scholarly journals Gamification in English language classes: a comparative study within the LWB-UFS context

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 5719-5732
Author(s):  
Nayara Stefanie Mandarino Silva ◽  
Elaine Maria Santos
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Language Students ◽  
Regular Classes

Considering the need to engage and motivate English language students within the context of the Language without Borders (LwB) program at the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), gamification or the use of game thinking and mechanics in real life contexts was applied in a class from a 48-hour course. In this paper, this gamified class is analyzed and compared to a non-gamified one. We also investigate how students perceive the experience in comparison to the regular classes. The methodology employed is a qualitative teacher-research based on action research. Finally, we conclude that even though 100% of the students think that the gamified class is better, they feel just as motivated in non-gamified ones.

STEM for English Language Teaching

2020 ◽  
pp. 99-117
Author(s):  
Bilge Akıncı
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching Process

This chapter presents an example of STEM and English language teaching integration. In this study, it was aimed to improve students' English language skills and increase their engagement with the appliance of STEM. In this descriptive study, a way of integrating STEM into the language teaching process was explained with an applied example. The research is of qualitative design with the implementation of action research method. As a result, the implementation improved students' language skills and gave students the chance of using knowledge of other disciplines in English courses while increasing their engagement. Additively, the implementation developed students' 21st century skills. It is thought this study can be an inspiration for English teachers to apply various approaches in their teaching processes. In addition, the study can be accepted as an example of the contribution of STEM to English language teaching process. Moreover, the study is a representation of teacher research, and this research can be assessed as an inspiration for teachers to turn their practices into research.

scholarly journals Relationship between Classroom Research, Teacher Research and Action Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-152
Author(s):  
Ajmal Shahim
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Classroom Research ◽  
Action Analysis ◽  
Language Classrooms

Classroom Research, Teacher Research, and Action Research are three methods that are often misunderstood. Classroom analysis is research undertaken in language classrooms that reflects on participation in the lessons; the Research’s emphasis as well as the environment in which the data is obtained characterizes it. For language teachers and the discipline as a whole, doing classroom Research may be helpful. Teacher research is classified as research performed by the Teacher; in other words, the person who performs the thesis specifies it. The iterative cyclic procedures of preparing, behaving, observing, evaluating, and replanting are used in action analysis to address challenges and develop local practice. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the distinctions between classroom research, Teacher research, and Action research, as well as familiarity with the research method in this field. The analysis of vague information in the field of science research, particularly research in the classroom, professorial research, and practical research in language teaching, is the product and result of the research work on this subject, which has added to the richness of this scientific – research essay.  Aim- Receiving correct and necessary knowledge on these three forms of Research in the field of English language and literature, as well as a brief summary of systematic and general research on classroom research, Teacher training, and Action research in language teaching classrooms.

Teacher engagement in research: Published resources for teacher researchers - Books from regional locations - Gregory Hadley (ed.). Action research in action, Singapore: SEAMEO Regional Language Centre (2003). Pp. iv + 54. ISBN 9971-74-081-8. - Gertrude Tinker Sachs (ed.). Action research in English language teaching. Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong (2002). Pp. vii + 255. ISBN 962-442-227-3. - Books from governmental initiatives - Simon Borg (ed.). Classroom research in English language teaching in Oman. Oman: Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman (2006a). Pp. xii + 136. No ISBN. - Simon Borg (ed.). Investigating English language teaching and learning in Oman. Oman: Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman (2008). Pp. xiii + 166. ISBN 978-9948-03-769-9. - Kay Gallagher & Khadar Bashir-Ali (eds.). Action research and initial teacher education in the UAE: Perspectives from teacher education at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Abu Dhabi: HCT Press (2007). Pp. 141. ISBN 978-9948-03-554-1. - Anne Warne, Michael O'brien, Zafar Syed & Mary Zuriek (eds.). Action research in English language teaching in the UAE: Perspectives from teacher education at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Abu Dhabi: HCT Press (2006). Pp. 124. ISBN 9948-03-246-2. - Books from international contexts - Simon Borg (ed.). Language teacher research in Europe. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2006b). Pp. vii + 206. ISBN 978-1931-18-537-0. - Anne Burns & Jill Burton (eds.). Language teacher research in Australia and New Zealand. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2008). Pp. vii + 249. ISBN 978-1931-18-547-9. - Christine Coombe & Lisa Barlow (eds.). Language teacher research in the Middle East. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2007). Pp. vii + 209. ISBN 978-1931-18-541-7. - Thomas S. C. Farrell (ed.). Language teacher research in Asia. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2006). Pp. vii + 209. ISBN 978-1931-18-533-2. - Leketi Makalela (ed.). Language teacher research in Africa. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2009). Pp. vii + 124. ISBN 978-1931-18- 554-7. - Hedy M. Mcgarrell (ed.). Language teacher research in the Americas. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2007). Pp. vii + 203. ISBN 978-1931-18-542-4.

