scholarly journals Moodle as Virtual Learning Environment in Developing Language Skills, Fostering Metacognitive Awareness and Promoting Learner Autonomy

Pedagogika ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia Gulbinskienė ◽  
Marjan Masoodi ◽  
Jolita Šliogerienė

The study evaluates the potentially relative effectiveness of Moodle as one of the virtual learning environments applied to develop English language skills, foster metacognitive awareness and promote learner autonomy in university settings. The respondents from Mykolas Romeris University and Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences were asked to express their attitude towards Moodle learning environment and assess their views on the improvement of language skills as well as fostering their metacognitive awareness and sense of autonomy in English language learning. The object of the research was students’ evaluation of Moodle as an online English language learning environment. The research revealed that students find Moodle platform motivating in the improvement of their language learning skills. It was also established that using Moodle platform helps to develop metacognitive awareness and fosters learner autonomy.

Author(s):  
Liheng Yu ◽  
Zhonggen (中根) Yu (于)

Mobile English language learning has drawn global attention. This study systematically examined the literature in the past 11 years. It visualized the general trend of the number of related publications in a decade, discussed the attitudes of teachers and learners toward mobile device-assisted English learning, explored the effect of motivation on mobile device assisted English learning, discussed the influence of mobile device-assisted English learning on output and input English language skills, presented the influence of mobile device-assisted English learning on vocabulary knowledge acquisition, demonstrated the factors influencing the effectiveness of mobile English language learning, showed the general learning outcomes in mobile device-assisted English learning, together with the disadvantages of mobile technology-assisted English learning and co-citations of publications. When designing mobile devices, designers could include and optimize learning functions based on the findings.


ReCALL ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARINA ORSINI-JONES

This paper reports on the results of an action research project at Coventry University that consisted of the evaluation of a curriculum innovation supported by the use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) WebCT, i.e. a new module (course): Academic and Professional Skills for Language Learning. The project was carried out collaboratively by staff – all the linguists teaching level 1 modules in EFL, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish – and students over a period of ten months in 2002–2003. The module aims at engaging students actively with the new literacies and skills required by the ‘knowledge society’. The provisional hypothesis was that skills-based teaching and learning activities that are aligned with the needs of language learners would raise confidence in academic and professional skills and increase motivation and proficiency in language learning. The use of the Virtual Learning Environment Web Communication Tools (WebCT), available within the online learning portal both on and off campus for students at Coventry University, would be instrumental in testing the hypothesis, as it provided an interactive reflective forum for both staff and students involved. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. The paper will show how the use of the Virtual Learning Environment facilitated the creation of exercises that developed both ICT skills and language-specific ones. On a less positive note, the results confirmed the outcomes of other research in the field, i.e. that students find it challenging to become reflective, autonomous learners and that we cannot assume that the use of technology automatically leads to autonomy. Many students also found it challenging to see the relevance to their studies of skills and literacies that went beyond the four basic language skills. The paper will conclude by illustrating both the positive and the negative outcomes of the project and outlining the staff/student-agreed way forward in the light of the issues encountered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Muhammad Arfan Lodhi ◽  
Abdul Hye Sahar ◽  
Numra Qayyum ◽  
Samreen Iqbal ◽  
Huma Shareef

Academic success of language learners is not only determined by their level of intelligence but it is also associated with the learning environment provided to them. The current study is an attempt to investigate the factors which affect learning environment of English language learners at government schools. In this context a survey based research design was selected by following quantitative methodology. Sample was drawn from the population parameter of government schools. The students were selected randomly whereas teachers and head teachers were selected by using convenient sampling technique. A questionnaire was developed, validated and administered to know the perspectives of the selected respondents. Findings of the study revealed that suitable school environment provides significant contributions to ESL learners’ performance and accomplishment. The study also found that student-teacher and teacher-parent relationship promote and strengthen language learning capacity of ESL learners. It is highly recommended to develop such school environment which is conducive to English language learning; as environmental factors at school are as important as pedagogical interventions of ESL teachers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-190
Author(s):  
Amin Karimnia ◽  
Mohammad Reza Khodashenas

Summary This study investigated the medical students’ English language learning needs and their perceptions of ESP courses in an academic environment. To do this, 100 medical students studying medical sciences in the faculty of medicine in Mashhad, Iran, were selected as the participants. Hutchinson and Waters’ target language needs analysis framework was drawn on as the analytic model guiding the study. A needs analysis questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire designed to identify the learners’ perceptions of the frequency of English language skills/sub-skills use, the importance of English language learning, their ability in using language skills, their needs of language learning and their preferences of an English language course. After gathering and analyzing the data, it was found that reading skill is given priority by the students in terms of frequency of use, importance and proficiency. It also revealed that students need and prefer training in speaking, listening and communication skills. Considering the students’ perceptions of the current ESP course, the findings implied that the English language skills incorporated in the current ESP book for the medical students and the allocated time for this course are not compatible with the English language learning needs and wants of the students.


Author(s):  
ROZMEL ABDUL LATIFF ◽  
NOR HASNI MOKHTAR ◽  
RAJA HANANI RAJA MUSHAHAR ◽  
MICHI FARIDA ABDUL HALIM

English language learning in a non-native environment is always a challenge. This is especially so among limited English proficiency (LEP) learners. Despite having eleven years of instructions in English in primary and secondary school, there are still quite a number of LEP learners entering the university. This may be attributed to lack of exposure to the language, as classroom instruction alone is not sufficient for mastery of a second language. Although English is widely spoken in Malaysia, this does not apply to all communities, especially in rural areas. In such circumstances, watching movies in the target language can provide the necessary exposure, the ample amount of listening and reading in the target language, which provides the comprehensible input essential for language acquisition. Movies also come with closed captions, which not only help the learner recognize the words but also enable them to look up the words in a dictionary. An action research was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using movies in a Foundation English course. This paper details the implementation of movie viewing in the course and presents the usability and appropriateness of using English movies in the acquisition of English language skills and creating cultural awareness among LEP learners. Finally, this paper highlights the learners’ responses regarding their experience in watching the movies. These responses provide invaluable insights into the impetus for future use of movies in the ESL classroom. Keywords: Comprehensible input; Cultural awareness; Limited english proficiency (LEP) learners; Language skills; Movies.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document