Language Learning Opportunities Research Articles

From the Lens of Scholarship Grantees: Objectives, Opportunities, and Challenges in a Language Doctorate Program

Pursuing a PhD Language program with the support of a scholarship grant has several positive implications for both the individual and society. The study aimed to gain insights into the experiences of the grantees and identify specific areas of support and improvement needed within the program. Through a combined quantitative and qualitative design, the study found that the grantees strongly agree on their level of agreement of the attainment of the PhD Language program objectives along becoming a globally competitive language faculty, developing the attitudes of commitment, dedication, culture of inspiration and service to others as language teachers, conducting researches on language and performing extension work in the field of language. Moreover, the language opportunities offered by the program to the grantees are: advancing in English language instruction, research, management and administration, getting permanency, promotion, and designation, expanding in language collaboration, and becoming a language learning provider. Finally, there are PhD language program-related challenges and scholarship related challenges that were experienced by the grantees. Therefore, the PhD Language Program is committed to its attainment of its objectives along instruction, research, and extension. The program has exposed the grantees on language learning opportunities that impacted their professional advancement through deepening their knowledge in their domain and enabling them to explore their limits as teachers, mentors, researchers, and administrators. Lastly, while scholarship grants through post-graduate programs are considered as privileges and opportunities, program and scholarship-related challenges strengthen and substantiate the credibility and professional growth of the grantees.

The quality of universal language supporting provision in maintained nursery classrooms in economically disadvantaged areas of England: Identifying strengths and areas for development

Background: Oral language competence provides children with an essential foundation for academic achievement and emotional well-being, yet many children enter school with delayed language and those living in economically disadvantaged areas are at disproportionate risk of experiencing language difficulties. A tiered system, offering high-quality language teaching for all children in early years classrooms, is widely acknowledged as an appropriate means of supporting language learning need. An understanding of the current quality of language supporting practices in English early years settings is essential to inform teaching practice and professional development, but evidence is limited. Methods: This study employed the Communication Supporting Classroom Observation tool in 39 nursery classrooms in economically disadvantaged areas of England to identify strengths of practice and key areas for development. Results: Observations revealed well-equipped physical learning environments and responsive teaching practices, but few structured opportunities for language learning and development. Variation in quality was observed across the nursery session. Conclusions: Findings suggest a need for adaptive professional development programmes supporting the more consistent use of structured language learning opportunities, the enhanced use of interaction promoting strategies and the provision of more complex and contingent language models. Further investigation of language supporting practice at a fine-grained level is desirable.

The Effect of Mobile Technology on Vocabulary Development of English Language Learners: A Case Study of A2 Adult Learners

In today's digital age, technology can provide many opportunities for language learners, and the widespread use of mobile devices may be a viable solution to their challenges. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Mobile Assisted Vocabulary Application (MAVA) in developing language learners’ vocabulary knowledge and their attitudes towards the vocabulary extension activities. To reach these aims a quasi-experimental study was followed with the data collected through pre-post tests and semi-structured interviews. The researcher designed vocabulary extension activities in two distinct formats to allow learners to practice the newly acquired vocabulary items as extracurricular tasks. The experimental group completed vocabulary extension activities on their mobile devices while the control group completed similar tasks using pen and paper. Pre- and post-tests were administered to both groups to assess their vocabulary knowledge before and after the intervention. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of achievement. The students from both groups exhibited relatively higher results on the post-test. Upon analysing the individual subsections of the pre-test and post-test, it became apparent that students in the experimental group displayed relatively higher scores in the reading and pronunciation subsections of the post-test, whereas the control group exhibited higher scores only in the reading subsection. It can be posited that the MAVA had a more positive effect on the students’ abilities to pronounce them correctly, in contrast to the effects observed with vocabulary worksheets. A semi-structured interview was conducted to determine the attitudes of the learners in experimental group towards MAVA. Qualitative data from the interview suggested that MAVA had superior features by allowing the learners to use it at their convenience and ubiquitously acquire new vocabulary items.

