scholarly journals Washback of TOEFL Preparation Courses on Students’ Attitudes and Score Improvement

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Yangting Wang ◽  
Becky H Huang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Test Preparation ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Intensive English Program ◽  
Teacher Interviews ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Score Improvement ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

Despite the prevalence of the TOEFL test preparation courses, research on the impact of TOEFL test preparation courses on language learning and teaching is quite limited (Green, 2013; Huang, 2018). The current study investigated the washback effects of TOEFL preparation courses on students’ attitudes and TOEFL scores improvement. The study implemented a partially mixed equal status design (Leech & Onwuegbuzie, 2017). Forty-one students and four teachers in a tertiary-level Intensive English Program (IEP) participated in the study. Quantitative data consisted of students’ responses to Likert-scale items and students' TOEFL scores. They were analyzed by independent sample t-tests, one-way repeated measure ANOVA, and post hoc tests. Qualitative data, which included open-ended survey items, student interviews, and teacher interviews, were analyzed using the inductive approach (Miles & Huberman, 1994) and Saldaña’s (2015) coding techniques. Survey results demonstrated that students had generally positive attitudes toward the class. Additionally, a statistically significant score improvement was found for some students. However, student and teacher interviews also revealed several issues that prevented student learning. For example, students studied TOEFL only to improve test scores; teachers rushed to cover all textbook materials and gave little homework; and there were limited classroom speaking activities. Implications regarding the teaching and administering of TOEFL classes at IEP were discussed.

scholarly journals Young immersion learners’ language use outside the classroom in a minority language context

AILA Review ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 112-137
Author(s):  
Pádraig Ó Duibhir ◽  
Laoise Ní Thuairisg
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Government Policy ◽  
School Attendance ◽  
High Standard ◽  
Minority Language ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract There has been a long history of early Irish language learning in Ireland as a result of Government policy to promote greater use of Irish. All children learn Irish in school from age 4–18 years. The majority learn Irish as a subject, typically for 30–40 minutes per day, and the levels of competence achieved are mostly disappointing. Approximately 6.7% of primary school children learn Irish in an immersion context, however, and these children achieve a high standard of communicative competence. In this paper we examine the impact of Government policy on the transfer of linguistic competence from the classroom to wider society in the context of a minority language that is becoming increasingly marginalised. We draw on data from three studies to explore the relationship between Irish-medium school attendance and the desire and opportunity to use Irish outside of school while attending school, and later as an adult. The first study also investigated students’ attitudes towards learning and using Irish. All three studies examined parents use of Irish in the home and the influence that the language spoken in their home during childhood and the language of their schooling had on their current language practices. Overall, Irish-medium schools are very successful in educating proficient speakers of Irish who have very positive attitudes towards Irish. These positive attitudes and proficiency do not necessarily transfer to use of Irish in the home. While attendance at an Irish-medium school as a child has a positive effect on later use of Irish, when former students become parents, the effect is quite small. The perennial challenge persists in transferring competence in a minority language acquired in school to the home and community.

scholarly journals Investigating the Impact of Mnemonic-based Instruction on Saudi University Students’ Attitudes Towards Vocabulary Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Waleed Othman ◽  
Osama Mohammed ◽  
Bakare Kazeem Kayode
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Saudi Students ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Keyword Method ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
The Impact

Vocabulary learning plays an essential role in foreign language learning. It is also central to language teaching and is of paramount importance to a language learner. Mnemonic is a technique that is used to instruct vocabulary and it helps learners remember better. The association of images and sounds with mnemonics can make it more powerful and effective to help language learners remember better and for a longer time, this can be achieved through applying a method called the keyword method. This study was designed to investigate university Saudi students’ attitudes towards the mnemonic keyword method. By employing a survey research design to discover the attitudes of the students enrolled in the preparatory year program at Taibah University. A questionnaire about ‘Students’ Attitudes towards Keyword Method (SAKM) having four Likert scales was used as an instrument for data collection from a sample of 40 students. Descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation.) and independent-sample t-test were exploited to analyze the data. The results of the study showed that Saudi students have positive attitudes towards the mnemonic keyword method that was used to instruct vocabulary.

