Foreign Language Classroom Research Articles

Tailoring International Pronunciation Activities for Hungarian Learners of English

Pronunciation teaching is gaining more and more recognition in international contexts, however, empirical research concerning pronunciation teaching is underrepresented in the Hungarian educational context. While there are a few studies that briefly touch upon the learners’ attitudes towards pronunciation, there is limited data concerning the ways in which pronunciation could be integrated into the Hungarian English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. Therefore, to narrow down the gap, this paper aims to investigate how international pronunciation activities could be modified when teaching Hungarian learners specifically, and how these activities could be integrated successfully into the classroom. The case study conducted involved 13 learners, who were taught by the first author of the paper as the teacher-researcher. The timeframe of the research was 11 weeks, throughout which altogether five pronunciation activities were tailored and integrated into the lessons. The results indicate that taking only methodological considerations when deciding on what feature to teach was not sufficient for successful integration. It was concluded that the learners needed to be aware of the goals of the task, its relevance to their development, and most importantly, they had to be motivated and in turn engaged, as all the factors mentioned above are prerequisites of successful integration.

Zooming into the L2 Speech Fluency Markers of Anxious and Non-Anxious Advanced L2 Learners – an Extreme Case Sampling Report

The study examines selected temporal markers of L2 utterance fluency in the speech of advanced L2 learners who exhibit high (HLA) and low (LLA) language anxiety levels. Out of the pool of 59 participants, six HLA and six LLA individuals were selected for an in-depth analysis on the basis of their scores on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (the FLCAS) (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986). Speech samples from a monologue task were examined for selected L2 utterance fluency measures: filled (FP) and silent pause (SP) frequency, mean length of silent pause (MLSP), articulation rate (AR), speech rate (SR), and mean length of run (MLR). The results provided insights into the L2 speech fluency profiles of anxious and non-anxious individuals. The analysis disclosed relatively higher frequency and disparate application of FPs, slower speed of speech, and more varied profiles in MLR in the HLA group as compared to the LLA group. The findings yield pedagogical and methodological implications.

SEEING BEYOND WORDS: METAFUNCTIONS ANALYSIS OF EFL TEXTBOOKS

This study carefully applies Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to identify common linguistic patterns to examine English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks. This descriptive qualitative study addresses the ideational, interpersonal, and textual metafunctions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks as the research focus. The frequent use of material process, particular nominal group types such as Thing (T) and Numerative Thing (NT), the nuanced modality conveyed by "should," "would," and "will," and the use of narrative perspectives with third-person singular pronouns ("he" and "she") are noteworthy among these patterns. The identified linguistic features furnish invaluable pedagogical insights for the stakeholders of English learners, including the teachers, and provide guidance for targeted language instruction. Furthermore, these results are also invaluable for material development since the study highlights the importance of integrating SFL principles within the classroom discourse. The study also emphasizes the significance of SFL-based textbooks as learning facilitates. The study discovers that SFL-based textbook analysis provides well-informed instruction, allowing teachers to modify their teaching methods to meet students' communicative needs better. Despite limitations, the analysis remains a valuable tool in the classroom discourse as it better portrays the foreign language classroom discourse.

STUDENTS’ ANXIETY IN SPEAKING ENGLISH IN THE CLASSROOM

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of students' anxiety as well as the elements that contribute to their anxiety when speaking in English. This survey study employed the FLCAS (Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale) questionnaire by Horwitz et al. (1986) and interviews. Sixty students were chosen as the sample of the study. The results showed 20% of participants feel very anxious, 42% feel anxious level, 23% feel mild anxious, 8% feel relaxed, 5% feel very relaxed. In the interview, the types of language anxiety indicators were also identified. The results show that fear of negative evaluation and feeling insecure were the major causes of students’ anxiety. This study implied that anxiety could become a driving factor that leads students to be passive and make no effort to speak English in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to address students’ anxiety in order to help students overcome their anxiety.

