Upper-intermediate EFL Learners Research Articles

The Effect of Unit-of-Translation on Iranian Upper-Intermediate EFL Learners’ Achievement in Bizarre News Translation

The Effect of Unit-of-Translation on Iranian Upper-Intermediate EFL Learners’ Achievement in Bizarre News Translation

Integration of Audiovisual Input via TED-ED Videos and Language Skills to Enhance Vocabulary Learning

Vocabulary knowledge plays a primary role in the ability to communicate in a second/foreign language. The present study examined how different input or output modalities combined with audiovisual input provided by TED-ED videos could foster vocabulary learning. In doing so, some written tasks and exercises were used to facilitate the process. Participants were 56 upper-intermediate EFL learners in four classes who were selected based on convenience sampling. They were randomly assigned to one control and three experimental groups. Audiovisual input was employed in the experimental groups and was followed by speaking (n=13), listening (n=14), and reading (n=15) activities. The control group (n=14) practiced the same materials via reading and listening to control the audiovisual input effect. A Vocabulary Knowledge Scale (VKS) administered at the outset helped in selecting 60 unknown words. After the instruction treatment, the participants took immediate and delayed post-tests. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that audiovisual input, followed by speaking activities was more effective than other types of classroom practices. The frequency of target words in the tasks and the results of statistical analysis (mixed between within-subjects analysis of variance) on the exercises confirmed the MANOVA results. The retrospective questionnaire underlined the role of the films in vocabulary learning. The researchers concluded that audiovisual input followed by spoken output was more useful than audiovisual input, alone, followed by listening or reading. In addition, although facilitative, written tasks and exercises did not have a differential role in the results. The study has implications for SLA researchers, language teachers, and practitioners.

The effect of Google Expeditions virtual reality on EFL learners’ willingness to communicate and oral proficiency

This study reports the results of a mixed-methods investigation on the impact of a virtual reality (VR) tool on Iranian EFL learners' willingness to communicate (WTC) and oral proficiency. Twenty upper-intermediate EFL learners were divided into experimental and control groups role-playing as museum guides with and without Google Expeditions VR tool, respectively. Data collection comprised the participants' video-recorded oral performance, willingness to communicate scale, and focus group semi-structured interviews. Independent and paired sample t-test measures were used to investigate the groups' differences in terms of their WTC and oral proficiency development. Thematic analysis was also adopted to explore the participants' attitudes and perceptions toward the use of Google Expeditions in language classrooms. Quantitative findings showed that the experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in terms of oral performance and were more willing to communicate at the end of the experiment. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data indicated that the VR tool enhanced the participants' general knowledge, motivation, enthusiasm, cultural awareness, and confidence.

The Effect of Online vs. Offline Flipped Instruction on EFL Learners' Writing Ability

This study aimed at examining the effectiveness of computer-assisted flipped instruction on the writing ability of upper-intermediate Iranian EFL learners and their attitudes toward it. A mixed-method approach was used. A quantitative method employing the quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. Twenty participants were selected based on convenient sampling method and were divided into an online flipped instruction group (N= 10) and an offline flipped instruction group (N= 10). A paired sample t-test and independent samples t-test was used to analyze the obtained data. The results showed that the learners who received online flipped instruction outperformed those who received offline flipped instruction, regarding their performance on the posttest. Based on the findings of this study, it was argued that the learners in the online group had a positive attitude toward this method.

Are reading comprehension ability and its strategies transferable from L1 to L2? Evidence from upper-intermediate EFL learners in Iran

Considering the fact that being able to read efficiently would be a key tool for academic success, there has been a plethora of research conducted on this skill with a serious focus on the degree to which reading comprehension is the function of lexical and grammatical knowledge of the language. However, the present study was an endeavour to examine whether L2 (English) reading comprehension is ‘language-specific’ or related to ‘general reading proficiency’. Moreover, it has investigated reading comprehension strategies to see whether both poor and proficient Iranian readers use similar strategies for reading comprehension tasks in either languages or whether they employ different strategies depending on the language. The sample of 87 upper-intermediate Iranian EFL learners was recruited for the study that took seven months to complete. Statistical analyses revealed that L2 reading comprehension is not language-specific but primarily related to ‘general reading proficiency’. It was also found that proficient readers employed more or less identical strategies for reading comprehension tasks of different languages, while this was not the case for poor readers.

