scholarly journals Arab English Language Teaching Candidates Climbing the IELTS Mountain: A Qualitatively Driven Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Issa ◽  
Ali Al-Bulushi ◽  
Rima Al-Zadjali
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Structured Interviews

As a high-stakes international language proficiency benchmark, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requires different and special Language Learning Strategies (LLS), which pose numerous challenges to its takers. Some Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) majoring in English Language Teaching (ELT), have therefore, failed to achieve an overall score of Band 6 on the IELTS as a language proficiency requirement and a condition mandated by the Ministry of Education for selecting English language teachers among. This qualitatively driven hermeneutic phenomenology study, hence, discusses this issue from an ideological perspective. The study triangulates data from semi-structured interviews made with six fourth-year ELT Student Teachers (STs) at SQU and the pertinent literature. The critical discussion revealed various ideologies about the powerful impact of the IELTS on the STs’ English language development. The findings have important implications for the practices of the teachers in the Omani ELT school system and elsewhere.

scholarly journals Selected research in applied linguistics and English language teaching in Turkey: 2010–2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Aydınlı ◽  
Deniz Ortaçtepe
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
English Language ◽  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Affective Factors

In this state-of-the-art review, we aim to build on Alptekin & Tatar's (2011) article covering research conducted in Turkey between 2005 and 2009, and survey published research in 31 Turkey-based journals between 2010 and 2016. As the second review paper on Turkey's English language teaching (ELT) agenda, our goal is twofold: first, to introduce the research of those researchers whose high-quality, Turkey-based work may not be known outside Turkish academia; and second, to point to recent scholarly developments that have occurred in Turkey and set these in the context of recent shifts in language teaching research worldwide. This paper presents approximately 140 articles that appeared in locally published peer-reviewed academic journals, and clearly demonstrates that Turkey as an English as a foreign language (EFL) context presents a vibrant research scene in language teaching. The reviewed works cover a wide spectrum of timely topics (e.g., computer-assisted language learning (CALL), the European Portfolio for Student Teachers of Languages (EPOSTL), language assessment, affective factors), and present findings that have much to contribute to current discussions in the field. Nevertheless, our review also reveals some concerning trends, including an almost exclusive emphasis on practical concerns over conceptual development; shortcomings in locating research within broader disciplinary debates; and few efforts to bring together and build on local research in a manner that might allow for original and creative influences on the broader discipline. It is therefore the further aim of this article to spark debates on these issues among Turkish scholars and contribute to the strengthening of the local disciplinary community.

scholarly journals Counteractive Measures for the Tribulations Faced by Intermediate Students of Selected Colleges of Lucknow, While Teaching and Learning English

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 516
Author(s):  
Mohammad Owais Khan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
College Education ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Intermediate Students ◽  
Learning English

The present study attempts to highlight the issues related to the Tribulations and Counteractive measures for teaching and learning English to Intermediate students of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. The language policy in intermediate college education emerged as a social and personal problem. The quality of English Language teaching in majority of Indian Intermediate Colleges presents a very appalling picture. Teachers’ language proficiency, exposure to language and teaching materials is major concerns for quality English language learning. In reality intermediate students’ situation in UP is very difficult. They don’t have good opportunities as the big cities’ students have. These students consider English as a subject not as a language. So they focus only on examination not on the learning. This is an area which needs proper investigation. This study and the remedial measures suggested at the end will hopefully help students and teachers in learning and teaching English easily and appropriately. The study will also be useful for teachers, scholars, course designers and material producers of English language teaching.

scholarly journals Effects of Proficiency and Motivation on the Choices of Language Learning Strategies

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Attapol Khamkhien
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Social Strategies ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Future Planning ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Common Learning

The objectives of this investigation were twofold: 1) to identify language learning strategies commonly used by Thai EFL learners, and 2) to determine the roles of three variables contributing to their strategy use: language proficiency and motivation. A set of questionnaires consisting of the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) was given to 1,405 Thai university students studying English. The analysis revealed that, in general, memory strategies were found to be the most common learning strategies, whereas social strategies were the least common. Motivation was reported to be the most significant variables affecting their choices of language learning strategies. The analysis revealed certain elucidating facts that can be utilized in future planning of English language teaching to improve the English performance of Thai learners.

