English Learning Research Articles

Analysis of influencing factors on the learning effectiveness of Chinese beginners of German

This article presents an in-depth analysis of the difficulties faced by German language learners based on a survey of their learning obstacles. The survey findings reveal the impact of individual factors such as gender, age, and interest on learning outcomes among German learners. Additionally, the study focuses on the potential influence of learners' prior language learning experiences, particularly Chinese and English, on the German learning process, as well as the impact of their foundation in Chinese and English on learning German. By comprehensively analyzing these factors, the article uncovers the multiple challenges faced by German learners during the learning process and provides valuable insights for the formulation of German language teaching and learning strategies.

Изучение английского языка с помощью аутентичного художественного фильма (на материале фильма английского режиссера Джо Райта «Искупление»)

The paper discusses theoretical and practical issues related to the semiotics of a film text and discourse and teaching English as a foreign language. The following practical issues are discussed in the article: 1) watching movies as an effective way of learning English; 2) types of assignments suitable for work on the movie "Atonement" by the English director Joe Wright. The properties of the movie text as a means of learning and upbringing are considered. On the basis of a scripted film analysis a conclusion is made about the relevance and effectiveness of learning a foreign language through watching movies as well as cultivating ethical system values and acquaintance with the culture of the target language.

Research on the relationship between college students’ English learning anxiety and biomechanical factors

English learning has become essential for higher education for students throughout the world, particularly in non-English-speaking nations where fluency in the language is frequently linked to success in the classroom, employment prospects, and international communication. Learning English is an emotional as well as a cognitive endeavor for many students. Anxiety related to language acquisition, including exam anxiety, fear of rejection, and fear of communication, is a common issue that can significantly impact how well students achieve. The goal of this research is to examine the connection among biomechanical characteristics and the anxiety that college students have while learning English. Participating in this study were 326 college students in total. Participants will also complete a structured questionnaire survey on biomechanical factors, as well as supposed muscle tension, posture habits, and physical discomfort throughout English learning sessions. The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) is a validated instrument that will be used to measure English learning anxiety levels. The data was analyzed by statistical methods, including Regression analysis and Pearson correlation were utilized to ascertain the association between the English learning anxiety score and biomechanical factors. To evaluate students’ anxiety and biomechanical reactions, an ANOVA will be used. The data was analyzed using SPSS v20 software. The result established the relationship between English learning anxiety and biomechanical factors is necessary for creating more supportive learning environments. Research demonstrates that the relationship between bodily reactions and anxiety, needs to address the mental and physical components of stress, and the significance of developing more effective methods of lowering anxiety, boosting student well-being, and raising academic achievement in English learning. This research suggests the relationship between college students’ English learning anxiety and biomechanical characteristics, adding to a more complete understanding of how physical and psychological aspects impact English language learning outcomes.

Developing an Analytic Rubric for Japanese EFL Learners’ Summary Writing

This study aimed to develop and revise an analytic rubric based on the results of a survey of the difficulties experienced by raters when assessing the English summaries of Japanese English learners, as reported in a previous study (Kato, in press). In this study, three raters repeatedly discussed and established four categories: “Integration,” “Language Use,” “Paraphrasing,” and “Content Accuracy.” They created descriptors for each category from 0 to 5. The three raters evaluated the summaries of 20 Japanese university students for two types of original English texts. The results showed that the inter-rater reliability of Texts A and B was sufficiently high in all categories. Moreover, the correlation between categories was confirmed to measure independent constructs. This indicated that the analytic rubric created, based on Kato’s (in press) survey report from the raters, is also useful in terms of reliability and validity. This study proposed an analytic rubric that can serve as a foundation for constructing a more user-friendly rubric for future raters.