Newspaper Reading Comprehension Development through Vocabulary or Structure Instruction

The purpose of this study is investigating the effect of specific vocabularies and structures instruction on the upper intermediate EFL learners’ newspaper reading comprehension development. For this purpose, fifty four female upper intermediate EFL learners were selected and randomly assigned in three groups each consisting of eighteen learners, two experimental and one control. At the first session,a researcher-made newspaper reading comprehension test was applied as the pretest. The learners of one experimental group received instruction of newspaper structures and the other one received related vocabularies instruction and the control one received just translation of newspaper content by the teacher. In the last session, another researcher-made comprehension test was administered for three groups as the post test. The findings indicate thatstructure instruction is significantly the most beneficial one and the mere translation of newspaper content is the least beneficial in developing learner's newspaper reading comprehension.The results of interviews confirmed the study findings as well.

Improving EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning Through Short Story Oriented Strategy (SSOS)

Vocabulary is the main building block of language learning which acts as the kernel for all language skills. The present study attempts to investigate the effect of applying SSOS on Iranian upper-intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary learning. Lack of English vocabulary knowledge of Iranian learners as EFL learners encounters them with a lot of English using difficulties which influence their language abilities (reading, writing, listening and speaking). To this end, based on convenience non-random sampling selection, 40 upper-intermediate female learners were selected via Quick Placement Test. The participants were assigned to experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 20) groups. A vocabulary test as a pretest and a posttest were administered to all participants. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. The result of findings indicated that it is helpful to utilize SSOS as a tool to enhance not only learners’ conceptual and comprehensible processes in order to discover, guess and grasp the meaning of vocabulary but also to store and internalize them in their minds more successfully.

The effect of raters fatigue on scoring EFL writing tasks

Given the importance of testing, in general, and scoring writing tasks in particular, the negative effect of fatigue on human raters is important to investigate. This study aimed to (1) explore the relationship between fatigue and scoring composition tasks written by upper-intermediate EFL learners; and (2) to investigate the discrepancy of the frequency of comments among EFL raters while scoring composition tasks. Four raters were selected, and each given 28 composition tasks to score and comment on. The data were analyzed through SPSS software by running ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and post-hoc tests. Results suggested that the scores assigned to the first 16 tasks were significantly lower than those assigned to the last 12 tasks and that the last four tasks were scored highest. Based on the results obtained from the questionnaire, the observed diversity is argued to be rooted in raters’ fatigue and result in test bias. Furthermore, findings indicated that the frequency of comments given by the raters on the first 12 essays was significantly higher than those on the last 16 essays (the highest and the lowest frequency of comments were observed in the first four, and the last four scored essays, respectively).

Interlanguage Pragmatic Learning Strategies (IPLS) as Predictors of L2 Social Identity: A Case of Iranian Upper-Intermediate and advanced EFL Learners

Interlanguage pragmatic learning strategies (IPLS) as particularly tailored language learning strategies for acquiring L2 pragmatic knowledge have been recently paid paramount attention in the pragmatics literature. These strategies are, therefore, related to some other social variables which are central to pragmatic development such as L2 social identity. Because of the importance of the IPLS and the rarity of research about the relationship between IPLS and with L2 social identity as a highly pragmatic-oriented variable, the current study tried to investigate the contribution of various forms of IPLS to L2 social identity among a randomly selected sample of 125 upper-intermediate to advanced EFL learners at a state university in Iran. During the two-phased data collection procedure, first, the participants filled out Locastro’s (2001) L2 social identity questionnaire, and then Malmir and Tajeddin’s (2015) IPLS inventory in two subsequent sessions. Data analysis using multiple regression revealed that all types of IPLS were significant contributors to L2 social identity except for the memory IPLS. Among the other five types of IPLS, social IPLS was a significant and strong contributor to L2 social identity. Affective and compensatory IPLS were significant moderate contributors to L2 social identity; however, metacognitive and cognitive interlanguage pragmatic learning strategies were weak albeit significant predictors of Iranian EFL learners’ social identity in English as an L2. The results of this study imply that L2 teachers can enhance social identity among the learners by fostering the knowledge of various forms of IPLS.

