scholarly journals The Suitability of French Immersion for Allophone Students in Saskatchewan: Exploring Diverse Perspectives on Language Learning and Inclusion

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Davis ◽  
Susan Ballinger ◽  
Mela Sarkar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
French Immersion ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Second Language Education ◽  
Immersion Programs ◽  
Additive Bilingualism

French immersion programs in Saskatchewan have traditionally served to further the goals of additive bilingualism between Canada’s two official languages, French and English. Whereas these programs have historically consisted of predominantly Anglophone populations, recent trends in immigration have contributed to the increasingly diverse linguistic backgrounds of students throughout the province. The motivation, family support, and high academic achievement of allophone students learning French as an additional language have been documented extensively in Canada (Dagenais & Jacquet, 2000; Mady, 2013, 2014, 2015). Nevertheless, allophone students often do not benefit from the same access to second language education programs as their Anglophone and Francophone peers; indeed, such learners are sometimes excluded from French immersion programs on the basis of their lack of English language proficiency (Roy, 2015). Through Likert-scale surveys and semi-structured interviews, this mixed-methods research explored the perceived suitability of French immersion for allophone students by examining the perspectives of parents and educators in several schools in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This study will share the triangulated findings of the research, discuss the suitability of French immersion programs for allophone students, and provide recommendations for the future of such programs in Saskatchewan.

scholarly journals Arab English Language Teaching Candidates Climbing the IELTS Mountain: A Qualitatively Driven Hermeneutic Phenomenology Study

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Issa ◽  
Ali Al-Bulushi ◽  
Rima Al-Zadjali
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Hermeneutic Phenomenology ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Structured Interviews

As a high-stakes international language proficiency benchmark, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requires different and special Language Learning Strategies (LLS), which pose numerous challenges to its takers. Some Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) majoring in English Language Teaching (ELT), have therefore, failed to achieve an overall score of Band 6 on the IELTS as a language proficiency requirement and a condition mandated by the Ministry of Education for selecting English language teachers among. This qualitatively driven hermeneutic phenomenology study, hence, discusses this issue from an ideological perspective. The study triangulates data from semi-structured interviews made with six fourth-year ELT Student Teachers (STs) at SQU and the pertinent literature. The critical discussion revealed various ideologies about the powerful impact of the IELTS on the STs’ English language development. The findings have important implications for the practices of the teachers in the Omani ELT school system and elsewhere.

scholarly journals Students’ Perceptions Towards Extensive Reading In Efl Contexts

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-104
Author(s):  
Rini Lindawati
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Extensive Reading ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning English

Most university students are struggling in learning English as Foreign Language. The utilization of an extensive reading strategy will potentially promote more striking influential impacts on EFL learners’ target language proficiency. The students' perceptions influence the success of teaching and learning English. The research aimed to know the students’ perception of Extensive Reading in EFL contexts. The researcher used the Qualitative Research method. This study was conducted in Universitas Islam Majapahit. The researcher selected twelve senior students of the English language education department who have already received the extensive reading subject in their previous semesters. The researcher collected the data through semi-structured interviews. The data were then analyzed by following Miles and Huberman’s (1994) framework. The results showed that the students had positive perceptions toward Extensive Reading practices. They considered if Extensive Reading is a reading activity for pleasure and information search where they can read material without any restraint. Besides, Extensive Reading also contributed to developing their comprehension and English skills such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary mastery, and grammar. Moreover, Extensive Reading enabled them to enjoy the learning experience.

A Study on English Language Education in Rural Schools of India: The Situation, the Policy and the Curriculum

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Nazeer Hussain Khan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Rural Schools ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
School Education ◽  
Upward Movement ◽  
Indian Languages ◽  
English Language Education