Adding to the Conversation: Language Delays and Parent-Child Interactions in the Younger Siblings of Children With Autism.

In their first three years, children begin to maintain topics and add new information in conversation. In turn, caregivers create opportunities for language learning. Compared to children with no family history of autism (typical likelihood, TL), the younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at elevated likelihood (EL) for both ASD and language delays. This study asked: (1) Do profiles of spoken language and conversational skills differ across groups? (2) Does spoken language relate to conversational skills? and (3) How does parent speech relate to child spoken language and conversational skills? Child spoken language, conversational skills, and parent speech were examined during toy play at home with three-year-old TL (n = 16) and EL children with ASD (EL-ASD, n = 10), non-ASD language delay (EL-LD, n = 21), and no delays or diagnoses (EL-ND, n = 37). EL-ASD children produced fewer intelligible utterances, and EL-LD and EL-ASD children produced shorter utterances than TL and EL-ND children. When utterances were intelligible, all groups were highly contingent to the topic. EL-ASD children were less likely than all other groups to add new information, and adding new information was positively associated with utterance length. Parents of EL-ASD children had fewer opportunities to respond contingently. However, all parents were highly topic-contingent when child speech was intelligible, and parent speech complexity varied with child language and conversational skills. Findings highlight strengths in conversational skills for EL-ASD children during toy play with parents and show that children and caregivers together shape opportunities for developing language and conversation.

Language dynamics and agency in multilingual research interviews

AbstractIn a world of increasing linguistic diversity, questions of language use and language ideologies in research interviews are gaining increasing importance. This article reports and reflects on language use in research interviews with former refugees in New Zealand and Sweden. In the interviews, multilingual speakers had the option to engage in the host language (English or Swedish, respectively), to bring their own language support person, or to request a professional interpreter. The article suggests that providing these options enabled participants to engage a greater range of linguistic and multimodal resources to create meaning and construct their identities, and also provided opportunities for language learning in the interviews. The article also highlights the importance of acknowledging the role of interpreters in the co‐construction of meaning and what this means for data collection and findings.

Artificial intelligence in EFL speaking: Impact on enjoyment, anxiety, and willingness to communicate

Drawing on Positive Psychology, this quasi-experimental study investigated the influence of an AI-speaking assistant, Lora, on Chinese EFL students' foreign language enjoyment (FLE), foreign language anxiety (FLA), and willingness to communicate (WTC) in English. To this end, 131 Chinese EFL university students participated in this study and were placed into the experimental group (EG, n = 65) and control group (CG, n = 66) respectively. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention surveys before and after a six-week intervention. Results showed significant enhancements in FLE and WTC, accompanied by a noteworthy reduction in FLA among the EG. In contrast, the CG exhibited no significant changes in those variables. These findings highlight the positive role of AI-speaking assistants in enhancing EFL students' FLE and WTC while mitigating FLA. The study concludes with implications for teachers and teacher educators, calling for the integration of AI-driven technologies, the creation of diverse language-learning opportunities, and the application of AI features to foster a supportive classroom environment. Such efforts aim to increase students’ language enjoyment, confidence, and English communication willingness, aligning with the principles of Positive Psychology.

Leveraging Communication Partner Speech to Automate Augmented Input for Children on the Autism Spectrum Who Are Minimally Verbal: Prototype Development and Preliminary Efficacy Investigation.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology innovation is urgently needed to improve outcomes for children on the autism spectrum who are minimally verbal. One potential technology innovation is applying artificial intelligence (AI) to automate strategies such as augmented input to increase language learning opportunities while mitigating communication partner time and learning barriers. Innovation in AAC research and design methodology is also needed to empirically explore this and other applications of AI to AAC. The purpose of this report was to describe (a) the development of an AAC prototype using a design methodology new to AAC research and (b) a preliminary investigation of the efficacy of this potential new AAC capability. The prototype was developed using a Wizard-of-Oz prototyping approach that allows for initial exploration of a new technology capability without the time and effort required for full-scale development. The preliminary investigation with three children on the autism spectrum who were minimally verbal used an adapted alternating treatment design to compare the effects of a Wizard-of-Oz prototype that provided automated augmented input (i.e., pairing color photos with speech) to a standard topic display (i.e., a grid display with line drawings) on visual attention, linguistic participation, and (for one participant) word learning during a circle activity. Preliminary investigation results were variable, but overall participants increased visual attention and linguistic participation when using the prototype. Wizard-of-Oz prototyping could be a valuable approach to spur much needed innovation in AAC. Further research into efficacy, reliability, validity, and attitudes is required to more comprehensively evaluate the use of AI to automate augmented input in AAC.