Blending classroom instruction with online homework: A study of student perceptions of computer-assisted L2 learning

ReCALL ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria Sagarra ◽  
Gabriela C. Zapata
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Classroom Instruction ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Online Homework ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Assessment Tests ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of an online workbook on the attitudes of 245 second language (L2) Spanish learners toward this pedagogical tool over two consecutive semesters. The treatment consisted of four hours of classroom instruction and one set of online homework per week, during two consecutive semesters. Students' attitudes toward the electronic workbook were measured by means of a survey administered after eight months of exposure to the workbook. The qualitative data of the survey was compared to quantitative data from two different language assessment tests. The results of these tests indicated a significant increase in grammar scores. These results are consonant with the positive findings of student perceptions about the online workbook obtained in this and previous studies, emphasizing its benefits in terms of accessibility to the material, user-friendliness, and instant error feedback. More importantly, most students praised the usefulness of the online workbook for language learning, particularly in the areas of grammar and vocabulary acquisition. Despite participants' mostly positive attitudes, the survey also revealed some negative aspects of the use of the online workbook, such as the amount of time needed to complete the online exercises. This paper addresses these issues, and provides suggestions to overcome this type of problem.

scholarly journals A Study of EFL Students' Attitudes, Motivation and Anxiety towards WhatsApp as a Language Learning Tool

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamal Kaid Mohammed Ali ◽  
Wagdi Rashad Ali Bin-Hady
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Learning English

This study aimed to explore the impact of WhatsApp on enhancing Saudi EFL students' language skills and areas. It also investigated EFL students' attitudes, motivation, and anxiety towards learning English via WhatsApp. The sample comprised 55 male and female students studying English at the College of Arts, University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the sample. The results revealed that WhatsApp has a positive impact on learning English as a foreign language with a score of 3.9 as an overall mean. Students’ attitudes towards using WhatsApp for learning English scored 3.4, while the impact of WhatsApp on motivating EFL students to study English scored 3.6 in total. It was also found that WhatsApp reduced students’ anxiety with a score of 3.8 as the overall mean. Based on these results, the researchers suggest that WhatsApp should be activated at all stages of English language learning and teaching.

The Impact of Gamification and Individual Differences on Second Language Learning Among First-Year Female University Students in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 104687812110565
Author(s):  
Maram Almufareh
Keyword(s):  
Student Achievement ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Video Gaming ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

Background The Technology-Enhanced Training Effectiveness Model (TETEM) has been used to assess the effectiveness of various technology-driven solutions in improving students’ outcomes in multiple academic fields. However, limited research is available on the use of TETEM in the context of second language learning. Using a modified TETEM, this study seeks first, to assess the direct effects of students’ attitudes and experiences with video gaming on their achievement; and second, to evaluate the effects of students’ attitudes and experiences that are mediated by their motivation. Methods This study was conducted among preparatory year students at Al-Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Students were randomly assigned to the technology-enhanced group (Duolingo® + workbook) or the control group (classroom workbook group). We started by comparing student performance between the two groups to evaluate the effect of the intervention. Subsequently, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to establish homogenous latent variables for experience, attitude, and motivation. Finally, we used structural equation models to evaluate the presence of direct and mediated effects. Results Students in the Duolingo® + workbook group scored higher on reading, grammar, vocabulary, and writing compared to the workbook group. Positive attitude toward video gaming had both a direct and mediating positive correlation with student achievement. Additionally, motivation toward ESL learning was independently and positively correlated with student achievement. As expected, the technology-enhanced group performed better in reading, grammar, and vocabulary while the control group showed more participation and timely completion of assignments. Conclusion Technology enhancement improves students’ performance for ESL, however, adequate integration of technology in the course curriculum is needed to minimize interference with class participation. Positive attitudes toward video games and motivation toward ESL learning are positive predictors of student achievement while experience with video games has no significant effect.

scholarly journals English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners’ Perceptions on the Effectiveness of the Internet to Enhance their Learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Ziad Abdulrahman Al-Muwallad
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
The Internet ◽  
King Saud University ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Preparatory Year

This study attempted to investigate the vital role of the internet in enhancing the learning of reading. In addition, the study aimed to measure the students’ attitudes towards the internet and to identify to what extent the internet was employed in their reading classes. Moreover, the study aimed to explore the challenges that they encountered while using the internet in their learning of reading. In order to achieve these goals, the researcher used the descriptive analytical approach and used the questionnaire as the main data collection tool. The study sample comprised 50 Saudi EFL male students in the preparatory year at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia. The findings of the study showed that students perceived that the internet is important in the process of reading comprehension learning and teaching with positive attitudes towards the internet. Results showed that the top challenges of using of the internet for reading learning/teaching are lack of students’ knowledge to know what to read on the internet, the short time of the class, and the students’ lack of the skills and knowledge to use the internet for academic purposes. Furthermore, the results showed that the students mostly used the internet for playing games, social networking, and learning vocabulary. It is recommended that English language teachers should be encouraged to use the internet in their language classes as it is valuable for their students to enhance their reading comprehension skills.