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Burns
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Sultanate Of Oman ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Colleges Of Technology

scholarly journals STUDENTS’ TRANSLATIONS OF ADJECTIVAL COMPOUNDS: A CORPUS ANALYSIS

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isidora M. ́Wattles ◽  
Biljana B. Radić-Bojanić ◽  
Isidora M. Wattles
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Corpus Analysis ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Structural Differences ◽  
Language Students ◽  
The University

The aim of the paper is to analyze English language students’ translations of adjectival compounds and examine various linguistic choices, given the structural differences between English and Serbian. The research relies on a students’ corpus compiled at the University of East Sarajevo and observes the students’ translations of three texts from English into Serbian. A total of nine adjectival compounds with a similar morphological structure was excerpted (brick-faced, hand-carved, pint-sized, real-life, self-conscious, self-possessed, self-reliant, small-featured, tree-lined). Their translations might prove to be problematic for various reasons such as lack of translation equivalents, culture-specific lexemes, or differences in structural characteristics of the two languages. The paper thus provides the morphological and semantic analyses of the source vocabulary, lists the offered translations, and categorizes the adequacy of translation in the target language. Some pedagogical implications are offered in the conclusion.

scholarly journals FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING WITH E-LEARNING ONLINE SYSTEM: FAR EASTERN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY’S EXPERIENCE

2021 ◽  
pp. 7-17
Author(s):  
Наталья Александровна Глушко ◽  
Екатерина Алексеевна Карцева
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The University

Введение. Анализируется опыт внедрения дистанционных технологий на занятиях по английскому языку в вузе в условиях вынужденного перехода на удаленный формат работы. Цель – обобщение результатов анкетирования, направленного на выявление отношения студенческого и преподавательского сообществ к переводу образовательного процесса в электронный формат. Материал и методы. Материалом исследования послужили результаты анкетирования, проведенного в первые недели дистанционного обучения английскому языку и по окончании весеннего семестра 2019/20 учебного года. Для решения поставленных задач применялись следующие методы: анализ учебно-методической литературы по вопросам внедрения технологий в образовательный процесс по иностранному языку, анкетирование профессорско-преподавательского состава и студенческого контингента. Результаты и обсуждение. Впервые собраны и обобщены данные опроса об опыте использования электронной среды взамен аудиторной работы при проведении занятий по английскому языку в вузе. Рассматриваются достоинства и недостатки дистанционного обучения иностранным языкам в вузе; выявляется степень удовлетворенности участников образовательного процесса качеством преподавания иностранного языка в новом формате; описываются аспекты и особенности обучения английскому языку в онлайн-среде. Установлено, что основные сложности, с которыми столкнулись преподаватели и студенты на онлайн-занятиях, сопряжены с отсутствием живого общения, при котором задействованы как вербальные, так и невербальные каналы получения информации. В качестве несомненного преимущества удаленного способа работы перед аудиторным выступает организационно-бытовой аспект проведения занятий, что проявляется, прежде всего, в экономии временных затрат. Заключение. Проведение занятий по английскому языку в удаленном формате видится как высококачественная альтернатива традиционным занятиям в тех случаях, когда невозможна организация очной формы обучения в силу различных обстоятельств (пандемия, погодные условия и т. д.). Это обусловлено практической направленностью дисциплины «иностранный язык», при которой особую значимость приобретает живое общение, коммуникация «лицом к лицу». Introduction. The article provides the survey of distance technologies implementation experience in response to forced transition to e-learning environment at the university classes of the English language. The objective of the work is to consolidate and summarize the findings of the questionnaire aimed at identifying students and teachers’ attitude towards the educational process transition to electronic format. Material and methods. Research statistics was taken from the questionnaire conducted in the first couple of weeks of online English classes and at the end of 2019–2020 academic year spring term. In order to solve the task the authors applied the following methods: the analysis of methodological literature on technologies introduction into educational process at English language classes, questionnaire given to university students and teachers. Results and discussion. The paper combines and generalizes the replies to the questionnaire about the very first experience of using e-learning environment fully instead of in-class activities for the English language classes at the university. Advantages and drawbacks of a distance education are mentioned as well as the level of educational process participants’ satisfaction with the language teaching quality within a new format. There are also some special aspects of teaching English online shown. It was defined that during these classes students and teachers had faced the major challenge – the lack of a real-life communication with verbal and nonverbal channels of information exchange. One of the undeniable benefits of a distance education when compared to classroom sessions is organizational aspect, especially time saving. Conclusion. Remote format of the English language classes is considered as a high quality alternative to in-class learning in situations when classroom settings are impossible to be organized due to different circumstances (pandemics, weather conditions, etc.). Practical focus of a “Foreign language” as a subject determines the significance of a real-life face-to-face communication during the classes.

