scholarly journals The Use of Digital Storytelling for ESP in a Technical English Course for Aerospace Engineers

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Ana Sevilla-Pavón ◽  
Belén Serra-Cámara ◽  
Ana Gimeno-Sanz

<p>Digital Storytelling is a powerful pedagogical tool for both students and educators, which started to be used for teaching and learning purposes a few years ago, becoming more and more popular over time. The use of digital storytelling in non-specific language learning contexts has been widely explored, as shown in the literature. However, its use in technical-scientific contexts of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) has not been so widely studied. This paper explores a project of digital storytelling for ESP carried out at the Universitat Politècnica de València, in Spain. The methodology was divided into several stages: completing a pre- and a post-survey, learning about digital storytelling by doing a WebQuest, making decisions about their digital stories (topic, plot, software and media), sharing their stories with their classmates through the PoliformaT LMS, watching their classmates' digital stories, using the forum to write their comments about their digital stories and their classmates', keeping a log and preparing and presenting their “making of” in front of the class, and assessing both their peers’ digital stories and their oral presentations. The overall results were very positive, as students were highly satisfied with their progress in learning and developing different skills, these being mainly linguistic, research, writing, organisation, digital, presentation, interpersonal, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.</p>

2003 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 74-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eiko Ushida ◽  
Chihiro Kinoshita Thomson

This empirical study of Resource Based Learning in a group project in intermediate Japanese classes investigated students’ learning process during their interactions with Web resources. The learners researched an aspect of Japanese society of their choice, using different types of available learning resources (e.g., human, media, literature, e-mail, and the Web) and gave oral presentations based on their research. The researchers observed the students throughout the semester while they were working on the various learning resources and took notes on their activities and interactions. After the presentation, one of the researchers conducted a follow-up interview with seven students from different groups. Based on the empirical data, the findings are described and interpreted. Results show learners’ positive perceptions of the gains of the project, and that learners most valued the resource from which they best obtained the information needed for their research content and topic. Although this project created a larger learning environment, learners were required to develop strategies to understand and use the authentic Web resources beyond their language proficiency; and to use information searching skills and critical thinking skills in order to be successful in resource-based learning using the Web.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-569
Author(s):  
Atalia Ferreira Lima Flôr ◽  
Francineide Fernandes Costa ◽  
João Marcos Lima Garcia ◽  
Valdir A. Braga ◽  
Josiane Campos Cruz

Learning physiology is challenging for students. The nature of the discipline, which includes many complex mechanisms, makes the subject complicated. Furthermore, the length of the textbooks and the usual multiple-choice tests, which prioritize memorizing instead of understanding, tend to discourage the students. Therefore, different pedagogical strategies have been adopted to motivate and facilitate the learning of physiology. In this sense, many pedagogical strategies have been using art as a tool to motivate and induce students to self-learn. Besides, art as a pedagogical tool has also been shown to be important in developing self-assurance, self-pride, as well as the development of critical-thinking skills in the students. Here, we incorporate a new practice of self-directed teaching and learning, which involves artwork interpretation in a physiological context. This extra-classroom activity integrating art and physiology (The PhysioArt Project) improved students’engagement, increasing their interest in the discipline by providing a more creative, pleasurable, and enthusiastic atmosphere for enjoying and learning physiology, which also has contributed to the development of creativity, critical thinking, and students’ self-assurance. Interestingly, the benefits elicited by The PhysioArt Project activities have also helped us to enhance the student-professor relationship, inducing a more humanized education.