Attitudes and Motivation as Predictors of Perception of English Language Proficiency: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

English is the most widely spoken and written language in the world, so many students have different perceptions of English language proficiency, so there is a need to investigate the predictors of English language learning. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the relationship between attitudes towards learning English and motivation towards English learning under the SEM model as predictors of perception of English language proficiency in Peruvian university students. The sample consisted of 711 Peruvian students from a private university (442 females = 62.2% and 269 males = 37.8%). The questionnaire of attitudes towards learning English, motivation towards English, and socio-demographic questions were used, including the perception of English language proficiency. The proposed model obtained a satisfactory fit. Attitudes towards learning English explain 10% of the perception of English language proficiency, but with motivation towards English as the mediating variable. According to the established criteria, the goodness of fit of the model was confirmed (?2 = 383.78; df =3; p .000; RMSEA = 0.06; AGFI= 0.97; TLI = .97; CFI = .99), which confirms the fact that all the values obtained are acceptable. Received: 10 May 2024 / Accepted: xx October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

KM Easy Grammar Training at LKSA Ar Ridho

In learning English, students often find it difficult to learn English grammar. Grammar in English lessons is considered difficult by some of them, making English less popular. Actually, when a teacher can deliver simple grammar instruction, the students will find it much easier to learn and they come to appreciate English. The purpose of this activity is to provide training to caregivers at LKSA Ar Ridho so that foster children there can be helped in understanding Grammar by providing easy Grammar teaching, which is Easy Grammar. The expected output by holding this Easy Grammar training is to increase knowledge about Grammar in English to the caregivers in order that foster children there become happy and enthusiastic in learning English which they initially considered difficult. The community service team along with the foundation's management held a discussion where the results of the discussion agreed that the community service team could organize activities that could help caregivers to be able to teach foster children to learn English easily by studying Easy Grammar. The output target resulting from this community service activity is in the form of knowledge that will be obtained by the caregivers so that they can teach the children in their care.

Unveiling the Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of the Interplay Between Foreign Language Enjoyment, Risk-Taking, and Oral Corrective Feedback Preferences in English as a Foreign Language Classrooms

This exploratory mixed-methods study examined the relationships between foreign language enjoyment (FLE), risk-taking (RT), and oral corrective feedback (OCF) preferences among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Employing a triangulated research design, the study integrated quantitative data from a structured online questionnaire with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. The sample consisted of 523 Saudi students enrolled in a one-year preparatory program at a major public university in Saudi Arabia. The findings indicated a significant positive correlation between FLE and RT, which suggested that greater enjoyment in language learning was associated with increased willingness to engage in linguistic RT. The results also showed that the learners had moderate preferences for all types of OCF, with no single predominant method. Additionally, the study revealed that the learners’ preferences for specific types of OCF significantly influenced both their enjoyment and RT behavior. Gender differences were observed not only in FLE and RT but also in the OCF preferences, with the female learners exhibiting a stronger inclination toward interactive and participatory feedback forms. Furthermore, the study underscored the significant impact of FLE on English language proficiency, thereby affirming that greater enjoyment correlated with higher exam scores. The study offers pedagogical recommendations derived from its findings aimed at improving both the experience and outcomes of language learning. Received: 30 May 2024 / Accepted: 31 August 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Vocabulary Learning by EFL Omani Students: The Effect of Age, Gender, and Level of Study

AI tools have enabled FLLs to navigate their journeys of learning languages. This poses several questions, particularly about the most common AI tools used in learning vocabulary and the attitudes of EFL Omani students toward using AI tools in learning English. A mixed-method research design was utilised, and the sampling included 236 respondents studying in the Sultanate of Oman. An SPSS version 29 was employed in analysing the quantitative data, whereas the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The qualitative data revealed that EFL Omani students depended heavily on Google Translation (44%) as the highest AI tool, followed by the Dictionary Application (32%), ChatGPT (22%), Chat Bot (17.40%), and Duolingo (15.70%). In addition, translating the meaning of a new word occupied the highest learning strategy (frequency: 141), followed by learning new vocabulary (frequency: 134), translating the meaning of a full sentence (frequency: 91), and learning the correct pronunciation of strange words (frequency: 90), whereas learning grammar, enhancing writing and reading skills had the lowest frequency. The quantitative data showed that the overall mean is (3.67), which reveals a high frequency of use of AI tools in learning vocabulary. The lowest mean (3.45) is associated with trusting the new vocabulary recommended by AI tools, whereas the positive effectiveness of AI tools has the highest mean (3.92). However, it was found that age, gender, and level of study do not affect EFL Omani students’ use of AI tools to learn vocabulary.

Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research on English Learning Under Mobile-Assisted Language Learning based on CiteSpace

Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research on English Learning Under Mobile-Assisted Language Learning based on CiteSpace

Fostering Critical Digital Literacy Through Podcasting, Collaborative Work, and Oral Interaction

Introduction: Mastering a second or foreign language, especially oral communication, is complex and challenging, influenced by external pressures as seen in Colombia's education and language policy reforms, which compel teachers and institutions to address how to develop language skills with students. Objective: This study aimed to explore how collaborative podcast development, as a critical digital literacy practice, can enhance 11th graders' oral and critical interaction in English. Methodology: Conducted in a public school, the research employs a qualitative approach within a case study methodology. Although quantitative techniques like checklists and questionnaires were used for data collection, the study maintains a qualitative design. Through semi-structured interviews with a subgroup of five students, participants reflect on their experiences of collaborative learning and interaction in English while constructing a podcast. Data was analyzed using a triangulation method. Findings: Thematic analysis revealed that collaborative podcast development promoted English oral interaction among participants, fostering collaboration, exchange of thoughts and feelings, and increased language confidence. Discussion and Conclusions: The study advocates for a reexamination of digital practices in the classroom to promote English oral interaction from a critical perspective. It recommends collaborative podcast development as a digital practice to enhance oral interaction, empowering students to use English in social and academic contexts.

The dynamic relationship between enjoyment and anxiety in monologue communication tasks of Arab female EFL undergraduate students: an idiodynamic approach

Foreign language learners experience fluctuations in their levels of enjoyment and anxiety during communication tasks as they navigate communication challenges. These emotional surges can impact cognitive resources and speech-processing ability. However, there is scant empirical evidence on the associations between emotions at the personal level during foreign language learning (FLL) communication task performances. To address this gap, the present study utilized the idiodynamic approach to investigate the relationship between enjoyment and anxiety in monologue tasks performed by Arab Female undergraduate learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Participants rated their emotions on a per-second basis after watching a video recording of their task performances and were interviewed about the reasons for fluctuations in their ratings. The study found that the negative relationship between anxiety and enjoyment varied from strong to moderate across 30 segments of speech per person. The emotions of anxiety and enjoyment were analyzed through triangulation of ratings, prompted recall interviews, and performance data. As a result of this investigation, four distinct sets of factors that affected these emotions were identified: Task execution (such as pre-task preparation and time constraints), task layout (including its structure and theme), cognitive-linguistic factors (such as transient disruptions in conceptualization and formulation speech processes), and performance measure (including assessment of one’s own linguistic proficiency).

Examining negative transfer in Cantonese learners of English as a foreign language: an optimality theory approach to English syllable acquisition

Abstract The contrasting differences that exist in the English and Cantonese phonological systems result in divergent articulatory production between them. This article aims to investigate the negative transfer of Cantonese EFL learners in acquiring English consonant clusters and the constraint rankings of Cantonese and English syllable systems by comparing syllable structures and analyzing experimental statistics. The objective is to elucidate the reasons behind their negative transfer in English syllable acquisition. The research results demonstrated that Cantonese EFL learners found it easier to acquire consonant clusters in the onset position compared to the coda position. Additionally, an increase in consonants in the coda position posed greater difficulties for Cantonese EFL learners. The results also indicated that participants encountered the most problems with deletion, followed by substitution and epenthesis. The OT analysis reveals that the different rankings of faithfulness and markedness constraints in Cantonese and English led to transfer errors.