The Impact of Computer-Assisted Assessment on EFL Learners’ Writing Cohesion and Coherence

There are many studies that have been conducted with respect to the effectiveness of assessment on EFL learners, However, the computer-assisted assessment techniques have been left underexplored. The purpose of the current study is to fill this gap in the literature. For this aim, the researcher selected 61 upper-intermediate EFL learners through the convenience sampling method. The participants were at the age of 17 to 23. The researcher assigned the participants into two groups, the experimental group (n=31) and the control group (n=30). A computer-assisted assessment technique was employed with Edmodo software in the experimental group. This way mostly follows an interventionist model with mediation offered from a menu of predetermined clues, hints, and leading questions selected in a lock-step fashion (moving from most implicit to most explicit) by the computer. The participants of the control group continued in a conventional way. The results of this study showed that computer-assisted assessment can be regarded as an effective technique for enhancing EFL learners’ writing cohesion and coherence. EFL teachers and teacher educators can be the beneficiaries of the current study to enrich their concourses with the more computer-assisted assessment based.

The effects of task-induced involvement load and input modality on incidental vocabulary learning

Knowing enough vocabulary is crucial for second language learners to comprehend and produce the language. Therefore, a substantial bulk of research has aimed at finding the most effective ways to acquire new words. The Task-induced Involvement Load Hypothesis (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001) states that vocabulary tasks are efficient when they induce higher learner involvement. The present study investigated how tasks with the same involvement load but different input modalities (written vs. audiovisual) affect vocabulary learning at different proficiency levels. 236 Turkish (lower- or upper-intermediate) EFL learners performed six vocabulary tasks with three involvement loads and two types of input. Four tasks included gap filling or sentence writing with eight target words after reading a text or watching a video, while two tasks involved reading or video comprehension only. Productive and receptive word knowledge was tested through vocabulary post-tests which required the target form or meaning. Data were obtained by counting the percentage/number of the correct forms and meanings. The results showed that for receptive word knowledge, sentence writing (higher involvement load) was more effective than gap filling (lower involvement load) for both levels regardless of input type, but the audiovisual input fostered more knowledge among the upper-intermediate learners. As for productive word knowledge, the pairing of gap filling with the written input and sentence writing with the audiovisual input was more effective for both levels. While these findings partially confirm the predictions for receptive word knowledge, they also highlight the role that input modality plays in productive word knowledge. Keywords:Â Incidental vocabulary learning; task-induced involvement load; task efficacy; input type; productive and receptive word knowledge

The Effect of Consciousness-Raising Instruction on the Pragmatic Development of Agreeing and Disagreeing of Iranian EFL Upper Intermediate Learners in Speaking Performance

Pragmatics, as a subfield of linguistics, plays a major role in learning a foreign language ( Crystal, 1997) and to make someone aware of something. Consciousness-raising tasks are designed. Accordingly, this study was done to investigate the effect of consciousness-raising instruction on the pragmatic development of agreeing and disagreeing of Iranian EFL upper intermediate learners in speaking performance. To fulfill the purpose of this study, on the basis of the result of English Unlimited Placement Test, 60 male and female upper intermediate EFL learners, aged 17 to 23, were selected out of 70. The participants were divided in two experimental and control groups. The experimental group was divided into three sub- groups including a role play group, a discussion group, and an interactive translation group. Each experimental group received different treatment on speaking performance. The way they were treated in these three experimental groups varied. This research was conducted at two English institutes located in Karaj, namely, Negarin and Zaban Tarjoman Language Centers. The study lasted for one term (i.e., 16 sessions). The quantitative data obtained were analyzed through SPSS to scrutinize the effect of the treatment. The results of a repeated-measures two-way ANOVA showed that there was a significant improvement in Iranian EFL learners’ application of agreement and disagreement structures while speaking. Meanwhile, in the control group the improvement was not statistically significant. Conclusions and Pedagogical implications are further discussed.

