scholarly journals The Effects of Planning on Writing Narrative Task Performance with Low and High EFL Proficiency

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massoud Rahimpour ◽  
Roghayyeh Jahan
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Task Performance ◽  
T Test ◽  
The Other ◽  
Line Planning ◽  
Planning Time ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
On Line ◽  
The Impact

The impetus of the present study was to scrutinize the impact of planning and proficiency on 172 EFL learners’ written task performance regarding concept load, fluency, complexity and accuracy. Planning was operationalized at two levels: pretask planning (PTP) and on- line planning (OLP). Participants of this study were two groups, high and low proficiency learners who were randomly chosen. The first group was required to plan for their performance for 10 minutes and take notes before they performed the tasks, whilst the participants in the second group began writing immediately and took time as long as they like. The participants’ performances were then analyzed utilizing paired samples t-test. The results of statistical analysis showed that low-proficiency learners appear to benefit more from planning time with respect to concept load, fluency, and complexity. On the other hand, high-proficiency learners were advantaged by planning time concerning concept load and accuracy.

scholarly journals Enhancing Elementary Level EFL Students’ Reading Comprehension and Writing Skills through Extensive Reading Enrichment Program

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Rania Adel Ibrahim Ahmed ◽  
Hussam Rajab
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Arab Countries ◽  
Extensive Reading ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The Impact

<p>This quasi-experimental, longitudinal, quantitative study investigated the impact of Extensive Reading (ER) on developing second language (L2) reading comprehension and writing skills among primary school EFL learners in two Arab countries, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The study is based on an experiment conducted over a nine-month period on a convenience sample of 112 primary school students <em>(n=112</em>) divided into five groups, three experimental groups and two control group, where the students belonged to two different private schools in Egypt and two different international schools in two cities in Saudi Arabia. The experiment, in the form of an enrichment ER program, used graded readers for young learners and was designed to foster ER for pleasure. The study, guided by three hypotheses, incorporated two types of statistical analysis tests, paired samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical analysis tests performed indicated marked improvement in English proficiency in the two experimental groups, with particular reference to reading comprehension and writing. A number of pedagogical implications and recommendations for future research are given. Additionally, the study highlights the issue related to insufficient exposure to English for young Arab EFL learners in their daily lives, which, unfortunately, seems to cause relapses in their L2 intake, despite having an age advantage.</p>

scholarly journals Enhancing English Learners’ Willingness to Communicate through Debate and Philosophy Inquiry Discussion

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Mardziah Shamsudin ◽  
Moomala Othman ◽  
Maryam Jahedi ◽  
Dalia Aralas
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Discussion Group ◽  
T Test ◽  
Willingness To Communicate ◽  
Classroom Discussion ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Esl Learners ◽  
The Impact

The present study investigated the impact of two instructional methods, Debate and Philosophy Inquiry (PI), in enhancing Willingness to Communicate (WTC) among two groups of English as a Second Language (ESL) learners who were randomly selected. In each group there were sixteen participants. The researchers used independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test to analyze the collected data. The data analysis using paired samples t-test showed that both methods of instruction have a significant effect on learners’ WTC. However, the learners’ WTC increased more in Debate group comparing to the Philosophy Inquiry classroom discussion group. The results indicate that Debate is more effective than Philosophy Inquiry classroom discussion in enhancing ESL learners’ WTC.

Input Enhancement through Using Author’s Biography: The Impact on Iranian EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension Ability across Gender

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 370
Author(s):  
Ayda Rahmani
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Proficiency Test ◽  
Control Male ◽  
Control Female ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Input Enhancement ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Comprehension Ability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Reading Comprehension Ability

This study aims to investigate whether enhancing input through author’s biography affect Iranian EFL learners’ reading comprehension ability across gender or not. To answer, a proficiency test of OPT was administered to a total of 120 male and female learners. Then 60 homogenous subjects, with the same English proficiency, were selected. The 60 participants were assigned into 4 groups randomly i.e. experimental male, experimental female, control male, control female. The study includes a pre-posttest design with 4 groups. The female and male experimental groups went through the treatment and finally the four groups were given a posttest.  Finally, descriptive and inferential statistics (A paired- samples t-test and a two-way ANOVA) were applied to analyze the statistical data. The findings indicated that input enhancement through author’s biography does affect Iranian EFL learners’ reading comprehension ability and male participants outperformed female participants.

