The Role of Classroom-Situated Game-Based Language Learning in Promoting Students' Communicative Competence

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Simulation Game ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Linguistic Support ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Language Classrooms

The study is the second in a series of mixed-methods studies on the integration of The Sims 4, a life-simulation game, into language classrooms. In this study, the researcher explores the effect of game-based language learning (GBLL) on students' English communicative competence from three aspects, interaction, fluency and content, in a Japanese university. In class, students received instruction from the teacher on game language and gameplay skills, played the game on their own and presented gameplay stories. The presentations were recorded for evaluation. Surveys were also administered for students' perceptions on the GBLL classroom. Results showed that no clear improvement in communicative competence was suggested by quantitative evaluation. Qualitatively data, however, indicated that the game afforded students interesting events and proper expressions in presentations and that the teacher played a vital role in ensuring ample interactional opportunities and linguistic support. Suggestions for future research in classroom-situated GBLL were also proposed.

scholarly journals Developing an Evaluation Checklist for English Majors’ Textbooks in China: Focus on Intercultural Communicative Competence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanrong Lei ◽  
Kittitouch Soontornwipast
Keyword(s):  
Native Speaker ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intercultural Communicative Competence ◽  
Textbook Evaluation ◽  
English Majors

With the rising interest in the Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) in language teaching, evaluating the ICC attributes in EFL textbooks is becoming a great concern. This study aimed to find out the evaluation criteria for the ICC attributes in EFL textbooks generated from the literature and from EFL experts, and then construct an evaluation checklist for assessing the ICC attributes of the English majors’ textbook in China. The findings revealed that thirty-six items were identified from the literature and another thirty-six new items were generated from the interview with nine experts in the fields of ICC research and textbook selection. These items were constructed into a draft checklist and checklist was validated by another nine EFL teachers and native-speaker teachers. Consequently, a try-out checklist with two dimensions, eight themes and sixty-one items was developed. Given the vital role of ICC in English teaching, it is essential to understand the ICC attributes in EFL textbooks, which is a relatively new construct. The proposed checklist was a critical step towards a better evaluation of ICC attributes in English majors’ textbooks and would be a helpful tool for teachers in textbook evaluation. Future research is required to refine the try-out checklist.

scholarly journals Investigating Learners' Perceptions about the Role of English Language Curriculum Set in Boosting Communicative Competence of the Students: The South Punjab Scenario

2021 ◽  
Vol VI (I) ◽  
pp. 112-123
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ahsan ◽  
Syed Waseem Azhar Seemab ◽  
Shahid Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Language Curriculum ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
Teaching Learning

The purpose of this work was to investigate learners' perceptions about the role of the English language curriculum set in boosting the communicative competence of the students of South Punjab. The present research was planned to use a mixed method. Most of the students showed that the curriculum designed for L2 learners causes negative effects in the process of L2 learning as it does not satisfy the communicative needs of the students. To make sure the effective use of textbooks or curriculum for L2 learning, there are certain steps that English teachers and learners can take to make better use of the English curriculum to improve learners' communicative competence. To make sure better language learning through textbooks and other teaching materials, teachers must play a vital role in the selection of textbooks and helping material. English textbooks with good teaching/learning materials can encourage L2 learning, improve communicative competence and can persuade learners so that they can achieve understandable feedback from their teachers and feel attentiveness towards the target language through textbooks or curriculum.

scholarly journals Adapting a Checklist of Materials Evaluation for a Self-access Learning Center in Japan

2019 ◽  
pp. 339-355
Author(s):  
Atsumi Yamaguchi ◽  
Erin Okamoto ◽  
Neil Curry ◽  
Katsuyuki Konno
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning Center ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Japanese Learners Of English ◽  
Japanese Learners

Materials evaluation calls for a systematic and principled approach. In reality, however, materials evaluation in language-learning self-access centers (SACs) is significantly lacking in good models. This paper reports on a project undertaken by SAC facilitators in Japan to investigate whether/how a pre-evaluation checklist developed a decade ago at a SAC in New Zealand (c.f. Reinders & Lewis, 2006) could be adapted to their target context. A mixed methods approach was employed where data was obtained via a Likert-scale questionnaire and follow-up interviews. The survey was adapted from Reinders and Lewis and enrolled 103 Japanese university students. The interviews were conducted to eight randomly selected survey respondents. Results show that the modeled checklist can be used as a basis with modifications allowing for contextual differences. The results suggest that Japanese learners of English value visually stimulating materials and require more guided support for them to effectively use materials beyond the classroom. The article provides an adapted checklist designed for Japanese learners of English as well as suggestions for future research.

