EFL Learners Research Articles

A study of project-based learning to intermediate EFL learners in reading class: enhancing self-regulated learning of post-secondary students in Macao

AbstractThis study explored two new pedagogical conceptions—project-based learning (PBL) and self-regulated learning (SRL), to enhance effective English teaching and learning in Macao, and to prepare EFL learners for life-long learning. PBL makes English instruction engaging and SRL empowers learners to take ownership of their learning process. The combination of these two methodologies can facilitate students to develop into independent and efficient English learners. The study, guided by Zimmerman’s cyclical phase model of SRL and English and Kitsantas’ PBL/SRL model, was action research which aimed to investigate whether PBL could positively influence the development of intermediate EFL learners’ SRL ability at the post-secondary level in Macao. Research instruments included questionnaires, interviews, students’ reflective notes and teacher’s field notes. Both qualitative and quantitative findings indicated improvement in the students’ SRL ability, reflected in three aspects—motivation, metacognition, and behaviors. The students’ motivational beliefs were significantly strengthened, and more self-regulated behaviors were generated. Though the use of metacognitive strategies did not showcase as significant enhancement as the former elements through the study, the experimental group made progress in using some specific strategies, such as evaluating learning outcomes and making study plans. The summary of the study is that PBL was beneficial to the development of SRL. This research endeavor not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge but also serves as a catalyst for educators to advocate policy reforms, fostering the design of learner-centered, flexible, and coherent post-secondary EFL curricula.

Construction and Validation of a Scale to Measure College EFL Students’ Perceived Teacher Support

Students’ perceived teacher support (SPTS) is considered crucial to students’ learning. But most existing SPTS scales were developed for the field of general education, and there is a lack of studies that attempt to develop a tailored scale specifically for the context of EFL learning. This study interviewed 86 Chinese college EFL learners and surveyed 1,089 Chinese non-English majors to develop an SPTS scale specifically for the context of college EFL learning in China. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. The result indicated that SPTS is a tripartite construct consisting of emotional, intellectual, and social support. This study contributes to a better understanding of the unique aspects of language teaching and emphasizes the significance of tailored SPTS scales in different educational settings. The study elucidates the importance of SPTS in college EFL learning, providing guidance for effective teaching practices to enhance students’ learning experience.

INFORMAL DIGITAL LEARNING OF ENGLISH TO SUPPORT A FORMAL SPEAKING COURSE: EFL PRESERVICE TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION IDEAS

This study aimed at exploring how English as a foreign language (hereafter, EFL) preservice teacher (hereafter, PSTs) who had no teaching experience perceived Informal Digital Learning of English (hereafter, IDLE) and their IDLE implementation ideas for their future students’ out-of-class activities to support formal classroom instruction. The researchers employed a basic qualitative design to understand the participants’ perceptions and implementation ideas. The data were gathered through interviews and document analysis, and subsequently, 14 EFL PSTs with no prior teaching experience were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy. The data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings give new insights that the participants had positive perceptions towards IDLE and had various implementation ideas of IDLE for their future students, mostly through disrupting Web 2.0 technology tools, even though they had no teaching experience using technology. Two implications for English educators and teacher education programs are highlighted in this article: changing teachers’ mindsets towards EFL learning and the insertion of IDLE as a topic into pedagogy courses.

" The Effect of Negotiated Feedback Using EdTech on Improving EFL Learners’ Performance on Text Coherence"

" The Effect of Negotiated Feedback Using EdTech on Improving EFL Learners’ Performance on Text Coherence"

Exploring tertiary EFL learners’ and teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of EFL writing course syllabi: Pedagogical implications

Given the importance of effective and standard syllabi in developing tertiary students’ EFL writing skills, this study aimed to analyze the perceptions of Bangladeshi tertiary EFL learners and teachers towards the effectiveness of English writing course syllabi in developing writing proficiency. The study involved 392 students and 14 EFL teachers from seven Bangladeshi universities in a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire survey using a purposive sampling procedure. The results show that both students and teachers had a negative perception of the effectiveness of most of the components of the syllabus, namely, objectives of the syllabus, content and skill coverage, instructional time, suitability, and effectivity of the instructional materials covered in the syllabus. However, students had a positive perception of the effectiveness of the writing content, while teachers had a low perception of this aspect of the writing syllabus. Recommendations call for policymakers and syllabus designers to ensure that EFL writing course syllabi include essential subject components and skills, adhere to global standards, and provide ample classroom practice time for students. The study also highlights the need for devising better syllabi to meet the needs of tertiary EFL learners' academic and professional needs and guide EFL teachers to meet the expectations of Bangladeshi tertiary EFL education.