Boosting Students’ Learning English Experiences in Islamic Higher Education: The Integration of Artificial Intelligence

The objective of this study is to analyze and elucidate the incorporation of AI technology into the English language instruction process in Islamic universities in Indonesia. It also seeks to identify the obstacles and possibilities that emerge from this integration. The study employed a qualitative methodology, including observations, interviews, and documentation studies to gather data from both lecturers and students at Fatmawati Sukarno State Islamic University (UIN), Bengkulu during the academic year 2024-2025. The findings demonstrated that AI has the potential to enhance the efficiency of English language acquisition by means of tailored and interactive learning. AI facilitates the rapid enhancement of students’ proficiency in speaking, writing, listening, and reading by delivering precise and immediate feedback. Nevertheless, the presence of inadequate infrastructure and a lack of digital literacy among teachers and pupils pose significant barriers that must be surmounted. In order to maximize the capabilities of AI, this paper proposes numerous approaches such as providing training to lecturers, revising the curriculum, and fostering collaboration between educational institutions and stakeholders. Incorporating AI into English language education in Islamic universities not only enhances students’ linguistic abilities, but also equips them to confront worldwide technologies-driven issues.

Motivational Factors Contributing to Students’ Participation in The English Learning Programs: A Study at MTs. Putri Nurul Haramain Islamic Boarding School Narmada

This research aims to find out motivational factors contributing the students’ participation in the English learning programs at MTs Putri Nurul Haramain Islamic Boarding School Narmada. This is a case study research using descriptive qualitative design. The participants of this research were 10 students at Cambridge class of MTs Putri Nurul Haramain Narmada. The instruments were observation, and interview. The data analysis was carried out using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The results show that there are five factors motivated the students in learning English at Learning English Programs which are teachers, activities and material, relevance, feedback, and classroom environment. In addition, the contribution of programs to the students’ motivation are have different perception on the students, Madani Super Camp is has a good contribution on the students’ perception, English Day is has good contribution on the students’ motivation and learning English in the classroom is not good has contribution on the students’ motivation in learning English at English Learning Programs.

The Effects of Virtual Tutoring on Young Readers: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

In-person tutoring has been shown to improve academic achievement. Fewer studies have examined the impact of virtual tutoring and have focused on older students. We present findings from the first randomized controlled trial of virtual tutoring for young children. Students in grades K–2 were assigned to 1:1 tutoring, 2:1 tutoring, or a control group. Virtual tutoring increased early literacy skills by 0.05- SD for all students and 0.08- SD for a sample excluding English learners and students with disabilities (i.e., students not eligible for additional support services). One-on-one tutoring tended to produce larger gains, especially for students initially scoring well below benchmark (0.15- SD). Effects are smaller than typically seen from in-person early literacy tutoring programs but still positive and statistically significant.

The impact of smart classrooms on the core literacy of college English learners and the relationship between core literacy and learning outcomes: Evidence from China

College English major students are taken as the subjects of evaluation, applying learning analysis technology based on learning behaviour data sets and traditional evaluation and comprehensively using the analytic hierarchy process for index weighting and evaluation practice to construct a comprehensive evaluation index system for the core literacy of college English major students. Secondly, this study deeply examines the impact of smart classrooms on the core literacy of college English learners. By applying different regression models, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), fixed effects model, and dynamic lagged fixed effects regression, the research results consistently show that the smart English teaching model significantly improves the core literacy of college students. The regression coefficients of all models are between 0.2150 and 0.2818, and they are robust and reliable at a significance level of 1%. In addition, the study explores the role of academic resources as a mediating variable and finds that smart English classrooms improve students' English core literacy by increasing academic resources. Academic resources are confirmed to mediate the positive impact of smart English classrooms on students' English core literacy, producing a mediating effect of 30.78%. Using deep neural networks, this study further explores the complex relationship between core literacy and learning outcomes. Therefore, as an innovative teaching model, the application potential of smart English classrooms in improving students' English core literacy is significant.

