Language Learning In Education Research Articles

Examining the Professional Quality of Experienced EFL Teachers for Their Sustainable Career Trajectories in Rural Areas in China

While there has been much research into teachers’ professional quality in general education, scant attention has been paid to the professional quality of EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers, especially those working in adverse areas, for their sustainable career trajectories. Drawing on Wu’s framework of EFL teachers’ professional quality, this study adopted a mixed-method study design to investigate the professional quality of experienced EFL teachers in China’s rural areas. A questionnaire was administered online to 367 Chinese EFL teachers from 15 high schools in the northeast part of China. Follow-up interviews were then conducted with four volunteers. The results of the exploratory factor analysis produced a two-module structure of teachers’ professional quality, addressing teacher beliefs and English language pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for their sustainable career development. The teacher belief module addresses beliefs about language teacher learning and development as well as beliefs about foreign language teaching and learning. The English language PCK module includes two subscales: English teaching capacity and English knowledge and skills. Descriptive analysis showed that these participants had high levels of professional quality. Possible explanations for the interpretations of EFL teachers’ professional quality are provided from the qualitative data. Based on the above findings, the paper offers some implications for sustaining EFL teacher development in the future.

Chomsky's Transformational Linguistic Theory in Writing Skill at Islamic Senior High School: Transforming Language Learning Pedagogy

This research aimed to determine the implementation's effectiveness as supporting and inhibiting factors of Chomsky's Transformational Linguistic Theory in Writing Skill implementation. The data were collected through interviews, observations, and tests. The results of this study are: 1) the researchers obtained the difference in scores between the pretest and posttest of the control class and the experimental class. 2) there were five supporting factors and three inhibiting factors in learning maharah kitabah at MA Muallimat Malang Indonesia. The supporting factors are: 1) the transformation of sentences is easy to understand, 2) students have the ability of basic Arabic rules, 3) students can write Arabic, 4) enthusiasm in participating in learning activities, 5) availability of sufficient media for learning. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors are: 1) the difficulty of students distinguishing mudzakkar and muannats,2) only a few materials limits transformation, 3) some students do not like to learn Arabic.

A diachronic analysis of explicit definitions and implicit conceptualizations of language learning strategies

The field of language learning strategies (LLS) has grown significantly, experiencing many twists and turns over the years. Consequently, this study takes stock of, and reports on, definitional and conceptual changes, because how we define a concept can greatly affect its impact on teaching and research. We collected 461 journal articles from prominent databases and divided them into three time periods marked by major developments in the field: 1975–1990, 1991–2005, and 2006–2019. We then used content analysis to categorize, code, and explore explicit definitions found in the articles and various corpus-based techniques on the full texts to investigate implicit conceptualizations of LLS within and across these time periods. The findings indicate that elements of self-directedness (e.g., self-regulation, agency, and autonomy) are increasingly prevalent in researchers’ conceptualizations over time. The findings also highlight trends in language related to self-directedness, especially in the way strategies are portrayed to be operationalized by learners and in their intended purpose(s). Based on our findings, we argue for a change in thinking—from the ideal to the actual—in LLS conceptualizations and call for reconceptualized roles of teachers and students that are more representative of and compatible with instructed language learning contexts.

The Science Writing of Deaf Developing Bilinguals

AbstractDisciplinary literacy (DL) is an important facet of adolescent literacy development. However, for adolescents who struggle with literacy, opportunities to engage with DL and advanced concepts are often withheld in favor of focus on basic skills. Deaf or hard‐of‐hearing (dhh) children, for example, are at a higher risk for experiencing language deprivation due to limited access to language. Rather than waiting to introduce DL skills and advanced content, literacy skills can be taught within disciplinary contexts using tools that draw attention to students’ language and literacy needs. As an illustration, science writing of dhh adolescents was evaluated by individuals in deaf‐related fields and science‐related fields. This has implications for teachers of language learners, especially those who are dhh. For example, the students’ writing demonstrated that though these students are still developing their knowledge of English, they are using a number of features of DL to demonstrate their content knowledge.

Spaced learning: A review on the use of spaced learning in language teaching and learning

Time has contributed to most of our daily activities. In the field of understanding how the human brain reacted to specific learning processes, the neuroscientist supports the impact of having multiple learning sessions with the retention of knowledge. Spaced Learning is a product makes out of human's lack of capacity in retaining information and attempts to reduce the forgetting rate. In exploring the condition of how the human mind works and the chances of forgetting, the demonstration of spaced and massed learning in retaining information is recognized in this paper. This paper is aimed to synthesize information on the foundation of Spaced Learning with a focus on language learning, especially to students in academic institutions in Malaysia. This paper used a qualitative design in analyzing documents from articles whereby these articles are synthesized and analyzed using Microsoft excel and the conclusion later on drawn from the analyses. Based on the reviews highlighted in this paper, the practicality of spaced learning is proven in enhancing memory retention in which can contribute to positive performance and can help maximize students' language performance particularly to those who engaged in specific fields of knowledge.