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

scholarly journals Analyzing input quality along three dimensions: interactive, linguistic, and conceptual

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meredith L. ROWE ◽  
Catherine E. SNOW
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Pretend Play ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Book Reading ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Input Quality ◽  
Children's Development

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the features of caregiver input that facilitate language learning across early childhood. We discuss three dimensions of input quality: interactive, linguistic, and conceptual. All three types of input features have been shown to predict children's language learning, though perhaps through somewhat different mechanisms. We argue that input best designed to promote language learning is interactionally supportive, linguistically adapted, and conceptually challenging for the child's age/level. Furthermore, input features interact across dimensions to promote learning. Some but not all qualities of input vary based on parent socioeconomic status, language, or culture, and contexts such as book-reading or pretend play generate uniquely facilitative input features. The review confirms that we know a great deal about the role of input quality in promoting children's development, but that there is much more to learn. Future research should examine input features across the boundaries of the dimensions distinguished here.

scholarly journals Exploring the Role of M-learning in Elementary Education

10.28945/3873 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 459-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsiu Ju Chen
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mediated Learning ◽  
Elementary School Learners

Aim/Purpose: This study explores the associations between elementary school learners’ m-learning and learner satisfactions based on the technology-mediated learning model. Background: M-learning (mobile learning) is emerging, but its role in elementary education still needs clarification. Methodology: Questionnaires were mailed to several different elementary schools, located in different areas that adopted m-learning. Due to the possible limited cognitive ability because of age, short measures were adopted in the study. Finally, data from eighty-six elementary school learners who had experience in mobile learning were gathered and analyzed with Partial Least Square (PLS) for the limited sample size. Contribution: The results implied the vital role of m-learning in providing different form of interaction in class to activate elementary school learners’ course participation. They also indicated that mobile learning not only activated learners’ active course participation but linked students, teachers, courses, and schools. Findings: The results showed that m-technology quality of mobile learning was signifi-cantly associated with learners’ active course participation and satisfaction to-ward apps/tablets in m-learning that contributed to different learner satisfac-tions. Recommendations for Practitioners: The findings suggested that with good interaction quality facilitated by apps/tablets in m-learning, m-learning could be a suitable medium for teachers to have interaction with students and increased students’ different satisfactions in schools at alternative collective learning environments in elementary education. Future Research: Future studies to measure and reflect different impact of student-teacher interaction in m-learning are suggested.

scholarly journals Deconstructing the Bully and Victim Dichotomy

2010 ◽  
Vol IV (2) ◽  
pp. 22-43
Author(s):  
Eucharia Donnery
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
English Education ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
University Student ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Process Drama ◽  
Communicative Skills ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Test Taking

