scholarly journals University Jordanian Learners of English: Difficulties and Solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. p94
Author(s):  
Saja Wardat ◽  
Mahmud H. Wardat
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Students ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
English Departments ◽  
Small Class Size ◽  
English Majors ◽  
The University ◽  
English Program ◽  
English Students

Referencing related literature and drawing upon our experience, observation and talks with specialists, we have realized that the problem of difficulty encountered by Arab learners of English in general and by Jordanian university English students in particular is sporadically addressed by researchers. They mention it along with their focus on errors committed by those EFL learners. At the university, English majors study English language, linguistics, and literature courses over a period of four years. While enrolling in the English program, they encounter difficulties or problems like teaching methods, cultural and language problems and teaching settings which negatively affect their language proficiency and, thus, graduate committing gross errors in various language skills, pointing to their weakness, low proficiency and unsatisfactory achievement which do not meet teachers’ and society’s expectations. The present paper is meant to diagnose the problems that confront university Jordanian English majors and to propose some solutions including strict requirements on transfer students, a TOEFL score of 500, and a small class size intended to play a role in reforming the present status quo of English departments, thus upgrading their outputs, and helping students improve their level linguistically and extra linguistically.

An Empirical Study of Reading Habits and Interests of Saudi University EFL Learners

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussam Rajab ◽  
Alhasan Al-Sadi
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Reading Habits ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Academic Reading ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
The University ◽  
L1 And L2

<p align="left">This small-scale, quantitative study investigated the reading habits and interests of Saudi English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) students at a university-level preparatory year program (PYP). The study aimed to identify certain habits and preferences of EFL learners with regard to various personal practices of the reading process in first language (L1) as well as in second language (L2). The study utilized a custom-designed, 10-item questionnaire on a Likert scale format in order to gain more insights into the manners with which students may or may not approach reading. The participants were newly-registered, male and female students (<em>n=330</em>) on the university PYP course with mixed English Language proficiency. Analysis of the data collected using descriptive statistical tools indicated several issues relating to the reading habits in general, including students’ lack of interest as well as lack of motivation towards ‘academic reading’ in both L1 and L2. However, the analysis revealed a greater level of engagement in reading in social media contexts. The study has several implications for future research and pedagogy in EFL reading as well as implications for the EFL classroom. </p>

scholarly journals PERCEPTIONS OF EFL LEARNERS REGARDING EFFECTIVENESS OF TWITTER IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING PROFICIENCY AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 1355-1365
Author(s):  
Irfan Ullah Khan ◽  
Mati Ullah ◽  
Khurshed Iqbal ◽  
Mahraban Alam ◽  
Iftikhar Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Online Social Media ◽  
University Level ◽  
The University

Purpose of the study: Social media and online social media sources play a vital role in our daily routine life. This study's main purpose was to highlight the role of Twitter in English language learning proficiency development at the university level. Methodology: In the study, the researcher analyzed the perception of EFL learners regarding the effectiveness of Twitter in English language learning proficiency at the university level by taking data from sampled respondents through a self-developed questionnaire on a 5-Points Likert scale. John Curry's (1984) sample size rule of thumb, convenient sampling technique, validity, and reliability of the research instrument were ensured in the study. Main Findings: The key findings of the current study revealed that in social media, Twitter has a high positive role in promoting, polishing, and developing English Language learning by using computers, laptops, or smartphones for the teaching-learning process in this regard. The study's main findings indicated that Twitter is very helpful to facilitate teachers and learners regarding the development of the English language as a second language. Applications of this study: The current study may be highly significant and effective for students, parents, teachers, the public, policymakers, and the government to apply it for developing language proficiency via the practical use of Twitter. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study will be a quite novel and original way of promoting and developing language proficiency by using media resources, especially Twitter, to attain the desired objectives, i.e., developing language proficiency via Twitter.

scholarly journals Program Evaluation of the English Language Proficiency Program for Foreign Students A Case Study: University of the East, Manila Campus

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Esmaeel Ali Salimi ◽  
Mitra Farsi
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Graduate School ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Arts And Sciences ◽  
The University ◽  
English Program

<p>This study on evaluating an English program of studies for foreign students seeking admission to the UE Graduate School attempts to examine the prevailing conditions of foreign students in the UE Graduate School with respect to their competence and competitiveness in English proficiency. It looks into the existing English programs of studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and how it addresses the need for an improved academic performance of the foreign students. This study was conducted in the University of the East, Manila campus, particularly in the Graduate School in three groups. All the three groups of respondents have passed the ELPPFS before their admission to UE Graduate School and was enrolled second semester of 2011-2012 in their respective Master and Doctorate courses. Our results show that the three groups of respondents assess that there are significant positive changes in their academic performance as a result of their training in the ELPPFS program. Moreover, there are significant positive changes in the academic performance of the three groups of respondents as a result of their ELPPFS training        . The prevailing conditions of foreign students enrolled in degree programs of UE Graduate School with respect to the level of their academic performance clearly show satisfactory evaluation marks.</p>

The Relationship between EFL Learners’ Extensive Reading and English Language Proficiency

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 549
Author(s):  
Mohammad Davoudi ◽  
Moslem Zolfagharkhani ◽  
Mojtaba Rezaei
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extensive Reading ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The University ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Reading Texts

The present study aims at investigating the effects of extensive reading (ER) on language proficiency of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. A Preliminary English Test (PET) was administered to 106 male and female university students. The participants were selected as intermediate learners and were divided into three groups (one control and two experimental groups). During the ten sessions of the treatment, ten short stories (authentic and simplified) were provided to the two homogenous groups (two experimental groups). The first experimental group received authentic reading texts and the second experimental group received simplified reading texts, while the participants of the control group followed the ordinary reading course at the university. All three groups received post-tests administered after the treatment. The results of the t-tests revealed that there is no significant difference in reading scores across the posttest between two experimental groups. The results of ANOVA also revealed that there is a significant difference between the scores of the control group and experimental groups’ participants. Based on the interview result after the post-test, all of the participants (100%) agreed that they had positive attitude toward extensive reading after participating in the treatment sessions. The study suggests, however, students’ curriculum courses should include extensive reading texts in order to develop EFL language proficiency.