Think India ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 455-457
Author(s):  
Y.L MARREDDY

Y.L MARREDDY English is recognized as a universal language. Learning English is inevitable in this present global scenario. It also acts like a link language. Especially, English literature enables learners to develop critical thinking skills, helps to discover and enlighten themselves. It is quite challenging task to teachers to teach literature for studentsin non native English countries like India. The role of the language teachers becomes predominant and the methods of teaching literature according to the students’ level of understanding also play a significant role because studying literature assists students’ tohave real time experiences, passion for language acquisition and think innovatively. In this context, it is necessary for teachers to distinct between teaching literature for special purposes or it is used as a resource language for teaching this foreign language. This paper throws light on the importance of teaching literature, several approaches and methods of teaching literature at graduate level. Literature connects the cultures across the world, throws challenges to solve and even to heal some cultures. It really provides an individual space for learners to express themselves and improve competence levels among them. It allows learners to share their participation in the experience of others, strengthens to shape, alter their attitude and meet their expectations.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Wender ◽  
Valerie J. D’Erman

ABSTRACT Teaching and learning in higher education is occurring, unavoidably, within the broader civic context of today’s extraordinarily polarizing political times. We seek to help students situate themselves with respect to and, above all, thoughtfully assess others’ as well as their own perspectives on issues of profound contention, without contributing to exacerbated polarization ourselves. Specifically, we offer students in our first-year exploratory political science course a vital tool—critical rigor—for navigating but not being inundated by the storm. This article discusses our experiences in teaching the course titled, “The Worlds of Politics,” as we attempt to help students deeply engage in cognitive processes of critical thinking and analysis, without undue infringement from their own—and least of all our own—personal political biases. Our focal learning objective is the cultivation of critical-thinking skills that promote students’ drawing of distinctions between advocacy and analysis, as well as their discerning civic engagement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-199
Author(s):  
Mahrus Asʾad ◽  
Ahmad Bukhori Muslim ◽  
Wagdi Rashad Ali Bin-Hady

Abstract Similar to other theistic texts, the Qurʾan has some figurative languages which require deep thought for good comprehension. However, how these rhetorical imageries can inspire the development of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) and religious tolerance among language learners, two necessary skills in the information-laden era, is still less known. This study explores how the Qurʾan’s figurative languages serve as an inspiring basis to develop Bloom’s revised taxonomy of analyzing and evaluating thinking skills in foreign language learning. Document analysis shows that many verses in Sura (Chapter) Joseph and other five chapters contain some simile, personification, and metaphor in recounting past prophetical and scientific events humans need to learn for life. Incorporated into learning materials, these figurative languages require the foreign language learners to use their skills of sensing, imagining, and making logical reasoning to discern the real meanings. The discussion of Sura Joseph in the Qurʾan which recounts some prophets of Abraham’s descendants can also increase religious tolerance among young followers of Abrahamic religions. The study recommends some strategies on how language teachers base their teaching and learning practices on these religious scriptures to develop students’ critical thinking and create a more harmonious global citizenship.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisah Dickson ◽  
Laura B. Perry ◽  
Susan Ledger

International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are growing rapidly worldwide, driven in part by their global reputation and concept-driven, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. This thematic review of a range of literature sources examines the impact of IB programmes on teaching and learning, highlighting trends, challenges, and benefits. Findings of the review revealed that most of the studies, both qualitative and quantitative, examined stakeholders’ perspectives or self-reported experiences of IB programmes; a very small number used research designs that control for confounding factors or allow causal inferences to be drawn. A wide range of stakeholders report that IB programmes develop research and critical thinking skills, intercultural appreciation and global awareness, as well as cultivate collaborative working cultures and creative pedagogical practices among teachers. Challenges include extra demands on teachers for lesson planning and assessment, additional stress for teachers and students, and competing demands and expectations with national requirements. Recommendations are provided which may guide future research endeavours.


