English Learning Research Articles

Challenges and Solutions in Teaching Writing to Azerbaijani Learners of English

This study explores the challenges and potential solutions in teaching English writing to Azerbaijani learners, focusing on linguistic, cultural, and pedagogical factors that impact writing proficiency. Through a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, the research identifies key difficulties such as grammatical errors, rhetorical differences, and the influence of educational practices. The study also highlights effective strategies, including process-oriented writing activities and culturally responsive teaching methods, which enhance both writing skills and learner engagement. Despite the valuable insights, limitations such as sample size and the focus on short-term outcomes suggest the need for further research, particularly in exploring long-term impacts and the role of digital tools in writing instruction.

R.A.I.C.E.S. (Roots): A conceptual framework for community‐building that connects linguistic and cultural wealth to support emergent bilinguals

AbstractProject R.A.I.C.E.S. (Reaching All Individuals and Communities to Establish Success in Language Learning) is a National Professional Development grant initiative operating at Stephen F. Austin State University. Grant objectives were designed to enhance school readiness, English acquisition, and literacy outcomes for emergent bilinguals (EBs), English learners (ELs), and multilingual learners (MLLs) through collaborative professional development events involving university, community, parent, and school district partnerships. The Spanish word raíces translates to roots in English, symbolizing the project's commitment to preserving and nurturing the cultural and linguistic diversity of the community by reframing language learning within an additive paradigm. Project R.A.I.C.E.S. creates paid professional development events to build a community of professors, preservice teachers, in‐service teachers, parents and caregivers of emergent bilingual children, and children in collaborative professional development sessions called academias (academies). Each academia positions all participants, especially parents and caregivers and their children, as key stakeholders and equal partners in the learning process to honor the community's cultural wealth, emphasizing linguistic and cultural sustainability for English language learners in educational settings. Moreover, the academias provide preservice and in‐service teacher professional development and preparation for the TExES ESL certification exam, crucial for better meeting the needs of EBs/ELs/MLLs in rural schools.

Learning vocabulary through listening

Abstract This study explored the strategy use of 12 high-school learners of English within a vocabulary teaching intervention which exposed three groups of learners to one of three types of oral vocabulary explanations: L2 explanations; codeswitched explanations (CS); and contrastive focus-on-form explanations (CFoF) giving cross-linguistic information. Unlike previous studies of vocabulary interventions, which have tended to focus solely on quantitative outcome measures and therefore give arguably limited insights into why different interventions have the impact that they do, the study implemented stimulated recall interviews to explore strategy use in order to better understand the learning outcomes from the intervention. A qualitative analysis was undertaken to explore how learners used strategies and whether patterns of use emerged by intervention group and proficiency level. Compared with the CS and L2 groups, learners from the CFoF group attended more specifically to the target words and engaged in more metacognitive reflection and evaluation of the explanations, leading potentially to deeper processing and hence greater vocabulary gains. Such strategy use also seemed, however, to explain their smaller gains in listening comprehension. Finally, strategic behaviour was found to be related to levels of vocabulary knowledge and listening proficiency. The value of exploring qualitative data on strategy use for evaluating the effects of an intervention is discussed, alongside the theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings.

Understanding the Function of Past Participles in Complex Sentences

This article delves into the intricacies of past participles and their function in complex sentences within the English language. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how past participles are used to create nuance and depth in both written and spoken English. The discussion begins with an examination of the formation and structure of past participles, distinguishing between regular and irregular verbs and their respective participle forms. The article then explores the critical role of past participles in forming perfect tenses, passive voice constructions, and participle clauses, illustrating each function with detailed examples and practical exercises. In addition, common mistakes and misconceptions are addressed, providing clear explanations to help learners differentiate between past participles and past tense forms. Effective teaching strategies are outlined, offering educators practical methods and classroom activities to reinforce learning. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of mastering past participles for achieving advanced language proficiency and encourages further study and practice. By exploring various sentence structures, examples, and common usage patterns, this article offers valuable insights for linguists, educators, and advanced English learners.

