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Payant, Caroline A. "Learner-Learner Interaction: An Exploration of the Mediating Functions of Multilingual Learners’ Languages in an L3 Foreign Language Classroom." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2012. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/alesl_diss/23.
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Since the mid 90s, an increasing number of researchers have adopted a sociocultural theory (SCT) of mind to investigate the social and cognitive functions of language during learner-learner interaction (Lantolf & Thorne, 2007). Researchers from an SCT perspective have identified that first languages (L1s) serve important cognitive functions (Alegría de la Colina & García Mayo, 2009; Storch & Aldosari, 2010). Swain and colleagues (Swain, 1995; Swain & Lapkin, 1995, 1998) have also illustrated that languaging, a form of verbalization, facilitates the completion of complex linguistic tasks which leads to second language (L2) development (Swain, Brooks, & Tocalli-Beller, 2002). Moreover, researchers have found that task type impacts language development (Storch & Aldosari, 2010; Storch & Wigglesworth, 2003; Swain & Lapkin, 2001). Due to the growing number of multilingual learners in the world today (Hammarberg, 2010), researchers need to expand the scope of the research to include the role(s) of native and nonnative languages on third language (L3) development. Thus, the purpose of the current multiple case study was to investigate the specific mediating functions of multilingual learners’ languages during four types of collaborative tasks and to explore the relationship between languaging and L3 development. A 16-week classroom-based study was conducted in a university French as a foreign language classroom in Mexico with four focal participants. The language produced during learner-learner interaction was examined using three types of analysis: (1) each turn was coded for language and for their specific functions; (2) each Language-Related Episode (LRE) was coded for type and for resolution; and (3) accuracy on individual tailor-made posttest items. Findings uncovered a complex picture of task type effects on the specific mediating functions of language as well as complementary functions of L1 and L3 mediation. Results from the analysis of LREs show that task type impacts the occurrence and resolution of LREs. Accuracy scores from the posttests suggest that L1 and L3 mediation promotes L3 development. Findings are in line with the focal participants’ beliefs. The findings that languages serve various social and cognitive functions during task completion are discussed in light of current ideas from an SCT perspective.
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Vicente-Rasoamalala, Leticia. "Teachers' Reactions to Foreign Language Learner Output." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/1675.
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OF THE DISSERTATION:<br/><br/>"Teachers' Reactions to Foreign Language Learner Output"<br/><br/>BY: Leticia Vicente-Rasoamalala<br/><br/>TEXT:<br/><br/>A series of theoretical and practical educational studies have suggested that learners need teacher assistance to progress in their learning. Therefore, a considerable amount of language classroom research has been concerned with the study of teacher activities, especially those focusing on their instructional methods.<br/><br/>In an attempt to contribute to this research area, the general objective of the dissertation is to develop a better understanding of one recurrent practice in formal FL instruction: how teachers react to FL learner output in classroom oral interactions. To this end, the formal features and phenomena involved in Teacher Reaction Episodes (TREs) are addressed. 'Teacher reactions' refer to any instructional strategies that handle language learner oral productions. In traditional SLA research, this teacher practice has been conceptually examined under the rubric of 'corrective feedback'.<br/><br/>This thesis covers multidisciplinary theoretical and methodological approaches related to TREs. Part I (Chapters 1-4) puts in perspective the general conceptual framework that underpins the empirical second part of the thesis. A literature review encompasses: i) general and specific components comprising TREs), ii) the features surrounding these instructional moves, iii) their potential benefits for FL learner acquisition and, iv) the methodological frameworks previously used to examine teacher reactions.<br/><br/>We have identified the key questions that SLA research has addressed in relation to "Teacher Reactions to Foreign Language Learner Output" by covering different methods of enquiry such as:<br/><br/>1) SLA theories<br/>2) Socioculturalism<br/>3) FL classroom social interaction studies<br/>4) Teacher reaction features in the light of SLA works<br/><br/>Part II (Chapters 5-8) describes microanalysis case studies carried out for observing and identifying the turns of TREs. Video data collected from two Senegalese international bilingual schools illustrate the differential effects of teacher reactions on FL learner uptake. Through corpus-based evidence from three immersion settings, an attempt is made to discover conditions and means for felicitous TREs in acquisitional terms. The term "immersion" refers to the teaching approach in which students receive academic instruction of core content subjects in a language that is not usually their mother tongue (Wesche, 2001).<br/><br/>Specifically, 3 language teachers were observed with their students in their FL immersion classrooms in three main differentiated learning settings, which involve different levels and languages: i. Advanced English immersion (Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) at the primary school (Setting 1); ii. Intermediate English immersion (Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) at the primary school (Setting 2); iii. Spanish as L3 immersion (Years 9 and 10) at the secondary school (Setting 3) In order to conduct further research in the area of teacher feedback (Lyster & Mori, 2006; Lyster & Ranta, 1997), this study has focused on teacher reactions to foreign language learner output in such peculiar formal instruction (FI) learning contexts. A total of 14 lessons were observed to this end in each classroom year level.<br/><br/>This part of the dissertation has been theoretically and methodologically framed into one hybrid approach covering diverse complementary perspectives. For instance, the SLA social interactionist views, socioculturalism, Conversation Analysis and ethnomethodology. In methodological terms, this study aimed at:<br/><br/>1) describing the way(-s) in which learners and teachers verbally and non-verbally engage didactic negotiations during TREs;<br/><br/>2) identifying how TREs might be salient for language acquisition in engaging learner noticing of their deviant target language forms; <br/><br/>3) investigating if learners engage after teacher interventions, pay attention to their errors, and if they might fruitfully self-repair; <br/><br/>4) surveying teacher and learner beliefs on TREs.<br/><br/>The results seem to reflect certain trends in relation to the error types, the kinds of teacher reactions and the immersion settings, classroom years and levels vis-à-vis learner uptake. Globally, learners receiving metalinguistic feedback appear to generate more uptake than those receiving recasts.<br><I>EXTRACTO DE LA TESIS:<br/><br/>TÍTULO: Reacciones docentes ante el output de los aprendices de lenguas extranjeras<br/><br/>TEXTO: <br/><br/>Una serie de estudios teóricos y prácticos que versan sobre aspectos educativos han postulado que el soporte del profesor es necesario para la progresión del aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Por esta razón, un número considerable de trabajos ha indagado sobre las actividades docentes haciendo especial hincapié en los métodos didácticos aplicados con el fin de examinarlas.<br/><br/>En un intento de contribuir en esta área de investigación, el objetivo general de esta tesis es profundizar en una práctica docente recurrente en la enseñanza de idiomas. Se trata de las reacciones de los profesores ante el output de los aprendices que tienen lugar durante las interacciones orales en las aulas de lenguas extranjeras. En particular, se pretende examinar los rasgos formales de los "episodios de reacciones docentes" (ERD) y los fenómenos circundantes que se manifiestan en ellos. Las "reacciones docentes" se refieren a la totalidad de estrategias didácticas verbales y no verbales que se despliegan ante las producciones orales de los aprendices de idiomas. Tradicionalmente, el campo de la adquisición de lenguas segundas examina de manera conceptual esta práctica docente como "feedback correctivo".<br/><br/>Este trabajo contextualiza los estudios teóricos y metodológicos multidisciplinarios afines con los ERD abarcando: i) los componentes generales y específicos de los episodios de reacciones docentes, ii) las condiciones que rodean estas acciones, iii) los beneficios potenciales para el aprendiz en relación con el "feedback" o la retroalimentación docente en diferentes contextos de adquisición de lenguas y iv) los marcos metodológicos previamente aplicados para examinar las reacciones del profesor o del instructor de lenguas.<br/><br/>Los datos recogidos mediante una videocámara en dos escuelas bilingües internacionales privadas de Senegal ilustran los efectos diferenciados de las reacciones docentes sobre las producciones subsiguientes ("uptake") de los aprendices. A través de un corpus basado en datos empíricos extraídos de tres contextos de inmersión, se ha intentado hallar las condiciones y los recursos que podrían posibilitar que las reacciones docentes ante el output de los aprendices de idiomas sean más facilitadoras en términos de adquisición. En el presente estudio, la provisión de feedback metalingüístico pareció generar más "uptake" por parte de los aprendices que en el caso de las reformulaciones. </I>
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Yough, Michael S. "Self-Efficacy and the Language Learner." The Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1306822617.