Revisiting complex dynamic systems theory: Empowering language teachers and teaching

AbstractThis article revisits complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) and provides a new synthesis that, the authors argue, may empower language teachers. The particular focus is on the interplay between change and stability in complex dynamic systems, including language teaching and learning. The article identifies four key dynamical properties of complex dynamic systems, which reflect change, stability, and the interplay between these two. The dynamical properties are historicity, adaptiveness, nonlinearity, and emergence. The authors associate these dynamic properties with four recognisable types of activity: normative, contingent, creative, and purposeful teaching and learning. The central argument is that language teaching and learning are interconnected, and language teaching that promotes these four types of teaching and learning activity may also promote opportunities for language learning. The authors conclude with a discussion of how teachers may use this CDST perspective to reflect on three aspects of their professional context—teaching, language, and agency—and how such reflection, followed by action, may promote opportunities for language learning in their contexts.

Into the Brave New Metaverse: Envisaging Future Language Teaching and Learning

The emergence of the Metaverse, supported by innovative technologies, especially extended reality, has opened up new possibilities for various fields of education. Some disciplines like STEM have already derived significant benefits from the immersive, interactive, and authentic learning opportunities afforded by the Metaverse. In contrast, only very few changes have been seen in language education, such as pedagogical design, technical support, and psychological endorsement in the Metaverse. To predict the future pathways of language education, the present paper aims to shed valuable light on the use of the Metaverse by discussing topics such as definitions, features, examples, and existing models. Based on this discussion, a new educational framework for language education in the Metaverse is proposed, covering five dimensions - Design, Pedagogy, Technology, Actors, and Learning. It is hoped that the framework will be of value to different educational stakeholders and provide constructive learning environments and opportunities for future language teaching and learning.

Neurodidactic Aspects of Teaching Adults Foreign Languages

Education is among the many spheres of human life that have been totally computerized in today’s society. Computers and digital resources have already become an accepted part of the learning process for all types of educational institutions, from preschools to universities. The article points out the importance of distance learning and Internet platforms as a didactic means of material assimilation, because with their help it is possible for students to independently assimilate the proposed teaching and learning materials within a certain period of time. The manner in which Internet tools are employed should be subjugated to attaining educational objectives and safeguarding the excellence of virtual instruction. In today’s information world saturated with different electronic resources, higher education institutions have to withstand tough competition with different educational centres and platforms providing foreign language learning opportunities. This article presents an overview of educational platforms for foreign language learning (in English). The article aims to demonstrate the wide range of options available on various websites designed for adult learners of foreign languages, while exploring neurodidactic approaches to teaching. The sites analyzed in the article have different methodological bases and have a specific learning goal. The practical experience of using a corporate educational platform in teaching is considered.

Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants in Greece and Italy: Language Requirements and Learning Opportunities in L2 Greek and L2 Italian

Migration has almost always been accompanied by language-related processes and concerns. Integration dimensions interact with numerous language-related issues, such as language requirements and learning opportunities, and the purpose of our paper is situated in the broader field of linguistic integration of adult refugees and migrants in Greece and Italy. Greece and Italy share a double role both as host and transition countries, as two of the main EU entry points for refugees and migrants since the 2015 refugee crisis, and therefore they have been selected as two suitable cases to be further explored. This paper aims to give an overview of the language requirements and language-learning opportunities in the migration context in Greece and Italy. Through our comprehensive review of language requirements and language-learning opportunities in Greece and Italy, we have undertaken an examination of the two contexts employing a comparative approach to scrutinize the processes of linguistic integration. The information presented has shown that similar linguistic requirements are set in both countries although the use and implementation of the Knowledge of Society (KoS) tests seem to discriminate between the two contexts. The results agree with similar findings through indexes such as the Language Policy Index for Migrants (LAPIM) and the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX).