Correction: Discourse Marker Usage in Argumentative Essays by Saudi Learners of English as Foreign Language: A Quantitative Corpus-based Study

Correction: Discourse Marker Usage in Argumentative Essays by Saudi Learners of English as Foreign Language: A Quantitative Corpus-based Study

Book review: Kwok, Virginia H. Y. (2023). <i>Language learning in the digital age: YouTube and learners of English as a foreign language</i>. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

YouTube has gained global popularity for language education, especially among young language learners in informal contexts. Language Learning in the Digital Age: YouTube and Learners of English as a Foreign Language by Virginia H. Y. Kwok explores how university students in Hong Kong use YouTube to enhance their English language proficiency outside formal classroom settings. Through a qualitative, case study approach, the author delves into diverse ways students navigate and personalise their language learning opportunities on YouTube. This paper reviews the book, focusing on how the book provides a nuanced understanding of student engagement with YouTube and its role in facilitating autonomous and self-directed language learning.

Using English to Realize “the Chinese dream”: the political-economic ideology of language planning in China

ABSTRACT This paper examines how “the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” as a state’s ideology has influenced the global spread of English in China and how the political economy of this ideology has affected the state’s foreign language planning. To do so, it investigates two recently promulgated foreign language education policy documents, namely, the 2017 version of the English Curriculum Standards at the senior secondary education level and the 2022 version of the English Curriculum Standards at the compulsory education level. These documents were drafted, implemented and revised over the past decade, along with the advocacy of the fulfilment of the Chinese Dream. Through the lens of the global political economy and drawing upon the perspective of the modern world system, this paper uncovers the different layers of this state ideology towards global English and English learning over the past decade in relation to the evolving political and economic contexts of China on the international stage. It will also reveal, more broadly, how state ideologies towards English may evolve in contestations for economic and political power in the modern world system and how they could affect language planning.

Study Habits and English Learning Achievement of Left-behind Children in a Selected Rural Primary School: A Correlation Study

In the process of urbanization, a large number of migrant workers have appeared. Such migration often leads to the migration of rural youth to cities, leaving their children to the care of older relatives due to various restrictions. This situation requires social attention to the overall well-being of left-behind children, especially in their education. Lack of parental guidance and support due to long-term separation often leads to unbalanced academic and personal life, leading to problems such as passive participation, disinterest in learning, inattention in class and poor note-taking. This paper aims to explore the influence of learning habits and English learning performance of left-behind children in rural primary schools in Shandong Province. This provides comprehensive support for left-behind children in rural areas and cultivates their ability to learn independently.

Exploring the Impact of Photovoice on Self-Expression in English Language Learning: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review explores the impact of Photovoice on fostering self-expression among English language learners and identifies the key challenges in implementing this participatory visual methodology within classroom settings. Using the PRISMA method, this review analyzes peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2024. A total of 270 articles were initially identified through databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar, with 9 studies selected for thematic analysis focused on self-expression and the integration challenges of Photovoice in English language learning. The findings demonstrate that Photovoice significantly enhances self-expression in students by enabling them to confidently articulate complex emotions and ideas in English, reducing language anxiety, and promoting deeper engagement. However, obstacles such as limited classroom time, inadequate technological resources, and insufficient teacher training were noted as barriers to its effective implementation. This review addresses a critical gap in the literature by focusing specifically on the role of Photovoice in fostering self-expression in English learners, an area that remains underexplored. The study contributes to educational practice by providing educators with insights into how Photovoice can be integrated into language teaching to enhance self-expression, while also highlighting the practical challenges and offering recommendations for overcoming them to maximize the method’s potential.