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Picken, Jonathan David. "Metaphor in literature and the foreign language learner." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.397594.
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Pekkarinen, A. M. (Anne-Maria). "Basic English and a young foreign language learner." Master's thesis, University of Oulu, 2013. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-201306061555.
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The topic of thesis is teaching of English vocabulary at the lower levels of the Finnish comprehensive school after a three-year-study. The target group of the research is 77 11-year-old non-native English language learners. Material consisted of vocabulary tasks that were answered by pupils in the written form. The research problem was to find out whether word lists were suited for educational purposes and empirically examine vocabulary competence of a young, non-native foreign language learner. The theoretical part consists of Basic English word list compiled by Charles Kay Ogden, classification of words and some questions involved in language teaching. In the empirical part research method used was counting word frequencies in learners’ answers and comparing them with Basic English word list. The most essential research results were announced as word findings divided into word classes and explained verbally and in the form of tables. Purpose of the research was to find out whether language used by learners was Basic English or not<br>Tutkielman aiheena on englannin kielen sanaston opettaminen suomalaisen peruskoulun ala-asteella kolmen opiskeluvuoden jälkeen. Tutkimuksen kohderyhmänä on 77 11-vuotiasta ei-syntyperäistä englannin kielen oppijaa. Aineistona ovat sanastotehtävät, joihin oppilaat vastasivat kirjallisesti. Tutkimusongelma on ottaa selville, ovatko sanalistat soveltuvia opetustarkoituksiin ja tutkia kokeellisesti nuoren, ei-syntyperäisen oppijan sanaston osaaminen. Teoriaosa koostuu Charles Kay Ogdenin Basic English sanalistasta ja kielen opettamiseen liittyvistä kysymyksistä. Empiirisessä osassa käytetty tutkimusmenetelmä oli laskea sanatiheyksiä oppijoiden vastauksista ja verrata niitä Basic English sanalistaan. Keskeiset tutkimusmenetelmät ilmoitettiin sanalöydöksinä jaettuna sanaluokkiin ja selitettiin sanallisesti ja taulukoiden muodossa Tutkielman tarkoituksena oli selvittää, onko oppijoiden käyttämä kieli perusenglantia vai ei
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Kraemer, Angelika Natascha. "Engaging the foreign language learner using hybrid instruction to bridge the language-literature gap /." Diss., Connect to online resource - MSU authorized users, 2008.
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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian, and African Languages, 2008.<br>Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on July 2, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-272). Also issued in print.
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LEE, SOO YUN. "Dynamic Assessment in Foreign Language Individualized Instruction." The Ohio State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1468352180.
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Axelsson, Susanna. "The weak language learner : a study of ways of taking weak language learners into consideration in class." Thesis, Växjö University, School of Humanities, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:vxu:diva-1814.
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<p>English is taught as a compulsory second language in Swedish schools and is one of three core subjects needed to be passed in order to receive a leaving certificate. Statistics show that 6.9% of the students do not aquire proficiency enough to receive a G (pass) in English in grade nine. The aim of this study is to investigate to what extent weak language learners are considered in the English classroom and if compensatory aids are used to further support their learning conditions. The method used for the study is qualitative interviews which were semi-structured. Four interviews with English teachers were conducted within the same municipality.</p><p>The result shows that there are aspects that can be considered in order to provide better opportunities for weak language learners within the English classroom as well as outside the English classroom. Some teachers find it difficult to separate lack of motivation from lack of knowledge which makes discovering the students as early as possible important. In the English classroom weak language learners can be supported by smaller discussion groups since one problem seems to be oral skills. A connection to Swedish can be observed and students with difficulties in reading and writing in their native language experience more problems when learning English. The interviewees state the importance of first focusing on oral skills in the target language, before introducing written skills.</p><p>Regarding support outside the English classroom the investigation shows that optional English, parents and homework are important features. In the optional English class weaker language learners get an opportunity to speak and revise previous blanks of knowledge. Parents are important for showing their children that they find English important but also for supporting the children while doing homework.</p><p>Concerning compensatory aids, most teachers did not use them nor had they knowledge enough about available aids. The most frequently used aid was a CD where texts are recorded.</p>
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Huang, Jing. "Autonomy, agency and identity in foreign language learning and teaching." Click to view the E-thesis via HKUTO, 2009. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record/B41757981.
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O'Sullivan, Anthony Vincent. "The foreign language coursebook : a study of its role in learner motivation." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1990. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10018474/.
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Motivation is the driving force behind successful learning. It is especially crucial in a curriculum area such as foreign language study. This investigation aims to explore the motivational role of the central teaching and learning resource used in schools - the coursebook. The opening Chapter reviews major theories of motivation and learning from behaviourism to cognitivism with the aim of establishing a theoretical base. Chapter Two examines mother tongue acquisition and foreign language learning. Theories of both are discussed, compared and contrasted with the emphasis on identifying compatible features. Key aspects of learning theory and motivational factors related to foreign language learning are presented. The motivational function of the teacher is reviewed with particular reference to the planning and management of learning. The role and the nature of the foreign language coursebook are reviewed and reappraised in Chapter Three. The main aim of this study is identified and, in the light of previous discussion of motivation and learning, an evaluation instrument for coursebooks is drawn up. Chapters Four and Five report and discuss surveys of the views of pupils and teachers on three widely-used coursebooks. Although reactions are generally positive, clear areas of unfulfilled need emerge, as do shortcomings in coursebooks' effectiveness in motivating learners and promoting successful learning. A broad consensus of views between the two groups is revealed. The most popular coursebook of the 1980s is used as a case study in Chapter Six. Application of evaluation criteria established earlier reveals some commendable features but a rather larger number which fail to generate motivation or promote effective learning. The final Chapter sets an agenda for a reappraisal of coursebook design based both on findings of this study and on the impact of sweeping change and reform of the education system which will take effect in the 1990s.
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Barker, David Lloyd. "The Potential Role of Unstructured Learner Interaction in Acquiring a Foreign Language." Thesis, Leeds Beckett University, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.515322.
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Unstructured learner interaction (ULI) refers to the use of a foreign language by learners who share an L1 with their peers outside the classroom in the L 1 environment. The introduction to this thesis recounts the researcher's experiences with learners who have developed their proficiency through ULI, and it raises the question of why ULI is not common in Japan, even among highly motivated learners. The literature review is presented in two parts: Chapter 2 examines studies of interaction from a historical perspective, and Chapter 3 investigates other fields of relevance. The main body of the thesis is made up of two studies. In Study 1, approximately 50 Japanese university students were surveyed to find out more about their attitudes to ULI. Their progress was then charted over four weeks as they attempted to use English outside the classroom. Data were collected through diaries, interviews, and the researcher's observations. The main findings of the study were that many students were able to use English outside the classroom. Reported benefits included gains in fluency, increased motivation, and reinforcement of previous learning. The findings of Study 1 were collated to create guidelines for the promotion of ULI within educational institutions. Study 2 compared unstructured and structured interactions between 16 pairs of learners. These were a different group from the participants in Study 1, but they were taken from a similar population. The findings were that the learners took significantly longer turns in ULI and produced more complex language, but that there was no difference in speech rate or amount spoken. The conclusion was that the benefits of communicative activities conducted in the language classroom should also accrue from ULI, and that ULI may offer a valuable source of practice for learners who do not have regular contact with fluent speakers of English. The thesis concludes with a call for increased awareness of the potential benefits of ULI among both learners and teachers of foreign languages.
