scholarly journals The Impact of Cross-Cultural Background Knowledge upon Iranian EFL Students’ Productive Skills

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 20
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Jamasbi ◽  
Mohammad Sadegh Bagheri
Keyword(s):  
Schema Theory ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Structure Interview ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Foreign Language Instruction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Classroom Context ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
The Impact

Teaching culture has been considered important in foreign language instruction for almost a century. In this study theliterature behind Cultural Schema Theory was reviewed and the practicality of applying this theory into the EFLclassroom and its effect on the EFL students’ productive skills (writing and speaking) were observed. This studyincludes two phases. First, a learning phase in which the treatment group was exposed to a variety of materials ofdifferent cultural issues. Second, a test phase in which a pre and post-test of speaking and writing were given to bothcontrol and experimental groups to determine any differences in their writing and speaking performance. And at theend of the treatment a semi-structured interview was used to know the experimental group’s opinion about differentcultural issues that were discussed during the term in their EFL class. The data was subjected to the statisticalprocedure of t-test and the results of this study indicated that not only all the students of experimental groupoutperformed the students of control group in their speaking and writing performance but also according to thesemi-structure interview the students of experimental group had a positive reaction towards the integration of cultureinto the classroom context. The results showed that L2 learners may need to understand different aspects of the targetculture better in order not only to speak and write accurately but also to interpret appropriately what they hear and tointeract effectively with members of the target culture.

scholarly journals From Instructed Writing to Free-Writing: A Study of EFL Learners

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824402110071
Author(s):  
Saleh Alharthi
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Writing Program ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Writing Assignments ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Free Writing ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Structured Writing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Writing is an intricate process that encompasses various factors and is a key skill for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. Thus, writing assignments are vital for any curriculum. One of the essential aspects of effective writing includes good grammar knowledge. Advocates of process writing argue that a free-writing journal is a practical approach to teaching EFL students writing. This study is intended to examine the impact of the free-writing journal on EFL learners. This study was conducted on 80 students from a writing course at the University. Thirty-five students were randomly selected to join the free-writing program—the experimental group—and 45 students were kept in their regular structured writing program—the control group. The experimental group selected topics of interest to them and was encouraged to write in English freely without concern for errors, whereas the control group followed a regular structured writing program where the topics were selected for them and they wrote following a clear guideline. Five major areas were investigated to evaluate students’ progress: the number of words written, spelling, capitalization, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 students of the experimental group to elicit their perception of the free-writing program. According to the analysis, students in the free-writing program acquired better grammar acquisition than the control group. The researcher also observed students’ perception of free-writing at the end of the study and found that free-writing improved their writing skills.

scholarly journals The Impact of Text Messaging on Iranian University Students as an English as a Foreign Language Instructional Tool to Enhance Learner Autonomy and Perception

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 184-202
Author(s):  
Behnam Behforouz ◽  
Anca Daniela Frumuselu
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Instructional Tool ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This paper investigates the efficiency of text messaging as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructional tool to enhance learner autonomy and perception at the Islamic Azad University-South Tehran Branch, Iran. The study considers seventy-four learners to participate in the study after the administration of an Oxford Placement Test to measure their proficiency level. Participants are randomly assigned in experimental and control groups, including 37 participants each. A questionnaire is used as a pretest and posttest to measure learners` autonomy. Participants from the experimental group use text messaging (the treatment) to receive instructions, whereas those from the control group receive traditional classroom instructions in a face-to-face channel. A semi-structured interview is also used to collect date on experimental group participants` perception in using MALL in classrooms. The results reveal remarkable differences between the experimental and control groups’ means on their learner autonomy scores. However, the impact of the independent samples t-test has shown that there is no statistically meaningful gender difference among the learners regarding their autonomy scores. The findings based on the semi-structured interview showed complimentary views on MALL. The current study is beneficial since its outcomes could be relevant for EFL curriculum developers and English language teachers in the use of mobile learning and text messaging in the English classroom.

