Exploring the Potential of a Location Based Augmented Reality Game for Language Learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 34-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Advanced Level ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
The City ◽  
Augmented Reality Game

This paper adds to the small but growing body of research into the potential of augmented reality games for teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL). It explores the extent to which such games enhance the language learning experience of advanced level EFL learners. The author draws on his work developing Mission not really Impossible, a location-based augmented reality game which uses the Aurasma mobile application to provide a series of challenging language tasks for advanced level learners as they move around the city of Karlsruhe in Germany. The game is evaluated through a mix of observation during gameplay and feedback from participants. Broad approval of the language challenges that had to be completed is evident and Aurasma proves itself to be user-friendly and reliable. The findings affirm the potential of augmented reality games to engage and challenge advanced level language learners.

scholarly journals Teaching and Learning Vocabulary: What English Language Learners Perceive to Be Effective and Ineffective Strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Seyyed Hatam Tamimi Sa’d ◽  
Fereshte Rajabi
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
English Language Teachers

Vocabulary constitutes an essential part of every language-learning endeavour and deserves scholarly attention. The objective of the present study was three-fold: 1) exploring Iranian English language learners’Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs), 2) examining language learners’ perceptions of vocabulary learning, and 3) exploring Iranian English language teachers’ Vocabulary Teaching Strategies (VTSs). In total, 145  intermediate learners of English as a foreign language, consisting of 114 males and 31 females aged 15 to 27, participated in the study. The triangulated data were collected using three tools: questionnaires, interviews, and class observations. Sixty-seven learners (31 females and 36 males) filled out a 56-statement questionnaire, adopted and adapted from Takač (2008) and translated into Persian. The questionnaire comprised two parts, enquiring as to the learners’ VLSs and the teachers’ VTSs. The findings indicated that females and males differed significantly in their reported VLSs and their teachers’ use of various VTSs. Additionally, 78 learners were interviewed as to their perceptions of effective and ineffective VLSs as well as VTSs. The findings revealed that the most effective VLSs were reported to be: a) reciting, repeating and listening to words, b) using words, and c) memorising words while the most effective VTSs revolved around: a) explanation, b) repetition, and c) dictation. The observations also confirmed the findings obtained via the questionnaire and interviews. In general, the findings are indicative of the limited repertoire of vocabulary acquisition techniques employed by Iranian EFL learners, hence the need for strategy training in how to acquire vocabulary. 

scholarly journals The Effects of Audio- visual Recorded and Audio Recorded Listening Tasks on the Accuracy of Iranian EFL Learners’ Oral Production

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Pooya Drood ◽  
Hanieh Davatgari Asl
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Oral Production ◽  
Self Study ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
And Control

<p>The ways in which task in classrooms has developed and proceeded have receive great attention in the field of language teaching and learning in the sense that they draw attention of learners to the competing features such as accuracy, fluency, and complexity. English audiovisual and audio recorded materials have been widely used by teachers and students, and have been the important resources of teaching and self-study. Nowadays, the environment we are living in is abundant with audio visual input and we as teachers ,thus, should be aware of the fact that environment can change students’ behavior towards language and language learning .What effects do these materials have on English speaking ability? The objective of this study is to find out whether there is difference in Iranian EFL learners’ accuracy in both audiovisual recorded (videos, movies ,etc.) and audio recorded tasks. For this purpose, 40 students of intermediate level were chosen and then were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups each of which was under different listening tasks. (Audio visual- and audio only). Data analysis showed that the group which was trained under AV listening tasks showed different effects on students’ accuracy, compared to the other group positioned using audio recorded. Based on the results of this study, it is imperative that teachers consider the types of activities and methods that can have influence over language learners’ speaking ability.</p>

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Augmented Reality for English (AR4E) in Vocabulary Learning among Primary 2 Pupils

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Amalina Binti Hasbi ◽  
Melor Md. Yunus
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Learning Collaborative ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents and discusses a part of an action research conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Augmented Reality for English (AR4E) in vocabulary learning among Primary 2 pupils as indicated in the results of the pre-test, post-test and observation checklist. An action research was employed. However, this paper reports on the pre-test, post-test and observation checklist conducted in the observation, evaluation and reflection stages only. Purposive sampling was employed as the participants were of the same proficiency level in which it was carried out with 14 below average Primary 2 pupils in SKTEN. Two data collection instruments which were pre-test, post-test and observation checklist were analysed statistically and thematically. The pre-test and post-test were analysed using SPSS Version 25 and it showed a higher mean score in the post-test and this is supported by the findings obtained through the given themes of observation. The results reflected that the implementation of AR4E has shown a significant improvement in learner’s vocabulary learning. In addition, the findings have also raised the concern regarding the impact of AR4E in encouraging fun learning, collaborative learning and providing the learners with new language learning experience. Accordingly, the use of AR4E is recommended in vocabulary teaching and learning for English. Finally, the researcher suggests future research can be carried out taking into account differentiated learning tasks in AR4E, larger target users and different language skills to be integrated in AR4E.

