Promoting Metacognitive and Linguistic Skills: Digital Learning Logs in Pre-Service Teacher Training

This paper reports on the implementation of digital learning logs in the context of pre-service teacher training in a distance university in Madrid. The learning log, which had been previously implemented in the subject as a learning tool, has proven to be especially useful in Covid-19 times since the students had to work more independently and could use it to reflect upon their learning without the conventional teaching they were used to. The paper has a two-fold aim: first, to analyze whether the learning logs helped in promoting students’ autonomy and self-reflection, and second, to observe whether they contribute to the development of their linguistic competence in English as a foreign language. Participants of the study (n= 47) are students of the Primary and Infant Education degrees, specializing in English teaching, whose L2 level ranges between B1 and C2. At the end of half term, they were given the possibility of completing a learning log to record their learning process, review concepts and be aware of potential learning gaps and needs, and act accordingly. For this purpose, and to encourage participation, L1 or L2 could be chosen as vehicular languages. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire on their experience using the logs, answering questions regarding the suitability of this tool to enhance their language skills and promote effective strategies to become independent learners. The data drawn from the questionnaires submitted (n=29) were later analyzed through SPSS. In addition, individual semi-structured interviews were carried out to collect information on those participants who had not completed the learning log (n=11). The findings of the study show that the vast majority of participants agree on the potential of learning logs as a useful tool to keep track of their learning process and to develop metacognitive awareness and linguistic skills.

The Use of Journal Writing in Teaching English Writing

This article tries to give an alternative way to improve students’ writing skills. Writing is still considered as the most difficult skill to be acquired since writing involves many aspects such as organization, content, mechanic, vocabulary, grammar etc. Writing is not only about product but also about process. It is called journal writing. Journal writing provides students an opportunity to improve writing. There are some kinds of journal writing which can be applied inteaching and learning writing such as personal journal, reading logs, learning logs, etc.Keywords: journal, writing, learning, improve, skills

Hybrid contracts in introductory linguistics

Wanting to shift the focus in the introductory linguistics classes in an access institution from teaching to learning, I created a tripartite (hybrid) contract that consists of three distinct tasks: labor-based tasks (collaborative forums and breakout activities); content-based tasks (assignments and final project on changing understandings about language) and self-regulated tasks (learning logs, metacognitive awareness surveys, capstone). This contract gives students agency and establishes a culture of “forgiveness” (while maintaining high standards), providing flexibility since my students’ life challenges can affect their academic performance.

Virtual Reality Software as Preparation Tools for Oral Presentations: Perceptions From the Classroom

Although there is a wealth of studies on the role of virtual reality (VR) technology in language acquisition, little research has been done on the utilization of virtual reality mobile applications in English language acquisition, especially in developing oral presentation skills. The main purpose of this case study is to investigate the usefulness of VirtualSpeech, which is a virtual reality mobile application, as a preparation tool for oral presentations via the perceptions of international students and their instructor. The participants are five Academic English Program (AEP) students and their English language instructor at Saint Michael’s College. Qualitative analyses were performed on data collected from: (1) learning logs that were shared between the students and the researcher, (2) surveys that were sent to the students and their instructor, (3) one-to-one interviews with the students, and (4) the researcher’s fieldnotes of the students’ oral presentation performances. The results of the study show that all of the participants recommend using VirtualSpeech as a tool to prepare for oral presentations. Most of the students reported higher confidence levels while speaking English after their use of VirtualSpeech. Thus, this case study can be considered as a contribution to the research on VR mobile applications in English language acquisition.

The power of reflective journal writing for university students from the EFL perspective

English as a foreign language (EFL) university students use reflective journals as learning logs to express or capture their ideas within a scientific conceptual framework. The objectives of this research are to (1) describe the power of reflective journal writing in communicating ideas, and (2) identify the aspects of reflective journal writing that aid learning in an EFL context. The reflective journals were written by 21 EFL university students. This research takes a qualitative approach, with the primary data coming from several reflective journals (N=124) while the secondary data coming from EFL students’ interviews (N=15). The research results showed that reflective journals were useful for students to make critical reflections and self-discovery responses to writing topics. The students learned to focus on writing components such as order, unity, coherence, cohesiveness, content, and organization of ideas through reflective journal writing. The students’ perspectives on aspects of reflective journal writing were primarily concerned with macro-and micro-level linguistic issues, as evidenced from the interview results. Writing a reflective journal necessitated their ability to reformulate thoughts, provide details, and solve problems. Furthermore, critical thinking, metacognitive skills, and self-reflections became increasingly important in helping the students to develop their ability to write reflective journals.

