Re-Evaluating Traditional Approaches to Second Language Teaching and Learning

Author(s):  
Lixian Jin ◽  
Martin Cortazzi
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 538-558
Author(s):  
Mehrdad Vasheghani Farahani ◽  
Vahid Pahlevansadegh

Purpose In spite of the growing interest in using corpora in language teaching and learning, applying computers and software (especially corpora software) is still new in second language teaching and learning. In addition, employing a learner corpus-based perspective in teaching metadiscourse features in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) writing tasks is not reported to the best knowledge of the researchers. Understanding and spotting this gap, the purpose of this paper is to utilize a learner corpus-based approach in teaching metadiscourse features and investigate its possible impacts on IELTS writing performance of the Iranian second language learners. Therefore, this study addressed the following research questions and hypotheses. Design/methodology/approach The current research utilized a quasi-experimental research design. In addition, this research used a learner corpus-based methodology. The corpus-based methodology was exploited to enable the researchers to have access to a large body of authentic language materials. In other words, a corpus-based methodology was used due to the fact that it made it possible for the researchers to elicit the metadiscourse features from a large number of authentic writing materials and to employ them during the treatment process with authentic examples. Findings The findings showed that there was a positive correlation between teaching metadiscourse features and writing performance of IELTS learners; in that, teaching metadiscourse features could soar the writing performance of the subjects. In addition, interactional metadiscourse features had more impact than interactive metadiscourse features on writing performance. Practical implications The results of this research can have useful implications for second language teachers and learners as well as researchers in learner corpus as they can learn the creation and application of learner corpora in second language teaching and learning. Originality/value This paper is value in that it uses corpus software and methodology in teaching metadiscourse features in writing section of IELTS test.


Author(s):  
Osman Solmaz

The goal of the paper is to highlight the research examined within the context of social networking sites (SNSs), cross-cultural approaches, and relevant findings and implications for second language teaching and learning (L2TL). Furthermore, the study also investigates applicable frameworks across the academia that can be adapted by applied linguists and L2TL experts in SNS research. For this purpose, relevant findings from other fields of research and their potential implications for L2TL are presented along with applicable theoretical and methodological frameworks. It is pointed out that a number of studies from the fields can contribute to a better understanding of social networking technologies and their roles in language teaching and learning context. Therefore, it is recommended that L2TL experts investigating SNSs should familiarize themselves with SNS research across the academia and they carry out interdisciplinary projects by employing applicable theoretical and methodological frameworks.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-116
Author(s):  
Nugrahenny T. Zacharias

The present paper offers a modest contribution to the existing and ongoing attempt to find a place for narrative research in language education. The purpose is mainly to explore and highlight insights gleaned from narrative research with regard to narrative data and analysis. Due to the diverse and unique nature of second language learning and teaching, I would argue that gathering narrative data from second language learners are paramount and in line with the existing attempt to view second language teaching and learning in its own right and not as imitation of first language learning. To develop my argument, I will first discuss the position of narrative research in second language education highlighting the contribution and insights that narrative research brings to second language teaching and learning. I will proceed to define narrative research and explains the various tools to elicit narrative data as well as issues that narrative researcher needs to consider when collecting narrative data. The paper ends by looking at issues and strategies in analyzing narrative data. In all of the discussion, relevant research is cited to illustrate the point being discussed. The paper will end by highlighting that the discussion about narrative data and analysis are not aimed to replace other tools of data elicitation and analysis. Rather, it aims to invite teachers and researchers to see narratives as a viable option in research as the methodology continues to move forward.


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