scholarly journals DEVELOPING COLLOCATIONAL AND PHONOLOGICAL COMPETENCES OF EMERGING TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE THROUGH COGNITIVE APPROACH TO PROCESSING MULTI-WORD UNITS

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Irisa Berga
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Native Language ◽  
Instructional Approach ◽  
Cognitive Approach ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Formal Instruction ◽  
Analytic Processing ◽  
Informal Settings

<p>This paper addresses unresolved issues in the acquisition, processing and use of multi-word units which account for the learner’s idiomatic, natural language. The aim of the study is to argue for an analytic instructional approach to developing the trainee teacher’s collocational and phonological competences through the medium of the native language employing a set of didactic and linguistic techniques like etymological, phonological, structural, lexical and semantic dissection of multi-word units. Research results imply that analytic processing of multi-word units relate moderately to the enhancement of the learner’s collocational and phonological competences though relations between formal instruction and the language proficiency level may be partly obscured by the probable exposure of the learner to multi-word units in informal settings.<strong></strong></p>

scholarly journals Recasts versus clarification requests: The relevance of linguistic target, proficiency, and communicative ability

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Mifka-Profozic
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Communicative Ability ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Linguistic Structures ◽  
Grammatical Structures ◽  
Communicative Skill ◽  
Passe Compose

AbstractThis paper compares the effects of recasts and clarification requests as two implicit types of corrective feedback (CF) on learning two linguistic structures denoting past aspectual distinction in French, the passé composé and the imparfait. The participants in this classroom-based study are 52 high-school learners of French FL at a pre-intermediate level of proficiency (level B1 of CEFR). A distinctive feature of this study is the use of focused, context constrained communicative tasks in both treatment and tests. The paper specifically highlights the advantages of feedback using recasts for the acquisition of morpho-syntactically complex grammatical structures such as is the French passé composé. The study points to the participants’ communicative ability as an essential aspect of language proficiency, which seems to be crucial to bringing about the benefits of recasts. Oral communicative skill in a foreign language classroom is seen as a prerequisite for an appropriate interpretation and recognition of the corrective nature of recasts.

scholarly journals COMPUTER ADAPTIVE LANGUAGE TESTING ACCORDING TO NATO STANAG 6001 REQUIREMENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (18) ◽  
pp. 19-26
Author(s):  
Piotr Gawliczek ◽  
Viktoriia Krykun ◽  
Nataliya Tarasenko ◽  
Maksym Tyshchenko ◽  
Oleksandr Shapran
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Language Testing ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Special Value ◽  
Results Management ◽  
Adaptive Ability

The article deals with the innovative, cutting age solution within the language testing realm, namely computer adaptive language testing (CALT) in accordance with the NATO Standardization Agreement 6001 (NATO STANAG 6001) requirements for further implementation in foreign language training of personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AF of Ukraine) in order to increase the quality of foreign language testing. The research provides the CALT method developed according to NATO STANAG 6001 requirements and the CALT algorithm that contains three blocks: “Starting point”, “Item selection algorithm”, “Scoring algorithm” and “Termination criterion”. The CALT algorithm has an adaptive ability, changing a complexity level, sequence and the number of items according to the answers of a test taker. The comparative analysis of the results of the CALT method piloting and the paper-and-pencil testing (PPT) in reading and listening according to the NATO STANAG 6001 requirements justifies the effectiveness of the three-level CALT method. It allows us to determine the following important benefits of CALT: test length reduction, control of measurement accuracy, objective assessment, improved test security, generation of a unique set of items, adaptive ability of the CALT algorithm, high motivation of the test takers, immediate score reporting and test results management. CALT is a qualitative and effective tool to determine test takers’ foreign language proficiency level in accordance with NATO STANAG 6001 requirements within the NATO Defence Educational Enhancement Programme. CALT acquires a special value and relevance in the context of the global COVID 19 pandemic.

scholarly journals EFL Students' Preferences for Written Corrective Feedback: Do Error Types, Language Proficiency, and Foreign Language Enjoyment Matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiefu Zhang ◽  
Xuemei Chen ◽  
Jiehui Hu ◽  
Pattarapon Ketwan
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Linguistic Features ◽  
Context Analysis ◽  
Written Corrective Feedback ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Error Types

Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, this study investigated the preference of learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) for four types of written corrective feedback (WCF), which are often discussed in the literature, on grammatical, lexical, orthographic, and pragmatic errors. In particular, it concerned whether such preference is influenced by two learner variables, namely, foreign language enjoyment (FLE) and proficiency level. The preference for selective vs. comprehensive WCF was also examined. The participants in the study were 117 University students in a Thai EFL context. Analysis of questionnaire data revealed a tendency for learners to prefer more explicit types of WCF (i.e., metalinguistic explanation and overt correction) for most error types, irrespective of their proficiency and FLE level. High proficiency level learners rated less explicit WCF types (i.e., underlining and error code) as useful to some degree, whereas their low proficiency level counterparts did not. Similar results were found for the two FLE groups. Besides, the FLE level seemed to play a role in perceiving the value of WCF in terms of scope. The results of follow-up interviews showed that the linguistic features of learners' first language, existing knowledge of the target language, affective feelings, and teacher's role were the main factors contributing to variation in learners' preferences. Possible pedagogical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Study on the Continuation Task of China’s New College Entrance Examination Based on the Interactive Alignment Theory