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Ahn, Misook. "Student Perception of Language Achievement and Learner Autonomy in a Blended Korean Language Course| The Case Study of Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center." Thesis, Northcentral University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10683956.
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<p> The blended learning model, which combines the traditional face-to-face learning method with an online application such as a learning management system (LMS), became popular and more practical for both teachers and learners in foreign and second language education because of its effective methodology for course delivery and socialization opportunities with technology-enhanced learning activities in both online and offline environments. Although the effectiveness of blended language learning models and benefits of student achievement and autonomous learning with an LMS have been explored, prior research resulted in conflicting data on blended instruction identifying the inconsistent findings in student achievement. Some researchers found that students in blended learning improved their language skills and had higher achievement than participants in exclusively face-to-face or online learning, while some researchers found there to be no statistically important differences in achievement when the blended model was used compared to a face-to-face setting. The specific problem is that the low language achievement of students seems to be related to lack of autonomous language learning skills, but their perceptions of the blended language courses regarding language achievement and autonomous learning skill have not been previously identified and analyzed. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to investigate student perceptions of course effectiveness factors for language proficiency as well as learner autonomy in a blended Korean language course to improve language achievement, especially in listening and reading comprehension skills. American students who attended intermediate and advanced blended Korean language courses applied with the LMS, <i>SAKAI</i> in 2014, 2015, and 2016 at the Osan Language Training Detachment (LTD), Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Korea, were invited to participate in the anonymous, open-ended online survey. Data from 10 of the participants were analyzed and evaluated. This study found the blended Korean language course was effective for language learning and achievement, but only 50% of participants stated it was effective for the improvement of autonomous learning skills. The other responses said those skills were dependent on various elements of the blended course such as activities, curriculum, teacher, and student’s motivation and learning styles. The factors students found to be effective and ineffective as well as suggestions offered to improve the blended language course were discussed. Although the focus was on one Osan LTD teaching Korean language courses at DLIFLC, the findings could be able to improve language achievement and autonomous learning for future learner success as well as curriculum design in other foreign language courses in DLIFLC or other institutions.</p><p>
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Ruiz, Madrid Maria Noelia. "Learner Autonomy in Computer-Assisted Language Learning. A comparative case-study of learners' behaviours in the English as a Foreign Language Context." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Jaume I, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/10440.
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This dissertation investigates the relationship between Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and language-learning approaches. In this sense, Language Learning Autonomy (LLA) seems to be the most preferred candidate by researchers in order to become the suitable approach in order to make the most out of technology (Blin, 1999; Little, 2001; Littlemore, 2003; The European Directorate General of Education and Culture, 2003; sanz, 2003; Villanueva, 2003). The increasing research on this specific field and the theoretical reflections derived from it over the last decade constitutes the framework of our study. Following previous studies (Beatty, 2003; Chapelle, 2003; Alessi, 2001; Marqués, 1995, 2001; Rushby, 1997; Shin and Wastell, 1998; Blin, 1999; Holliday, 1999; Hoven, 1997, 1999; Murray, 1998; Sanz, 2003), the aim of the present study is to examine to what extent an approach to language learning autonomy from a socioconstructivist perspective can effectively inform the design of a specific language learning package taht promotes both autonomising behaviours and positive attitudes in learners. With these reflections in mind, three aspects underline the present study, namely 1) the need to carry out qualitative studies in order to inform a theoretical framework for CALL development, 2) the need to focus on the relationship between CALL and LLA and 3) the need to examine the "teachibility"of learner autonomy by means of a language learning package designed for this specific purpose. This context motivated the following actions: 1) to design a pilot application based upon autonomising criteria (TADLA: Technology Applied to the Development of Learner Autonomy); 2) to test this design with learners with a specific learner style regarding their learner autonomy degree. And finally 3) to compare the results obtained in the tests of other language learning package (Communicate and Connect, 2003).<br/>The results obtained in the case-study confirm that the criteria upon which the design of TADLA is based could be considered the requirements that enable the integration of autonomising strategies within the learning activities. In this sense, attention to learning styles, implementation of authentic materials, the possibility of transfer and a discursive approach among others are suitable criteria for the development of attitudes that could lead to a later development of learner autonomy.
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Satō, Tetsuya. "Learner interaction during pair communication activities in university Japanese as a foreign language classrooms /." view abstract or download file of text, 1999. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/uoregon/fullcit?p1397798.
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Thesis (M.A.)--University of Oregon, 1999.<br>Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 162-167). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users. Address: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/uoregon/fullcit?p1397798.
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Kennedy, Sara 1973. "Second language learner speech and intelligibility : instruction and environment in a university setting." Thesis, McGill University, 2008. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=115651.
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The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the pronunciation and intelligibility of instructed and uninstructed second language (L2) learners over time, and to identify instructional, environmental, and methodological factors playing a role in pronunciation and intelligibility.<br>Seventeen L2 graduate students at an English-medium university recorded three personal anecdotes over five months. The students also regularly logged their exposure to and use of English. Nine of the students (instructed group) were concurrently taking an oral communication course focussing on suprasegmental pronunciation. Classroom instruction was regularly observed and recorded. All 17 students were interviewed at the end of the study.<br>L1 listeners heard anecdotes from three instructed and three uninstructed students, matched for length of residence and first language (L1). Listeners also heard anecdotes from four L1 English speakers. One group of listeners retold each anecdote after hearing it (discourse-level task). The other group paused the recording of each anecdote whenever a word was unclear (word-level task). Each group of listeners also rated excerpts for accentedness, comprehensibility, and fluency.<br>Results of quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that: (a) no unambiguous changes in the pronunciation or intelligibility of either L2 learner group occurred over time; (b) word-level intelligibility measures more consistently differentiated L1 and L2 groups, and the instructed and uninstructed L2 groups; (c) compared to the instructed group, the uninstructed group logged relatively more English exposure/use for academic activities and relatively less for interactive social activities; (d) many instructed L2 learners did not believe that their pronunciation had noticeably improved, but almost all expressed satisfaction with their ability to communicate in English; (e) at the end of the study, many uninstructed learners reported persistent difficulties in communicating in English.<br>The results suggest that instruction in suprasegmental aspects of pronunciation sometimes may not lead to improved intelligibility or pronunciation. In addition, some L2 learners can be as intelligible as L1 speakers, depending on the listening task. Finally, results suggest that L2 learners' perceptions of their communicative ability and their patterns of L2 exposure/use are related. Implications for university preparation and support programs for L2 graduate students are discussed.
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Kouraogo, Pierre. "Learner-centredness and English as a foreign language : curriculum renewal in difficult circumstances." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1987. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10019653/.
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Yin, Chengbin. "Language learning strategies in relation to attitudes, motivations, and learner beliefs : investigating learner variables in the context of English as a foreign language in China /." College Park, Md.: University of Maryland, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1903/8258.
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Thesis (Ph. D.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2008.<br>Thesis research directed by: Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.
