scholarly journals Podcasting as a tool to develop speaking skills in the foreign language classroom

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Mario Tomé Díez ◽  
Marlisa Amanda Richters
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
Preparation Time ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Actual Duration ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Oral Activity ◽  
Speaking Skills

<p>It is essential for foreign language learners to have adequate opportunities for speaking in order to enhance the acquisition of oral communicative competence. Although research over the last few years has dealt with the potential of podcasting for the development of oral competencies, little has been done towards its application in the <em>improvement</em> of speaking skills or the <em>correction</em> of pronunciation. This article presents experiments with podcasts developed in French foreign language classes over the course of ten years. The results obtained relate to the following three aspects: firstly, selection and analysis of the available tools fostering greater oral activity and effective correction of pronunciation; secondly, the quantification of spoken language according to the actual duration of the podcasts, as well as preparation time estimated by the students; finally, the evaluation of spoken language using certain indicators of improvement of pronunciation.<em></em></p>

Improving Communicative Competence Levels of Pre-Service Teachers Through Spoken-Based Reflection Instruction

2021 ◽  
pp. 002205742110445
Author(s):  
Chinaza Solomon Ironsi
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Listening And Speaking ◽  
Speaking Skills

This study investigated the use of spoken-reflection instruction to improve the communicative competence level of English as Foreign Language learners in a second language acquisition classroom. A listening and speaking test was administered before and after the study to determine the participants’ level of speaking competence. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study. A 3-credit unit language course was designed and implemented for the study. The course was built on the core principles of reflective practice. Participants were taught using the normal language teaching method and spoken-based reflection instruction. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 65 English as Foreign Language learners who willingly participated in the study. At the end of the course, a questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants about their perceptions of using spoken-based reflection instruction to improve their speaking skills. In addition, participants were administered a Reflection-Listening, and Speaking Skills Test before and after each experimental phase to determine whether their listening and speaking skills had improved. Most learners found the use of spoken reflections to be a fun way to learn. However, they expressed anxiety about doing teacher-student reflection because they felt intimidated by the presence of their language teacher, although sending recordings of their reflections to their teachers was more convenient than interacting with them on a one-to-one basis.

Patterns of Vocabulary Development in Foreign-Language Learners

1987 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolf Palmberg
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Time Pressure ◽  
Vocabulary Development ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Introductory Discussion ◽  
The Relationship

After an introductory discussion of the concepts of vocabulary knowledge continua and foreign-language learners' mental lexicons, the paper presents the results of a longitudinal pilot study whose aim was to make preliminary insights into vocabulary development as it takes place in an ordinary foreign-language classroom setting involving elementary-level Swedish-speaking learners of English. The results are discussed in terms of vocabulary growth in general, the learners' accessibility to words under time pressure, the relationship between “old,” well-known words and newly learned words, and finally, the stability of the learners' immediate access to words.

scholarly journals Exploring Engagement in Tasks in the Language Classroom

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 50-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenefer Philp ◽  
Susan Duchesne
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Multidimensional Construct ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Key Concepts ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Emotional Dimensions

ABSTRACTThis article explores how learners engage in tasks in the context of language classrooms. We describe engagement as a multidimensional construct that includes cognitive, behavioral, social, and emotional dimensions of engagement among second and foreign language learners in the classroom. We discuss key concepts and indicators of engagement in current research on task-based interaction and outline some of the issues in researching engagement in this context.

scholarly journals Are foreign language learners’ enjoyment and anxiety specific to the teacher? An investigation into the dynamics of learners’ classroom emotions

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Marc Dewaele ◽  
Livia Dewaele
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Target Language ◽  
School Students ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Item Level ◽  
Group Characteristics

Previous research has considered fluctuations in students’ foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) over months or years (Dewaele & MacIntyre, 2014, 2016). However, there has been no investigation of the effect of the teacher on these emotions at a single point in time. In this study, we investigate the question whether FL learners experience similar levels of FLE and FLCA in the same language if they have two different teachers. Participants were 40 London-based secondary school students studying modern languages with one Main Teacher and one Second Teacher. Statistical analysis revealed that while FLCA was constant with both teachers, FLE was significantly higher with the Main Teacher. Predictors of FLE such as attitudes towards the teacher, the teacher’s frequency of use of the target language in class and unpredictability were also significantly more positive for the Main Teacher. Item-level analysis revealed that the teacher creating a positive emotional atmosphere in class contributed to the higher FLE score. Items that reflected more stable personal and group characteristics varied less between the two teachers. The findings suggest that FLE is more teacher-dependent than FLCA, which is more stable across teachers.

scholarly journals Debating Techniques in Language Learning to Trigger Students’ Communication in English and Critical Thinking

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasyir Fahmi Mubaraq
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
World Englishes ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Parliamentary Systems ◽  
Expanding Circle ◽  
Speaking Skills

Being communicative has always been the crucial matter in any languages. People cannot be saidbeing able to use a language unless they can produce it. Some approaches of learning have also been raised all the time but the purpose of language for communication is hardly achieved by the foreign language learners. One of the problems is that students are too afraid in giving their opinions. Debating is one way to force our students to interact by using English and think critically. In a debate, students are divided into PRO and CON sides to criticize the issue given. By having a debate students can convey their ideas in certain issues along side with building their critical thinking. The idea of having a debate in the classroom is surely one of techniques in the teaching of English. This study tries to elaborate how some debate activities might be brought into classroom by always considering the varieties of Englishes that Indonesia belongs to. According to Kachru (1988:5), Indonesia is grouped into the expanding circle of World Englishes. Thus, the modified version of British, Australian, and Asian Parliamentary systems of debate are introduced for the sake of enhancing students’ speaking skills by always tolerating and exploiting the uniqueness of Indonesian Englishes

scholarly journals Dunkin’ the Donut: A Study on Students’ Patterns of Language Use through Technology Applications in Independent Language Learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-132
Author(s):  
Norizul Azida Darus ◽  
Norhajawati Abdul Halim
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
The Other ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Foreign Language Teachers ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Technology Applications