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 89-91
Author(s):  
Ying Ouyang
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Foreign Language Education ◽  
Entrance Examination ◽  
College Entrance Examination ◽  
College Entrance ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Foreign Language Proficiency ◽  
Examination Policy

With the extensive implementation of China’s new college entrance examination policy, the Continuation Task in the new college entrance examination has attracted wide attention from the academic circle, which also gives rise to plentiful relevant research. In the past, most of the research only focused on university foreign language education, which was rarely involved in English teaching in primary and secondary schools. Based on the Interactive Alignment Theory, this paper is going to analyze and study the Continuation Task, and try to put forward some teaching strategies for the teaching of the new task, so as to improve student's English proficiency level. According to the research, this paper finds out that "The Continuation Task" can give full play to the alignment effect between reading and writing, promote writing through reading, and thus promote the improvement of students' foreign language proficiency. Therefore, this essay can provide some insights into the teaching of English in high schools.

Hebben we oren naar anderstaligen in het Vlaamse hoger onderwijs?

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-247
Author(s):  
Laura Rosseel
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Native Language ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Education Community ◽  
Entrance Level

Abstract In order to enroll in Flemish higher education, aspiring students whose native language is not Dutch require a B2 CEFR level for language proficiency for most courses that are taught in Dutch. The question we aim to answer in this study is how future interlocutors of these students perceive that B2 entrance level. Do fellow students, lecturers and other members of staff feel that this level of language proficiency is sufficient to successfully navigate higher education? We specifically focus on the perception of pronunciation proficiency. We conducted a speaker evaluation experiment in which 191 students and staff members evaluated six sound clips with non-native Dutch speech representing pronunciation levels B1, B2 and C1. Results show that overall attitudes towards the speakers in the experiment are rather positive. In addition, there is a clear association between pronunciation proficiency and perceived functioning in higher education that reflects the Flemish higher education entrance policy. Our study also shows that various groups within the higher education community react differently towards non-native Dutch speakers and that there is a link between perception of non-native pronunciation and the amount of contact a listener has with non-native speakers. Overall, this study underlines the importance of pronunciation training in foreign language teaching for academic purposes.

Teachers' perceptions of self-efficacy, English proficiency, and instructional strategies

2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cevdet Yilmaz
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Instructional Strategies ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Teaching Efficacy ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Foreign Language Teachers ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Proficiency Level

The main purpose in the study was to examine the efficacy beliefs of Turkish EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers. Teachers' perceptions of their teaching efficacy regarding personal capabilities to teach English and their self-reported English proficiency level were also investigated. The data were collected through a survey completed by 54 teachers. Results indicated that teachers' perceived efficacy was correlated with their self-reported English proficiency, and that teachers' efficacy for instructional strategies was greater than their efficacy for management and engagement. The study provides useful insights into the need to help teachers develop their language proficiency that, in turn, has relevance for their perceived self-efficacy.

scholarly journals University Students’ Attitudes towards the Use of YouTube in the EFL Classroom

HOW ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-158
Author(s):  
María Victoria Fernández-Carballo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
English Language ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Education Degree ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Method Approach

Noticing the generally lower-than-desirable English language proficiency level with which Spanish students start university, I considered trying a different approach in which the use of a familiar application would be introduced in the classroom. The main objective of this work is to explore Primary Education degree programme students’ attitudes towards the integration of YouTube in the English language classroom. To this end, 46 third-year intermediate-level students participated in the study. It adopted a mixed-method approach, using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The results show that, although participants mentioned some drawbacks, they reacted positively to the use of the platform. Given these results and the benefits offered, the integration of YouTube in the foreign language classroom is highly recommended.

scholarly journals Sources and Levels of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety of English as a Foreign Language University Students with regard to Language Proficiency and Gender

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emre Debreli ◽  
Seren Demirkan
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Foreign Language Anxiety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Speaking Anxiety ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Turkish Cypriot

<p>Although foreign language anxiety is a widely explored subject in the area of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), studies that focus on the speaking anxiety in EFL, as well as the gender and language proficiency level–anxiety relationship, are rare. The present study investigates the phenomenon in an EFL context and analyzes the levels of EFL students’ speaking anxiety and the sources that make them anxious. It also explores whether there is any relationship between anxiety and students’ language proficiency level and gender. Data were gathered from 196 Turkish and Turkish Cypriot students through questionnaires (Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale), as well as through semi-structured interviews with 10 students who participated in the questionnaires. The findings indicated that the students generally had low level of speaking anxiety, although students with a higher level of language proficiency had a higher level of anxiety compared with that for students with a lower level of language proficiency. No statistically meaningful difference was observed with regard to students’ gender and anxiety levels. Factors that caused anxiety—such as difficulty in pronunciation, being asked immediate questions by the teacher, not understanding the question asked by the teacher—not found in the current literature also emerged from the present study. Implications for teacher education are also discussed.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document