The language policy in school education emerged as a political and social consensus, though established equality among the languages in school education, is somehow heading for a competitive bi / multilingualism in which the English language is (perceived to be) over taking Indian languages. On the contrary the quality of English language education in majority of Indian schools presents a very appalling picture. Teacher’s language proficiency, exposure to language and materials are major concerns for quality English language learning. An analysis of curricular statements and syllabi of the states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland reveals how planning for language in education is not looked at holistically in terms of basic assumptions about language learning / acquisition (how language learning takes place), learner profiles and the contexts in which learning takes place, and the recent developments in language learning-teaching. Most states refuse to move beyond the good old structural approach of the 1950s and the 60s, while they stress for communication skills to help the learner for an upward movement. This, in reality, reveals the paradoxical situations of an English language education which would further place the rural learner in a very disadvantaged situation. There are so many curricular packages in the Andhra Pradesh to reach the goals. English will continue to dominate the school curriculum not only as a language, but as a medium of learning too. Given the important roles to English in education and in the larger society (Tickoo 1996), this will have greater implications for language education, particularly English language education in rural settings. While some of our native languages are losing their battle for survival where English is taking the ‘killer’ role and the curricular documents calling for collaborative bi-/multilingualism, what in reality felt is subtractive bilingualism? This dangerous trend may lead to mass conversion to English medium instruction in our schools, both urban and rural schools. We must ensure that English as a language in education is fully realized in terms of the basic conditions for learning the language and those educated through native medium schools attain the proficiency that would not hamper them to move forward to higher education and employment any other urban English medium educated child would compete.

French Immersion “So Why Would You do Something Like That to a Child?”

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renée Christine Bourgoin
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Education ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
French Immersion ◽  
Students At Risk ◽  
Academic Difficulties ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Second Language Education

French Immersion (FI) continues to grow in popularity and diversity across Canada. However, the suitability of immersion for academically challenged students has often been questioned. This study explored English teachers' beliefs and practices, particularly as they relate to the suitability of French immersion for various learners. It also explored ways by which English teachers frame issues of accessibility to FI for students at risk for academic difficulties. Data revealed that myths about second language education still permeate the system in ways that potentially impact who as access to the FI program. Findings also highlight that the sociocultural and sociopolitical context of this study influences and is being influenced by beliefs about and attitudes toward second language learning. The widespread existence of beliefs and practices grounded in myths or traditional views about second language acquisition points to a need for greater education about issues that potentially limit access to FI.

scholarly journals Learner Beliefs and Language Proficiency in SA Context: A Case study of Chinese Students Taking Pre-sessional Language Course in the UK

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Xin ◽  
Zhang Jiayi
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Chinese Students ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Beliefs ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

<p>This study seeks to explore the interrelation between learners’ beliefs and language proficiency in study abroad (SA) context. The participants of this study consisted of 30 Chinese students who were taking the pre-sessional language course at the University of Sheffield in the UK. Combining data from the questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and test scores, the current study tries to answer three research questions: (1) Do learners’ beliefs change in the SA context? If so, in what ways? (2) Does learners’ language proficiency change in the SA context? If so, in what ways? (3) What is the relationship between learners’ English language proficiency and their beliefs about language learning?</p>By investigating learners’ beliefs change in SA context and how such change impacts on their language learning behavior and outcomes, it is hoped that students can have a more fruitful study-abroad sojourn.

scholarly journals A CREATIVE ALLIANCE BETWEEN LEARNER AUTONOMY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING: PAKISTANI UNIVERSITY TEACHERS’ BELIEFS

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musarat YASMIN ◽  
Ayesha SOHAIL
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Target Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
University Teachers

Learner autonomy has been a focus of research for last three decades. Not only the nature of phenomenon was investigated but also its role in foreign language learning attracted researchers’ interests. The present paper examines the mutual creative relationship between learner autonomy and target foreign language acquisition. Following an interpretive paradigm, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore the beliefs of 16 university teachers of English language teaching in four public sector universities of province Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed a close creative connection between learner autonomy and English language learning. Teachers believed that autonomy in learners accelerates language learning. Major aspects of learner autonomy were reported fulfilling the perceived needs of foreign language learning. The study implied that fostering of autonomy in learners accelerates target language proficiency.

English Language Teachers’ Vision and Motivation: Possible Selves and Activity Theory Perspectives

RELC Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-474
Author(s):  
Teymour Rahmati ◽  
Karim Sadeghi ◽  
Farah Ghaderi
Keyword(s):  
Activity Theory ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Possible Selves ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Teacher Vision ◽  
English Language Teachers

Recent research has identified a direct link between language teachers’ self and motivation, and their relationship with conceptual change and professional development. A better understanding of the exact manner in which language teachers’ perceptions of self interact with their motivation, however, requires further empirical evidence from a variety of contexts employing various research methods. Drawing upon possible selves theory and Activity Theory, the present mixed-methods research explored language teacher vision and its relationship with motivation in the Iranian state sector language education context. In the first qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 teachers on their vision and motivation to teach English. In the second quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire informed by the interview data was electronically administered to in-service language teachers (N = 211). Data analysis identified a typology of English language teacher vision and a positive relationship (r = .59) between vision and motivation. A coefficient determination of around 35% showed the degree of covariance between the two constructs. Furthermore, the study indicated that some contradictions among the rules, tools, community, and division-of-labour components of language teacher motivation activity system mediated the motivational force of vision. The study implies that teacher education programmes should raise English language teachers’ awareness of the positive motivational force of vision.