scholarly journals Qualitative Perspectives on the English Language Content Knowledge and Methods on Communicative Language Proficiency, Implications for Succeeding in the IELTS

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 67-89
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Bulushi ◽  
Ali Al-Issa ◽  
Rima Al-Zadjali
Keyword(s):  
Student Teachers ◽  
Content Knowledge ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Sultan Qaboos University

Communicative Language Proficiency (CLP) in the target language is critical for the teachers joining English language teaching for different reasons. The Ministry of Education in the Sultanate of Oman has sanctioned the score of Band 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as the main criterion for accepting English language teachers graduating from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Nonetheless, some fourth-year Student Teachers (STs) have failed to achieve the specified score due to reasons pertinent to the choices made in the initial English language teacher education program content knowledge and methods. This qualitative study, hence, investigates the perspectives of purposively selected STs and faculty members about the effect of SQU English Language Teaching (ELT) content knowledge and methods on the STs’ IELTS band scores. Results have shown that there is a need to reconsider the content knowledge and methods to create more opportunities for the program participants to use the language communicatively. Results have further shown that certain faculty members adopt certain teaching methods insensitive to the needs and interests of the STs and which negatively affect their CLP. The results have important implications for the STs’ success in the IELTS and hence their employability.

An English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) Perspective in Asian English Language Teaching

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salam Mairi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Curriculum Evaluation ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Lingua Franca

AbstractThe global spread of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) has implications for practice in English Language Teaching (ELT) classrooms. This paper presents a study on attitudes toward ELF which is crucial to its incorporation because attitudes influence the learning output in ELT. It uses a mixed method approach through a questionnaire survey on attitudes toward ELF, which contains a modified Verbal Guise Technique (VGT), complemented with semi-structured interviews. Seventy university students and 4 lecturers from three English departments in Japan (Waseda University and Sophia University) and Indonesia (Universitas Negeri Jakarta) were involved in filling out the questionnaire and semi structured interview sessions. The results highlight positive attitudes towards ELF and its incorporation into ELT (Japan: 3.71, and Indonesia: 3.51). In addition, factors which influence these attitudes (aspects related to language learning experience) were proven significant. The interview sessions also suggest ways to incorporate an ELF perspective into the ELT classrooms. Further, it addresses the issue of the gap between theory and practice in research on Global Englishes in Language Teaching (GELT) where a “conceptual gap” is often found. The study is of value to those interested in ELT curriculum evaluation and design to meet the needs of both ELT and ELF community in countries like Japan and Indonesia.

Dogme ELT: A Liberal Perspective in English Language Teaching in the Post-Methods Era

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
Quang Nguyen Nhat ◽  
Hung Bui Phi
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
English Language Teachers

This paper aims to make a critical discussion of Dogme ELT, an innovative pedagogy in English language teaching first developed by Thornbury (2000). This paper first provides a comprehensive review of second language acquisition and pedagogical theories as well as post-methods era perspectives in English language teaching. After that, the authors discuss different aspects of Dogme ELT and figure out the room for Dogme ELT in English language teaching in the post-methods era. Dogme ELT is rooted in a conglomerate of compatible theories in second language learning and teaching. The most noticeable perspective may be that the language teachers should not rely mainly on prescribed coursebooks, but teach design tasks based on learners’ problems and interests. There should be more studies on various aspects of Dogme ELT, although it satisfies most, if not all, basic principles in English language teaching theoretically. The authors also figure out gaps in research and recommendations for English language teachers and learners.

scholarly journals Integrating Form and Content within Classroom Discussion of Literature: A Discernible Advantage in Language Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-74
Author(s):  
Çağrı Tuğrul Mart
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Grammatical Accuracy ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Meaningful Context

As both form-focused (FFI) and content-based (CBI) instructions have advantages and disadvantages in language teaching, the integration of FFI and CBI into literature-based classrooms provides an ideal context to attend to form and meaning and some of the strongest rationales for language acquisition as the disadvantages of one approach will be compensated by the advantages of the other. When FFI and CBI are integrated in conjunction with literature-based approach, learners easily perceive language patterns in the meaningful context, foster content learning and initiate production of the meaningful discourse. Simply put, the advancement of grammatical accuracy and content unveils improvements in language proficiency. The present study aimed to create a favorable condition for language learning through employing FFI and CBI incorporated in a literature-based program. Quasi-experimental approach was adopted and the participants were 60 students majoring in English Language Teaching at a university. It was found that this integrative pedagogy can be used as a springboard for language proficiency development because learners are at advantage to maximize their grammar and vocabulary knowledge.