Experiencing Flow with Technology in Foreign Language Classrooms

Information and communication technologies (ICT) used in education, particularly Web 2.0
 tools, have become vital for today's language teaching environment. Learners and
 instructors employ these tools to enhance engagement and motivation in the classroom.
 Optimal experience and heightened focus associated with Web 2.0 tools align with the flow
 theory. This study explores the flow experience of English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
 learners and instructors while utilizing Web 2.0 tools and the factors influencing this
 experience. The Flow Short Scale and semi-structured interviews were employed for data
 collection. The findings indicate that EFL learners and instructors experienced flow while
 using Web 2.0 tools, and their perspectives on using these tools were revealed. Furthermore,
 the study emphasizes effectively integrating Web 2.0 tools into language lessons to enhance
 in-class flow experience and learning performance.

Exploring First Language Use in Non-Formal Foreign Language Education: A Mixed- Method Approach

In Foreign Language Teaching, investigating the multiple variables that intervene in first language use is essential to uncover learning processes and design optimal teaching practices. Past studies have mainly focused on identifying teachers’ reasons for their first language use, while research on learners’ views is scarce. This mixed-method case study aims to provide a comprehensive description of first language use in a foreign language classroom through the examination of its pedagogical functions and the corresponding views held by the teacher and his students. This article adds to the scholarly body of knowledge about the role of first language use in Foreign Language Teaching with the yielding of constructive insights from non-formal education–a non-previously researched context. Specifically, this study was conducted in “Mar Menor” Center of Adult Education (Southern Spain). The main research questions address the quantification of the pedagogical functions of first language use generated by the instructor in certain classes and the comparison of his views with those of his students, concerning L1 use in general teaching and his sessions. Data comprised classroom observations, teacher’s stimulated recalls, students’ diaries and questionnaires addressed to both sets of participants. The results revealed the multifunctional nature of the teacher’s first language use and a fairly degree of alignment between his views and those of his students. This study underscores the importance of fostering learners’ agency. Furthermore, its findings can potentially inform Foreign Language Teaching by deepening the understanding of the myriad of factors and perspectives involved in first language use.

‘Solve the crossword’: an analysis of task design in EFL materials from a vocabulary perspective

ABSTRACT Learning vocabulary is a central and time-consuming endeavour for a language learner and it has thus been suggested that the foreign language classroom has to supply explicit support for students’ vocabulary development. A major source of explicit word focus is vocabulary exercises in teaching materials and students’ learning can be facilitated if they are designed in a way that is conducive to learning. Few studies have so far sought to establish what learning opportunities tasks in materials provide. The present study reports an analysis of the vocabulary exercises in three series of Swedish intermediate EFL materials, focusing on target vocabulary and learning conditions. The target vocabulary was analysed in terms of frequency distribution in general English and the learning conditions provided were studied using a modified version of the Involvement Load Hypothesis. The results indicate that learning is facilitated through extensive retrieval opportunities in the material. However, it was also found that the exercises seldom require students to use the target vocabulary and that it comprises primarily high-frequency words, that is, words that the learners are likely to already know. It is therefore concluded that a more systematic approach to vocabulary has to be adopted by materials developers to ensure that word-focused tasks contribute significantly to students’ learning.

Developing symbolic competence for intercultural learning of advanced EFL learners through critical incidents

ABSTRACT Symbolic competence is integral to intercultural teaching and learning, but limited research and teaching guidance exist in foreign language classrooms. This paper explores the use of critical incidents in developing the symbolic competence of advanced-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at a Chinese university. Mixed methods analyses of critical incidents written by students reveal all dimensions of symbolic competence, with prominent themes of diversified intercultural understanding, effective narrative control depicting a positive self-image, and growing perspective-taking awareness though limited evidence of exercising symbolic power. The study thus highlights the symbolic value of intercultural language teaching and suggests the potential benefits of critical incident writing for developing the symbolic dimension of intercultural competence.

Transcending the classroom: (de)stigmatising foreign cultures through foreign language teaching

ABSTRACT Using intergroup contact and stigma management communication theories, this work examines the effect of cultural teaching and learning in Spanish language classes on cultural stigma, social distance, and ethnocentrism. Additionally, this study examines how individuals respond to positive and negative messages about foreigners. Survey results indicate cultural integration in the foreign language classroom was associated with increased cultural knowledge and, indirectly, decreased cultural stigma and social distance toward those from foreign cultures. The findings of this study extend prior intergroup contact work by demonstrating the potential for exposure to a culture, rather than its members, to decrease stigma.