A Tale of Three Excellent Chinese EFL Teachers: Unpacking Teacher Professional Qualities for Their Sustainable Career Trajectories from an Ecological Perspective

Teachers’ quality has long been researched in the field of general education. However, little attention has been paid to the professional qualities of excellent English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers in the context of English curriculum reform, especially from an ecological perspective. To address this gap, this study adopted a qualitative approach to characterise the qualities of excellent senior high school EFL teachers in China and the development of their professional qualities using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model. Four interconnected dimensions of excellent EFL teachers’ professional qualities were confirmed: English language pedagogical content competence, beliefs about the foreign language teaching profession and professional ethics, beliefs about foreign language teaching and learning, and beliefs about language teacher learning and development. Meanwhile, the EFL teachers constructed and developed their professional qualities in their dynamic interaction with the complex ecological systems where they lived. The paper considers these various teacher-related factors in the ecological systems and provides some suggestions for sustaining EFL teachers’ professional development.

THEORY AND PRACTICE IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING

Success in language teaching and learning is a multidisciplinary process in which language testing is an important pillar of success beside the other surrounding factors which range from the teaching learning context to the learners and teachers’ personal and educational factors. The aim of the present study is to identify to what extent there is a harmony between the teaching learning context on one hand and the theories and techniques of language testing on the other, and whether there is a matching between these theories of language testing and the practicality of these theories. We believe that there is a great mismatch between theories and practice of language testing as a result of the practices and the necessary expertise and knowledge needed in testing. This situation affects, to a great extent, the experience of language teaching learning process. This paper is a qualitative historical survey on language teaching learning context and theories of testing and language testing in particular. To process the study some related studies and literature will be explored, and some instances of language testing will be used to support this theoretical framework and to confirm our hypothesis that there is a gap between what is taught and what is examined. The study will include its importance, the methodological procedures that will be followed to attain the findings, recommendations and suggestions for future studies to let discussion in this area furthered in the future.

THE USE OF VOCABULARY SELF-COLLECTION (VSS) STRATEGY IN INCREASING STUDENT READING COMPREHENSION

Lack of vocabulary became a problem on student reading comprehension. This condition brings the writers to solve student’s problem by applying of vocabulary self-collection strategy. Several researchers conducted the effect of vocabulary self-collection in teaching language learning. The results showed that this strategy is effective to help students in language learning. Therefore, writers intrigued to apply this strategy. Vocabulary self-collection strategy is an interactive-learning instructional strategy that shows the word consciousness To implement this strategy, the writers used Classroom Action Research. It took four steps proposed by Kemmis and Taggart, Planning, action, observation and reflection. This research took 36 students in Mas Al Ulum Medan. Based on the two cycles, it can be proved that the mean score is higher in the second cycle. The mean score of first cycle was 65,7 %. Furthermore, it was categorized as the criteria of not success in test reading. If we compare to the diagnose test before, it seem the significant differences among of them. Moreover, the use of vocabulary self-collection strategy is not only increase student reading comprehension but also student’s curiosity and interesting in reading of English text. It can be seen from the observation had been done by the researcher and collaborator during the application of this strategy. They looked more active than before. The student enjoyed this strategy because it can help them in reading and memorizing of the word. Therefore, the application of this vocabulary self-collection can be recommended to improve students in reading skill. Furthermore, the result also suggest to teachers, lecturers or other educators to attempt this strategy in supporting of language learning. Because of this strategy is usable to improve student ability in English skill and student’s interest in learning English.

