Primary School English Language Research Articles

An analysis of phenomena of consonant substitution and strategies for development for Cantonese EFL elementary learners: A case study

The present study focuses on the phenomena of consonant substitution and strategies for remediation or development for Cantonese primary school students in China. 8 students from the graduating classes of Dongguan Haide Bilingual School were randomly selected as participants, of whom the pronunciation samples were collected after finishing the optional course (fun reading) which lasted for 15 weeks. Focusing on segmental features (consonant substitutions), each audio was recorded by computer, followed by analyzing transcriptions, marking pronunciation errors, and categorizing error types. The result presented that the pronunciation of letters th, pronunciation of the initial consonant cluster and the final consonant cluster, pronunciation of the letter l, substitution of voiceless consonant for the corresponding voiced consonant, substitution of phonemes /w/ for /v/ and /r/ and confusion between phonemes /n/ and /m/ were the common types of errors in consonant substitution of learners in primary school on English learning. By analyzing the phenomena of consonant substitution in the English pronunciation of specific primary school students in Guangdong and exploring its developmental strategies, this paper attempts to provide predictable focus and teaching guidance for primary school English teachers, aiming at exploring and innovating English pronunciation teaching methods, stimulating students’ learning interest and promoting the development of primary school English language teaching (ELT).

Assessing First-Cycle Primary School English Language Teachers’ Speaking Proficiency

This study aimed to assess the speaking proficiency of English teachers in the first-cycle primary school employed a convergent mixed design method, with a specific focus on the East Wollega Zone. Utilizing sophisticated probability sampling, fifteen and ten English teachers underwent randomly assigned Oral Proficiency Tests and classroom observations, respectively. Descriptive statistical analysis uncovered a notable deficiency in overall speaking proficiency, as indicated by a combined mean score of 2.65, falling below the required standard. Independent sample t-tests revealed subpar Oral Proficiency Test outcomes for both male and female teachers, with p-values exceeding .05 for all components except pronunciation. Through a comprehensive assessment integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study consistently highlighted below-average speaking proficiency among English teachers. The results emphasize the imperative for targeted interventions and professional development initiatives to elevate the speaking proficiency of primary-level English teachers. The research provides critical insights by identifying specific areas of deficiency in speaking proficiency, particularly in pronunciation. These findings underscore the intricate nature of language proficiency and serve as a foundational guide for future research and policy considerations to enhance English language instruction in the early stages of education, addressing identified proficiency gaps and fostering a more effective learning environment.

Storytime in English Language Teaching – Teachers’ Practices, Attitudes, and Challenges

The research paper explores how primary school English language teachers in Croatia (N=110) use authentic literature in teaching. The survey examined the teachers’ attitudes, the frequency of use, criteria for text selection, and teaching methods. Additionally, teachers assessed their competences and readiness for using authentic children’s literature. The study found that teachers predominantly choose texts available in coursebooks, on average once a month. They present stories by combining reading aloud and storytelling, with only a few engaging in storytelling alone. Stories are mainly used for teaching vocabulary, but teachers also use them for activities such as dramatizations or discussions. Generally, the teachers reported feeling competent in using stories for teaching English language skills. However, the research revealed some areas that require more attention and support, especially regarding story selection, techniques for implementing stories, and time management. Some aspects of using authentic stories in teaching could be improved by being addressed in pre- and inservice teacher training.

Shifting between face-to-face, online and hybrid teaching modes: A reflection on one Hong Kong primary school teacher's experiences with young learners during the COVID-19 pandemic

As young children need more careful support and guidance than adolescents and adult learners, teachers in lower grades have extra considerations as they shift between teaching modalities. This colloquium seeks to bring attention to the experiences of one Hong Kong primary school English language teacher as she shifted between face-to-face, online and hybrid teaching over a two-year period during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hoped that by sharing the teacher's first-hand accounts and reflections, pre-service and in-service teachers of young learners will be better prepared for changing realities and modalities.