The Influence of Verb-Based Implicit Causality Information and Second Language Proficiency on Chinese English Learners' Pronoun Anaphoric Inference: Evidence from Eye Movements.

Implicit causality (IC) is a phenomenon where verbs supply information about the potential cause of the behavior or state to one of the antecedents (e.g., "Mary praised David because…" will continue about David, not Mary). The study examines the influence of IC information and second language (L2) proficiency on Chinese English learners' pronoun anaphoric inference. Results from an eye-tracking study showed that Chinese English learners can actively use IC information in making pronoun anaphoric inference. Additionally, compared to low-proficiency learners, high-proficiency learners spent less time on making pronoun anaphoric inference. The findings indicate that Chinese English learners can activate IC information early, before the disambiguating information appears, thus supporting the focusing account. Furthermore, L2 proficiency also affects this process.

An Analysis of the Use of Instagram among English Education Students at University of Mataram

Instagram is being a popular platform among students nowadays. This demographic finds the platform engaging and useful for multiple purposes especially in language learning. This research study aimed to (a) find out how students of the English Education Program at the University of Mataram use Instagram for language learning, (b) to identify the motivation of the students in using Instagram for language learning, (c) to reveal the challenges faced by students in using Instagram as a learning tool. The research employed qualitative research method to provide a comprehensive understanding. Data were collected through questionnaire with 61 students in the third semester of English Education Program and interviewed ten students each of them. Among other findings, the present study reports the use, motivation, and challenge on using Instagram for language learning. Most students use Instagram to learn English by following English learning accounts; watching English content; learning from infographics and memes; reading captions; and etc. Their motivations include the desire for practical language application; the sense of community; and the convenience and entertainment value that Instagram offers. However, challenges such as potential distractions; the risk of encountering inaccurate information; and the need for self-discipline in a largely unstructured environment highlight the limitations of relying solely on this platform for language learning.

What Lau could have precipitated but did not: The stalled campaign for DLBE in the “middle of everywhere”

ABSTRACT Lau transformed schooling for millions of students, but we should examine what its “equal protection” and assimilationist logic did not entail and thereby illuminate prospective academic and social good that it did not generate. This paper does just that by examining Nebraska’s well-resourced second-largest district and how Lau left intact their notions of “language as problem” as the response rationale to students it identifies as “English learners” (ELs), while the development of dual language/bilingual education (DLBE) programs which embed “language as resource” or “language as right” orientations was endlessly deferred. We explore this conundrum through an anthropology-informed three-part main argument that first offers a brief account of the district’s response to Lau over the past 50 years which orients our paper to the call of this special issue while simultaneously providing space to consider paths not taken. The second and third parts then juxtapose first- and third-person accounts to describe the unsuccessful mobilization over the last 12 years to create a DLBE track. We conclude by reviewing how the district complies with Lau, but also how Lau has never been enough.

Interlanguage impoliteness in criticism by the English learners from Javanese background over social status and distance

The present study analyses the impoliteness of criticism over social status and distance, incorporating the concept of "levels of imposition." Criticism as a fundamental speech act is commonly used by people in the modern era, either in the digital world or the real world. It usually contains impoliteness if it embodies negative behavior, conveying criticism. This study belonged to an interlanguage pragmatics study and used forty participants from English language learners having Javanese backgrounds. It also applied the role play technique to take data to be analyzed using mixed method analysis. The data showed that the criticizer performed various impoliteness strategies in criticism, considering familiar and unfamiliar relationships in different social status levels. They mainly performed bald-on-record impoliteness and adhered to other strategies such as negative, positive, and mock politeness. Besides that, delivering criticism in high intonation was also perceived as a part of impoliteness. Therefore, it suggested conducting another research concerning paralinguistics and impoliteness in various communication contexts.