scholarly journals The Impact of Divergent and Convergent Tasks on Iraqi EFL Students Reading Comprehension Success

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Sabeeha Hamza Dehham ◽  
Nadia Majeed Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Reading Skills ◽  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Preparatory Stage ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This research attempted to explore the effects of divergent and convergent tasks on the successful reading of EFL students at the preparatory stage. To verify the analysis, the null hypothesis was established that states "There are no differences of statistical significance at the level of (0,05) among the mean of scores of the experimental group who study according to divergent and convergent task technique and the mean of the scores of the control group who study according to the regular method".  The experimental approach is used by designing two equivalent experimental groups of 32 students studying the technique proposed, and an 8-week (2019-2020) control group of 32 students, three classes each week using the Google Classroom Platform and Telegram. The present study utilized the platform Google Classroom (GC) and Telegram as an educational platform to assist students during their course learning process. The writing skills test was administered after checking with the experts. The results show that there are statistical differences at level (0,05) between the average of the experimental and control groups' reading skills and those of the experimental group. This difference is because the experimental group uses divergent and convergent tasks.

The Impact of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on Phrasal Verbs of Iranian Intermediate EFL Students

2016 ◽  
pp. 217-239
Author(s):  
Mohsen Shahrokhi ◽  
Mina Kamyabi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Phrasal Verbs ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Learning Instruction ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

This study investigated the impact of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on phrasal verbs learning in EFL context. Participants were 40 intermediate Iranian English learners. They were randomly divided into experimental and control groups of 20 each. The instruction of the control group was limited to the class activities but the experimental group received the instruction through Short Messaging Service (SMS) on their smart cellphones and worked with a new phrasal verbs learning application by Cambridge University Press called Phrasal Verbs Machine (PVM). The analysis of the data revealed that MALL instruction was more effective than in class language learning instruction. Results of the study indicate that smart cellphones as a tool for language learning provide a platform for language learners to use the language actively.

The Changing Role of the Teacher in ICT-Supported Foreign Language Instruction

2020 ◽  
pp. 333-349
Author(s):  
Saša Podgoršek
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Foreign Language Instruction ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
The Impact

This chapter aims to explore the teacher´s role in foreign language instruction (FLI) supported by information and communication technology (ICT). The recent research on the impact of ICT on the teacher´s role in FLI indicates changes in the role of the teacher. However, there has been little empirical evidence on the nature of this change in foreign language classes. To fill this research gap, a multiple-case study of three teachers and 78 students in three secondary school classes in Slovenia was conducted. This chapter presents an in-depth analysis of sections of semi-structured interviews and class observations exploring the five categories of change of the teacher role identified by Podgoršek. The findings confirm these categories in general, but they also show which sub-categories of change are hard to achieve in real school environment.

The impact of computer-assisted language learning on Iranian EFL students’ vocabulary learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 210-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Rahimi ◽  
Samira Mouri
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This study aimed to explore the impact of computer-assisted language learning on Iranian EFL students’ vocabulary learning. Participants of the study were 76 students – 29 males and 47 females – learning English as a foreign language in Parto, Sadr, Poyesh and Andishe Institutes in Ahvaz who were selected after taking the Nelson English Language Test as a proficiency test. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group was taken as control and the other as experimental group. Both groups participated in the teacher-made test of vocabulary, Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT), and Word-Associates Test (WAT) as pre-test. During class sessions the control group was taught the vocabulary, in the conventional way, through the printed textbook while the experimental group taught by the software version of the same book. Three ANCOVAs were run to compare the performance of experimental and control groups after the treatment period. The results of the ANCOVAs revealed that using vocabulary learning software was more effective than using printed book on vocabulary learning, vocabulary breadth, and vocabulary depth of the participants. The results of the present study could help EFL course book designers, foreign language institutes, educational planners, material developers, teachers, and learners to provide a better context for EFL learning. Keywords: computer-assisted instruction, computer-assisted language learning, information communication technology, vocabulary breadth, vocabulary teaching software.  