THE USE OF DICTATION METHOD IN ENGLISH WRITING ACHIEVEMENT AT SMP NEGERI 31 PALEMBANG

This study examined the implementation and effectiveness of the Dictation Method in enhancing English writing achievement among seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 31 Palembang. The research addressed two main questions: first, how students respond to the Dictation Method in their English learning; and second, how teachers implemented this method in classroom practice. Data were collected through surveys administered to 132 students across four classes, employing Likert scale analysis to gauge student perceptions. Results indicated overwhelming student approval (96%) of the Dictation Method, This study examined the implementation and effectiveness of the Dictation Method in enhancing English writing achievement among seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 31 Palembang. The research addressed two main questions: first, how students respond to the Dictation Method in their English learning; and second, how teachers implemented this method in classroom practice. Data were collected through surveys administered to 132 students across four classes, employing Likert scale analysis to gauge student perceptions. Results indicated overwhelming student approval (96%) of the Dictation Method.

Motivation, Learning Styles and Strategies in English Language among First-Year College Students in Public HEI’s in Sulu

English, as the most frequently spoken second language, and sometimes referred to as the global lingua franca, acts as a bridge for communication across cultures and nations. Learning English is a strong tool that allows people to fully participate in the global society by encouraging understanding, collaboration, and personal growth. This descriptive-comparative paper analyzed the motivation, learning styles, and learning strategies of first year college students from public higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sulu, Philippines. Participants were purposively sampled (n=200) to participate in the study. Findings indicated that first year college students in the province were integratively motivated to learn the English language. They particularly engaged in psychological and sociological learning styles through speaking to fluent English speakers, understanding emotional cues, reflection, and self-assessment. They engage in metacognitive (planning, organizing thoughts) and cognitive (assessment, analysis) to learn and understand English. Educators should adopt a holistic approach to teaching English, one that motivates students, respects their individual learning styles, and equips them with effective learning strategies. Such an approach could likely lead to more effective and meaningful language learning experiences, which could improve students' proficiency and confidence in using English.

EVALUATION ON ONLINE PLATFORMS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AT SMP FITRA ABDI PALEMBANG

This study aims to evaluate on online platforms in English language teaching at SMP Fitra Abdi Palembang. The research focused on eighth – grade students at SMP Fitra Abdi Palembang of the 2023/2024 academic year, with the total of 31 students. The researchers using a descriptive qualitative research method that typically involves detailed data to provide a comprehensive understood of a phenomenon. And utilized the data collection techniques with a questionnaire, and interviews. Additionally, the results of the questionnaires showed 3305 of a total score of, indicated that students used online platforms in learned English. In conclusion showed that most eighth – grade students at SMP Fitra Abdi Palembang used the Duolingo app to learned English instead of used Hello Talk app and Beelinguapp.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PICTURE SERIES IN TEACHING WRITING RECOUNT TEXT TO THE EIGHTH GRADE STUDENT OF SMP NEGERI 1 PEDAMARAN

This research aims to compare students who receive learning through picture series with students who receive conventional teaching methods. learning recount text used picture series, determined the success of learning interest students' English. Teaching English in Indonesia is learners must be able to communicate with native speakers of the language and understood that English is used as a second language in some state sectors of the nation that function as bridges to other languages, such as trade and education. The research method used in This method is quantitative which used data collection techniques through pretest and post-test at SMP Negeri 1 Pedamaran. Based on this research, the picture series method was used. could have a significant positive impact on English learning, especially in English writing skills. Students become able to write. From the results of this research, students agree that used the series drew method could improve writing skills them, about recount text. the results of their writing practice through a picture series.

Local Governance and School-based Approaches to English Language Acquisition: A Comparative Analysis

In order to improve the effectiveness of English acquisition, it is necessary to discuss it in conjunction with local governance policies. Local governments should conduct an analysis of English acquisition from the aspects of policies, systems, and social participation. This paper puts forward three hypotheses: local policies and systems can improve the effectiveness of English learning, which are related. Public attention can promote the improvement of English acquisition effect and play a supervisory role; Laws and regulations can ensure the foundation of basic conditions for English acquisition and promote the improvement of school infrastructure. The results show that local policies and institutions are the conditions for improving English acquisition methods, social attention is the condition for verification, and school infrastructure is the key condition. Social issues, local policies and institutions all play an indirect role in promoting English language acquisition, while infrastructure plays a direct role. Therefore, local governments should improve English acquisition policies and systems, promote the introduction of English acquisition laws and regulations, and guide the public to supervise.