The Impact of Using Inverted Classrooms on Promoting Extensive versus Intensive Reading Comprehension among Iranian Upper-intermediate EFL Learners

This study aimed to investigate the impact of inverted classrooms on promoting Iranian EFL learners’ extensive and intensive reading comprehension. To fulfil, 60 Iranian upper-intermediate EFL students out of 90 were chosen based on an Oxford Quick Placement Test. The selected participants were randomly divided into two experimental groups; intensive reading group (n=20) and extensive reading group (n=20), and a control group (n=20). Then, the three groups were pretested. After that, the researcher put the participants of both experimental groups in two inverted classrooms. Each inverted classroom was equipped with Internet, computer and projector and participants in this classroom were allowed to bring their Smartphones to the classroom and use them during learning. On the other hand, the control group receive no treatment and were taught in traditional instruction. The results of paired samples t-test and one-way ANOVA revealed that both experimental groups had better performance on their post-test compared to their pre-test. The results showed that there was not a significant difference between the performances of the experimental groups on the post-test. Finally, implications arising from the findings and suggestions for further research were explained.

Scaffolding argumentative essay writing via reader-response approach: a case study

The variety of activities and techniques suggested for improving the writing skill shows that EFL/ESL learners need scaffolding to gain mastery over it. The present study employed the reader-response approach to provide the assistance EFL learners require for writing argumentative essays. Five upper-intermediate EFL learners in a private class participated in the qualitative case study. The participants were not selected from the fields related to the English language and did not have any previous instruction on literary texts. During the treatment that took 20 sessions, each session 2 h, the participants read five short stories. Different classroom activities were used as sources of information, which helped the researcher to collect the required data. The classroom activities consisted of group discussions, writing tasks, and responses to the short stories that helped the learners to reflect on the short stories. Think-aloud protocols helped the researcher to learn about the participants’ mental processes during writing. The semi-structured interviews provided the researcher with the information necessary for a deeper understanding of the efficacy of the classroom procedure. As the results of the study showed, successful writing requires manipulation of meta-cognitive strategies and thought-provoking activities. Although the findings of the study cannot be generalized, they can inspire EFL/ESL teachers and material developers to seek a variety of procedures in their approaches to teaching writing.

The Impact of Flipped Classroom Instruction on Iranian Upper-Intermediate EFL Learners' Writing Skill

This study attempted to examine the effects of flipped classroom instruction on Iranian EFL learners’ writing skill. To fulfill the objective of the study, 48 Iranian upper-intermediate participants were selected through administrating the Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). Then, they were divided into two groups; one experimental group and one control group. Then, both groups were pretested by a writing test. After that, the researcher put the participants of the experimental group in a flipped classroom. The flipped classroom was equipped with Internet, computer and projector and participants in this classroom were allowed to bring their Smartphones to the classroom and use them during learning. The control group was exposed to traditional instruction in the class. This procedure continued till the last session. The results of independent samples t-test and one-way ANCOCA revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group on the post-test. In addition, the results showed that there was a significant difference between the performances of the experimental group and the control group on the post-test.

Improving Upper-intermediate EFL Learners’ Communicative Competence through Authentic Materials

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of authentic materials on enhancing Iranian English as a foreign language learners' communicative competence. To this end, 106 upper-intermediate participants out of 136 were selected based on their performance an Oxford Placement Test (OPT) and randomly assigned to two equal groups- one experimental group and one control group. Then a pre-test was administered to assess the participants' communicative competence at the beginning of the course. Then, the experimental group received the treatment. The control group was taught the course content using the regular communicative method through which students received teacher-course from the textbook. After the treatment, the two groups took the post-test. The data analysis through paired and independent sample t-tests revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group on the posttest. In other words, teaching authentic materials showed to have a significant effect on improving learners' communicative competence. The implications, limitations, and suggestions of this study are explained at the end of the study.

Is Willingness to Communicate a Reliable Predictor of Learner Autonomy in an EFL Context?