A Study of the Causes and the Effect of Writing Anxiety Components on Iraqi EFL Students’ Attitudes

Anxiety is identified as a main issue that may highly lead to the feelings of nervousness, worry, tension, and apprehension. The purpose of the study is to measure the impact of the three components of writing anxiety (somatic, avoidance behavior, and cognitive) on Iraqi EFL learners’ attitudes and also attempts to determine the component causing the highest anxiety rates. Besides, the study also aims to detect the key elements that provoke anxiety. Two questionnaire tools, listed under the quantitative approach, were adopted in this study: The Second Language Writing Anxiety Inventory developed by Cheng and Causes of Writing Anxiety Inventory developed by Rezaei and Jafari. Hundred Iraqi undergraduate students, 50 males and 50 females, were assigned to take part in this study at “Al-Nisour University College.” The finding demonstrated that the participants are affected by all the three aforesaid components. However, the component “avoidance behavior anxiety” had a higher effect rate on the participants’ attitudes compared to the two components, dubbed “cognitive and somatic” that showed otherwise. Added to this, the findings also revealed a significant difference between genders wherein female learners showed a higher rate of anxiety than their male counterparts. This points out that female students may highly have an inclination to evade the situations demanding writing. Linguistic difficulties, fear of teacher’s negative comments, insufficient writing practice and self-confidence were respectively detected as the highest influential elements behind arousing anxiety. The current study highlighted the causes of writing anxiety and the effect of its components on Iraqi EFL learners and might contribute to paving the way to new teaching methods or techniques to mitigate the effect of these writing anxiety components and boost self-confidence in Iraqi EFL.

Teaching Young EFL Learners New Vocabulary: A Comparison of the Efficiency of Traditional and Personalized TPR Strategies

This paper proposes a personalized teaching strategy based on Total Physical Response (TPR) to acquire new words. TPR combines target language items with semantically corresponding gestures conducive to learners understanding and memorizing them by repeatedly executing commands from their teachers. One limitation of TPR is that it does not allow students any freedom to creatively execute an order in ways that seem to be more interesting and meaningful to them. To address these disadvantages, we have integrated the TPR teaching strategy with a personalized teaching strategy. The participants of the experimental group (EG) performed their movements creatively; they integrated the movements with the target words to produce video productions. The participants in the control group (CG) followed the dance video supplied with the textbook. The results of the study demonstrated that the personalized TPR teaching strategy is effective and helpful for recalling the meaning of English vocabulary for higher-level students. The results of this study can benefit K-12 teachers to determine and incorporate best TPR practices for students of different levels.

The Effectiveness of Using Computer-Assisted Translation Tools for Developing Translation Skills for EFL Learners

The Effectiveness of Using Computer-Assisted Translation Tools for Developing Translation Skills for EFL Learners

Unlocking the Potential: Attitudes of Tertiary Level EFL Learners Towards Using AI in Language Learning

In the current era of rapid change in which AI has become inevitable in foreign language education as in many aspects of life, this study, which aims to examine EFL learners’ attitudes towards AI and to analyse its future potential, was conducted with the participation of 772 English preparatory year students studying at A2, B1, and B2 levels in the schools of foreign languages of a state and a private (foundation) university in Türkiye. The data for the study were collected online through an attitude scale (MALL:AI) and an open-ended survey question. Quantitative results revealed that the participants had moderate attitudes towards the use of AI in EFL learning, with no clear tendency towards positive attitudes. While university type and gender were not found to be significant determinants of attitudes, engineering and natural sciences students showed more positive attitudes towards AI in EFL learning than those in the humanities and social sciences. In terms of proficiency level, A2 level participants reflected lower attitudes in the behavioural factor than B1 and B2 levels. Qualitatively, it was found that students had overwhelmingly positive perspectives on the use of AI, shared some negative approaches with reservations, and offered concrete suggestions for the integration of AI into ELT. With its intriguing findings, the present study sheds light on further studies and paves the way for educational administrators and EFL instructors to better make use of AI in language education.

한국 대학생 영어학습자의 외국어 불안감 및 학습전략에 대한 수준별 분석

This study analyzed the relationship between foreign language anxiety and language learning strategies among EFL learners at different English proficiency levels. The study involved 195 participants and examined the correlation between their levels of foreign language anxiety and their use of learning strategies through a Google survey, followed by in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that learners at high proficiency levels exhibited moderate language anxiety, and metacognitive strategy was found to be the most effective in managing anxiety at this level. At the intermediate level, cognitive strategy significantly helped reduce foreign language anxiety. Learners at low proficiency levels displayed higher anxiety, particularly regarding test and communication, but social and metacognitive strategies were effective in alleviating this anxiety. These results underscored the critical role of targeted learning strategies in mitigating foreign language anxiety, offering valuable insights for educators in developing instructional methods or educational content that apply affective filter strategies according to proficiency levels to enhance language acquisition.

