scholarly journals ENGLISH GRAMMAR AWARENESS FACILITATES L2 LEARNERS’ WRITING

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Syahiza Shahabani ◽  
Irma Wahyuny Ibrahim

“Words—so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them”, Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864). It is true that from just words can become a phrase then a sentence but what we may need to realize is how hard and challenging it is to make the sentence right. To face the real world, writing is the most challenging skill to teach for language teachers mainly because students take time to grasp and digest the knowledge of writing skill. To make matters worse, writing test is also the most popular means of test for placement in entering schools and universities. Due to this reason, L2 learners crave to write clearly and accurately in English. Undeniably, how a person writes with acceptable choice of words and correct grammar represents the L2 learner’s competency in English Language. This study is done to explore the importance of having English grammar awareness to facilitate L2 learners in their writing activities. The study thus aims to determine how grammar awareness amongst the L2 and other support systems such as English classes & facilities help facilitating L2 writing. 84 undergraduate students answered the questionnaire. The quantitative data have been analysed at the end of the research. Some of the findings are 75% of the respondents indicated that they were still unsure on the use of proper grammar in writing despite 94% of the respondents agreed and strongly agreed that they understood when the instructor/teacher taught them English Grammar. The mix-up results in the findings have shown some drawbacks in the teaching and learning practices. Moreover, only 63% of the participants answered agree and strongly agree that their learning institution has an English classroom that is conducive for learning (self-access centre), which can be considered as not satisfactory since English Language is the second language in Malaysia. It is hoped that the government of Malaysia could provide complete conducive learning centre for schools and universities. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Author(s):  
Adi Idham Jailani ◽  
Nazarul Azali Razali ◽  
Ahmad Harith Syah Md Yusuf ◽  
Ariff Imran Anuar Yatim ◽  
Nor Atifah Mohamad

Mastery of the English grammar is an intricate subject. Conventional teaching and learning of the English grammar have found to be an arduous task for teachers and a lacklustre one for students. The traditional pen and paper method often cause second language (L2) learners to become unmotivated in understanding this important element of the language. Thus, it is critical to provide L2 learners with the motivation to engage learning grammar in a more meaningful and purposive process. An ideal way to provide such learning experiences is through the use of language games that accommodate L2 learners’ desire to grasp grammar rules in an enjoyable way. To fill the gap for a purposive and meaningful grammar-based language game, Worchitect, a card-based game that focuses on (English) parts of speech is developed. The card game poses players/learners with questions that will foster their understanding of the rules of grammar for them to play the game and accumulate the highest scores possible. This game provides a constructive reinforcement to L2 users as it allows for the English parts of speech (and grammar) rules to be deductively attained. Furthermore, Worchitect is highly marketable as it is suitable for learners of various language proficiencies; for language teachers to be used as reinforcement or the actual learning activity; for parents who are looking to spend quality time with their children; and for any language enthusiast.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Job W. Mwakapina ◽  
Abdulkarim S. Mhandeni ◽  
Onesmo S. Nyinondi

<p>Teaching large classes interactively has always been posing great challenges to language teachers in many of the developing countries. This study sought to explore whether the blending of WhatsApp Social Networking Tool (WSNT) in English Second Language (L2) learning class would make the class more interactive. Specifically, the study investigated roles and extent to which WSNT helps in the improvement of English Proficiency. Further, it explored advantages and challenges of using the tool in L2 learning. The study was conducted at one university involving first year undergraduate students who were pursuing different programs, and English grammar course was a compulsory course to them. WSNT was blended in grammar course for a period of one semester. Thereafter, evaluation forms and WhatsApp discussion board were used in data collection. It was realised that the tool plays a great role to the largest extent in helping students learn English interactively and collaboratively. In respect to advantages and challenges, it was reflected that the benefits of blending WSNT in L2 classroom far outweigh the challenges. This implies that WSNT does much good than harm on student’s L2 learning and development. The study concludes that WSNT can be fully utilised for education purposes. The government is therefore urged to provide loans to university students for online mobile learning tools as part of their special faculty requirements. Also, instructors are recommended to adapt the tool synchronously in their courses because the tool is effective at creating interactive learning environment.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 22-30
Author(s):  
Seid Mohammed ◽  
Gessese Nigusse ◽  
Zenawi Nigussie ◽  
Belihu Zenebe

The purpose of this study was to determine the variables affecting the implementation of writing skills instruction and learning in grades 7 and 8 in North Shoa Zone Second Cycle Primary schools. The study's primary purpose was to determine the difficulties encountered by English language instructors and students while teaching and learning to write in English classes. The research included the participation of 25 English language instructors and 1484 pupils from 14 Second Cycle Primary Schools. A questionnaire and an interview were used to obtain the required data. Questionnaires were completed by instructors and students, and English language teachers were interviewed. The questionnaire data was tallied and examined statistically in terms of frequency and percentage. Similarly, interview data were categorized and qualitatively characterized. The investigation revealed that the majority of instructors and students struggle with teaching and learning writing skills. Additionally, although both English instructors and students believe they are engaging in writing activities in the classroom, the students' writing performance is not as promising as shown by open-ended questions and comments from English language teachers interviewed. Several key suggestions are made in light of the results of this research in order to mitigate the issues that impede the efficient implementation of writing instruction and learning in second cycle primary schools. The primary recommendation is to offer enough training for English language instructors on how to teach writing skills, which will then be conveyed to students in order for them to enhance their writing performance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
pp. 40-52
Author(s):  
Isael Gómez López ◽  
Yoel Pérez Sánchez