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Jin, Lingxia. "SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION OF SPATIAL METAPHORS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WRITINGS: INSIGHTS FROM NATIVE AND LEARNER LANGUAGE CORPORA." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/203488.
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First outlined by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) continues to thrive (e.g. Lakoff&Johnson 1992, Lakoff, 1993, 1999, 2008), by first challenging the traditional view on metaphor as a matter of language and something extraordinary and poetic. CMT claims that metaphor is pervasive and essential in language and thought. Furthermore, metaphor is considered as the locus for abstract reasoning in this theory.Since its proposal, CMT has triggered plethoric research. However, few empirical studies have examined metaphors in second language (L2) acquisition and the importance of metaphor has not been fully recognized as an indispensable dimension in second language teaching and learning (Littlemore, 2009; Littlemore&Low, 2006b). However, metaphors present a hurdle for L2 learners (Danesi, 1992); L2 learners misinterpret metaphors for cultural reasons (Littlemore, 2003); teaching conceptual metaphor as a learning strategy facilitate language learning (Littlemore&Low, 2006a; Li, 2009).Thus, the current study investigates metaphor in learner language in light of CMT via a corpus-based approach. The study particularly examines how L2 learners of Chinese and English express vertical spatial metaphors in L2 English and L2 Chinese writings and how they differ from learners' target languages and learners' native languages.The findings reveal that L2 language development is a dynamic process and four key factors are found to interplay in learners' acquisition of conceptual metaphors: frequency of the metaphor, L2 proficiency, topic familiarity, and linguistic factors. In particular, the frequency of the metaphor as reflected in the target language has the most important impact on learners' acquisition of conceptual metaphors, overriding the factor whether a metaphor is shared in L1 and L2 or not; secondly, L2 proficiency influences how learners are affected by their first languages: learners with lower proficiency are more affected; thirdly, learners acquire the metaphors associated with a familiar topic; finally, L2 learners are constrained by the main semantic unit in the metaphorical expressions. Overall, the study demonstrates that figurative language development is a dynamic process: learners' metaphoric competence demonstrates a developmental pattern, in particular, a pendulum effect and it eventually emerges over L2 proficiency.
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Ozturk, Gokhan. "Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety And Learner Motivation: A Case Study At A Turkish State University." Master's thesis, METU, 2012. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12613989/index.pdf.
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This study aimed to identify the relationship between foreign language speaking anxiety and foreign language learning motivation. In addition to this, the motivational level of learners, the effect of gender on this motivational level and the relationship between motivational orientations were examined. Besides, the level of foreign language speaking anxiety that the students experience, the effect of gender on this anxiety and the relationship between foreign language speaking anxiety and students&rsquo<br>motivational level were also investigated. Finally, foreign language speaking anxiety was studied in detail via face to face interviews.
Participants of the study included 383 pre-intermediate students at Afyon Kocatepe University English preparatory program. The data were collected via two questionnaires administered to these participants and 19 participants were interviewed to get in-depth data on speaking anxiety. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.
The results of the quantitative data revealed that students had a moderate level of foreign language learning motivation, female students were more motivated than males and motivational orientations were positively correlated on a moderate level. It was also found that students at AKU experienced a low level of foreign language speaking anxiety and female students got more anxious than males while speaking English in classroom atmosphere. Besides, foreign language speaking anxiety and foreign language learning motivation were found to be negatively correlated on a moderate level. Quantitative data of the study demonstrated that foreign language speaking anxiety is a separate phenomenon with its own sources, aspects, variables and effects on learners.
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Melkersson, Fabian. "Facilitating Learner Engagement in Creative Writing." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Malmö högskola, Institutionen för kultur, språk och medier (KSM), 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-41048.
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Creative writing is a well-established approach to teaching English in the L2 classroom, with the Swedish curriculum including it among its core contents section. There is however a lack of research done on the field, especially when it pertains to learner engagement. As such, this study investigates to what extent engagement in learners can be fostered and facilitated for creative writing. The method used is an analysis of the empirical studies performed on the subject to this date, with the aim of making conclusions based on their findings. Some of the conclusions made from those are that learner engagement can be fostered and facilitated in creative writing, but any exercise should take into concern the learners’ own interests and capabilities. The results also suggest including feedback and revision in every creative writing exercise to extend the time spent on any given project, leading to higher engagement levels in the given exercise. The results of the analysed studies do suggest a clear picture of the advantages of creative writing for engagement, but the lack of research on the subject, both in a Swedish and international context, coupled with creative writing’s central role in the classroom suggests more research needs to be done on the subject.
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Abe, Mariko. "Syntactic variation across proficiency levels in Japanese EFL learner speech." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2015. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/350754.
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Teaching & Learning<br>Ed.D.<br>Overall patterns of language use variation across oral proficiency levels of 1,243 Japanese EFL learners and 20 native speakers of English using the linguistic features set from Biber (1988) were investigated in this study. The approach combined learner corpora, language processing techniques, visual inspection of descriptive statistics, and multivariate statistical analysis to identify characteristics of learner language use. The largest spoken learner corpus in Japan, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Japanese Learner English (NICT JLE) Corpus was used for the analysis. It consists of over one million running words of L2 spoken English with oral proficiency level information. The level of the material in the corpus is approximately equal to a Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) range of 356 to 921. It also includes data gathered from 20 native speakers who performed identical speaking tasks as the learners. The 58 linguistic features (e.g., grammatical features) were taken from the original list of 67 linguistic features in Biber (1988) to explore the variation of learner language. The following research questions were addressed. First, what linguistic features characterize different oral proficiency levels? Second, to what degree do the language features appearing in the spoken production of high proficiency learners match those of native speakers who perform the same task? Third, is the oral production of Japanese EFL learners rich enough to display the full range of features used by Biber? Grammatical features alone would not be enough to comprehensively distinguish oral proficiency levels, but the results of the study show that various types of grammatical features can be used to describe differences in the levels. First, frequency change patterns (i.e., a rising, a falling, a combination of rising, falling, and a plateauing) across the oral proficiency levels were shown through linguistic features from a wide range of categories: (a) part-of-speech (noun, pronoun it, first person pronoun, demonstrative pronoun, indefinite pronoun, possibility modal, adverb, causative adverb), (b) stance markers (emphatic, hedge, amplifier), (c) reduced forms (contraction, stranded preposition), (d) specialized verb class (private verb), complementation (infinitive), (e) coordination (phrasal coordination), (f) passive (agentless passive), and (g) possibly tense and aspect markers (past tense, perfect aspect). In addition, there is a noticeable gap between native and non-native speakers of English. There are six items that native speakers of English use more frequently than the most advanced learners (perfect aspect, place adverb, pronoun it, stranded preposition, synthetic negation, emphatic) and five items that native speakers use less frequently (past tense, first person pronoun, infinitive, possibility modal, analytic negation). Other linguistic features are used with similar frequency across the levels. What is clear is that the speaking tasks and the time allowed for provided ample opportunity for most of Biber’s features to be used across the levels. The results of this study show that various linguistic features can be used to distinguish different oral proficiency levels, and to distinguish the oral language use of native and non-native speakers of English.<br>Temple University--Theses
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Kimura, Harumi. "A Self-Presentational Perspective on Foreign Language Listening Anxiety." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2011. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/157205.