The Effects of Using Instructional Conversation Method on Oral Autonomy of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 1191
Author(s):  
Sahar Ghaffari ◽  
Mohammad Ali Fatemi
Keyword(s):  
Proficiency Test ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Instructional Conversations ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Instructional Conversation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Experimental Group

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of instructional conversations on oral autonomy of Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners. Forty-nine Iranian intermediate EFL learners from three language institutes in Sarakhs were selected as the participants of the study based on their scores in Nelson Proficiency Test. Administering Nelson General Proficiency Test, participants were measured to make sure they are homogeneous. These participants were randomly assigned into to control and experimental groups.  Participants in both groups sat for Learner Oral Autonomy Questionnaire with some modifications from Kashefian's learner autonomy questionnaire (2002). Results of independent samples t-test lack of any significant difference between the two groups in oral autonomy at the outset of the study. Throughout the study which lasted for 12 sessions participants in experimental group received the treatment, instructional conversations, as a tool for teaching speaking materials. Participants in the control group were taught the same materials as those practiced in the former group through such techniques as role playing, peer dialogues, and oral presentations. Finally, the posttest being the same as the pretest was administered. Results of independent samples t-test showed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control one in Oral Autonomy Questionnaire. The present findings provide pedagogical implications for employing instructional conversation in EFL speaking classrooms.

scholarly journals The Impact of Student-Centered Instruction on EFL Learners’ Affect and Achievement

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan M. Kassem
Keyword(s):  
Relative Effect ◽  
T Test ◽  
English Department ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Affective Variables ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Academic Year ◽  
Teacher Centered

This study explored the relative effect of student- and teacher-centered instruction on EFL freshmen&rsquo;s affect (anxiety, motivation, attitude, autonomy, self-efficacy and beliefs about English and its learning) and achievement. Two classes of English department freshmen at Shaqra University, KSA participated in the study. Students in the two classes completed a questionnaire probing the target affective variables. An independent t-test proved that the two classes were homogenous in affective variables before the treatment. The treatment class was taught according to student-centered instruction for an academic year. The control class was taught the same courses according to the conventional teacher-centered instruction. The students completed the questionnaire probing their affect. A composite mark of final exam marks of three courses was used as an index of achievement. Analyses of independent sample t-test proved that the treatment class outperformed the control class in all affective variables (except for instrumental motivation) and achievement.

scholarly journals Productive and Receptive Collocational Knowledge of Iranian EFL Learners at Different Proficiency Levels

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Fahimeh Talakoob ◽  
Mansour Koosha
Keyword(s):  
Test Scores ◽  
T Test ◽  
Placement Test ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Intermediate Learners ◽  
The Mean

In the present study, an attempt was made to probe into the probable difference between Iranian intermediate and advanced EFL learners' receptive and productive collocational knowledge. To this end, 60 EFL learners studying at Islamic Azad University, Isfahan Branch, including 30 advanced and 30 intermediate learners, were chosen through the Oxford Placement Test (OPT). The participants at each level of proficiency received two tests of collocations, namely receptive collocation test and productive test of collocations. Paired-samples t test showed no statistically significant difference between productive and receptive knowledge of collocations of the advanced EFL learners. However, the mean comparison between the receptive and productive collocation test scores of intermediate EFL learners revealed a significant difference. Pedagogical implications emanating from the obtained results are elaborated in the study.

scholarly journals Dampak Revitalisasi Pasar Tradisional Terhadap Pendapatan Pedagang di Pasar Bulu Semarang

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-220
Author(s):  
Rizka Aprilia
Keyword(s):  
Social Relations ◽  
Basic Problem ◽  
T Test ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
The Social ◽  
Traditional Market ◽  
Building Condition ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Test Result

Latar belakang penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat dampak revitalisasi pasar tradisional terhadap pendapatan pedagang di Pasar Bulu Semarang. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan model interaktif dan uji t sampel berpasangan. Hasil menunjukan bahwa mayoritas pedagang di Pasar Bulu merupakan penduduk asli Kota Semarang. Revitalisasi tidak mengubah hubungan sosial antar pedagang, maupun pedagang dengan aparat yang selama ini terjalin dengan baik. Setelah revitalisasi kondisi bangunan Pasar Bulu menjadi lebih bersih dan rapi. Revitalisasi berdampak pada penurunan pendapatan pedagang, dibuktikan dengan hasil uji t sampel berpasangan diperoleh hasil t_hitung= 10,116 >  t_tabel= 2,064 dengan probabilitas 0,000 < 0,05. Rata-rata pendapatan pedagang sebelum revitalisasi sebesar Rp 5.280.000, sedangkan sesudah revitalisasi sebesar Rp 3.366.000. Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah revitalisasi berdampak pada penurunan pendapatan pedagang di Pasar Bulu Semarang. The basic problem of this study is to show the impact of the traditional market revitalization towards the traders income in Bulu Market Semarang. The type of this study are qualitative and quantitative. The data collected by observation, interview, and documentation. The analysis of data using interactive models and paired samples t test. The result showed that the majority of traders in Bulu Market are the natives of Semarang City. The revitalization did not change the social relations between the traders, and traders with the officers who had been well maintained. After the revitalization, the Bulu Market Building condition become more clean and neart. The revitalization gives an impact towards the decreasing of the traders income, proved by the paired samples t test result which showing t_hitung= 10,116 >  t_tabel= 2,064 with probability 0,000 < 0,05. The average of the traders income before revitalization Rp 5.280.000, meanwhile after the revitalization Rp 3.366.000. the conclusion in this study is  the revitalization gives an impact towards the decreasing of the traders income in Bulu Market Semarang

scholarly journals The Impact of Task-Based Approach on EFL Learner’s Performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
Dr. Omer Elsheikh Hago Elmahdi
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The Other ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Speaking Skill ◽  
Based Instruction ◽  
Task Based Instruction ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Teaching Instruction