Digital Learning Materials in Teaching Languages for Special Purposes in Higher Education in QuILL Project

Aim. The Erasmus+ project ‘QuILL – Quality in Language Learning’ was approved within the Strategic Partnerships for Digital Education Readiness as it proposes a new insight into the way digital open educational resources (OER) are made available to language lecturers teaching languages for specific purposes or as foreign languages and how they can maximise their use in a qualitative way. The project ended in February 2023. One of QuILL’s main goals is to provide higher education language lecturers with a substantial number of Open Educational Resources (OER) to assist them in the teaching and learning process. Apart from that, a training package has been developed to guide lecturers into the way they identify, use and create online resources. The guidelines brought into play in the e-book of the project concur with the core principles that guide higher education lecturers’ teaching practice: to make learners become motivated and engaged, unfettering them from narrowmindedness, fostering autonomy and critical thinking.
 Methods. The identification of the sources has been made by the experts of the project partnership following a bottom up approach and the participation of a relevant number of potential beneficiaries, focusing in particular on Language for Specific Purpose (LSP). Each resource is presented both in English and the target language through a review, a case study and a guideline on how to use it. The e-learning based package addressed to university LSP lecturers is specifically aimed to guide them in innovating their language teaching methodologies through the effective use of quality digital based OER teaching sources including 2 operative tools, 2 case studies and an interactive self-assessment test. A third outcome of the project is an e-book titled Implementation of Digital language Learning Opportunities. This publication brings together contributions from the six partners that integrate the QuILL project consortium. Therefore, it consists of six chapters.
 Results. In the QuILL portal, both language lecturers and learners will find many OERs for 18 European languages, already tested and validated by students in real teaching scenarios. The OERs used for LSP described according to quality indicators: comprehensive approach, added value, motivation enhancement, innovation, transferability, skills assessment and validation, adaptability. The content of the e-learning based training package is structured in 3 modules, each of which follows the same structure with the combination of a readable e-text, extensive use of links to existing resources and downloadable supplementary document. The e-book, containing important theoretical and practical guidelines, is aimed at Higher Education (HE) policy makers, as well as LSP lecturers, to improve the implementation of digital based language learning opportunities in higher education systems. It also intends to present, examine and reflect on the opportunities related to the use of digital technology in the language learning and teaching process.
 Conclusions. Most resources found on the Internet are targeted at learners of English. This is one of the issues that QuILL addresses. The publication, an e-book on digital language teaching addresses the process of language learning via digital resources and keywords such as “quality” “innovation”, and “digital education” are common to all of the six chapters. In the specific context of LSP, digital technologies equip teachers and students with more tools that will empower them during the learning and teaching process, so they continue to open as many doors as possible.

Empowering Minds: Multimodal Literacies, Fanfiction, and Inclusive Education

This article critically examines the intricate relationship between literacy and multimedia, focusing on multimodal literacies within the framework of educational equity. It navigates intersections among literacy, social-emotional learning, and educational equity, expanding from the analysis of fanfiction as mentor texts to the transformative empowerment of communities through technology integration. Connections between literacy engagement and cultural practices are explored through the lens of enhancing opportunities for English language learning. By tracing the historical roots of fanfiction and scrutinizing its contemporary manifestations in popular culture, this article explores the potential of multimodal literacies. These concepts cultivate literacy skills and foster creativity, empathy, and inclusivity—especially crucial for diverse learners, including those embarking on the journey of English language acquisition. Serving as a comprehensive resource, the article provides nuanced insights into the multifaceted ways in which multimodal literacies can effectively bridge the engagement gap. It offers practical applications, outlining a path towards a more equitable and enriching educational landscape in the digital age, with a specific focus on promoting linguistic proficiency among English language learners. The article stands as a valuable guide for educators, researchers, and practitioners, offering concrete strategies for leveraging multimodal literacies to create inclusive and empowering learning environments.