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CITE/Language Arts<br>Ed.D.<br>This study uses a self-presentational framework to investigate second language listening anxiety (L2 listening anxiety) among university students learning English in Japan and demonstrate that L2 listening involves social concerns that are specific to L2 settings. Successful performance in aural interaction presupposes mutual understanding, and L2 listeners have good reason to become anxious when it is doubtful whether they properly comprehend what others say. The Shortened Scale of Foreign Language Listening Anxiety, the Revised Interaction Anxiousness Scale, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire as well as a dictation test were administered to 1,177 students in 15 universities for the quantitative part of this study. Introspection verbal report data were collected from 17 students in two universities to investigate the thought processes of L2 listeners for the qualitative part. The profile analysis indicated the following: L2 listening anxiety was (a) specific to L2 situations and (b) linked to L2 proficiency because high and low L2 listening proficiency groups were different in the overall levels of L2 listening anxiety, but not different in general anxiety measures. The exploratory factor analysis and Rasch principle component analyses demonstrated that L2 listening anxiety was a broad construct composed of two related but distinct dimensions, Self-Focused Apprehension and Task-Focused Apprehension. The former is a concern over social evaluative threat, and the latter is worry over effective processing of aural input. The univariate analyses of variance confirmed that L2 listening anxiety was partly socially constructed because social anxiety was linked to both dimensions of L2 listening anxiety. The verbal data suggested that L2 listening anxiety was receiver-specific in that it involved concerns over comprehending and responding appropriately to aural messages. They also indicated that the levels of L2 listening anxiety were (a) susceptible to individual differences, and (b) influenced by different social situations. This study contributes to conceptual developments in the area of L2 learner psychology because understanding others is of profound importance in successful communication, and anxiety over non-understanding or misunderstanding can have significant personal and interpersonal consequences.<br>Temple University--Theses
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Uslu, Selver. "Learner Perceptions About Webquest: A Case Study In An English As A Foreign Language Classroom." Master's thesis, METU, 2011. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12613763/index.pdf.
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Through the widespread use of the Internet, WebQuest has become one of the popular techniques in a variety of fields of science and arts for teaching different age groups and levels. This study is conducted to research the effectiveness of this approach in English language learning and to determine possible problems in its implementation. Thus, the purpose of this study is to design, develop, and implement this new approach and to evaluate the learners&rsquo<br>experiences with it.
The participants of this study were the students of a preparatory school at a state university. Twenty-five learners participated in this study. In line with the scope of the research, a WebQuest site was designed which require learners to complete a task related to the curriculum and learning objectives of their English courses.
Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed to assess the learner perceptions about the WebQuest site design, the steps of the process, group work, and the contribution of the application to language learning.
According to the findings of this study, participants appreciated the WebQuest approach and they provided important suggestions for future applications.
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Russell, Margo K. "A Comparison of Linguistic Features in the Academic Writing of Advanced English Language Learner and English First Language University Students." PDXScholar, 2014. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/2023.
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Writing for an academic purpose is not an easy skill to master, whether for a native English speaker (L1) or an English language learner (ELL). In order to better prepare ELL students for success in mainstream content courses at the university level, more must be known about the characteristics of student writing in the local context of an intensive English program. This information can be used to inform ELL writing instructors of which linguistic features to target so that their students produce writing that sounds appropriate for the academic written register.
Two corpora of 30 research essays each were compiled, one of L1 student writing done in various departments at Portland State University, and the other of ELL writing produced in an advanced writing course in Portland State University's Intensive English Language Program. The corpora were compared for the frequencies of 13 linguistic features which had been previously found in significantly different frequencies in L1 and ELL essays (Hinkel, 2002).
The tokens of each feature in each essay were counted, and the frequency rate was calculated in each case. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test found 6 features with significantly different frequency rates between the two corpora. The following features were more frequent in L1 essays than in ELL essays: modal would, perfect aspect, passive voice, reduced adjective clause, and it-cleft. In addition, the type/token ratio was found be significantly higher in L1 essays than in ELL essays.
An analysis of how each of the significant features was used in the context of ELL and L1 essays revealed the following: Both student groups were still acquiring the appropriate use of modal would; the majority of students in both groups did not utilize it-clefts; the lower type/token ratio in ELL essays meant that these students used a more limited vocabulary than did L1 students; and ELL students were still acquiring the accurate and appropriate uses of perfect aspect, passive voice, and reduced adjective clauses, whereas L1 students used these features grammatically and for the standard uses.
To apply these findings to the ELL writing classroom, instructors should help students raise their awareness of these six features in their own academic writing by leading students in identifying grammatical and ungrammatical uses of these features and providing practice in differentiating between uses which are standard to the register of academic writing and uses which are appropriate only in conversation. Two sample activities are included to illustrate how to implement these recommendations.
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Tono, Yukio. "The role of learner corpora in SLA research and foreign language teaching : the multiple comparison approach." Thesis, Lancaster University, 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.289059.
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Dyson, Bronwen Patricia, University of Western Sydney, and of Arts Education and Social Sciences College. "Developmental style in second language processing : a study of inter-learner variation in the acquisition of English as a second language." THESIS_CAESS_XXX_Dyson_B.xml, 2004. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/817.
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Research into how learners acquire second language has established that there are developmental stages but has not established the nature of variation within these stages. On the basis of a longitudinal study of the speech of six learners acquiring English as a Second Language (ESL), this thesis investigates the proposals which have been made about variation in stages within the paradigm established by the Multidimensional Model (MDM). Of particular interest is the variational option hypothesis in Processability Theory (PT), the theoretical framework of this thesis. The findings indicate that these variational options and the variational features are not satisfactory in three main respects. They are based on a theoretical construct which makes problematic assumptions about the learner’s knowledge of the second language, they do not reliably predict variation and they exclude important aspects of variation. This thesis proposes a new approach termed ‘developmental style’ which suggests that learner orientation at each stage can be defined in terms of a learner’s lexical or grammatical orientation. The findings demonstrate support for the developmental hypothesis and show that learners are consistent in their particular developmental style at the different stages investigated. The results indicate that learners vary in terms of their general grammatical development at any stage. This study also finds that language background, gender and task are variables which need to be controlled (informally) in order to demonstrate developmental styles.<br>Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Miura, Tsuyuki. "Motivational trajectories of successful foreign language learners: Six biographical case studies." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2011. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/138294.
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CITE/Language Arts<br>Ed.D.<br>This study concerns foreign language learners' motivational changes over a long period of time; it is an investigation of the learning histories of six learners who have achieved high proficiency in English. Unlike a large body of conventional foreign language learning motivational research, which has primarily been conducted using quantitative methodologies, this study employs two non-conventional approaches, a combination of learners' biographies and case study research. The primary purpose of the study is to holistically explore successful English learners' motivational trajectories and their learning histories in the Japanese context. To this end, foreign language learning motivation is conceptualized and illustrated as a dynamically changing construct that plays an important role in the process of foreign language learning. In the literature review, longitudinal studies concerning foreign language learning motivation and autobiographical studies and case studies that are relevant to this study are examined. The central research question is what motivational trajectories and learning histories these highly proficient learners have had, and how these learners have sustained their learning motivation over time and eventually achieved high proficiency while in an EFL (English as a foreign language) environment. The participants are six Japanese adults who have achieved high levels of English proficiency and who use English in their jobs. The design used in this case study involves both holistic and specifically focused analyses, by which each participant's learning history is collected through individual interviews. The author reports each participant's learning history, and the initial proposition concerning motivational change and salient motivational sources found in the participants' learning histories are collectively analyzed and discussed. Exploring the data concerning how the participants have maintained foreign language learning motivation resulting in the idea that sustained motivation is not always present in successful foreign language learning and that the key to success involves a cognitive change from a state in which motivation is present to one in which a more intentional psychological force, commitment to learning, develops. Based on this thought, a model illustrating the key to success in foreign language learning in the EFL context is presented. The results provide new, engaging, and important information to people who are seriously involved in foreign language learning in EFL contexts, where the majority of learners fail to attain high levels of foreign language proficiency after receiving years of formal education.<br>Temple University--Theses
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Saheb, Veronique. "Motivation in English as a Foreign Language Learning : A study of motivation toward English language learning in Stockholm´s upper secondary schools for adults (KOMVUX)." Thesis, Högskolan i Halmstad, Akademin för lärande, humaniora och samhälle, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-27544.