TEACHING READING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Reading is considered a skill of upmost importance by both second and foreign language students and teachers. It is also a skill learners of a second language often find difficult to develop to a high level of proficiency, since fluent reading is regarded as a rapid, purposeful, interactive, comprehending, flexible, and gradually developing process. Modern technologies in the foreign language classroom can be used to assist in the development of fluency in reading, as well as in improving digital fluency. The article examines the nature of reading, the role of ICTs in the context of developing students’ reading skills and presents some ideas on how to implement technology in the ESL classroom.

Voices of IB Learners: Social Justice Education in the EFL Classroom – Opening Doors to a More Communicative Approach

This research article describes a qualitative study conducted with 14 high school seniors currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program at a private educational institution in Cuenca, Ecuador. This article aims to explore the impact of social justice issue-based education on the development of oral communication in the English as a foreign language classroom. As part of the process, it was essential to analyze the participants’ perceptions and experiences as integral components of language learning. The data obtained was collected in two phases. First, a questionnaire composed of six questions was applied to explore the students’ perceptions of the issue in question. In the second phase, a discussion was held with the intervention of a focus group including five students, which allowed them to openly share their points of view on the subject of this exploration. In this way, it was evident that the topics related to social justice had a positive impact on the development of the student’s oral communication and that they constituted a useful learning approach for students to increase their knowledge of English. The results achieved through the present study aim to improve English-language teaching at different levels, and consequently strengthen oral communication development in class.

Linking motivation and willingness to communicate in online L3 learning context: The influence of emotions and perceived positive language interaction

AbstractThe importance of “willingness to communicate” (WTC) in foreign language learning has been widely discussed. However, the current research on WTC mainly focuses on traditional classrooms, and there is insufficient attention to WTC in L3 online learning. This study explored the psychological process among motivation, WTC, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA), and perceived positive language interaction (PPLI). Based on data collected from 492 college students who were taking the online L3 course, results showed that: (1) L3 learners were somewhat willing to use L3 for communicating in online classes; (2) motivation was positively related to WTC; (3) FLE and FLCA mediated the relationship between motivation and WTC differently; (4) PPLI had moderating effects on both the relationship between FLE and WTC and between FLCA and WTC. Implications of online foreign language learning were discussed.

TikTok/Flipgrid for Foreign Language Learning in Higher Education: A Case Study

The interweaving of in-person and online teaching at the university level requires the implementation of new resources that allow the coexistence of these two forms of education. To that end, we addressed the incorporation of TikTok and FlipGrid at the university for speaking practice in the foreign language classroom. We compared the results of this teaching experience in three courses, in two foreign languages, English B2 and Italian A2, in engineering degrees. The methodological design of this research comprised a classroom intervention, an analysis through surveys, and feedback sessions. The results indicate that the use of short videos for speaking practice is motivating and enriching in all the study groups and in both languages, although the participants do not consider the use of TikTok appropriate at university. In FlipGrid, on the other hand, there have been no doubts about its suitability for academic purposes. Besides, the comparison between languages, and therefore levels, indicates that Italian A2 learners view TikTok with a more positive attitude than those of English B2. Our findings bring to the fore the potential of short video recording and the need to link the academic and social contexts for a more well-rounded educational experience.

Integrating Cooperative Learning in EFL Classroom to Alleviate Students’ Speaking (Fluency) Anxiety