scholarly journals The Impact of Online Training on Saudi Medical Students’ Attitudes, Awareness, and Use of Language Learning Strategies in Relation to their Developing Autonomy

2016 ◽  
pp. 4-15
Author(s):  
Sahar Alzahrani ◽  
Julie Watson
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact

In the context of ongoing debate about the relationship between strategy training and autonomous learning, this study set out in the belief that they are inextricably linked and sought to explore three important aspects of learner strategy development more deeply. An experiment was designed to investigate the effectiveness of learner training with three groups of Saudi students taking a course in English for Medical Purposes: control (no treatment), offline (treatment delivered on paper), and online (online treatment). The treatments used supplementary learning material focused on language learning strategies (LLS). The design and the delivery of the treatments was informed by Rubin, Chamot, Harris, and Anderson (2007), Cohen (1998), Murphy and Hurd (2011), and Murphy (2008a). This paper sought to answer three research questions related to the impact of learner training on students’ attitudes, awareness, and use of LLS in relation to their autonomous abilities after exposure to the treatment. Qualitative data from students’ reflective writings, interviews and focus group discussion was used to answer these questions. For the two treatment groups, the treatment impact was found to be positive in relation to the research questions and negative in the control. The online group outperformed the offline one in all the three investigated aspects.

scholarly journals Idiomaticity as a Language Learning Barrier: The EFL Context of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Abdalla Elkheir Elgobshawi
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
The Social ◽  
Idiomatic Expressions ◽  
Efl College Students ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of Idiomaticity on language learning and the extent to which it can be a language learning barrier. It contrasts the perspective of language teachers and the attitude of language learners regarding how idioms can influence language learning. The theoretical framework provides a description of the general properties of English idiomatic expressions and shows the relevance of idiomaticity to linguistic theory. The paper is based on an analytical analysis and follows a quantitative approach in which two questionnaires are used to collect the data. The two questionnaires are administered to two independent samples: 20 participants representing ELT teachers at the tertiary level and 80 subjects representing Saudi EFL college students. The data are then analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The study reveals learners’ reasonable consensus on the issues assessed. They generally acknowledge the significance of idioms for language learning but with a general dissatisfaction with their status in learning and teaching contexts. Both teachers and learners view idioms as odd pieces of language that lack a uniform character and do not receive due attention in language syllabi and curricula. Teachers give different ratings on the pedagogical value of idioms, but they generally show low interest in teaching them.

The interplay of avatar identities, self-efficacy, and language practices

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Chen
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Language Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study intends to examine English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ attitudes toward practicing English in Second Life (SL) and to unpack the effects of avatar identities on EFL learners’ sense of self-efficacy and language practices. Nine EFL learners worldwide participated in a task-based course in SL, using avatars to carry out SL-related tasks while interacting with peers and the teacher via voice chat. Qualitative data were triangulated from multiple sources: learner reflective journals, a post-course survey, and semi-structured interviews. Three major themes emerged: (1) the effects of masked identity on learning, (2) the impact of telepresence and copresence on learning, and (3) the perceived attitudes toward avatar affinity. Findings implicate that the avatar form renders masked identities to safeguard learners’ self-efficacy and empower their language practices. It also opens up a research avenue on the impact of avatar identities on language learning and teaching in 3D virtual environments.

scholarly journals The Impact of Curriculum and Instructional Choices on Undergraduate Students in Introductory Geology

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Christopher Roemmele
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Pedagogical Choices ◽  
Introductory Geology ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Curriculum Topics

This research investigated the impact of an introductory geology class on undergraduate students' attitudes toward and conceptual understanding of geology. The purpose was to identify students' geologic blindness, a construct of disinterest, disdain, and unawareness of geology, geologic processes, and their relationship to humans, by assessing students’ views on curricular and pedagogical choices. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was conducted. The participants consisted of 289 students enrolled over two semesters in an introductory geology class for non-majors. Specific to content and instruction, students found the format of rock and mineral labs and exams difficult and in need of change. They expressed positive attitudes about the hands-on, collaborative nature of these labs, and observation skills to perform them. Curriculum topics judged more interesting were deemed less difficult to understand, and vice versa, and that there was general understanding of geology’s broader themes of tectonics and time. Open-ended responses from participants, and interviews with key informants provided further evidence for these results. Students indicated that explicit instruction on the topic relevance, cross-topic connections, and on-going assessment and the use of a variety of visualizations and collaborative work would help to improve understanding and attitudes. The results provide insight into ways to improve introductory geology courses by addressing geologic blindness.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document