Any language can be acquired at any time, but to acquire the language, one needs to learn the language. Learning a second or foreign language is not a favourite among second or foreign language learners. This is because learning a language is a very intense time-consuming activity. Learning is often unsuccessful because learners receive impoverished or insufficient input and lack of motivation. To this, second language or foreign language teachers play the most significant role to help and motivate the students to acquire the said language. The preferred method is to be immersed into the actual ecosystem of the target language and become part of the language ecosystem. The other way is to dunk the learners into the artificial ecosystem of the language classroom. In dunking, the learners are immersed temporarily and repeatedly into the simulated ecosystem language. As can be seen now, technology remains the only viable option to get enough interactive contact with the target language. Using interesting software is one of the methods in making learning more interesting. Furthermore, the students are able to practice the language not only during class time, but on their own free time outside of class hours, that is during students’ independent time of learning. The findings revealed that most students found using the applications has improved their language learning. The role of teachers on the other hand is to provide instructions and assist whenever necessary and needed by the students.

scholarly journals The Use of Listening Comprehension Strategies in Distance Language Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Aysel Deregözü
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Language Education ◽  
State Universities ◽  
Comprehension Strategies ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Academic Year

This study aims to examine the listening comprehension strategies used by foreign language learners who are learning languages through distance education. It also aims to explore how the use of listening comprehension strategies differs in terms of three variables, namely, gender, L2, and department majored. To do this, the Listening Strategy Inventory was administered to students attending English and German language classes through distance education at three state universities in Turkey. The data were collected during the 2020-2021 academic year. The study used quantitative analysis methods. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the statistical analyses independent samples t-test. The findings revealed that students use listening comprehension strategies at a moderate level. The most commonly used listening comprehension strategies were those for while listening and nonverbal strategies, while learners use word-oriented strategies the least. The study also revealed statistically significant differences by gender in foreign language learners&rsquo; listening comprehension strategies, but no significant differences for department majored and L2 variables. It is recommended that individual differences be considered when teaching listening comprehension strategies to foreign language learners.

scholarly journals Using Games to Promote English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Willingness to Communicate: Potential Effects and Teachers’ Attitude in Focus

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Liu ◽  
Balachandran Vadivel ◽  
Ehsan Rezvani ◽  
Ehsan Namaziandost
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Willingness To Communicate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Item Questionnaire ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Students Attitudes

This study aims to find out the role of games in promoting students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) and their teachers’ attitude toward it. In order to collect the data, the researchers employed a 28-item questionnaire which was given to 60 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in an English institute. Then, the students were randomly divided into two groups of 30 learners functioning as control and experimental groups. The students in the experimental group received games in their language lessons and classes, while control group learners did not. At the end of the term, the same questionnaire was given to the students to know if playing games had a significant impact on their WTC. In addition, the teachers were asked to answer a 30-item questionnaire to investigate their attitudes toward playing games in language classes. The results showed that most of the teachers in this study believe that games have a positive influence on the students’ attitudes towards learning English and that using them in class serves many educational purposes. In addition, games played a significant role in improving the EFL leaners’ willingness to communicate. In the light of these findings, the researchers suggested using games as energizers and practical activities at the end of class not only to improve enthusiasm for learning, but also to improve the learners’ WTC.

scholarly journals Does the effect of enjoyment outweigh that of anxiety in foreign language performance?

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Marc Dewaele ◽  
Mateb Alfawzan
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Language Performance ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Positive And Negative Emotions

Interest in the effect of positive and negative emotions in foreign language acquisition has soared recently because of the positive psychology movement (Dewaele & MacIntyre, 2014, 2016; MacIntyre, Gregersen & Mercer, 2016). No work so far has been carried out on the differential effect of positive and negative emotions on foreign language performance. The current study investigates the effect of foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) on foreign language performance in a group of 189 foreign language pupils in two London secondary schools and a group of 152 Saudi English as a foreign language learners and users of English in Saudi Arabia. Correlation analyses showed that the positive effect of FLE on performance was stronger than the negative effect of FLCA. In other words, FLE seems to matter slightly more than FLCA in foreign language (FL) performance. Qualitative material collected from the Saudi participants shed light on the causes of FLCA and FLE and how these shaped participants’ decisions to pursue or abandon the study of the FL.

scholarly journals Cinema as a didactic tool in the secondary school foreign language classroom: French

2021 ◽  
pp. 129-147
Author(s):  
Imad Boussif ◽  
Estefanía Sánchez Auñón
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Teaching Unit

The seventh art forms an essential part of the students’ daily lives; additionally, it has been asserted that it is a highly advantageous didactic tool for high school foreign language learners. Thus, the purpose of this empirical study is twofold: to explore high school learners’ perception on the didactic exploitation of films in the French classroom, and to determine whether or not the cinema-based approach is as beneficial for high school French students as it seems. Accordingly, a cinema-based teaching unit was put into practice in two high school French classrooms and, afterwards, the thirty-five participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire in order to examine their views on this methodology and analyse its effects on their language learning process. The results obtained have revealed that high school French students have a very positive opinion on the cinema-based approach and that this method is motivating and helps learners to enhance their linguistic and sociocultural competences.

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