In the EFL classroom, even though students learn all the skills and are good at some skills, they still feel anxious when they speak in front of the teacher and their friends. The feeling of anxiety can happen because of some factors. One of them is the learning atmosphere. Students feel uncomfortable with a learning atmosphere that is too strict and formal. Cooperative learning can be an alternative way to help alleviate students’ anxiety in speaking English. Since Cooperative learning is related to activities that focus on student learning through group work, it gives a supportive and safe learning vibe to those students who are afraid to speak their foreign language. This research investigates how to integrate cooperative learning in English Foreign Language classrooms to alleviate students speaking anxiety. This research employed a descriptive case study. The participants of this study were the teacher and 36 tenth-grade students in one of the senior high schools in Majalengka. The results showed that the teacher integrated cooperative learning in speaking activities through group investigation. Then, the students’ perceptions toward cooperative learning have advantages in alleviating speaking anxiety in the learning activities. It indicates that students positively perceive cooperative learning as alleviating speaking anxiety.The results showed that most students were anxious because they lacked confidence and practice. In overcoming this problem, the teacher integrated cooperative learning in speaking activities through group investigation. Moreover, the teacher allowed students to communicate with each other by using group work and gave the students practice with fluency while having the discussion and presentation. Then, the students’ perceptions toward cooperative learning have advantages in alleviating speaking anxiety in the learning activities. It indicates that students positively perceive cooperative learning as alleviating speaking anxiety.

Digital Literacy based Instruction in Teaching English in EFL Classroom

This study aims to determine the teachers perceive on digital literacy in Indonesia English As A Foreign Language Classroom, to know the implemented of digital literacy in teaching English in Indonesia English As a Foreign Language Classroom, and how digital literacy impact on students’ performance in Indonesia EFL classroom. This research adopts case study, where the research subject are two teachers all the English teachers and 23 students which consisted 15 females and 8 males. in this research of the result shows both of the teachers have a high perception on digital literacy in Indonesia EFL Classroom, the researcher finds there are 3 steps of implementing digital literacy in EFL classroom such as plan, action, and reflection, and the impact of digital literacy in students’ English performance shows a positive result on students’ English performance.

Teachers’ Perspective on the Applicability of Neuro-linguistic Programming to Address EFL Learners’ Speaking Anxiety (Case of the Universities in Georgia)

Effective communication skill has gained a huge priority on every path of an individual’s life and in a professional context. Speaking in the target language helps learners to create the context and produce the language. Anxiety encountered while speaking in a foreign language is one of the major factors that may lead to preventing the learners from achieving academic goals and lowering their motivation and self-esteem. The impact of anxiety in foreign language acquisition and speaking performance has been widely researched, while the implementation of NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) in EFL classes in order to address speaking anxiety has not been investigated sufficiently. The teachers’ awareness of NLP techniques in foreign language classrooms in order to address anxiety is not explored as well. The primary objective of the current paper was to explore the applicability of NLP techniques in EFL classes for reducing learners’ speaking anxiety. The paper also attempted to explore EFL teachers’ awareness of the topic under investigation. Participants of the study were 61 EFL teachers at the universities in Georgia. According to the research findings, teachers are familiar with NLP techniques at some level and most frequently use Modeling, Visualization, and Rapport. They also showed a positive attitude towards further implementation of NLP techniques. Overall, the current paper revealed that teachers need to be equipped with practical tools for implementing NLP techniques in EFL classrooms to address speaking anxiety among learners. A more thorough examination of the topic under investigation is also strongly recommended.

STUDENTS’ SPEAKING ANXIETY IN SPEAKING SKILLS IN THE CLASSROOM AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR THE 2nd GRADE AT SMA NEGERI 1 PAREPARE

To speak English, someone, especially among students, needs to master several verbs, and one of the obstacles to speaking English is the lack of verbs among students. Therefore, students face various obstacles. Anxiety is one of the biggest obstacles for students. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to find out what is students' anxiety and what factors cause students' anxiety when speaking in English in class. The sample of this study was MIPA 5 students of XI class of SMAN 1 Parepare which consisted of 35 students. The approach used in this study is descriptive research and qualitative. This study uses two research instruments namely Horowitz et al. (1986) used the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) and interviews. The questionnaire had 33 items consisting of 9 positive and 24 negative statements on a Likert scale of 1-5 points, while the interview consisted of 10 questions. According to the survey's findings, there was only 1 respondent with a "Very Anxious" anxiety level or 3%, 5 respondents had "Anxious" anxiety levels or 14%, 6 respondents had "Mildly Anxious" anxiety levels or 46%, 13 respondents had "Relaxed" anxiety levels or 37%, and there were no students with a "Very Relaxed" anxiety level. Considering this, it can be said that the students in Class XI MIPA 5 SMAN 1 Parepare are generally "Mildly Anxious" when speaking English in class. According to the results of the interviews, it is clear that some students who are learning English in a classroom setting still experience anxiety. The factors contributing to this include a lack of vocabulary, imprecise pronunciation, a lack of confidence, being unprepared if the teacher calls on a student to speak in English without warning, and a lack of motivation on the part of the students. From 35 students in class XI MIPA 5, the researchers only interviewed 14 sources.