Learner perceptions and experiences of pride in second language education

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 272-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Ross ◽  
Elke Stracke
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Language Learner

Within applied linguistics, understanding of motivation and cognition has benefitted from substantial attention for decades, but the attention received by language learner emotions has not been comparable until recently when interest in emotions and the role they can play in language learning has increased. Emotions are at the core of human experience, so a greater understanding of their impact on language learners is critical. In particular, the role and impact of positive emotions on learners and their learning experience has been overlooked in favour of a focus on issues of confidence and anxiety. One particular positive emotion that has a meaningful connection with the learning experience is that of pride. Drawing on qualitative interview data from tertiary English language learners in Australian universities, this article singles out pride as a means of confirming the critical role of positive emotions in language learning. The interviews revealed that pride had a significant impact on the experiences of learners. It was also discovered that within the notion of pride there exists a degree of dimensionality. Pride is felt in communicative contexts whereas a feeling of ‘non-pride’ can occur in learning contexts. The article also presents implications arising from the study concerning the place of emotions in language teaching and learning.

scholarly journals EFL Learners’ Perspectives on the use of Smartphones in Higher Education Settings in Slovakia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rastislav Metruk
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes

MALL (Mobile assisted language learning) affords new opportunities for EFL (English as a foreign language) learners and teachers. Research on MALL is still in its infancy in Slovakia, and this paper attempts to fill in this gap by examining students’ perception and attitudes towards the use of smartphones for the purposes of learning and practicing English. The target population of this study constituted of the Slovak university EFL learners whose major was Teacher Training of English Language and Literature (n = 77) at a Slovak university. The research method employed to achieve the objectives of this study was a 5‑point Likert scale questionnaire, comprising of two sets of statements: general and out‑of‑the‑classroom statements with a total of 29 items. The research results for both sets of statements imply that the participants display moderately positive attitudes towards smartphones in the context of EFL learning. However, the findings also reveal some issues surrounding the perception and potential use of smartphones such as the inability to plan students’ language learning appropriately and effectively, general underuse of smartphone apps, or problems related to practicing speaking skills. The results further suggest the immediate need to develop and enhance the awareness of smartphones and their potential in the process of teaching and learning English so that the EFL learners can utilize considerable opportunities these smart devices offer. Finally, the limitations of this study are recognized, and it is emphasized that conducting further research in this area is urgently needed.

scholarly journals Leading the Proverbial Thirsty Horse to Water: ESL Learners’ Experience with Language Learning Contracts

2012 ◽  
pp. 452-464
Author(s):  
Normah Ismail ◽  
Masdinah Alauyah Md Yusof
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Learning Contracts ◽  
Learning Contract ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

There is agreement among language educators that the process of language teaching and learning should aim to develop autonomous language learners. While the advantages of autonomy seem to be quite obvious, fostering autonomy in practice can prove to be difficult for some language learners. This paper describes the use of learning contracts as a strategy for enhancing learner autonomy among a group of ESL learners in a Malaysian university. Through learners’ account of their experiences with the contracts, the study concludes that the learning contract has potential use for language learning and that learners’ positive learning experience remains the key to the success of any endeavour seeking to promote learner autonomy. The paper ends with some implications for teachers and learners who wish to use the contracts as a strategy for language teaching and learning.

scholarly journals Language Education in Emergencies: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 183-197
Author(s):  
Athip Thumvichit ◽  
Savika Varaporn ◽  
Vorakorn Tuvachit
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Current Trend ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Face To Face Instruction