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This study investigates the levels and types of motivation among KOMVUX students at basic and upper secondary levels of English in the county of Stockholm. 95 adult learners of English completed a questionnaire in three municipalities of the county in November 2014, of which 93 were used in the results. The results showed that the instrumental and integrative motivations of adult learners of English are concomitant. They also demonstrate there is no significant correlation between adult students´ level of English and their degree of socially oriented motivation. Differences among adult learners of English appear when extrinsic and intrinsic motivations are examined. The results demonstrate that attitudinal motivation varies according to age range and the number of languages spoken. The results of the present study have been investigated in the light of the particular status that English has in Sweden today. They conform to previous research studies that underline the importance of further investigation in attitudinal motivation in Second Language Acquisition.
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Kikuchi, Keita. "LEARNER PERCEPTIONS OF DEMOTIVATORS IN JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH CLASSROOMS." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2011. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/157753.
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CITE/Language Arts<br>Ed.D.<br>The primary purpose of this study is to investigate external and internal factors that act as learning demotivators that can discourage students from learning in Japanese high school English classrooms. More than 1,200 students responded to two questionnaires designed to measure five external demotivators, Teachers, Characteristics of Classes, Experiences of Failure, Class Environment, Class Materials, and one internal demotivator, Learners‘ Lack of Interest. Using the Rasch rating scale model and confirmatory factor analysis, the questionnaire results were analyzed to test the inter-relationships among the six hypothesized demotivators. Qualitative data were also obtained from an open-ended questionnaire asking the participants what demotivated them from learning.
Two models, a six-factor and a four-factor demotivation model, were tested. As the four-factor model displayed slightly better fit than the six-factor model, it was selected as the final model. In this model, the first-order latent variable that best explained Demotivation was Experiences of Difficulty (b = .74), which was followed by Class Environment (b = .72), and Loss of Interest (b = .71). In contrast to the findings of previous studies, teachers‘ direct behaviors (b = .51) were the least influential of all the demotivators studied.
In a follow up study, relationships between the teacher ratings of students‘ motivation, the students‘ perception of their current motivational level and their motivation in high school were investigated. Although it was anticipated that
students‘ self-reported motivational states and teacher ratings of students‘ motivation would have a reasonably strong relationship, a series of regression analyses indicated that the teacher rating of students‘ motivation was not significantly related to either motivational level. While students might appear to be motivated in the classroom from the teachers‘ point of view, the students might feel otherwise.
The first important finding concerned the two hypothesized demotivation models that were tested using confirmatory factor analysis. In the final four-factor model, the first-order latent variable that best explained Demotivation was Experiences of Difficulty followed by Loss of Interest, and Class Environment. In contrast to the findings of previous studies, teachers‘ direct behaviors were the least influential of all the demotivators studied. The results revealed that Japanese high school English learners can become demotivated due to difficult experiences they encounter or loss of interest in studying in the classroom. While influences from teacher behaviors can also cause demotivation, it appears that the approach or materials that focus on difficult reading passages and/or vocabulary cause the strongest sense of demotivation.
The second important findings concerned group differences. The high and low motivation groups and the male and female groups differed in their perceptions of Class Environment. However, no statistically significant differences were found among the first- and second-year groups, and the students attending academic and non-academic schools. The third finding was from the follow-up study. It was
found that the teacher rating of students‘ motivation is not related to the students‘ perception of their current motivational level and their motivation in high school time. While students might appear to be motivated in the classroom from the teachers‘ point of view, the students‘ perception of their current motivational level and their motivation in high school can differ greatly.
Overall, the results revealed that Japanese high school English learners can become demotivated due to the difficulties they experience in the English language classroom, or a loss of interest in classroom study. While influences from teacher behaviors can also cause demotivation, this study shows that an approach or materials that focus on difficult reading passages and/or vocabulary cause the strongest sense of demotivation.<br>Temple University--Theses
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Hawkes, Rachel. "Learning to talk and talking to learn : how spontaneous teacher-learner interaction in the secondary foreign languages classroom provides greater opportunities for L2 learning." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2012. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.610676.
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Huang, Jing, and 黃景. "Autonomy, agency and identity in foreign language learning and teaching." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2009. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B41757981.
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Al-Shammari, Abbas H. "The role of age and other learner related factors in achievement in English as a foreign language of Kuwaiti intermediate school students." Thesis, Cardiff University, 1988. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.319350.
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Schilling, Martin Georg von. "Learner training, attitudes and motivation: exploring one route to a better learner an investigation into the effects of learner training on young adults learning English as a foreign language /." [S.l. : s.n.], 2007. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-opus-62484.
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Hanan, Rowena E. "The effectiveness of explicit grammar instruction for the young foreign language learner : a classroom-based experimental study." Thesis, University of York, 2015. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/9059/.
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Within the input-poor foreign language classroom, opportunities to draw on implicit learning mechanisms are limited. Yet little research has explored the effectiveness of explicit instruction for young learners. The current study investigated the extent to which English learners of L2 German (aged 9-11) benefitted from instruction on accusative case-marking (den) for masculine definite articles in German, a problematic feature for L1 English learners due to a reliance on word order when assigning grammatical roles (as predicted by MacWhinney’s Competition Model and VanPatten’s First Noun Principle). Two input-based interventions provided explicit information plus EITHER: Task Essential Form-Meaning Connection (TE-FMC) activities forcing attention on the article and its role-assigning function; OR Task Essential-Form (TE-F) activities forcing attention on the article only ('spot the form'). Learners were randomly assigned to the TE-FMC (n = 45) and TE-F (n = 41) treatments. A control group (n = 52) received instruction on lexical items, but no exposure to den. Two untimed written tasks (sentence matching, gap fill), three one-to-one oral tasks (act-out comprehension, act-out production, elicited imitation), and a metalinguistic task were administered as pre-, post-, and delayed post-tests to assess knowledge of der and den. Both interventions yielded large, durable gains across the written and oral tasks. The Control group made no improvement. The TE-FMC and TE-F learners’ verbalisable knowledge also improved at post-test, but deteriorated by delayed post-test. Under both conditions, learners had developed explicit knowledge of the target feature, available on untimed written tasks, as well as more automatized knowledge, accessible under time and communicative pressure. Fine-grained analysis revealed that group-level gains could be accounted for by a sub-group of learners within each condition, reflecting the influence of individual differences on instructional effectiveness. The findings contribute to previous research by demonstrating the beneficial role of explicit instruction and knowledge for child L2 learning.
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Ryan, A. "Adult learner strategies in foreign language grammar learning : A task-based study of approaches to the learning of grammatical structure in a micro-language, with a discussion of their implications for language teaching and materials." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 1986. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.375802.
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Strömberg, Anette. "Foreign Language Learning : A study among Swedish children at school on how they learn English words and which learner strategies they use." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Engelska, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-927.
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Micallef, Alice. "Fostering the process of teacher and learner autonomy in foreign language classrooms through inquiry-in and -on practice." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2016. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/17137/.