Although steps have been taken to address the issue of ijime or bullying, it remains is a serious social problem within the Japanese educational system. The main focus of this pilot study was to ascertain how beneficial process drama could be in developing oral communicative skills in the target language of English as well as to build social awareness through the deconstruction of the bully and victim dichotomy. Process drama in language acquisition is unique in its aim to fuse language learning and personal development. The average Japanese university student has had six years of compulsory English education, with an emphasis on grammar-translation and accuracy. This means that, while the average student excels at translation and test-taking, s/he has had little experience with communicative English and has no sense of ownership of the language. Because of this lack of oral communicative skills, process drama is an ideal means to build the bridge to communicative competence. This paper is part of a larger tri-semester process drama project and the data accumulated from all three will be used as evidence in a final PhD dissertation. Although steps have been taken to address the issue of ijime or bullying, it remains is a serious social problem within the Japanese educational system. The main focus of this pilot study was to ascertain how beneficial process drama could be in developing oral communicative skills in the target language of English as well as to build social awareness through the deconstruction of the bully and victim dichotomy. Process drama in language acquisition is unique in its aim to fuse language learning and personal development. The average Japanese university student has had six years of compulsory English education, with an emphasis on grammar-translation and accuracy. This means that, while the average student excels at translation and test-taking, s/he has had little experience with communicative English and has no sense of ownership of the language. Because of this lack of oral communicative skills, process drama is an ideal means to build the bridge to communicative competence. This paper is part of a larger tri-semester process drama project and the data accumulated from all three will be used as evidence in a final PhD dissertation.

scholarly journals The role of caregiver touch in early neurodevelopment and parent-infant interactional synchrony

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Carozza ◽  
Victoria Leong
Keyword(s):  
Infant Development ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Reward Processing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Endogenous Opioid ◽  
Interactional Synchrony ◽  
Endogenous Opioid Systems ◽  
Psychosocial Behavior

Though rarely included in studies of parent-infant interactions, affectionate touch plays a unique and vital role in infant development. Previous studies in human and rodent models have established that early and consistent affectionate touch from a caregiver confers wide-ranging and holistic benefits for infant psychosocial and neurophysiological development. We begin by providing a brief review of how affectionate touch tunes the development of infant somatosensory, autonomic (stress regulation) and immune systems. Affective touch also plays a foundational role in the establishment of social affiliative bonds and early psychosocial behavior. These touch-related bonding effects are known to be mediated primarily by the oxytocin system, but touch also activates mesocorticolimbic dopamine and endogenous opioid systems which aid the development of social cognitive processes such as social learning and reward processing. We conclude by proposing a unique role for affectionate touch as an essential pathway to establishing and maintaining parent-infant interactional synchrony at behavioural, physiological and neural levels. The limitations of the current understanding of affectionate touch in infant development point to fruitful avenues for future research.

Assessing the effectiveness of interactional feedback for L2 acquisition: Issues and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Nassaji
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
L2 Acquisition ◽  
Conversational Interaction ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Challenging Question ◽  
Considerable Body

AbstractHow to correct learner errors has long been of interest to both language teachers and second language acquisition (SLA) researchers. One way of doing so is through interactional feedback, which refers to feedback provided on learners' erroneous utterances during conversational interaction. Various theoretical claims have been made regarding the beneficial effects of interactional feedback, and over the years a considerable body of research has examined its effectiveness. In this context, a central and challenging question has always been how to determine whether such feedback is effective for language learning. Studies investigating the role of feedback have used various measures to assess its usefulness. In this paper, I will begin with a brief overview of the recent studies examining interactional feedback, with a focus on how its effectiveness has been assessed. I will then examine the various measures used in both descriptive and experimental research and discuss the issues associated with such measures. I will conclude with what continues to pose us a challenge in assessing the role of feedback and offer some recommendations to inform future research in this area.

Linguistic Awareness and second Language Learning

1989 ◽  
Vol 85-86 ◽  
pp. 85-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Masny
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Communicative Language Teaching ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Classroom Intervention ◽  
Linguistic Awareness ◽  
Second Language Development

The present paper is an attempt to gain a better understanding of the role of linguistic awareness in second language learning by studying the relationship between linguistic awareness and significant aspects of formal language learning : the learner, the classroom, and the curriculum. Accordingly, this paper examines the contribution of linguistic awareness to second language development and aims to show that classroom intervention in heightening linguistic awareness can be beneficial to the learner in the process of acquiring a second language. In addition, arguments are presented to point out that linguistic awareness can play a vital role within the framework of communicative language teaching. Finally, individual differences in language and language-related behaviour are examined in relationship to individual variation in linguistic awareness. This research was supported in part by a grant from the Quebec Ministry of Education (F.C.A.R. 86-AR-0274).

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document