Teachers as Self-Directed Learning Guides

This article reports on research and teaching methods related to self-directed learning (SDL) that were presented by four SDL teachers in a forum at JALT2020. There is growing interest in the role teachers and institutions can play in fostering learner autonomy (Blidi, 2017; Lai, 2017; Murray, 2014; Ohashi, 2018, 2019). This article addresses the need for greater transparency in the practical aspects of aiding students to take charge of their learning within and beyond classrooms. It shows different ways each author approached the same SDL course that they taught at a university in Tokyo, by introducing language learning histories, future self exploration, planning-action-reflection cycles, negotiated goal contracts, learning logs, and asynchronous peer interaction. Through sharing their experiences, insights, and research outcomes, the authors hope to contribute knowledge of practical ways in which SDL can be approached by teachers and institutions. 本稿では、自己主導型学習（self-directed learning、以下SDL）の授業を担当する4名の教師がJALT2020のフォーラムで発表したSDLに関する研究と教授方法を報告する。学習者の自律性の育成において、教師や教育機関が果たせる役割への関心が高まっている（Blidi, 2017; Lai, 2017; Murray, 2014; Ohashi, 2018, 2019）。本稿は、学生が授業内外で学習に主体的に取り組むための実践的な支援方法の透明性を高めるニーズに応える。著者らは東京の同じ大学で同一科目SDLを担当し、それぞれが言語学習ヒストリー、将来の自分探し、計画―実行―省察サイクル、交渉した目標の契約、学習ログ、非同期ピア・インタラクションという異なるアプローチを実践した。本稿ではこれらの経験、洞察、研究成果を共有し、教師や教育機関によるSDL支援方法に関する知見を提供する。

The Effect of Summarizing Narrative Texts to Improve Reading Comprehension

This study demonstrates the effect of summaries of narrative texts to improve reading comprehension. This study consisted of sixty elementary school students who had evident reading comprehension deficiencies, especially in narrative texts. This study is a pre-experimental study with a mixed design. Qualitative and quantitative instruments were applied to meet the purpose of this study. The instruments included pretest and post-test, rubric, learning log, survey, a checklist to measure the students’ development and progress, and their perspectives towards this innovation. Results indicated an improvement in students’ reading comprehension. Post-test means increased from 5.96 in the pretest to 9.10. The checklist also proved that students included the required elements in their summaries. Students indicated in the learning logs that they would extend this strategy to other subjects, and they had to reread and identify the most crucial information to summarize. The study has implications for teachers and learners since it can bring positive considerations about the importance of using summaries to improve reading comprehension.

Word Recognition and Reading Skills to Improve Reading Comprehension

This research aimed at showing the influence of word recognition, and using skimming and scanning skills to improve reading comprehension. Participants were a group of 15 students whose ages ranged from 14 to 16. They had problems in reading comprehension and vocabulary. This action research was conducted at a private language institute. The instruments to collect data were pre- and post-surveys, pre- post-tests, learning logs, skimming and scanning forms, and an interview. They provided quantitative and qualitative information. Results showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in parts of speech knowledge from the pre- to the post-test. The result was an average improvement of 28.2% in student performance. Cohen’s d was calculated with a result of 1.09 which means there is impact in learning. There was also a steady improvement in skimming and scanning which was exemplified by the ability to correctly complete a form after reading texts. Lastly, students’ perspectives were positive to this innovation. Therefore, it is advisable to apply the same innovation with other learners in order to compare results of improvement of reading comprehension and overall proficiency.

Uma Formação Pedagógico-Reflexiva em Psicologia: Análise de Diários de Aprendizagem

The present article aimed, through the analysis of learning diaries, to discuss about the possibilities that a psychology university degree which promotes reflection and shelters students' thoughts and emotions can have in the training of psychology students. Were analyzed thirteen learning logs written by students of the sixth semester of an undergraduate degree course in Psychology enrolled in a discipline related to the Person Centered Approach.The logs were written based on the Sense's Version, after each class, with indication of free writing. Thematic Analysis was used, and from it six themes emerged that demonstrated the importance of building an academic context that promotes the facilitating conditions for personal and professional development. Palavras-chave : Psychology Degree; Learning Log; Reflection Process; Core Conditions to Facilitate Learning; Person Centered Approach.

Saudi University Students’ Perceptions towards Virtual Education During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Language Learning via Blackboard

Following the spread of COVID-19, many parts of the world have fully shifted to virtual education. Issues regarding students’ readiness for this mode of education have been the main concerns in countries where students are not used to virtual classes. This article presents a case study that investigated the perceptions of Saudi university students towards learning via Blackboard, during the unusual mode of delivering education caused by Covid-19. The aim was to identify the merits and challenges of online learning in order to understand the students’ learning experiences during the pandemic period and suggest practical solutions. The participants were 25 university students majoring in the English language at the bachelor of arts level. The instructor (the author) taught them classes on morphology. Based on an analysis of the students’ learning logs, the students preferred the asynchronous environment to the synchronous one due to its flexibility. However, unlike research findings identified in relevant studies on virtual education for language learning, the present study reveals that virtual education is not always appealing for students. This study is one of the few studies that compare the synchronous and asynchronous aspects of BB in the Arabian contexts. It is hoped that this study will help university authorities to set out more practical educational plans in the case of emergencies. Also, this study will inform the practices of university instructors and designers of professional development courses in the near future.