scholarly journals An Investigation into English Language Instructors' and Students’ Intercultural Awareness

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burcu Yılmaz ◽  
Yonca Özkan
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intercultural Awareness ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Language Instructors ◽  
Language Students

The role of English as a global language has been increasing greatly in importance for the past few decades, giving rise to different varieties of English spoken by native and non-native English speakers all around the world. It has pointed to the need to raise intercultural awareness in English language classes. This study aims to reveal teacher and student perspectives of intercultural awareness regarding ownership of English and cultural integration in English language classes in Turkey. A mixed method research investigation was used in this descriptive case study. Questionnaires were employed to collect data from 45 English language instructors and 92 English language students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight English language instructors, and focus group interviews were conducted with 24 English language students. The quantitative data was analyzed via SPSS 20 and the qualitative data was analyzed via NVivo 10.0 qualitative data software. The findings revealed that while both instructors and students seemed to be aware of the importance of intercultural awareness in English language teaching, their perspectives didn’t indicate a thorough intercultural point of view. The findings yielded several significant implications including the need to develop an intercultural curriculum, textbook, and teacher training programs to enhance intercultural awareness in English language teaching and learning process.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Targets for Treatment of Chronic Urticaria: New Insights and Promising Targets for a Challenging Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-45
Author(s):  
Emanuela Martina ◽  
Federico Diotallevi ◽  
Tommaso Bianchelli ◽  
Matteo Paolinelli ◽  
Annamaria Offidani
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Immunosuppressive Agents ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria ◽  
New Targets ◽  
Current State ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Novel Drugs

Background: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a disease characterized by the onset of wheals and/or angioedema over 6 weeks. The pathophysiology for CSU is very complex, involving mast cells and basophils with a multitude of inflammatory mediators. For many years the treatment of CSU has been based on the use of antihistamines, steroids and immunosuppressive agents with inconstant and frustrating results. The introduction of omalizumab, the only licensed biologic for antihistamine- refractory CSU, has changed the management of the disease. Objective: The aim of this article is to review the current state of the art of CSU, the real-life experience with omalizumab and the promising drugs that are under development. Methods:: An electronic search was performed to identify studies, case reports, guidelines and reviews focused on the new targets for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria, both approved or under investigation. The search was limited to articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the English Language in the PubMed database and trials registered in Clinicaltrials.gov. Results:: Since the advent of omalizumab, the search for new therapies for chronic spontaneous urticaria has had a new impulse. Anti-IgE drugs will probably still be the cornerstone of therapy, but new targets may prove effective in syndromic urticaria or refractory cases. Conclusion:: Although omalizumab has been a breakthrough in the treatment of CSU, many patients do not completely get benefit and even require more effective treatments. Novel drugs are under investigation with promising results.

Measuring second language proficiency with EEG synchronization: how functional cortical networks and hemispheric involvement differ as a function of proficiency level in second language speakers

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Reiterer ◽  
Ernesto Pereda ◽  
Joydeep Bhattacharya
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
English Language ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Brain Activation ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Second Language Processing ◽  
Language Students

This article examines the question of whether university-based high-level foreign language and linguistic training can influence brain activation and whether different L2 proficiency groups have different brain activation in terms of lateralization and hemispheric involvement. The traditional and prevailing theory of hemispheric involvement in bilingual language processing states that bilingual and second language processing is always at least in some form connected to the right hemisphere (RH), when compared to monolingual first language processing, the classical left-hemispheric language-processing domain. A widely held specification of this traditional theory claims that especially bilinguals or second language learners in their initial phases and/or bilinguals with poor fluency and less experience rely more on RH areas when processing their L2. We investigated this neurolinguistic hypothesis with differently proficient Austrian learners of English as a second language. Two groups of L2 speakers (all Austrian German native speakers), differing in their L2 (English) language performance, were recorded on electroencephalography (EEG) during the processing of spoken English language. A short comprehension interview followed each task. The `high proficiency group' consisted of English language students who were about to complete their master's degree for English language and linguistics, while the `low proficiency group' was composed of non-language students who had only school level performance and less training in English. The age of onset of L2 learning was kept constant: 9 years for both groups. To look for cooperative network activity in the brain, EEG coherence and synchronization measures were analysed for a high EEG frequency range (gamma band). Results showed the most significant group differences in synchronization patterns within the lower gamma frequency range, with more RH involvement (extensive right-hemisphere networks) for the low proficiency group, especially when processing their L2. The results can be interpreted in favour of RH theories of second language processing since, once again, we found evidence of more RH involvement in (late) second language learners with less experience and less training in the L2. The study shows that second language training (and resulting proficiency) and/or differences in ability or state of linguistic alertness can be made visible by brain imaging using newly developed EEG-synchronization techniques as a measure.

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