Going Online! Use and Effectiveness of Online Mode of Instruction in the Teaching of English Language

Contemporary time necessitated the use of advanced, scientific and digital technologies to take forward the teaching-learning process uninterrupted, making teaching online effective, cheap, convenient, and an alternative to traditional classes. It has been a drastic change that revolutionised English Language classes. Unprecedented levels of digitalisation in the field of education cropped up many logistical and pedagogical problems. This research paper attempts to look into these problems through a survey, analysing the different perspectives and approaches of individual teachers in developing and evaluating language skills, developing primers and ICT tools, and using them for effective, pleasurable online language teaching-learning, making classes student-centred. It also analysed the scope of making online and traditional classrooms supplementary and complementary to each other. Certainly, there is a need for better infrastructure, training, connectivity, integration of Augmented and Virtual Reality to provide experiential learning and to cope up with emerging challenges

A Systematic Review of Second Language Learning:Trends and Suggestions

This paper aims to investigate trends and suggestions related to second language pedagogical strategies. A total of 31 articles from both leading (Scopus and Taylor & Francis) and alternative (Google Scholar and MyCite) databases were selected and analysed. In answering the research question, the present study adopts the systematic literature review (SLR) method by incorporating in-depth Evaluation of past studies from 2015 to 2020. Therefore, the research divides second language pedagogical strategies into four trends, namely computer-assisted language learning, module-assisted language learning, student-centred language learning stylesand teacher-centred language learning. The findings indicate that computer-assisted learning comprising of module creation, e-learning and learning-based games are frequently used as the choice in tandem with the country’s education development. The study hopes that the acquired suggestion strategies are beneficial for stakeholders involved in second language learning education.

Pre-service teacher education: Observing senior teachers through the theoretical lens of Ellis’s principles of instructed language learning

The study is based on a training project completed in Italy as part of a qualifying course for high school teachers of L2 English. The project moves around the framework that Rod Ellis proposed in 2010 on the relationship between Second Language Acquisition and Language Pedagogy and it argues the need for student teachers (STs) to take the role of classroom researchers during their learning process and carry out critical observations through a solid theoretical lens, such as the 10 principles for instructed language learning by Ellis (2005a, 2005b). Three case studies are analyzed to explore how STs observed classroom activities armed with the knowledge of the principles. Data is based on feedback they gave during seminar discussions and remarks made in written reports. Moreover, a follow-up survey of informants after five years’ in-service practice questions whether and how this experience influenced the quality and degree of their understanding of teaching and learning. Considering these results, suggestions are made for future implementations of this kind of project.

Normativity in language teacher learning: ELF and theEuropean Portfolio for Student Teachers of Languages(EPOSTL)

AbstractAs with any proposal for a change in pedagogy, the starting point for implementation is teacher education. Suggestions have been put forward for an approach to English language teaching (ELT) which takes into account the lingua franca function language can fulfill. Frameworks for how teachers might adopt a pedagogy of English as a lingua franca (ELF), however, are inconsistent with current policy guidelines for student teacher learning. This concerns most notably those directives provided in theEuropean Portfolio for Student Teachers of Languages(EPOSTL), which is used in a growing number of teacher formation programs. This paper examines the ‘can-do’ statements which the EPOSTL proposes should represent the required methodological competences of language teachers. Using discourse analytic methods, the article explores what the EPOSTL portrays that prospective teachers need to know about language and how to teach it. It is argued that the language education policy represented by the EPOSTL is based on a conceptual perspective that can only impede the development of a genuinely reflective approach to the education of English language teachers and the implementation of an ELF pedagogy.

Factors influencing teachers’ professional learning: A study of Turkish EFL teachers

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing teachers’ professional learning the most among four factors; (a) teacher cognition and beliefs, (b) teacher emotions, (c) teacher motivation, and (d) contextual variables and find out whether or not there is a difference among teaching experience and degree in terms of teacher learning. The research sample consisted of 1015 teachers of English from different cities, teaching levels, and various ages in Turkey. In order to find out what factors influence English Teachers’ professional learning the most, English Language Teacher Learning Scale (ELTLS) was used. According to the results, teacher cognition and beliefs factor influenced teacher learning the most and contextual variables were the second influencing factor. When the differences were examined it was found out that there was a significant difference only between teacher cognition and beliefs, and teacher experience. The post-hoc test revealed that there was a significant difference between 21 and above year-experienced teachers and 0-5 year-experienced in teacher cognition and beliefs factor.

Teacher, Learner and Student-Teacher Identity in TESOL

In order to position the notion of identity as more central to theory and practice in TESOL, a survey is presented of how the notion of identity contributes to our understanding of the nature of the teacher self, second language learning and teacher learning in language teaching. Available theory and research is reviewed to illustrate the sources of teacher and learner identity and the multifaceted ways in which aspects of identity shape their approaches to learning and the impact identity can have on beliefs, attitudes, motivation and classroom practices as well as their use of English. Suggestions are given as to how a focus on identity can be included in teacher education courses for language teachers.