scholarly journals A study of student and teacher attitudes and experiences towards an immersion course in a Technological University in Veracruz, Mexico

2019 ◽  
pp. 20-34
Author(s):  
Barragán-Díaz Julian
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Learning Problems ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Bilingual Program ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Technological Universities ◽  
High Level ◽  
Technological University

Mexico is experiencing a growing need of qualified professionals able to work and receive training in international companies. For this reason, education authorities in Mexico have created technological universities and, in recent years, a new model for them called BIS model (Bilingual, International and Sustainable). It is a bilingual model which starts with an immersion course followed by a bilingual program whose objective is to graduate technicians and engineers with a high level of English language proficiency. This research intended to study the attitudes and experiences of students and teachers who participated in an immersion course in a BIS model university in Veracruz, Mexico to identify the attitudes of both students and teachers towards the course to help designing future courses to avoid potential language learning problems related to attitudinal and motivational factors. In order to do this, quantitative and qualitative paradigms were used through the application of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to sixty-five students and teachers as well as class observations. The results showed that while students and teachers generally had a positive attitude towards the program, there are a number of factors that affected their performance such as the students’ profile, their motivations to study the language, their motivations to study a bilingual program and the course planning.

scholarly journals Lessons learned from immersion in western Canada’s multilingual and multicultural post-secondary context across the disciplines

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Valia Spiliotopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
French Immersion ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Educational Context ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Support Students

The current educational context in post-secondary institutions world-wide is characterized by a widening participation agenda, and is greatly impacted by trends in globalization and internationalization (Burbules & Torres, 2000, Ilieva, Beck, & Waterstone, 2014).  This multilingual and multicultural educational context brings about many opportunities and challenges for students, faculty, and other internal and external stakeholders (Arkoudis et al, 2012; Hafernick & Wiant, 2012; Murray, 2016). Given Canada’s increasing involvement in offering programs predominantly in English to international, transnational, and bi/plurlilingal domestic students, it is important to examine the lessons learned from Canada’s history with immersion (Cummins, 1998).   and consider the implications for the post-secondary context (Knoerr, et al. 2016). To that end, it is perhaps time to reconsider language education policies, re-examine how language is used as a medium of instruction, redesign curriculum and instruction, as well as understand how students’ bi/plurlingualism can serve as an additional resource for learning across the disciplines (Camarata, 2016; Coste, Moore & Zarate, 2009;  Cummins, 2007; Marshall and Moore, 2013).   This article describes the educational development and scholarly activities of a Centre for English Language Learning Teaching, and Research at a comprehensive university in British Columbia, and shares emergent findings of a case study and pilot projects in which faculty in applied linguistics/language education collaborate with faculty across the disciplines to support students’ English language development alongside their disciplinary knowledge and literacy skills at the curricular, instructional, and assessment levels. Key practices and approaches in university French immersion education will be compared and contrasted with Content-based/‘CLIL’ and plurilingual approaches used by language education faculty working alongside disciplinary faculty in order to support students at the curricular core within programs where English is the language of instruction. 

scholarly journals QUEER LEARNER IDENTITY AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING IN A THAI CONTEXT

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tinnawat Suebkinnon ◽  
Apisak Sukying
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Identity

This study examined the identity construction of queer learners in English language learning and its influences on English language learning. The four participants were male, queer and studied in English majors and English language teaching in a Thai university. Two of the participants were known to the researcher. Semi-structured interviews, field notes, and a digital sound recorder were used for data collection and qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that queer characteristics and marginalized and unequal positions based on gender identity and sexual orientation were two main factors constituting queer learner identity in English language learning. The majority of the participants shared that their queer characteristics were conducive to their speaking skills. Additionally, it was shown that the heteronormative Thai context motivated the participants to pursue English language proficiency. The participants reported that English language proficiency was advantageous for their future success and helped them gain parental and societal acceptance. Moreover, the participants stated that learning the English language would allow them to migrate to English-speaking countries that are welcoming to queer people. The results also indicated that some participants who desire a Western partner viewed English as beneficial to finding a Western man, whom they thought would be more open to gender diversity than Thai men. These findings provide a better understanding of the identity construction of queer learners and its influences on English language learning. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0787/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

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