EFFECTS OF USING DIGITAL VOCABULARY JOURNAL IN MUET WRITING PERFORMANCE AMONG PRE-UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: AN ACTION RESEARCH

In learning English as a second language, the importance of vocabulary competency has long been recognized for its significance. An area where vocabulary knowledge has demonstrated significant promise is in the realm of writing as the breadth and depth of students’ vocabulary are reflected in the general quality of their writing. Hence, the introduction of vocabulary journal is essential as it has been used to create interactive and immersive learning experiences that help learners acquire and retain new words more effectively. This classroom-based action research investigated the impacts of keeping digital vocabulary journal towards writing performance of ten pre-university students in a pre-university center in Sabah. It sought to to find out whether there is any difference in the students’ writing scores prior to and after keeping vocabulary journal as well as to assess the students' attitudes toward maintaining a digital vocabulary journal. This action research used a mixed-method approach. Pre-test and post-test writing scores comprised the study's quantitative component, while the qualitative approach used semi-structured interviews and product analysis. The results indicated significant difference with large effect size and positive students’ attitudes towards digital vocabulary journal. As a result, the assertions regarding the advantages of digital vocabulary journals were empirically supported by this action research study. By engaging in this type of research, teachers can gain valuable insights into how to optimize their use of digital vocabulary journal in the classroom, and ultimately improve the effectiveness of their teaching practice.

AN ANALYSIS OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH SECOND LANGUAGE (CASE STUDY ON NONFORMAL EDUCATION INSTITUTION)

This research aims to analyze the English language learning process at nonformal education namely Kumon Citraland Puri Serang. The objectives of this research are 1) to examine how the strategy used by Kumon citraland on teaching English. 2) to investigate what is the media used by Kumon Citraland Puri Serang to teach English. 3) to analyze the material used by Kumon Citraland Puri Serang on teaching English. 4) to analyze how to evaluate students. This study is descriptive qualitative research that used interviews, observation and documentation to collect data. Based on the research results, it shows that Kumon Citraland Puri Serang has its own learning strategy which is different from other courses, where Kumon Citraland uses a placement test to determine the starting point/basic level that will be taught according to the student's abilities. Kumon Citraland Serang also uses several learning media including audio and CD players, text books, practice sheets, the My Kumon application, and Kumon Konek. The material taught at Kumon is very diverse, starting from the lowest level, namely level 7A, to the highest level, namely level O. Each student will move up a level when they have completed the material at one level, namely 200 practice sheets. As evaluation material, Kumon Citralan Puri also provides several summary questions from each level to find out how far students understand the material that has been taught. These questions consist of listening, writing, reading comprehension and speaking skills.

Examining how topicality impacts pronoun resolution in second language processing

In research on second language (L2) processing, the processing of reference has been highlighted as a domain of particular difficulty, but the source of the difficulty is not well understood. The present study examines whether differences in the pronominal systems of the first language (L1) and L2 impact processing. We take a novel approach, testing a group of intermediate-advanced L2 learners in both their L1 (Mandarin Chinese) and L2 (English), allowing us to directly examine whether L2 learners show similar or different patterns when processing the L1 and L2. We also test a group of L1 English speakers. The study focused on two topicality-related factors, subjecthood and pronominalization, that have been shown to increase the prominence of an entity in the discourse, making it more likely that an entity in subject position (subjecthood) or an entity that has been referred to with a pronoun (pronominalization) will be considered as an antecedent for a subsequent pronoun. We developed a picture verification task with visual-world eye-tracking in both English and Chinese. This task provides a measure of both pronoun interpretation and online processing. Results showed subtle differences in how subjecthood and pronominalization are weighted in English and Chinese as L1s: pronominalization played a stronger role in L1 Chinese than in L1 English both in the interpretation measure and in the eye-movement data. The results for the L2 English learners showed an interesting pattern in which their results were more similar to the L1 English results on the measure of pronoun interpretation, but were more similar to the L1 Chinese results in the eye-movement data. These results show successful use of discourse cues in L2 pronoun interpretation but differences between L1 and L2 speakers during processing. It is proposed that decreased sensitivity to morphosyntactic information that is not present in the L1 (case on pronouns) leads to differences in L2 referential processing, in line with proposals that L2 learners face challenges with integrating different kinds of linguistic information online, particularly morphosyntactic information.