University Students’ Attitude towards Oral Interaction in English as a Foreign Language Classroom: Second Year Students in Focus

The purpose of the current study was to investigate students’ attitude towards oral interaction in EFL classroom. For the study, a post positivist paradigm was adopted because the post positivist assumptions have represented the traditional form of research, and these assumptions hold true more for quantitative research than qualitative research. Besides, a descriptive case study design and a quantitative research approach were employed to achieve the research objective. The participants of the study were 64 second year students in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Gambella University who were selected through simple random sampling technique in the year 2023. The data were collected through close ended questionnaire. A close ended questionnaire was used to collect the data about the students’ attitude towards oral interaction in EFL classroom. In this study, a quantitative method of data analysis was employed by using SPSS 24. The data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics like frequencies, percentages and mean scores. The data about the students’ attitude were analyzed in terms of the three basic components of attitude. They were the cognitive, affective and behavioral components. Regarding the cognitive component of their attitude about the benefits of oral interaction, the students had little understanding about the merit of oral interaction. Pertaining to the affective component of their attitude concerning their own preferences to employ oral interaction in a classroom, the students did not prefer using oral interaction in EFL classroom. With regard to the behavioral component of their attitude towards oral interaction, the students were not enthusiastic to use oral interaction in classrooms in enhancing their oral interaction skill. Therefore, the findings the study revealed that the students had negative attitude towards oral interaction in EFL classrooms.

Exploring the Relationships between EFL Learners’ Foreign Language Classroom Boredom, Foreign Language Classroom Learning Engagement and Learning Achievement

The impact of emotions on the learning process and learning achievements has gained increasing attention in recent years, with particular emphasis on the significance of boredom. Boredom detrimentally influences learners’ cognitive resources, hampers their level of engagement, and consequently restricts academic achievement. The current study explores the relationships between these factors using self-reported scales. The results indicate a significant negative correlation between boredom and engagement and a significant moderate negative correlation between boredom and English learning achievement. A significantly high positive correlation was found between engagement and English learning achievement. And these two factors were demonstrated to be significant predictors of English learning achievement. The findings broadened the nomological network of boredom, engagement, and learning achievement in the EFL context and provided insights to mitigate learners’ boredom and enhance their engagement and learning achievement.

Hinderance or Assistance: A Case Study on the Application of First Language (L1) in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classroom at an English Language Institution

L1 use inside EFL classrooms has been a topic of continuous discussion for a considerable period of time, with no prevailing opinion about its impact and extent within L2 (second language) learning environments, particularly within Chinese language institutions. The primary objective is to address the current gap in research and acquire a thorough comprehension of the true effects of L1 use in an EFL classroom. This was achieved through the observation of a specific teaching scenario and conducting an interview with the instructor. Data were classified using Tasçi and Aksu’s nine functions of L1 use. The results suggest that the most often observed functions of L1 in the context of education include imparting instruction, translating new terms, and attracting attention. Additionally, it was found that L1 is most frequently used during the vocabulary section and in the middle of each instructional session. Furthermore, the interviewed teacher expressed the belief that L1 usage in the classroom has positive effects, since it serves many functions and should be tailored differently depending on the students' levels of skill. This study implies that the inclusion and promotion of L2 in the EFL setting is advantageous, as learners can considerably benefit from a language immersion environment. However, L1 can still be used when deemed essential. Furthermore, during instructional sessions, educators have the opportunity to engage in reflective practices to assess the alignment between their pedagogical strategies and their intended instructional objectives.