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Nurturing teacher and learner autonomy is a prerequisite to foreign language development within institutionalised settings. This necessitates a process whereby teachers themselves become authors of their own pedagogical practice to experience and nourish their autonomy, critically reflecting on and flexibly managing processes that challenge and enable learners to develop competences as language learners and language users. The study portrays the notion of teacher and learner autonomy as two sides of the same coin, illustrating a process that enabled three teachers of German as a foreign language to inquire into the fostering of learner autonomy in secondary schools in Malta. Through a process grounded within a collaborative and inquiry-oriented approach, enacted through meetings and discussions with teachers, and the teacher inquiry with their learners in class, the study created the conditions that sought to help teachers to navigate through and gain insight into the process of fostering learner autonomy. The aims of the study, embedded within the two aforementioned processes, led teachers to problematise areas within their practice in relation to the development of learner autonomy in language learning and language use and looked into internal and external constraints and possibilities within this process. It furthermore analysed benefits that emerged from practice in this regard. Implications of this study call for the integration of inquiry-oriented processes in the foreign language classroom sustained by the collaborative space that fostered the conditions for inquiry through teachers’ own lens of pedagogy for autonomy. It illustrates how a process of teacher inquiry and reflective practice bring together the voices of all participants involved in the study; teacher, learner and myself as researcher, to work towards the vision of fostering autonomy in foreign language teaching and learning. The study furthermore serves to portray illustrations of practice to provide insight into the underlying factors and various facets of such a process within the Maltese context.
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Barrow, Jack. "Electronic Dictionary Use in Novice L2 Learner Interaction." Diss., Temple University Libraries, 2008. http://cdm16002.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p245801coll10/id/19850.
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CITE/Language Arts<br>Ph.D.<br>This microanalytic study focuses on the mutimodal word look-up practices of Japanese foreign language learners of English at the novice level using electronic dictionaries (e-dictionaries) in pair conversations. Not yet investigated with a Conversation Analysis (CA) approach, this analysis examines reoccurring interactional and collaborative repair practices (Schegloff, Jefferson, & Sacks, 1977; Schegloff, 2000) of the learners' look-ups, and explicates from the sequential turn-taking procedures (Sacks, Schegloff, & Jefferson, 1974), the underlying social organization of the e-dictionary look-up sequence. Recent research has found that not-yet-fluent learners are capable of relatively smooth turn-taking (Carroll, 2000, 2004), and they employ various embodied actions (Olsher, 2004) to complete their turns. Nonvocal resources such as gaze movement (Goodwin, 1981) and gestures were also investigated in order to better understand how learners collaboratively utilize vocal and nonvocal resources in hybrid actions, to co-construct the meaning of look-up words, and maintain intersubjectivity. While enrolled in a university intensive English program, thirteen native speakers of Japanese video-recorded thirty-minute conversations; and during these conversations, they completed look-up sequences as interactional achievements. The results indicated that EFL novice learners display sophisticated competencies when using e-dictionaries for communication. While collaboratively completing look-up sequences, they display multimodal competencies by noticing trouble with words, initiating look-ups, making candidate proposals of word translations, correcting themselves, mutually acknowledging their understanding, and maintaining intersubjectivity and sequential relevance. In terms of language learning, learners' collaborative learning of words demonstrates instances of learning-as-interaction (Brouwer & Wagner, 2004; Firth & Wagner, 2007), making public the participants' socially situated cognition. Indications of a change in the participants' cognitive state can emerge in the look-up sequential organization. A lack of knowledge is displayed publically in before-look-up actions, encouraging collaboration in the look-up. Multiple proposals and acknowledgement sequences, often displayed in embodied expansions, provide multimodal indications of a possible change in cognitive state and possible gain in knowledge. Thus, the look-up sequence organization is proposed as an interactional organization for the learning of vocabulary. Finally, the understanding of sequential structures and practices that interactants use in looking up words can inform teachers concerning the efficacy of e-dictionary use in the classroom.<br>Temple University--Theses
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Varshney, Rachel. "Learner representations of L1 strategic use in the foreign language classroom : a comparative study of Australian and French students /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2005. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe18880.pdf.
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Tegnered, Axel, and Jonas Rentner. "The Importance of Pronunciation Instruction in the English as a Foreign Language Classroom." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för kultur och samhälle, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-167481.
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The field of pronunciation instruction has long been a neglected area. In recent years, however, researchers have found a renewed interest in the subject. For example, research has been conducted to investigate the views on pronunciation instruction held by teachers and learners. In light of this, the present study seeks to explore the field of research in pronunciation instruction to answer the question of whether pronunciation instruction is important and beneficial for learners of English as a foreign language. The results of the present study show that teachers and learners alike consider pronunciation instruction an integral part of language teaching. Furthermore, the results show that pronunciation affects comprehension and that pronunciation teaching has positive effects on pronunciation development. In the present study, these results are connected to the Swedish school context, where we draw the conclusion that pronunciation should be included in the English language classroom to a greater extent than is the case at the time of writing this thesis.
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Rivers, Damian John. "The role of Japanese national identification in English as a foreign language learner motivation : a structural equation modeling approach." Thesis, University of Leicester, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2381/27702.
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Historically, Japan has toiled with issues of national identity and global positioning. Due to the ongoing processes of globalisation and internationalisation, issues of national identity remain at the forefront of various Japanese discourses, many of which are often positioned in relation to the protection and maintenance of an idealized Japanese national-self when confronted by the English language and English language speakers. This study documents an exploration of the role of four attitudinal facets of Japanese national identification (Commitment to National Heritage, Nationalism, Patriotism, and Internationalism) within an initial sample of 1123 Japanese university students in relation to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learner motivation. The study was situated within a foreign language learning context that promotes extensive intercultural contact opportunities with ‘native-English speakers’, the majority of whom originate from inner-circle (Kachru, 1985) countries. With a quantitative foundation, data was obtained from a single 35-item survey instrument and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. The data indicate that when an intercultural dimension is used to mediate EFL learner motivation, the role of the attitudinal facets of Japanese national identification is significant. However, when the role of the attitudinal facets of Japanese national identification is assessed more directly, focusing instead upon the contextual components of EFL learner motivation, then the impact of Japanese national identification is severely restricted except for the facet of ‘Internationalism’ which remains significant. Through a series of tested SEM models, a variety of interactions and outcomes are elaborated upon and discussed with a focus on highlighting the need for motivational research within the Japanese EFL context, especially within ‘native-English speaker’ dependent contexts, to consider national identification as a core component in the development and assessment of language learning attitudes and behaviours.
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Zhang, Tianqi. "Teaching unit on pets for English language learners." Kansas State University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/19701.
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Master of Arts<br>Modern Languages<br>Mary T. Copple<br>Due to the fact that some English as a foreign language students lack motivation to learn English, this report will discuss how to promote their motivation by structuring appropriate lesson plans; giving students authentic L2 input; designing meaningful and communicative activities; choosing the right type of question to create learning opportunities; and using the guided inductive instructional approach for grammar teaching. Also, it will discuss how to prepare to be a 21st century teacher. The second part of this report contains detailed lesson plans for a unit on pets in which pedagogical theory is put into practice. This unit is mainly designed for low intermediate level English learners. The objectives of this lesson plan not only aim for improving students’ English language skills but also developing their animal and environmental protection awareness.
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Hussin, Nora Anniesha Binte. "Interaction from an activity theoretical perspective: comparing learner discourse of language face-to-face, inchat and in audio conferencing in second language learning." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2009. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B41758146.
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Castañeda, Martha E. "Corrective feedback in online asynchronous and synchronous environments in spanish as a foreign language (sfl) classes." Scholar Commons, 2005. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/2814.