Engagement in language learning: A systematic review of 20 years of research methods and definitions

At the turn of the new millennium, in an article published in Language Teaching Research in 2000, Dörnyei and Kormos proposed that ‘active learner engagement is a key concern’ for all instructed language learning. Since then, language engagement research has increased exponentially. In this article, we present a systematic review of 20 years of language engagement research. To ensure robust coverage, we searched 21 major journals on second language acquisition (SLA) and applied linguistics and identified 112 reports satisfying our inclusion criteria. The results of our analysis of these reports highlighted the adoption of heterogeneous methods and conceptual frameworks in the language engagement literature, as well as indicating a need to refine the definitions and operationalizations of engagement in both quantitative and qualitative research. Based on these findings, we attempted to clarify some lingering ambiguity around fundamental definitions, and to more clearly delineate the scope and target of language engagement research. We also discuss future avenues to further advance understanding of the nature, mechanisms, and outcomes resulting from engagement in language learning.

Book Review: Doing Project-Based Learning in Language Education

Book Review: Doing Project-Based Learning in Language Education

Flipping the classroom to enhance EFL students’ listening skill

Studies regarding the use of flipped instruction in language learning have been identified plentifully, little work has examined its use in teaching listening, particularly for specific language testing. In order to address this gap, the impact of the flipped classroom to enhance EFL students’ listening skills, especially language testing, was examined. Furthermore, this study also explored the students’ perspective toward their experience in having a flipped classroom. Accordingly, a mixed-method was employed by using pre-test and post-test after treatment, along with the online open-ended questionnaire. This study revealed that the average score of the post-test (M=72.27) was significantly higher than the average score of the pre-test (64.06), indicating flipped instruction enhances the students' listening comprehension skills. Further, most of the students provoked positive feedbacks on their experience of having flipped classroom. This study might contribute as a guideline for EFL teachers to implement flipped instruction to increase the students' listening comprehension.

DISCRETE AND INTEGRATED APPROACH AND THE IMPLICATIONS ON LANGUAGE TEACHING LEARNING MANAGEMENT

This paper describes discrete and integrated approach and the implication on language teaching learning management. Discrete approach emphasizes on the teaching and learning a language discretely, whereas integrated approach emphasizes on the whole language, namely speaking, writing, listening, reading, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. In fact, both are interrelated since discrete learning is the basis for integrated learning. Both should be implemented in the teaching learning process in the classroom so that students are able to use the language well. Therefore, the curriculum or the syllabus, teaching materials, teachers’ qualification, and classroom management should be prepared well.

Zooming across cultures: Can a telecollaborative video exchange between language learning partners further the development of intercultural competences?

AbstractIn the context of learning a second language, the passing on of cultural information as a means to further the development of intercultural competences is primarily viewed as being unidirectional—the “native‐speaking culture” passing on information to the language learning student. However, in EFL (English as a foreign language) environments, the most relatable cultural norms available to the learners tend to be those associated with their homeland—the place they presently reside. As such, teaching language learning students using a unidirectional cultural frame ignores the wealth of cultural knowledge that such language learners possess. Offering cultural exchanges between groups of different language learners is one way to facilitate cultural learning in a bidirectional manner. In this study, 11 university students, six Japanese and five Taiwanese, took part in a cultural exchange project using the videoconferencing application Zoom. Findings from the data suggest that such telecollaborative video activities are mutually beneficial for exchanging local cultural information. We conclude that such exchanges develop intercultural competences via increased verbosity, the application of polite language, and of the utmost importance, by building interpersonal relationships. For language teachers who ascribe to a belief in the value of intercultural exchanges, applications like Zoom open up avenues for student interactions that are real, meaningful, and culturally rich.

Realia Education in Language Learning

Language is the primary tool of communication. Learning and understanding languages is of utmost importance in this fast-paced world, be it for professional communications or for casual conversations, where cultures and languages are no more bounded by regions. In the present world, technology has a major impact on our lifestyle. In the present scenario, our life has become one long race where everyone is running to beat others, and in this process, we have become more and more mechanical. The advent of technology has catalysed this process of mechanisation. We forget to learn, but only keep memorizing as much as we can stuff in our brain. We do not gain in-depth knowledge but a memorized knowledge which is more likely to be forgotten after some time, but it does not necessarily need to be so. Technology has the capacity to lead us farther from the real and practical world, but it also has the potential to assist in our interaction with the real world. The method of Realia learning is a strong example of how technology can be a powerful tool to facilitate in-depth learning by inducing practical, real life stimuli in the process of learning. This paper describes what Realia education is, how it can be used in language learning and how technology can be further used to support Realia learning.