<p><em>The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which task-based instruction affecting EFL learners’ performance. This paper covers the impact of task approach on EFL learners’ performance. It shades light on the relevant literature reviewed and studies on TBLT. At the same time, t</em><em>he speaking skill and s</em><em>peaking sub-skills are introduced as a base for t</em><em>eaching and developing speaking activities. On the other hand, the paper reflects on implementing task-based instruction and the p</em><em>rinciples for implementation by drawing a framework for implementation, and factors affecting implementation of TBI. On the above findings, the researcher recommends that teaching instruction should be given more attention in EFL classes in the light of using task-based approach. Also the researcher suggests that further research is needed to explore more in the effectiveness of task-based programs on EFL learner’s performance as well as its fluency.</em></p>

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Individualized Research Consultations Using Pre and Posttesting in an Academic Library: A Mixed Methods Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Sikora ◽  
Karine Fournier ◽  
Jamie Rebner
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Search Strategies ◽  
T Test ◽  
Search Techniques ◽  
Confidence Levels ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective – Academic librarians consistently offer individualized help to students and researchers. Few studies have empirically examined the impact of individualized research consultations (IRCs). For many librarians, IRCs are an integral part of their teaching repertoire. However, without any evidence of an IRC’s effectiveness or value, one might ask if it’s worth investing so much time and effort. Our study explored the impact of IRCs on students' search techniques and self-perceived confidence levels. We attempted to answer the following questions: 1) Do IRCs improve students’ information searching techniques, including the proper use of keywords and/or subject headings, the accurate use of Boolean operators, and the appropriate selection of specialized resources/databases? 2) Do IRCs influence students’ confidence level in performing effective search strategies? Methods – Our study used a mixed-methods approach. Our participants were students from the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine at the University of Ottawa, completing an undergraduate or graduate degree, and undertaking a research or thesis project. Participants were invited to complete two questionnaires, one before and one after meeting with a librarian. The questionnaires consisted of open-ended and multiple choice questions, which assessed students' search techniques, their self-perceived search techniques proficiency and their confidence level. A rubric was used to score students' open-ended questions, and self-reflective questions were coded and analyzed for content using the software QSR NVivo. Results – Twenty-nine completed pre and posttests were gathered from February to September 2016. After coding the answers using the rubric, two paired-samples t-tests were conducted. The first t-test shows that students’ ability to use appropriate keywords was approaching statistical significance. The second t-test showed a statistically significant increase in students’ ability to use appropriate search strings from the pretest to the posttest. We performed a last paired-samples t-test to measure students’ confidence level before and after the appointment, and a statistically significant increase in confidence level was found. Conclusion – Out of three paired t-tests performed, two showed a statistically significant difference from the pretest to the posttest, with one t-test approaching statistical significance. The analysis of our qualitative results also supports the statement that IRCs have a positive real impact on students’ search techniques and their confidence levels. Future research may explore specific techniques to improve search strategies across various disciplines, tips to improve confidence levels, and exploring the viewpoint of librarians.  

Pre-task planning and discourse cohesion: Analysis of Chinese EFL learners’ referential use in oral narratives

2019 ◽  
pp. 136216881988389
Author(s):  
Jie Qin ◽  
Yan Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Production Model ◽  
Oral Narratives ◽  
Planning Time ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Referential Use ◽  
Referential Expressions ◽  
Task Conditions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

While the research on pretask planning has concentrated on its effects on learners’ task performance in terms of fluency, accuracy, and complexity, its possible influence on the overall discourse level, such as discourse management and coherence, has been largely ignored. The present study addresses the inadequacy by uncovering the potential effects of pretask planning on Chinese EFL (English as a foreign language) learners’ selection of referential expressions in oral narratives. Fifty-six intermediate-level learners were tasked with retelling the story of Modern Times under one of two conditions, that is, either with 10-minutes strategic planning or without any planning time. An additional 25 native speakers (NSs) also narrated the same story under the same task conditions. Their narratives were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded based on a coding scheme that distinguished the roles of characters, types of reference, and discursive status of reference. A combination of statistical analysis and discourse analysis showed that (1) compared with NSs, the EFL learners were overexplicit in using noun phrases and proper names to refer to singular characters, but not so in joint reference to the major characters; and (2) pretask planning facilitated more target-like selection of referential expressions when major characters were referred to, although it did not bring the learners’ performance up to NS standards. However, the impact of planning time on referential use seemed to be moderated by the role prominence. These findings were explained within the framework of Levelt’s speech production model and Skehan’s Limited Attentional Capacity Hypothesis.

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