Primary School Teachers’ Views on Integrating Technology in English Language Instruction in Rural School Contexts in the Lubombo Region of Eswatini

The realization that traditional methods of teaching have become inadequate hence can no longer be exclusively used when teaching, has seen technology being integrated in instruction for all curricula. This study intended to explore the views of primary school teachers on the integration of technology when teaching English language in rural school contexts in the Lubombo region of Eswatini. The study was based on the following research questions: What are the views of primary school English language teachers on the integration of technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? What are the benefits of integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? How do primary school teachers integrate technology in English Language instruction in rural school contexts? What challenges do primary school English language teachers encounter when integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm which was used with the qualitative research approach and the case study research design. While the simple random sampling technique was used to select four (4) schools that took part in the study, purposive sampling was used to select eight (8) teachers that took part in the study (two teachers from each school). Data were gathered using an interview guide where teachers were interviewed on a one on one. The data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis. The study found that some teachers had a misconception about technology integration in instruction as they view it as the teaching of basic computer skills. Another finding was that integrating technology in English language instruction was viewed as very beneficial as it resulted in optimum lesson delivery since learners generally have a big interest in technology. Challenges that teachers encountered when integrating technology in instruction included lack of training and unavailability of technological gadgets as well as poor internet connections. The study therefore recommends that The Ministry of Education, through the In-service department should train the teachers on how they can integrate technology in their teaching. Another recommendation is that Headteachers should organize teachers from other schools who are known to be effectively using the approach to come and assist teachers in rural schools.

CEFR-aligned Primary Curriculum Framework:Rural National Primary School English Language Teachers’ Attitudes and Slants

This study attempted to explore attitudes and slants of Rural National Primary School English Language Teachers in Sarawak, Malaysia towards the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages(CEFR)-aligned Primary Curriculum Framework. This study used quantitative analysis to interpret data gathered through the questionnaire. A set of a questionnaire in the form of Google Form was prepared. The link to this questionnaire was shared with English language teachers from rural area national primary schools of 12 divisions in Sarawak, a state in Borneo Malaysia to serve the aim of this study. 749 English language teachers had responded to the questionnaire. Specifically, the analysis and discussion are organised in terms of teachers’ attitudes and slants. Besides, the demographic profiles of English language teachers were taken into account in doing the analysis and discussion. The findings have shown that the teachers’ attitudes and slants towards CEFR-aligned Primary Curriculum Framework for Primary School’s English Language Education are positive. The chief findings of this study can be a source of references to the researchers, policymakers, teachers, academicians, or others who have intention on the similar focus of study to further improve English language education in Malaysia especially in teaching and learning, and assessments.

Peer- and Self-Assessment in Primary School English Language Classrooms

Peer- and self-assessment could benefit the pupils in learning English language as a second language due to the aspects of essential whole group and individual reflections within the practice. This paper intends to investigate the practices of peer- and self-assessment among the national primary school English language teachers in a district in Selangor, Malaysia via a mixed methods approach. A survey was administered on 244 teachers, followed by interview and classroom observation on eight subset participants. From the survey, approximately 93% of the respondents had an emerging practice of peer- and self-assessment in their English language classrooms, which happened 50% of the time. The interview and observation findings show that the teachers needed extra time to train the pupils for the practice of peer- and self-assessment, mostly on written work, but also applicable during reading and speaking lessons. Pupils could apply self-assessment by knowing their levels and what to be done, sometimes based on worksheets and checklists. Sometimes, peer- and self-assessment were difficult and confusing among the pupils with lower English language proficiency levels. In the classroom, the pupils needed more time to receive guidance and training from the teachers in order to practise peer- and self-assessment, despite not fully in English. This implies that the teachers were attempting to enact peer- and self-assessment among the pupils, albeit rather deviating from the target language at times.