2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Luis Jesús Rincón

This article presents the results of a qualitative research which looks into the field of literature in EFL. Seventh grade students of a private school in Bogota took part in the research. Data was collected by means of audio recordings of small group discussions, teacher´s journal, and responses to literature logs. The results show that the connections that EFL learners make with literary texts enrich their interpretations, analysis and value judgments of experiences and real life events. Furthermore, critical thinking skills are potentiated. In addition to this, literary texts bring up appealing and meaningful topics in the classroomenhancing students´ motivation and willingness to use the target language.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-158
Author(s):  
Yohanes Gatot Sutapa Yuliana

Elaborating Critical Thinking Skills in TEFL Methodology subject has become one of the 21st century trends, prioritized in the pedagogic process of language courses. Lecturers as facilitators, motivators, boosters, co-learners and inspirational model are the foundation of innovative creativity to adapt and modify comprehensively, and integrate them in their teaching projects contextually; while, the learners themselves play as the active target of learning agents. This modern TEFL Methodology critically makes use of either authentic texts or real texts that are also confronted by the need to approach texts critically. This was revealed in this research, focused on the learners’ activities that enthusiastically engage critical thinking skills in their learning process. It runs actively, innovatively, creatively, dialogically, democratically and in a critical and interactive atmosphere. The importance of applying critical thinking skills in language learning process can empower learners to maximize the objective of TEFL Methodology learning target both oral and written in accordance with their social context. Learners enter in any task using the target language which contains the elements such as identification, investigation, analysis and problem solving then they must think critically. These kinds of communicative task are commonplace for they engage the learners in authentic communication settings. This is impressive and meaningful for the learners. Thus, recommending success in TEFL Methodology subject – as in life - requires effective use of language practically along with some measure of critical thinking.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-108
Author(s):  
Sugemi Sugemi

Physical education is basically an integral part of the education system as a whole which aims to develop aspects of health, physical fitness, critical thinking skills, emotional stability, social skills, reasoning and moral action through physical activities and sports. The purpose of this study was to improve learning outcomes for grade V SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency through the assistance of peer tutors. The research was conducted at SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency in the first semester of the 2018/2019 academic year, from March 2019 to April 2019. The subjects of this study were GRADE V SD Negeri Balongwono, Mojokerto Regency in the 2018/2019 academic year, namely 26 people who above: 16 boys and 10 girls. Sources of data used in Graderoom Action Research (PTK) are as follows: 1. Data on learning outcomes above, obtained from students; 2. Teacher activity data, obtained from events during the teaching and learning activities in progress; 3. Student activity data, obtained from events during the teaching and learning activities; 4. Data on the implementation of teaching and learning activities with the help of peer tutors, obtained from events during the teaching and learning activities. The data analyzed included quantitative data (by presenting numbers as a measure of achievement), and qualitative data (presenting numbers as a comparison). Data analysis was carried out in a descriptive comparative manner which aims to compare the conditions before and after the learning corrective action was taken. The stages in the action of analyzing data include data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Based on the data analysis of the basic technique of passing on mini volleyball for Grade V students of SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency, 2018/2019 academic year, the following results can be obtained: 1. In the pre-action of 26 students, there were 11 students (42%) who completed learning. 2. At the end of the first cycle of 26 students, there were 19 students (73%) who had finished learning. 3. At the end of the second cycle of 26 students, 23 students (88%) have completed learning. Thus it can be concluded that the application of the peer tutor assistance method can improve the basic techniques of fitting for the V-grade mini volleyball of the V-grade students of SD Negeri Balongwono, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency, 2018/2019 Academic Year.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Dilek Cakici

The primary aim of current study was to investigate the possible relationship between Metacognitive Awareness (MA) and Critical Thinking Skills (CTS) in a foreign language learning context. In addition, this research aimed to probe the effect of gender and years of pre-service English language teachers on the relation between metacognitive awareness and critical thinking abilities. 218 pre-service EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers participated in the study. Metacognitive Awareness Inventory and Critical Thinking Questionnaire were employed to gather necessary data. Obtained results confirmed that there existed a highly significant positive correlation between MA and CTS. Besides, the results indicated that there was a strong relation between the years of pre-service EFL teachers and their MA and CTS. Seniors were found to be more metacognitively aware and critical thinkers than their counterparts. Conversely, it was revealed that there was no gender effect on both MA and CTS. Finally, certain suggestions were set for tertiary institutions to develop metacognition and critical thinking skills in foreign language classroom settings.


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