Randomized Controlled Trial of a Cognitive Narrative Crisis Intervention for Bereavement in Primary Healthcare

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Sofia Andrade ◽  
Margarida Moreira ◽  
Mónica Sá ◽  
Duarte Pacheco ◽  
Vera Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Demographic Questionnaire ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

Background and Aims: As there are known risks of retraumatization through bereavement crisis interventions, we tailored a new intervention lowering the degree of direct emotional activation. However, we need some evidence on the effects of depression and psychotraumatic symptoms between 1 and 6 months after a loss. Method: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with two groups: control group (n = 18) and experimental group (n = 11) in two assessments (1 and 6 months after loss); both included a semi-structured interview (Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised–IES-R). The experimental group had a cognitive-narrative program with four sessions: recalling; cognitive and emotional subjectivization; metaphorization; and projecting sessions. Results: Participants in the experimental and control groups have lower levels of depression and traumatic stress 6 months after a loss. Statistically significant results in emotional numbing IES-R sub-scale are observed. Conclusions: A brief narrative-based cost-effective intervention has a positive effect on depression, controlling the traumatic stress and time after a loss.

scholarly journals The ımpact of the techno-organic education model on the mathematical success rates and attitudes of students

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (33) ◽  
pp. e16854
Author(s):  
Nisanur Can ◽  
Mehmet Turan
Keyword(s):  
Structured Interview ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Education Model ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Dependent Samples ◽  
Experimental Group

Techno-organic education is an education model that allows children to gain the knowledge, skills, and values that are necessary for life by establishing a correct balance of natural and technological understanding. This research was conducted to examine the impact of the Techno-Organic Education Model on students' academic achievements and attitudes for math. For this purpose, the explanatory sequential mixed design was used to conduct this study. The study group consisted of 38 primary school students. Mathematics Course Achievement Test, Mathematics Attitude Scale and semi-structured interview form used as data collection tools. This research included a 4-week application within the scope of the Techno-Organic Education Model program which is developed by the researchers. For the analysis of the quantitative data, independent samples t-test; dependent samples t-test; Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Mann Whitney U Test, and content analysis method were used. As a result; a statistically significant difference was revealed between pre-test and post-test scores for the success rate and attitude of the students in the experimental group, and there has also been a statistically significant difference between the post-test success and attitude scores of the experimental group and the control group. According to qualitative findings of the study; students think positively about the use of techno-organic education model in their courses, and they generally liked the applications and thought they weren’t too difficult, and that this particular model increased their interest in the course.

scholarly journals Contrastive Models for Turn-Taking in English and Japanese

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davey Young
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Foreign Language Instruction ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Central Component ◽  
Interactional Competence ◽  
Turn Taking ◽  
Efl Students

Turn-taking remains an underemphasized aspect of foreign language instruction. As more is understood about this central component of interactional competence, foreign language teachers will need to consider the best ways to teach students how to take turns speaking and managing the floor in the target language. This paper provides a brief outline of turn-taking mechanics as originally defined by Sacks, Schegloff, & Jefferson (1974) before providing contrastive models for turn-taking in English and Japanese. Some recommendations for classroom instruction targeting turn-taking for EFL students in Japan, as well as a call for greater sensitivity to this fundamental aspect of communicative competence, are also provided. 外国語教育において、「話者交替」の重要性はまだ十分に注目されていない。相互行為能力の中心的構成要素である話者交替についての理解が深まるにつれ、外国語教育者は目標言語でどのように交替しながら話し、場の進行をすればいいかを教授するための最善の方法を考える必要が出てくるだろう。本論では、Sacks, Schegloff, & Jefferson (1974) によって定義された話者交替の働きについての概要を説明した後に、英語と日本語での話者交替の対照モデルについて述べる。日本の英語学習者に話者交替を教える際にクラス内で推奨されるいくつかの教授法と、話者交替というコミュニケーション能力の重要な一面に対するより細やかな配慮への必要性についても述べる。

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