Primary pre-service teachers’ beliefs about developing future-ready learners: a qualitative inquiry in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This study explores the readiness of pre-service primary school teachers in Hong Kong to develop future-ready learners. Societal advances require the education sector to continuously update curricula to prepare young people for the future. Schools must equip students with the flexibility to use technologies that have not yet been invented and solve unanticipated problems. In this qualitative study, we analysed the perceptions of 15 pre-service primary school English language teachers at a university in Hong Kong. The study focused on the knowledge and learning environment necessary for developing future-ready learners. Via semi-structured interviews, the findings revealed that the participants believed it is essential to integrate technology into classrooms to address future digital literacy needs. They also noted that students must develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and soft skills to succeed in the future. The findings also suggest that teachers need to be innovative and adaptable in their pedagogical approaches as the existing primary school curriculum is not cultivating learners’ future-readiness.

Потребности в профессиональном развитии учителей английского языка в Эфиопии

<p>The purpose of this study was to investigate the ongoing professional development needs of English language teachers in primary school. A mixed methods design was employed in the study. The participants were sixty-four primary school English language teachers. They were selected randomly from six elementary schools. A survey and an interview were used to collect data. All the teachers took part in the survey. Additionally, eight of them were observed while teaching in the classroom. Furthermore, six trainers participated in key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The results of the survey show that the majority of teachers estimate their speaking and reading skills at an intermediate level, and there is a moderate significant correlation between teachers’ evaluations of speaking and reading skills. Based on the interview results, qualitative data were collected and analyzed to corroborate the survey findings. The themes were categorized and interpreted. It was revealed that the teachers have severe needs for English language proficiency and must continuously develop their pedagogical and subject-matter knowledge. On the basis of the findings, suggestions were made to the ministry of education to prepare professional development activities based on the teachers’ needs.</p>

Use of Digital Tools by English Language Schoolteachers

The present study explored the use of digital tools by English language schoolteachers in Hong Kong. Using a qualitative-dominant sequential mixed-methods design, wherein an online mixed-methods survey of primary and secondary school English language teachers (N = 83) and follow-up in-depth interviews (N = 22) were employed, this study collectively explored which digital tools the participants used, why the participants used these tools, and how the participants used them. Fourteen categories of tools utilized by teachers in their professional practice were identified. These were further categorized into core, additional, and remote digital tools based on their mode and frequency of use. Affordances of the core digital tools for language teaching were identified, with examples of teachers’ pedagogical uses of the tools presented. By providing an overview of digital tool use, teachers, school leadership, and professional development providers can better understand how teachers should be prepared for the digital realities of schools. In addition, this study provides a model for understanding the context and subject-specific bidirectional relationship between tools, their affordances, and teachers’ professional tasks.

Professional development for academic engagement: Primary school EFL teachers’ perceptions and predictors

This study assessed primary school English language teachers' perceptions and predictors of Professional development for academic engagement. To achieve this, the study employed a descriptive survey design that uses a mixed-methods approachs. This is useful to blend both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments. Accordingly, the study used questionnaire and interview to collect enough data at a time. Regarding the data analysis and results, it used concurrent-convergent strategies within which the data interpretation was made under each theme and then the discussion was made convergently. The results thus indicated that English language teachers' perceptions was depended on cognitive knowledge compared to social, emotional, and personal knowledge domains. Furthermore, the teachers' perceptions was significantly predicted by three most important predictors including the age, the salary paid, and the marital status of the teachers. Accordingly, the findings are useful to impact primary school English teachers' perceptions for effective professional development for academic engagement. Moreover, the educational authoraties including MoE can use these findings to design, train, coach and monitor English langauge teachers’ perceptions for professional developemenet for academic engagement which incoreporates professional learning, self-directed and autonomous learning. Finally, these findings can be used as a body of knowledge and corner stone for scholars and prosepective researchers.

Linking 21st Century Learning Skills to Outdoor Learning: Exploring the Experiences of Primary School English Language Teachers in Malaysian Private Schools

Collaboration, communication, creative thinking, and critical thinking, or 4Cs, are important 21st century learning skills which prepare students to face challenges in the globalised world of the 21st century. In this paper, we explore the link between the 4Cs and a rather unconventional pedagogy, outdoor learning. In Malaysia, the outdoor learning space has not received much recognition and is often overlooked. Therefore, we sought the experiences of primary school English language teachers when engaging with outdoor learning to see how their practices reflected the 4Cs. Data were obtained through fivein-depth interviews with teachers and were analysed using an inductive approach. Two main themes which related to soft skills and thinking skills development were identified. It was found that outdoor learning had potential to enhance soft skills because it emphasised communication and collaboration. However, in terms of thinking skills we found that there is still room to engage more deeply and meaningfully with critical and creative 21st century learning skills. Currently, outdoor learning seems to be a rather grass-roots effort that happens at the discretion of individual teachers. Nevertheless, it has a role to play in nurturing critical and complex thinking and effective communication and collaboration which are needed for the 21st century.