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, education systems around the globe suspended on-site classes and transitioned instruction to various remote environments, creating a distinctive context for teaching and learning. This systematic review brings together the available research in language education within the current emergency setting to examine the state of affairs, as well as the situation’s inherent challenges and opportunities for language learners and teachers. A total of 38 studies were collected to reflect the current trend, with 16 of these in-depth reviewed. Research focusing on learners was dominant. Most research was conducted at the tertiary level. The studies highlighted digital tools that are capable of engaging language learners in an interactive learning experience, though they are unable to replace face-to-face instruction. Outside-of-class support such as extra channels of communication, self-access language learning (SALL) materials, and advising in language learning (ALL) were all found to complement remote learning. It is recommended that teachers try to retain their teaching principles and put them into practice regardless of the abrupt transition. Teachers’ wellbeing can be promoted when teachers accept the changes and see them as opportunities.

scholarly journals The Use and Evaluation of Vocabulary Learning Strategies among Sudanese EFL Learners

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Fatima Salaheldeen Ahmed Hamza ◽  
Mohamad Subakir Mohd Yasin ◽  
Ashinida Aladdin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Depth Of Processing ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
New Words ◽  
Processing Theory ◽  
Vocabulary Learning Strategies

The learning of new vocabulary as a part of English for Foreign Language (EFL) teaching and learning has not been investigated thoroughly because its effectiveness has been questioned by various researchers in the past. However, in recent years, various studies have shown that proper strategies in acquiring new words could be one of the keys to effective language learning among EFL learners. This study investigates how Sudanese EFL learners at Khartoum University, Sudan use and evaluate vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs). The three selected categories of vocabulary learning strategies - metacognitive, discovery, and consolidation - were chosen according to taxonomies proposed by Al-Fuhaid (2004), Schmitt (1997) and Nation (2001). These VLSs were then evaluated using Han’s Information Processing Theory and Craik and Lockhart’s Depth of Processing Theory (1972) to meet the two objectives of this study. The first objective was to examine the most frequently used VLSs employing a set questionnaire designed to elicit the necessary data. The second objective was to evaluate the usefulness of each of these VLSs by conducting in-depth interviews with the respondents. The results showed that metacognitive strategies were the most frequently used VLS among the three. In-depth interview data revealed that respondents evaluated all three VLS positively and considered them very useful in acquiring as well as understanding words. These findings suggest that language learners in Sudan should be taught vocabulary enhancing techniques while language instructors should use and teach these VLS to learners explicitly.

On the Consideration of Environmental Factors and Social Milieu Effective in Iranian EFL Learners

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Gholam Reza Parvizi ◽  
Jafar Mashayekh ◽  
Yasser Saremi
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Foreign Language Learners

It has been known that teaching and learning a language in an ESL context is by far easier than teaching and learning it in an EFL context and that learning a language must take place in a social context. Foreign language milieus are those in which students do not have enough opportunities for communication in the target language beyond their classroom settings whereas in second language contexts, the target language is readily available out there (Brown, 2001). Given the important role that language learning resources could potentially play in EFL contexts, in the present study an attempt is made to shed light on the environmental factors and resources which Iranian language learners rely on and to explore the possible resources which exist around them and of which not all of them are necessarily aware. To this end, a group of students studying in Iran Language Institute in Shiraz was chosen. The data of the study were gathered through a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The findings suggested that they rely on very few resources outside the classroom setting. In addition, it was revealed that in an EFL context, such as Iran, there is a range of resources which foreign language learners could rely on and which could present them with opportunities in all four language skills. 

The Involvement of Native Speakers in Teaching and Learning Japanese Language at UiTM

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Choong Pow Yean ◽  
Sarinah Bt Sharif ◽  
Normah Bt Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Japanese Culture ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Lexical Density

The Nihongo Partner Program or “Japanese Language Partner” is a program that sends native speakers to support the teaching and learning of Japanese overseas. The program is fully sponsored by The Japan Foundation. The aim of this program is to create an environment that motivates the students to learn Japanese. This study is based on a survey of the Nihongo Partner Program conducted on students and language lecturers at UiTM, Shah Alam. This study aims to investigate if there is a necessity for native speakers to be involved in the teaching and learning of Japanese among foreign language learners. Analysis of the results showed that both students and lecturers are in dire need of the Nihongo Partner Program to navigate the learning of the Japanese language through a variety of language learning activities. The involvement of native speaker increases students’ confidence and motivation to converse in Japanese. The program also provides opportunities for students to increase their Japanese language proficiency and lexical density. In addition, with the opportunity to interact with the native speakers, students and lecturers will have a better understanding of Japanese culture as they are able to observe and ask the native speakers. Involvement of native speakers is essential in teaching and learning of Japanese in UiTM.

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