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This dissertation reports on an investigation of corrective feedback provided by instructors to learners in sixteen online asynchronous and synchronous interactions. The overarching objective of this study was to examine the provision of corrective feedback in computer-mediated communication (CMC) environments. This study also sought to examine the frequency of corrective feedback types and the relationship between learner error and corrective feedback provision. Finally, this study investigated what types of corrective feedback led to repaired learner responses.Over the course of one university semester, the instructors and students in four second-semester Spanish courses participated in bulletin board and chat room discussions and a detailed analysis of the transcripts revealed that instructors do provide learners with corrective feedback in online asynchronous and synchronous environments.
The results also reveal that corrective feedback is more prevalent in the asynchronous environment than in the synchronous environment. A total of six corrective feedback typesexplicit correction, recasts, metalinguistic feedback, clarification request, elicitation, and repetitionwere found in these environments. All corrective feedback types were present in the asynchronous environment while repetition was not observed in the synchronous environment. The results indicate instructors overall preference for explicit correction in the asynchronous environment and preference for recasts in the synchronous environment. In the synchronous environment, different types of learner errors are followed by different types of corrective feedback. Recasts most often follow grammatical and lexical errors, while an opportunity to negotiate form is most often provided for multiple errors.
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Roffman, Naomi. "The impact of an explicit, multisensory, phonics intervention programme on the professional development of the English foreign language teacher." Thesis, Anglia Ruskin University, 2012. http://arro.anglia.ac.uk/273132/.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of the research was to assess the impact of the process of professional development of English foreign language teachers in Israel who participated in the Explicit Multisensory Phonics Intervention Programme. Previous research focused on changes in knowledge, practices, student attainment, and beliefs. Changes from negative to positive self efficacy were not examined, and a model for the professional development of the English foreign language teacher did not exist. The conceptual framework is based on an integration of the concept of self efficacy with theories of professional development and literacy acquisition. Literacy acquisition is based on the knowledge and practice components of the process of professional development in this research. The process of professional development is set in motion by a sense of negative self efficacy. The attainment of content knowledge is followed by a change of practices and thereafter improved student attainment, leading to changes in teachers’ beliefs and positive self efficacy. The research questions seek to clarify teachers’ incentives for joining the programme, their standard of content knowledge and perceptions of the impact of the process of professional development. A mixed methods approach was used. The content knowledge of teachers was tested with a pre and post test. A questionnaire about the process of professional development was sent to teachers who had participated in the programme since 1991. Several unstructured interviews were held. Results showed that the teachers’ sense of negative self efficacy and failure in the field initiated their need for professional development. The impact of the process of professional development was: increased knowledge, changed practices and beliefs, claimed student attainment and positive self efficacy. The research contributes to knowledge by empirically supporting a theoretically based model for the impact of the process of professional development of English foreign language teachers. Positive and negative self efficacy are key factors in the process of professional development and knowledge is the basis of this process. These conclusions have practical applications for teacher training.
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Mead, Heather Margret-Marie. "The effects of storytelling on student writing: A tool for the English language learner classroom." CSUSB ScholarWorks, 2002. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd-project/2159.
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This thesis examines the use of storytelling as a tool to facilitate writing in English language learners. It examines specifically the effects storytelling had on the student use of expressive language, story structure and creativity in their writing. It also analyzed the enjoyment level storytelling brought to the writing experience of the student.
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Nonkukhetkhong, Kittiporn. "Teachers' perceptions and implementation of the learner-centred approach in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in Thai secondary school contexts /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2006. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe19545.pdf.
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Preston, Jenny L. "A Case Study of Parental Behaviors in an English Language Learner Community Technology Literacy Lab Setting and the Extension of the Behaviors in the Home." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2003. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4297/.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of the study was to describe a family literacy program attempting to teach adult English language learners (ELL) the knowledge and skills that would allow them to support their children's learning at home. The methodology employed was a multi-case study. Fourteen adult participants were interviewed to gather information regarding the factors that influenced the adult participant's ability to support their child's learning prior to participation in the family literacy program. The study focused on the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the literacy program and used to support their child's learning at home and the curriculum and instruction that the participants used to influence their child's learning. The methodology used to gather information included adult English language learner interviews, field observations, and contact analysis of lesson plans. The following conclusions were derived based on analysis of the data:
1. In the family literacy program that was studied, the only prior factor that appeared to influence the parent's ability to support their child's learning was the education level of the participant.
2. Pronunciation, conversation, listening, grammar and writing are are essential skills that ELL parents use to support their child's learning. Attitudes were directly affected by the participants' ability to master the English language in order to be able to guide their children through the U.S. educational system.
3. The curriculum supported the learning; however the instruction was vital to modeling the procedures for learning that the participants used to support their children's success in school.
4. Regardless of other factors such as marital status, occupation, and other variations in family background, all participants based their ability to support their child's learning on their own ability to master the English language.
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Guzman, Carrero Maria Angella. "Upper Secondary Students’ Beliefs About Learning English as a Foreign Language : A contrast between the students’ beliefs and the Swedish curriculum." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Engelska, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-23056.
Full textAbstract:
Learning English as a foreign language (EFL) entails different factors. Language learners use different strategies in order to make their language acquisition successful. Motivation and self-regulated learning are other factors that influence how successful the EFL learner is. This paper aims to analyze the beliefs of upper secondary students in a Swedish school about learning EFL, as well as how their beliefs relate to what is specified in the Swedish curriculum. An analysis of the differences between students’ beliefs and what is stated in the curriculum was done. A survey was conducted on a total of 54 students who were enrolled in the social sciences program. The results showed that students believed that motivation and self-regulated learning were important factors for a successful learning. For them, the language skill of reception is more important than production, which does not correspond with what it is stated in the national curriculum. First and second year students’ beliefs were similar in most of the cases, but not all of them.
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Bachelder, Leslie Ricks. "The Effect of Computer-Adaptive Control (Remediation) on Achievement and Time on Task in Foreign Language Learning." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2007. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/913.
Full textAbstract:
Technology has provided the means for the creation of many tools to facilitate the teaching and learning of foreign languages. These tools include computer programs designed to aid language learning by providing various levels of control to the language learner. This control allows the learner to make decisions regarding some or all of the elements of a program such as the pace, sequence, and content to name but a few. Because the amount of learner control can be varied, many research efforts have sought to determine the optimal level of control for learning. These efforts have produced mixed results, with some research suggesting that learners perform better with less control while other findings suggest the opposite. The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of remediation, a computer-adaptive control, in Swahili 101 university level courses and its effect on achievement and time. Participants included Swahili language learners from two universities, three colleges, and one student not affiliated with any school. The study required that participants complete a pretest, a background survey, the Swahili 101 online lesson materials, and an opinion survey. “Gate pages," or webpage-based assessments, were used throughout the online course to assess participant progress. The participants were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Those in the control group completed the online component at their own discretion, working through assigned tasks with review as desired. Those in the experimental group were required to obtain a minimum score on each lesson's gate page in order to advance in the lesson and thus in the course. If that score was not met, then the software assigned a series of remediation or review pages. Scores from the gate pages and time spent on the gate pages were stored and analyzed for both groups. The results from this study suggest that language learners benefit from computer intervention and guidance (remediation). The participants in the experimental group learned more Swahili than the control group, despite spending the same amount of time on the gate pages as the control group. Therefore, remediation, as defined and implemented in this study, can increase language learning while at the same time not requiring the learners to significantly increase the initial time they spend responding to questions presented on the gate pages.