English language teachers’ engagement in and preference for experiential learning for professional development

Experiential learning is an assertion in the professional development of teachers. However, there is a scarcity of studies exploring experiential learning from the integrative perspectives in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context and at the level of a primary school. This study, therefore, aimed to assess primary school EFL teachers’ engagement in experiential learning from these perspectives. A concurrent mixed research design was adopted to explore the cases. 186 teachers were selected for the questionnaire while eight teachers were selected for interviews. Questionnaires, document analysis, and interviews were used to collect data. The data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The results indicated that most primary school English language teachers were mostly engaged in professional learning and development activities. Besides, they applied cognitive experiential learning strategies and preferred diverger experiential learning styles dominantly. These findings indicate a deviation from the scope, focus, and major aims of experiential learning and constructivist premises. As a result, the study suggested that the teacher development programs for primary school teachers in the EFL context should incorporate activities that lead to the self-directed and autonomous learning of teachers.

‘How come they struggle with such simple work?’: parents’ perceptions of language teacher identity and teaching practice

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of a qualitative study that explores the perspectives of one group of parents on English language teachers’ identity and practice in primary schools in Vietnam. Grounded in mixed identity theories (self and others), this study uses in-depth interviews to reveal how these parents position English language teachers and teaching in these schools. The results suggest that two discourses underpin a hierarchical relationship between different primary school English language teachers, which, in turn, establishes and perpetuates a deficit view of those identified as ‘Vietnamese teachers’ of English. It is argued that calls for greater community involvement in language education policy must be accompanied by opportunities for all stakeholders to discover and critically examine the discourses that underpin their positioning of language teaching and teachers. Implications for designing and implementing language education policy to achieve such problematisation in practice are discussed and suggestions for future.

‘If you have the freedom, you don’t need to even think hard’ – considerations in designing for student agency through digital multimodal composing in the language classroom

We report on a study in which two primary school English Language teachers work with researchers to co-design a series of lessons to enhance student agency. ‘Tinkering’ through digital multimodal composing is used as a pedagogical approach. We reflect on the issues in balancing the student’s agency with the teacher’s role. Our study is guided by questions on how we can design for student agency through digital multimodal composing and what the considerations to design for student agency are. Our findings suggest that while tinkering offers a useful set of features for the design of a more student-centric English Language classroom, two important considerations need to be taken into account. The first relates to the extent in which the student can make choices; the second relates to the extent of the teacher’s guidance in scaffolding the process of digital multimodal composing.

Children’s Literature in Transcarpathian Schools for Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Since the origins of formal foreign language teaching, literature has always played an important role. Currently, modern language teaching trends suggest starting foreign language learning as early as possible; thus, the use of children’s literature in foreign language teaching is undergoing a revolution. This situation encouraged us to examine the use of children’s literature and the attitude of foreign language teachers to it. This article focuses on primary and secondary school English language teachers in a western county of Ukraine (N = 118). The results of the qualitative research revealed that the teachers’ general attitude to the use of children’s literature is positive; they are aware of their advantages but still avoid using these materials. Most teachers do not apply children’s literature in their foreign language teaching because the school curriculum is too congested and fast-paced, they do not have access to appropriate authentic children’s literature, or they were not taught how to utilize authentic children’s literature during their university years. Results suggest that teachers should be encouraged to use children’s literature, though there is no universal solution. The first suggestion is for schools themselves to support teachers, but it would be a significant step forward if this approach were also to be taken in in-service training.