Maahanmuuttotaustaisten kielenoppijoiden moninaiset kielet ja polut

While student diversity is increasing, it is crucial for teachers to be aware of how to recognize the importance and potential of the language background and existing skills that their students bring with them. This article presents some research findings and data excerpts on how these are reflected in the learners’ opportunities for participation in interaction and various activities in learning communities. The theoretical framework consists of ecological and usage-based approaches that have served as a basis for pedagogies that center multilingual repertoires, language awareness and social interaction at the core of language learning. The perspective adopted in the article is primarily that of individual learners who are learning Finnish as their second language. Some future prospects in the field of language education are also discussed with regard to the increasing student diversity and the need for ensuring equitable language learning opportunities for all.

Poetry as An Alternative to Teach Literature for EFL Students in English Course

The purpose of the study is to investigate how effectively poetry works as an alternative teaching strategy for literature to English as a foreign language (EFL) Students. Poetry is a form of verbal art that evokes feelings, reflects thoughts, and conveys human experiences in a beautiful and creative way. This study explores the connection between teaching methods and literary works, with a specific focus on the use of poetry by teachers to improve language proficiency in EFL students. The study emphasizes a teacher's insights as a useful resource within the framework of an English course in Pare Kediri, East Java. The instructor highlights how well poetry works as an alternative teaching strategy for enhancing students' basic language proficiency, which includes speaking, listening, writing, and reading. The study also looks at the many advantages of including poetry in teaching languages. Using poetry as an alternative method to teach literature develops their critical thinking skills and language fluency in addition to their language ability. Moreover, it fosters a greater awareness and respect of one's cultural history and raises learning motivation. The research highlights the educational advantages of adding poetry into the curriculum and highlights the possibility of poetry as an alternative teaching method for EFL students. It is a promising option for instructors looking for cutting-edge and effective teaching methods because of its effectiveness. In the end, this study's conclusions support the inclusion of poetry in the curriculum as an alternative method to improve EFL students' language learning opportunities.

Enhancing English Acquisition: Effects of among us Game-Based Gamification on Language Competence, Motivation, Attention, and Attitude towards the English Subject

This study aimed to ascertain if there was a significant impact on the acquisition of English language competence, motivation, attention, and emotions towards English as a Second Language (ESL) after the development of gamification based on the famous Among us game with primary education students aged 7–8 years (n = 24) from a state school in Ciudad Real (Castilla-La Mancha). An experimental method with a pretest–post-test design was considered, in which the control group followed a transmission instructional model, and the experimental group underwent an eight-session gamified experience using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Four ad hoc tests were designed and implemented to assess writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills, while various test adaptations were used to measure attention and motivation variables. The results show that gamification helped to improve the variables analyzed, showing significant enhancements in reading from the experimental group, as well as a more positive attitude towards the English subject, increased active participation, and fewer negative inclinations towards mistakes. The study suggests that incorporating gamification can have a positive impact on learning outcomes and may serve as a means of bridging linguistic inequalities and promoting equitable access to language learning opportunities. However, further research is necessary to explore the potential of gamification in this regard.

