular. A review of the literature shows many examples of student voice reports, but not enough studies have conducted on teachers’ attitudes towards CALL. This study was an attempt to address the possible differences between the English and Russian language teachers' attitudes towards incorporating CALL  into their teaching professions. To this end a number of 53 English teacher and 52 Russian language teachers participated in the study. They were asked to fill  the  E & L teachers' attitude toward CALL questionnaire.The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 22 through running independent sample T- test. The result indicated that there is a significant difference between English and Russian teachers' attitude towards CALL. Moreover, it was concluded that English language teachers have more positive views towards incorporating CALL into their teaching.

Smartphone Assisted Language Learning and Autonomy

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Leis ◽  
Akihiko Tohei ◽  
Simon D. Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Study Habits ◽  
Free Time ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Taking Charge

In the present study we investigate the advantages of using smartphones in an English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. We compared two groups of Japanese university students who were either prohibited from using their smartphones in the classroom, or encouraged to use them for academic purposes, examining whether those using smartphones in their EFL lessons would show a tendency toward being autonomous. The results indicated that students who were encouraged to use their smartphones during class were inclined to study more in their free time as well as show signs of autonomy by taking charge of their learning and consider ways to improve their own study habits and English proficiency. Our conclusion is that language teachers and learners should be encouraged to use smartphones in the classroom as a means of fueling the desire to learn.

Language Skills Training Through Mobile Apps

2020 ◽  
pp. 471-490
Author(s):  
Revathi Viswanathan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning

With the advancement in technological tools and devices, language teachers can foster learning of communication skills through mobile devices. There is a growing interest among students to use the latest gadgets for getting connected with their peers. It must be admitted that the usage of these devices would bring in a real revolution in the teaching and learning process. It has been widely accepted that mobile learning promotes students' active participation. Teachers also now understand that one of their responsibilities is to create more opportunities to make their students practice language skills. Although numerous researches has been done in the field of English Language Teaching in India, research on mobile assisted language learning is still in an infancy stage. In this chapter, the author discusses the possibility of offering training through mobile apps, based on research she conducted recently.

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