Enhancing Metalinguistic Awareness Through Microlearning: A Comparative Analysis of Catalan Acquisition Between Multilingual French and English Learners

Knowing that previously learned languages may influence and support language learning among multilingual learners, equipping educators with diverse tools and resources empowers them to make more informed decisions in facilitating language learning. This holds particular significance in the case of minority languages like Catalan, where resource availability tends to be more restricted. This paper presents the findings of a project aimed at identifying the specific needs of multilingual B1 learners of Catalan. Using a comprehensive five-way classification system, the study compares the written productions of multilingual learners from different linguistic backgrounds (English and French L1 learners of Catalan). Analyses revealed a similar pattern regarding the nature of the errors, with incorrect word selections at the lexical-semantic, syntactic, and orthographic levels being the most frequent. Both groups differ significantly in terms of the distribution of errors; however, they did not differ when the analyses were conducted by error types. In both cases, the most frequent error was the lexical-semantic misselections, with false analogies and incomplete applications of rules explaining the errors. These findings led to the creation of just-in-time microlearning capsules tailored to address these issues. The microlearning capsules were designed to enhance students' metalinguistic awareness. Students' and teachers' perceptions of the tool were also assessed, and both groups predominantly viewed interlinguistic information as beneficial to language learning. This project highlights how microlearning, tailored to frequent errors, can bolster multilingual learners' acquisition and provides promising tools for language teaching.

CHALLENGES IN PRONOUNCING THE LETTER "R" IN THE INTERNATIONAL PHONETIC ALPHABET

This research aims to explore the challenges faced by students in pronouncing the letter "r" in English words. A descriptive quantitative research design was used, incorporating pronunciation tests to gather data. The study focused on eighth-grade students at SMP Islam An Nizam Medan, with a sample of 15 students selected through simple random sampling from a total of 30 students. The students' pronunciation was recorded as they read aloud from three different texts, and their performance was analyzed for errors in pronouncing the "r" sound. The results revealed significant difficulties, with a total of 79 errors across all three texts. Specifically, Text 1 contained 21 errors (26.5%), Text 2 had 39 errors (49.3%), and Text 3 accounted for 19 errors (24%). The findings highlight the widespread difficulties students face in pronouncing the "r" sound, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and teaching strategies to help improve pronunciation skills. This study contributes valuable insights into the specific pronunciation challenges encountered by non-native English learners.

Factors Contributing to English Fluency Paucities among Secondary Level Students: Perspective Dinajpur Education Board, Bangladesh

This study examines the factors contributing to English fluency paucity among secondary-level students in the Dinajpur Education Board, Bangladesh. Despite the prominence of English as a global language, students in this region face significant challenges in achieving fluency. The research identified key factors such as inadequate teaching methods, lack of exposure to English outside the classroom, limited access to English learning materials, socio-economic barriers, and insufficient emphasis on speaking and listening skills in the curriculum. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and classroom observations, involving both students and teachers. The findings suggest that while students possess a basic understanding of English grammar and vocabulary, their ability to use the language in conversational settings remains limited. Furthermore, socio-cultural attitudes towards English and insufficient teacher training also play a role in hindering fluency development. The study recommends improvements in curriculum design, teacher professional development, and the promotion of interactive English language learning environments. Addressing these challenges could significantly enhance students’ fluency and better prepare them for academic and professional opportunities.