scholarly journals Significance of Viva Exams for English Language Learning (ELL) in Pakistan

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahwish Farooq
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2

This study deals with the reformation for English Language Learning (ELL) by considering the need and importance of viva exam. Therefore, it has been conducted in ELL classes of Public Sector University in Pakistan. English language teaching is a crucial issue therefore different methods have been used to teach and evaluate the performance of learners. But the most important element, viva is being ignored in our Public Sector Universities. Strategically, language teaching is a quite different subject but is being taught similar to other subjects which adds more difficulty. Actually, English must be considered a practical subject where learners have to participate in different experimental tasks. It is an observational study where a checklist has prepared by the researcher for collecting objective information. So, it is designed with sixty learners, divided in 3 groups of 20 participants in each. Two groups have been taught by the same teacher, having same curriculum and methodology. Group 1 is informed about the viva in qualifying exams therefore actively participated in spoken activities. But Group 2 is kept uninformed till the end of the course so tries to avoid participation. Group 3 has been asked to give opinion about the research by answering questionnaire. Then, the data interpretation and results concluded that emergence of viva exams and exam fear fact are the important elements to achieve English language proficiency.

scholarly journals Technology use in secondary level of English language teaching: A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-89
Author(s):  
Roghibatul Luthfiyyah ◽  
Gusti Nur Hafifah ◽  
Francisca Maria Ivone ◽  
Sintha Tresnadewi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Secondary Level ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Use Of Technology

Technology has been widely used in the education field, especially for teaching language. Many teachers and students believe in the advantages of technology to enhance language learning. There have been many studies investigating the use of technology in secondary language classrooms. Some studies approve that technology can be applied to increase students' language competence. This paper comprehensively analysed the use of technology for English language teaching in the secondary level based on empirical studies. It reviews 57 articles from reputable journals and publishers. The existing literature shows that studying and reviewing the use of technology in ELT leads to a deeper understanding of its potential benefits. Many technology tools have been utilized to support the teaching of English skills. Kinds of learning activities that require technological tools and applications, such as presentation, discussion, assessment are also discussed. Additionally, problems and solutions encountered in the implementation of technology in secondary ELT levels are scrutinized in this study. HIGHLIGTS: Scholars need to set the content and pedagogy first before the technology to obtain meaningful and contextual experiments and discussion in academic circumstances. The finding unveils a fact that technology use in the ELT context contributes more to students' learning strategies, such as learning motivation, engagement, collaborative work, rather than the improvement of students' learning outcomes. This finding can be a rationale to rectify the common logical fallacy encountered among studies that claimed that technology can improve particular language skill.  

English Students’ Attitudes towards English Language Teaching and Learning at IAIN Padangsidimpuan

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Royani ◽  
T. Silvana Sinar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Role Models ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
English Learning ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
English Students

This study investigated the English students’ attitudes of IAIN Padangsidimpuan towards both English language teaching in terms of (a) language-centered, (b) learner-centered, and (c) learning-centered method; and learning English in terms of scales (a) attitudes toward long-term English learning, (b) interest in culture and communication, (c) perception about studying in school context, (d) images associated with English, (e) English learning activities, (f) exposure to English outside school, (g) self-rated four English skills, (h) self-reported academic English grade, and (i) identification of English role models. The data were obtained by questionnaire and interview from 10 selected students in which 4 male and 6 female students in 7th semester and were analyzed by steps provided by Gay, L.R and Airasian (1996). The result showed:  first, English students’ attitudes towards English language teaching had been found highly onlearning-centered method, followed by learner-centered method in second range, and almost negative view in language-centered method.Second, English students’ attitudes towards English language learningwere positivein scales; long-term English learning, interest in communication, and images associated with English.  Third, role of students’ gender on English language learning were not found. Reasons for this statement are (i) status of English as international language and (ii) equalization of getting education for male and female. Keywords: attitude, language teaching, language learning, and gender

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