The present work poses a reflection with the English language teachers on the importance that should be awarded to grammar in the teaching and learning of this language. Without leaving aside the integrating character promoted by the communicative approach in the treatment of the leading skills and the insertion of the students in communicative situations that enables the practice in linguistic habits formation through the development of the different components that are part of the communicative competence, the author expresses some ideas and criteria on how the professorship can teach grammar by means of the abilities to speak and write in English, and not English only through grammar.Cross grammar teaching from the leading skills-according to what is being analyzed by this author_ provides the tools and is the vehicle to carry out any communicative endeavor beyond the classroom. The author presents a system of exercises that show the transversal relationship of grammar with the leading skills. For the development of this work some methods were used such as: historic-logical, analysis-synthesis, inductive-deductive, systemic-structural-functional and the documentary revision. With the applicationof this grammatical proposal the students improved their speaking and writing skills, and their linguistic self-confidence was increased as well.


Widya Accarya ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-207
Author(s):  
Yuliana Ebidona ◽  
Ni Made Yuniari

Abstract This research aimed to know the students' problems in speaking skills at the tenth-grade students of SMK Dwijendra Denpasar Based on Teachers’ perspective, this research was a qualitative case study. The subjects of this research were two English Language teachers of SMK Dwijendra Denpasar. They were data collected through some instrument namely observation, an interview guide, recording, analysis documents, and interviewing. The findings showed that they were three difficulties faced by students when learning English was the level of mastery of vocabulary students have very less and Grammatical Errors in speaking, students experience difficulties and errors, especially in arranging sentences correctly. The strategies used by teachers to overcome students' problems in their ability to speak English were through strategies 1) small group discussions 2) Reading, 3) Practicing Dialogue and Retelling, 4) Translation According to the subject, 5) staring at the dictionary, 6) taking notes, 7) Provides opportunities for students to use vocabulary in real life contexts. The efforts made by teachers to make teaching and learning activities in English classes more interesting were1) by collaborating learning with games related to teaching materials. 2) play a word game. 3) provides opportunities for students to use vocabulary in real life contexts. Keywords: Teacher's perspective, speaking skills, Students’ problems   Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui permasalahan siswa dalam keterampilan berbicara pada siswa kelas X SMK Dwijendra Denpasar bersadarkan perspektif Guru. Penelitian ini merupakan studi kasus kualitatif. Subjek penelitian ini adalah dua orang guru Bahasa Inggris SMK Dwijendra Denpasar. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui beberapa instrumen yaitu observasi, pedoman wawancara, pencatatan, analisis dokumen, dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada tiga kesulitan yang dihadapi siswa ketika belajar bahasa Inggris dimana tingkat penguasaan kosakata siswa sangat kurang dan Grammatical Errors dalam berbicara, siswa mengalami kesulitan dan kesalahan terutama dalam menyusun kalimat dengan benar. Strategi yang digunakan guru untuk mengatasi masalah siswa dalam kemampuan berbahasa Inggris adalah melalui strategi 1) Diskusi Kelompok Kecil 2) Membaca, 3) Berlatih Dialog dan Menceritakan Kembali, 4) Penerjemahan Sesuai Mata Pelajaran, 5) Menatap Kamus, 6) mencatat, 7) Memberikan kesempatan kepada siswa untuk menggunakan kosakata dalam konteks kehidupan nyata. Upaya yang dilakukan oleh guru untuk membuat kegiatan belajar mengajar di kelas bahasa Inggris lebih menarik adalah 1) dengan mengkolaborasikan pembelajaran dengan permainan yang berkaitan dengan bahan ajar. 2) Mainkan permainan kata. 3) memberikan kesempatan kepada siswa untuk menggunakan kosakata dalam konteks kehidupan nyata. Kata kunci Perspektif Guru, Keterampilan Berbicara, Masalah Siswa