Material Adaptation Among Rural Primary School English Language Teachers

This study is meant to investigate rural primary school teachers’ views on the use of imported textbooks and their adaptation strategies in dealing with foreign content in the prescribed materials. A qualitative approach was employed using semi-structured interviews, involving seven rural primary school English language teachers. The responses were orthographically transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The teachers disclosed that they did not have problems with the grammatical elements in the textbooks, but the cultural context needed to be locally presented to make the materials meaningful to their students. Teachers with fewer years of teaching experience, as opposed to experienced teachers, were found to be more innovative in their classrooms. Prospective research might better consider larger samples and employ a deliberate method of study for a better generalisation. Keywords: CEFR; English language learning; imported textbooks; material adaptation; rural primary school teachers

Challenges of using online technologies in the pandemic: voices from English language and literacy primary school teachers in central China

ABSTRACT The pandemic has brought teachers, young children and their parents lots of uncertainties and challenges in adapting to new teaching and learning environment. Compared with other professionals, teachers might face more challenges in transiting from using a traditional face-to-face teaching method to an online or blended teaching and learning model. This study aimed to explore Chinese primary school English language and literacy teachers’ teaching preparation, in particular, their knowledge with regard to incorporating online technologies in learning and teaching. Participants in this project were English language and literacy teachers in central China. The study used a survey with a Likert scale to examine primary school English language and literacy teachers’ perceptions of using digital technology in teaching preparation, students’ competence development, assessment and professional development (PD) for online teaching. The results confirmed differing perspectives between young teachers and their elder colleagues on the value of using digital technology for online teaching and their PD programmes. A call for PD programmes is also proposed and discussed.

Continuous Professional Development of Primary School EFL Teachers in Ethiopia: Needs and Challenges

This study intended to examine the continuous professional development needs and challenges of primary school EFL teachers in Ethiopia. A mixed methods design was employed to gather data from teachers, principals and trainers in the study. Survey and interview protocols were employed to collect pertinent data to answer the study’s research questions. Fifty (50) randomly selected primary school English language teachers participated in the survey. Meanwhile, four English language teachers, four principals and three trainers were interviewed to corroborate the data collected from the survey. The quantitative data from the survey were analysed using SPSS version 21. Statistical analysis was carried out on the data, focusing on computing descriptive statistics to determine the mean values of the questionnaire items. The survey data indicated that the participating primary school EFL teachers needed in-service professional development training to improve their English language proficiency skills, particularly their speaking skills and pedagogical knowledge. Additionally, teachers faced personal and institutional challenges while participating in ongoing professional development activities. On the other hand, the qualitative data were analysed thematically and corroborated with the results of the survey. Based on the findings, this study suggests that Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education addresses the specific needs of primary school English language teachers by preparing and implementing continuous professional development activities.

Upotreba književnih sadržaja u nastavi stranih jezika

Relying on the communicative approach to foreign language teaching, this paper investigates the connection between literature and teaching methodology and points at the possible benefits of literature for foreign language learning, as well as for the development of students' cultural competences and the expansion of their general outlook on life. Arguments for the use of literature in foreign language teaching can be classified into five categories: Through the correct use of literary texts, students improve their language skills and competences (linguistic argument), while literary contents motivate the exchange of opinions and discussion, encouraging true communication (methodological argument). Literary texts also enable overcoming cultural barriers through familiarizing students with the culture of the language they learn (cultural argument), have an educational value in the broadest sense (personal development argument) and bring enjoyment (aesthetic argument). We have designed "The Use of Literary Contents in English Language Teaching" teacher training program at the Serbian Institute for the Improvement of Education on the basis of our methodological research and teaching experience. At the seminar, areas of language and ways in which literature can be incorporated in ELT are presented to primary and secondary school English language teachers, with special emphasis on practical examples, criteria for selecting texts, and accompanying activities. The activities we have designed show that it is not difficult to combine classic activities used in the communicative approach (e.g. role-play, interview, exchange of opinions, informal conversation, group work) with literary contents. At the end of the paper, we present the feedback from the participants of the seminar who have successfully incorporated our materials in their English classes, and point at the possible directions for the further development of this project.