Avrupa Eğitim Programları ve Dil Gelişim Dosyası Türkiye Uygulaması

Abstract European relations with Turkey, which began with the application of the Republic of Turkey for membership in the European Community and continued with the acquisition of candidacy status, gained a new dimension with the Copenhagen summit on December 12, 2002. Fifteen member states of the European Community have decided that Turkey can start candidacy negotiations in December 2005 if it can prove that it meets the political and economic criteria for integration with Europe, according to development reports. With the positive outcome of this development, Turkey is expected to become a member state of the European Community, and the Turkish language will be one of the most widely spoken European languages according to the population ratio. The legal status, financial and administrative autonomy of the Turkish National Agency were approved by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in July 2003. The learning of Turkish by Europeans as a foreign language of Turkish began with the establishment of commercial and political relations with the Ottoman Empire, and Turkology departments were opened in many universities. In the near future, commercial and political relations between Europe and Turkey are expected to increase with the accession negotiations Dec. Programs such as Leonardo, Socrates and Lingua, which are carried out within the European Community, offering educational, participant and instructor exchange, language learning opportunities, have been carried out in recent years within the framework of projects, especially with the participation of member and candidate countries. Turkey has also participated in these programs and has established a Socrates Commission. The aim of the foreign language policy adopted and proposed by the Council of Europe is to protect and develop linguistic and cultural diversity as a source of mutual wealth and to facilitate interpersonal relations, international flow and exchange of ideas. Dec.1. The aim of the foreign language policy adopted and proposed by the Council of Europe is to protect and develop language and cultural diversity as a source Dec. In this context, the Turkish language will also be a cultural richness and diversity for Europe, and it is expected that teaching and learning it as a foreign language will also be a factor that helps Turks to express themselves better in relations with Europeans. Key Words: European Union, Turkey, European Educational Programs, Language Development File

Empowering Chinese Language Learners from Low-Income Families to Improve Their Chinese Writing with ChatGPT’s Assistance Afterschool

ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot released by OpenAI in 2022. It simulates human conversation and has the capability to generate different texts at various levels of sophistication in near real time depending upon the user’s skill in creating prompts. While concerns have been raised about academic dishonesty and cheating among students, ChatGPT has significant academic potential for education, particularly in the field of language learning. This research explores the potential of ChatGPT in supporting and empowering Chinese language learners (CLLs) whose first language is English to enhance their writing skills, mainly focusing on the research question: Is there a functional relation between Chinese language learners from low‐income families using ChatGPT after school twice a week and improvements in their Chinese writing? Four participants with varying language proficiency levels were recruited, and their data were analyzed using an ABA design. Over three weeks, they utilized ChatGPT twice a week for approximately 20 min each after school. The students’ writing scores, writing samples, and learning reflections were used to triangulate the data and enhance the data’s trustworthiness. The findings indicate that (1) each participant made a noticeable improvement in their Chinese writing scores during the intervention and reversal phases; (2) ChatGPT played a crucial role in correcting errors and facilitating the development of complete sentence structures; and (3) the students expressed a sense of empowerment through their interactions with ChatGPT. These findings highlight that ChatGPT shows promise as a supportive tool for CLLs from low-income families, reducing educational inequality and promoting equitable access to language learning opportunities.

Ene, mene, muh, raus bist du? Digitale Spiele als inklusive Lerngelegenheit in der Fremdsprachenlehrkraftbildung

Incorporating digital gaming in the target language may be at odds with an inclusive approach to English language teaching, defined broadly, if these games exclude some participants due to technological features, disempowering content, or problematic actors. Despite these problems, however, digital games can equally offer opportunities for foreign language learning as well as for inclusion. This contribution describes a university-level seminar designed to foster pre-service teachers’ informed consideration of the opportunities and challenges associated with digital gaming in the English language classroom. An explanation of the theoretical principles and central elements of the learning opportunity for future English teachers is followed by a summary of the accompanying mixed-methods analysis. Subsequently, the ways in which the seminar supports the development of digital gaming literacy among the targeted pre-service teachers is discussed.

Beyond learning opportunities: focused encounters in a sociocognitive approach to second language acquisition and teaching

Abstract This paper introduces the sociological concept of focused encounters (FEs) as a tool for researching interaction in second language acquisition and teaching. FEs are face-to-face interactions affording joint attention, intersubjectivity, interaffectivity, and interactional alignment, considered key contributors to learning in some SLA/T approaches. First, we introduce the FE concept. Second, we situate FEs within a sociocognitive approach to SLA/T. Third, we apply the FE concept in investigating interaction in an Australian English as a second language classroom. Fourth and finally, we discuss our analysis’s wider implications for learning and teaching: Studying interaction in FEs from a sociocognitive perspective enables investigation not just of language learning opportunities but of moment-by-moment learning processes.