Author(s):  
Foo Lung Choe ◽  
Nasreen Bhatti

Studies on school teachers’ perceptions toward teaching and learning have shown inconsistent results which call for further research in the area. This study was an attempt to investigate the perceptions of teachers towards Teaching and Learning of the English Language. A Likert scale questionnaire with 33 items was developed by the researchers. A randomly selected group of Malaysian School English language teachers (n = 165) responded to the questionnaire. The descriptive statistics results indicated that the Malaysian School English Language Teachers’ perceptions of teaching are mainly positive; such as having higher intrinsic interest in adopting teaching as profession, decreased tendency in perceiving Teaching as a stressful profession, understanding the significance of listening and speaking skills (commonly neglected skills), awareness of the advantages of having literature in the English classroom, showing interest in the knowledge about high frequency words and lexiles, and showing interest in knowing and understanding students’ interests and problems. However, teachers’ perceptions regarding the education system, resource adequacy, class size and in the teaching of the writing skill are negative in the analysis. The findings further indicate the teachers’ technology illiteracy and although they acknowledge the supportive role of books in teaching language skills they seem not to be positive on the use of textbooks in the English classroom. The results have interesting implications for policy makers and researchers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-96
Author(s):  
Mia Febriana ◽  
Joko Nurkamto ◽  
Dewi Rochsantiningsih ◽  
Anggri Muhtia

The Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of Indonesia has prioritized education in the disadvantaged, outermost, and frontier regions (3T) by implementing a program called Sarjana Mendidik di daerah Terdepan, Terluar, dan Tertinggal (SM-3T), which is a year program for teacher education graduates to devote their lives teaching in the rural areas of Indonesia. The government sees the importance of promoting education in rural areas as a shared responsibility that must be done as a form of devotion to the nation. Every year the government sends thousands of teachers of various subjects as an effort to meet the needs of teachers in rural areas, which is still far from enough. Teachers who in fact come from urban areas certainly experience many challenges when they teach in rural areas with lack of facilities. This paper aims at finding out the challenges faced by teachers, especially English language teachers in carrying out teaching and learning activities in rural Indonesian schools. Framed by a humanistic perspective, questionnaires and in-depth interviews were employed as data collection techniques in this narrative case study. Furthermore, this study is expected to contribute to the teacher professional development in the rural areas.


Author(s):  
Mia Febriana ◽  
Joko Nurkamto ◽  
Dewi Rochsantiningsih ◽  
Anggri Muhtia

The Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education of Indonesia has prioritized education in the disadvantaged, outermost, and frontier regions (3T) by implementing a program called Sarjana Mendidik di daerah Terdepan, Terluar, dan Tertinggal (SM-3T), which is a year program for teacher education graduates to devote their lives teaching in the rural areas of Indonesia. The government sees the importance of promoting education in rural areas as a shared responsibility that must be done as a form of devotion to the nation. Every year the government sends thousands of teachers of various subjects as an effort to meet the needs of teachers in rural areas, which is still far from enough. Teachers who in fact come from urban areas certainly experience many challenges when they teach in rural areas with lack of facilities. This paper aims at finding out the challenges faced by teachers, especially English language teachers in carrying out teaching and learning activities in rural Indonesian schools. Framed by a humanistic perspective, questionnaires and in-depth interviews were employed as data collection techniques in this narrative case study. Furthermore, this study is expected to contribute to the teacher professional development in the rural areas.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takad Ahmed Chowdhury ◽  
Sarbani Roy ◽  
Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan Abdullah

English proficiency is considered a door opener almost in any field anywhere in the world, yet all the attempts to improve effectiveness of teaching and learning of English language in Bangladesh seem to fail over decades. Although poor learning motivation is counted as a key aspect why students do not hold their attention to their English classes and make use of their capabilities to understand and learn cognitively, there has been a very limited number of studies in Bangladeshi context to deal with this critical issue. This mixed method study attempted to identify the sources of motivation for attending English classes of the 1st year undergraduate students at a Bangladeshi university. Quantitative data was collected using two close-ended questionnaires from 50 randomly selected Bangladeshi tertiary level English language learners and 10 teachers. The student questionnaire was developed by adding three items with the ten items adapted from Clement et al. (1994) and the teachers questionnaire was developed and administered to follow up the findings from the student participants. For a more complete analysis, structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively selected students. The results indicated lack of intrinsic motivation among the learners, and based on the existing literature, the study recommended the way outs to improve motivation of the non-performing learners. The recommendations included, shifting from exam-oriented assessment system, teachers’ reflection of their own teaching practices, redesigning course curricula based on learning need and learners’ expectations, ensuring easy access to the latest educational facilities, and encouraging the roles of students and their peers to develop learners’ motivation and foster their autonomous learning opportunities. Finally, the limitations are drawn and suggestions for further research are provided.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 276-287
Author(s):  
Hussam Abdulaziz

Research has shown that attracting foreign/second language (L2) learners’ attention to form in communicative-based classrooms will help them improve their accuracy. Form-Focused Instruction (FFI)- teaching the form of the language while the main focus of the instruction is still the meaning- seems to be the way to insert the form instruction into Communicative language teaching. This study investigates whether the L2 learners of English and English language teachers prefer the isolated or integrated FFI that are the two ways of attracting the learner’s attention to the form of the language in meaning-based activities. Language teaching has shifted from grammar-based instruction represented in grammar-translation method to meaning-based instruction represented in the Communicative Language Teaching, and then to the most recent phase where form and meaning are taught at the same time represented in FFI. The purpose of this work is to find out how the students want to learn the English grammar and then to match their preferences with those of their teachers. The results showed that both groups significantly preferred the integrated FFI over the isolated one.


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