Fostering Pragmatic Proficiency: The Influence of Explicit Instruction on Plurilingual EFL Learners’ Mastery of Hedging Devices in Canadian Academic Writing Context

Hedging academic claims is a crucial aspect of scholarly writing that presents challenges for many non-native English-speaking academic authors. Scholars, such as Hyland (2021), have emphasized the vital role of explicit instructional interventions in raising awareness about hedging devices among Plurilingual non-native English writers. This is particularly relevant considering the nuanced nature of certain hedging devices, characterized by polysemy and polypragmatics. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of explicit instruction in enhancing the pragmatic competence of non-native English-speaking learners, with a specific focus on the acquisition and application of English modal auxiliaries as hedging mechanisms within an academic context. In this study, a group of 37 non-native English-speaking College students, representing various academic disciplines, were purposefully selected from Sommet College located in Greater Montreal area, and divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. The control group received conventional academic writing instruction, while the experimental group underwent explicit instruction on the use of modal auxiliaries for hedging in their academic writing. Both groups completed pretests and post-tests as part of the evaluation process. Analysis of the test scores and t-test results revealed a significant improvement in linguistic and pragmatic proficiency concerning the use of modal auxiliaries for hedging within the experimental group. Moreover, the findings demonstrated the superior performance of the experimental group in employing modal verbs for hedging purposes. The findings of this study have broader implications that reach beyond pedagogical practice, resonating with educational program administrators and curriculum developers. These results underscore the importance of including explicit instruction on hedging devices, particularly modal auxiliaries, to bolster the academic writing skills of non-native plurilingual English-speaking learners.

Young Korean EFL learners’ discrimination of AI-generated English front vowels

Young Korean EFL learners’ discrimination of AI-generated English front vowels

Identifying Pronunciation Challenges for Cantonese EFL Learners: A Focus on Intelligibility

This study investigates the intelligibility of Cantonese-accented English by examining segmental pronunciation errors and their impact on native English listeners’ ability to accurately transcribe spoken sentences. Building on a previous production experiment, this research focuses on identifying which vowel and consonant mispronunciations most hinder intelligibility. Ten native English listeners transcribed 1,000 sentences produced by Cantonese speakers, and transcription accuracy was calculated for each target sound. The results reveal that dark /l/ (e.g., “cold”), final consonants like /g/ (e.g., “bag”), and the vowel /æ/ (e.g., “pan”) had the lowest accuracy rates, while sounds like /n/ (e.g., “no”) and /ʃ/ (e.g., “sheep”) were consistently transcribed correctly. These findings highlight the importance of targeting specific pronunciation difficulties in Cantonese EFL learners to improve intelligibility. The study supports the prioritization of intelligibility over accent reduction in pronunciation instruction, providing practical implications for teaching pronunciation in Cantonese-speaking contexts.

Exploring the Acceptance of Mobile-Assisted Peer Feedback in English Speaking among Chinese EFL Students

Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this quasi-experimental study examined the use of Mobile-Assisted Peer Feedback (MAPF) tools via the Tencent Mini Programme among Chinese university EFL learners to enhance English speaking proficiency. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using descriptive statistics for questionnaire data and thematic analysis with NVivo for interview data. Sixty non-English major students (CEFR levels A2-B1) were selected through purposive sampling and assigned to three groups: one-way, dialogic, and visualised peer feedback. Results showed positive responses across all modes, with visualised feedback rated highest for usefulness, behavioural intention, and speaking improvement. The study highlights the need to consider technological, individual, and sociocultural factors in mobile-assisted feedback for language learning. Future research should explore long-term effects, application in diverse contexts, and further refinement of mobile-assisted feedback modes to enhance learner engagement. This study contributes to the research on MAPF in English speaking and offers practical insights for educational technology development.