The present quantitative study investigated the relationship between willingness to communicate (WTC) and learner autonomy in an EFL context. In addition, it explored the probable effect of gender on the relationship between learner autonomy and WTC. Furthermore, it investigated whether WTC could predict learner autonomy. The data were collected from 142 upper-intermediate and advanced EFL learners (72 males and 70 females) by means of two questionnaires, the Learner Autonomy Questionnaire and the WTC Scale. The findings indicated that WTC correlated significantly and positively with learner autonomy. Moreover, correlational analysis revealed that gender modified this relationship in that the relationship between WTC and learner autonomy was stronger and more positive among female learners. The results revealed that WTC was a partial predictor of learner autonomy in this EFL context.

Efficacy of Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Pushed Negotiations in Boosting Speaking

This study was set out to shed light on the efficacy of pushed output directed by scaffolding on 41 (24 female and 17 male) upper-intermediate EFL learners’ speaking fluency and accuracy. A public version of IELTS speaking test was held to measure learners’ entrance behavior. Then, they were randomly assigned into symmetrical, asymmetrical, and control group. The experimental and control groups covered 7 lessons of New Interchange 2 during 15 sessions, twice a week for about 45 minutes each session. Control group received placebo while symmetrical and asymmetrical groups worked on pushed output tasks. The data were audio recorded and transcribed for statistical analyses. The results indicated the efficacy of pushed output in boosting speaking. However, tests of between-subjects effects revealed that the mean score of the control group was not significantly different from that of experimental groups concerning speaking fluency. Furthermore, the results of Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests showed that asymmetrically pushed output activities were more effective in enhancing learners speaking accuracy. In sum, the results suggested that the implementation of pushed out put strategies in student centered contexts could be considered as an effective way in the development of learners’ oral output.

The Relationship between L2 Listening Comprehension and Listening Fatigue among Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners

Listening is referred to by many scholars as the most important as well as the most complicated skill in the language, which can cause mental fatigue in the learners. This study was an attempt to investigate the relationship between L2 listening comprehension and listening fatigue among Iranian EFL learners. For this purpose, 86 intermediate and upper-intermediate Iranian EFL learners randomly selected after administering a paper-based TOEFL among an initial sample of 120 BA learners majoring in English language translation, took part in the study. A TOEFL listening test and a researcher-made validated listening fatigue questionnaire were utilized in order to gather the necessary data. Afterwards, during the qualitative phase, oral interviews were employed to obtain 30 % of the participant’s’ attitudes about the relationship between listening comprehension and listening fatigue. Applying a Pearson product-moment correlation revealed that there was a significant relationship between L2 listening fatigue and their listening comprehension. These findings were also supported by a small qualitative phase and learners gave their positive support and attitude about the relationship. These findings have some pedagogical implications for teaching and learning an L2, the most important of which is that in order to enhance EFL learners’ L2 listening comprehension, it is better to reduce their debilitative listening fatigue.

The Integration of Explicit Instruction and Implicit Meaning-Focused Experience for L2 Vocabulary Development: The Comparative Effect of Time Sequence

The combination of implicit meaning-focused input and explicit instruction has been suggested by recent research as very effective for learning L2 vocabulary; however, the time sequence for such juxtaposition has not been adequately examined through empirical studies. Therefore, this study sought to find the optimal time for combining explicit and implicit L2 vocabulary instruction using an explanatory mixed-method design. A convenience sample of 62 upper-intermediate EFL learners from three intact classes participated in this study. The Test of Academic Word List (Version A) that assesses Coxhead’s (2000) Academic Word List (AWL) was administered as a pertest. The reading book, Focus on Vocabulary 2, that has been developed based on the AWL was used for giving meaning-forced input. The target words were explicitly pre-taught in Class A (n=22), taught concurrent with encountering them in the reading text in Class B (n=20), and post-taught in Class C (n=22). Version B of the AWL Test was used as the posttest and after a 14-day retention interval (RI) as the delayed posttest. Then, 25% of the learners were orally interviewed about their attitudes toward the treatment they received. Quantitative data analysis using one-way ANCOVA revealed that explicit teaching during the reading was the optimal time and could help learners significantly do better on the immediate and delayed post-tests followed by pre-teaching. Qualitative analysis also verified the obtained quantitative results. The findings of this study imply that explicit vocabulary teaching during the reading should be practiced by EFL teachers/learners for fostering vocabulary development.