Task-specific writing anxiety and self-efficacy are separate from general L2 writing anxiety and self-efficacy and they have differential associations with the effects of written corrective feedback in pre-task and within-task planning

This study examines the validity of task-specific anxiety and self-efficacy and the joint effects of task-specific and general second language (L2) writing anxiety and self-efficacy on learning gains resulting from different task conditions formed based on two types of written corrective feedback and two types of task planning. 115 high school EFL learners in South Korea were divided into two groups and received either direct correction or metalinguistic feedback on their wrong use of English articles and past tense in their written narratives. After receiving feedback, each of the two large groups was further divided into three subgroups, each performing a second writing task under three conditions: pre-task planning, within-task planning, and no planning. The learners responded to questionnaires that aimed to measure task-specific and L2 general anxiety and self-efficacy. The results demonstrated that task-specific anxiety and self-efficacy were distinct from general L2 writing anxiety and self-efficacy and that they played different roles in L2 development under the different treatment conditions. Specifically, general L2 writing anxiety was a negative predictor of learning gains regardless of learning condition; task-specific anxiety showed a positive effect in metalinguistic explanation + within-task planning but a negative effect in all other task conditions; neither task-specific nor general L2 self-efficacy was a significant predictor of treatment effects. This study demonstrates the importance of investigating task-specific individual difference variables and shows the differential associations between general and task-specific individual difference variables on one hand and different types of task-based instruction on the other.

A Socio-Cognitive Analysis of the Self/other Representation in Bush’s Speech

It is known that political speeches are important as a communicative tool for politicians to maintain the power, which is essential to express political opinions and views as well as ideologies, though not always explicitly. Ideology is regarded as one of the primary objectives of text analysis in linguistic studies, particularly critical discourse analysis(henceforth CDA) , which consists of shared values, beliefs and attitudes within a group .In this way, discourse reflects the values of these ideological held by those groups who create it. The present study focuses on investigating the discursive ideological strategies of the self/other in Bush’s speech after September 11 attacks based on Van Dijk's (2006) model of ideological square. The data are collected qualitatively and a mixed method is used to analyze the results of this study. The major findings show that Bush used more ideological strategies to represent the image of “US” (selves) positively, than the image of “THEM” (others) negatively. In particular, the lexicalization is the most common strategy used by Bush’s speech, which showed that Bush emphasized on reflecting that Americans are (good, innocent, peaceful, victims, targeted, respectful, strong, great, powerful and sympathetic), while Arabs, particularly Muslims are (bad, terrorists, evil, violent, peace- haters, spiteful, murderers, vengeful, dangerous, destructive, violence and enemy). It is hoped that this study can improve the understanding of EFL learners about the importance of clarifying the hidden ideologies in politician’s speech and all kinds of discourse.

Investigating Syntactic Complexity in Qatari EFL Learners' Essays: A Mixed Methods Study

Investigating Syntactic Complexity in Qatari EFL Learners' Essays: A Mixed Methods Study

Exploring the Interaction of Meta-UTAUT in the Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Environment for EFL Learning

Exploring the Interaction of Meta-UTAUT in the Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Environment for EFL Learning

Mind Mapping: An Effective Technique for EFL Students’ Language Skills Improvement

To be successful in language learning and teaching as well as to advance language skills, one needs to utilize valuable and impactful language learning and teaching strategies. Language experts and pedagogues suggest variety of strategies which are essential for language skills improvement; one of these strategies is mind mapping. Since mind mapping activates both hemis of brain, it helps EFL learners to recall what they have learned. In addition, it can be used as an alternative medium for EFL teachers to deliver language contents. It plays greater role as well for the development of language skills. However, EFL students and teachers are not seen employing it during language classes. Hence, the objective of this article was to review and summarize the role of mind mapping so as to improve English language skills, particularly vocabulary, grammar and speaking skills. Secondary data from 20 published articles on the role of mind mapping on EFL students’ language skill improvement were examined to get a better understanding on the issue. Narrative review was carried out. As the findings of the published articles indicated, mind mapping ignited students’ language learning which consequently led for the enhancement of their language skills. Therefore, it is recommended for EFL students and EFL teachers to use mind mapping while learning and teaching EFL.

Incorporating AI into English Language Learning: An Experimental Study Focusing on Autonomous Learning

This study investigates the impact of integrating AI-powered tool, Plang, on English language learning among Korean EFL learners. Specifically, the study aims to examine the overall experiences of using the AI app in language learning and the impact of using the AI app on learners’ autonomous learning. The two-month study employed a qualitative data approach derived from a mixed-method study involving pre- and post-survey, reflective journals, and in-depth individual interviews. Overall, the findings have shown that the integration of the AI-powered tool into the English language learning helped learners: (i) to enhance language skills, particularly speaking proficiency; (ii) to foster learner autonomy through a personalized feedback system; and (iii) to establish a new goal that facilitates active learner engagement. The analysis also points out some challenges learners faced in the learning process. Some important implications of this study are discussed for teachers who consider integrating AI-powered tools into English language teaching. Considering that there has been little research on incorporating AI tools into classrooms, it is recommended that further research should highlight more dynamic classroom cases by developing a flipped classroom model utilizing AI tools in English language teaching contexts.