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

Attitudes toward the use of TELL tools in English language learning among Vietnamese Tertiary English majors

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-596
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Guided Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Majors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Levels

Technology plays a crucial role in the self-guided learning of a second language in general and English in particular. Nevertheless, many students in different contexts still ignore the application of technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) tools in enhancing their foreign language proficiency. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the attitudes towards the use of TELL tools in English-language learning (ELL) among English majors at one university in Vietnam. To collect data, 197 English majors participated in finishing the questionnaire, and 20 students were invited to join the interviews. The findings are that the majority of students have positive attitudes towards the use of TELL tools and the frequency of using these tools is very high. In addition, the results also reveal that there is no significant difference in attitudes towards and frequency of using TELL tools in learning English in terms of the year of study. However, students of different levels of academic achievements have different attitudes towards using TELL tools and use TELL tools to learn English differently. Received 2nd May 2019; Revised 16th July 2019, Accepted 20th October 2019

Can-Do descriptors – Realigning English Language Curriculum at Higher Education Institution to CEFR

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Erda Wati Bakar
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Language Curriculum ◽  
English Curriculum ◽  
The Common ◽  
The University

The Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) has become the standard used to describe and evaluate students’ command of a second or foreign language. It is an internationally acknowledged standard language proficiency framework which many countries have adopted such as China, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. Malaysia Ministry of Education is aware and realise the need for the current English language curriculum to be validated as to reach the international standard as prescribed by the CEFR. The implementation of CEFR has begun at primary and secondary level since 2017 and now higher education institutions are urged to align their English Language Curriculum to CEFR as part of preparation in receiving students who have been taught using CEFR-aligned curriculum at schools by year 2022. This critical reflection article elucidates the meticulous processes that we have embarked on in re-aligning our English Language Curriculum to the standard and requirements of CEFR. The paper concludes with a remark that the alignment of the English curriculum at the university needs full support from the management in ensuring that all the stakeholders are fully prepared, informed and familiar with the framework.

scholarly journals Yemeni EFL Learners’ Future Self-Images and Their Relationship to The English Language Proficiency: التصورات الذاتية المستقبلية لدى طلبة اللغة الانجليزية اليمنيين  وعلاقتها بالكفاءة في اللغة الإنجليزية

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahim Ali Mohammad Al-Showthabi, Mohammad Abduh Ahmad A
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Proficiency Tests ◽  
Ideal Self ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Self Image ◽  
Future Self ◽  
Academic Year

This exploratory correlational study addresses the issue of Yemeni EFL Learners’ Future Self-images, Ideal Self-images and Ought-to Self-image and their relationship to the English language proficiency, mainly, speaking and writing --fourth level students, Department of English Sana’a University of the academic year of 2017-2018. It also aims at exploring which of the two Future Self-images addressed is more evident amongst Yemeni EFL learners. In addition, the study attempts to ascertain the role of gender on Future Self-images. Data gathering instruments were all set and validated for the purpose of the study; which were Future Self-images questionnaire (12 Ideal Self-image items & 12 Ought-to Self-image items), English proficiency (speaking & and writing) tests and two Scoring Scales. Fifty two Students (12 males and 40 females (the sample) took both the Future Self-images questionnaire and the English proficiency tests in the academic year 2017-2018. and two Data gathering instruments were all set and validated for the purpose of the study; which were Future Self-images questionnaire (12 Ideal Self-image items & 12 Ought-to Self-image items), English proficiency (speaking & and writing) tests and two Scoring Scales. Fifty two Students (12 males and 40 females (the sample) took both the Future Self-images questionnaire and the English proficiency tests in the academic year 2017-2018. Descriptive analyses— frequencies, and, t-test for independent groups, and Pearson-product moment correlation— were utilized to analyze the data. Results show that Yemeni EFL students have higher Ought-to Self-image mean scores (3.6) than Ideal Self-image mean scores (3.04) Further, each of the two Future Self-images, Ideal Self-image and Ought-to Self-image has a bipolar direction in regard to male and female students. While, female students have higher mean Ideal Self-image scores (2.6) toward learning English, their counterpart male students have higher mean Ought-to Self-image scores (3.15). Furthermore results revealed a significant and strong relationship between Yemeni EFL learners’ ---Ideal Self-images—Ought-to Self-image-- and speaking and writing proficiency respectively and uniquely. This article ends with some recommendations and suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals Teaching English in Non-English Departments: Empowering Teacher Towards Improvement

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Ninuk Sholikhah Akhiroh
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Education ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
English Departments ◽  
English Majors ◽  
Relevant Field

ABSTRACT English Language Teaching (ELT) in non-English majors already has its “home” but not its “host”. It means that the parties involved in the teaching have not been able to manage an effective ELT yet. There could be many aspects related to this, yet this paper prefers to propose a solution to improve the effectiveness of English teaching in non-English majors by empowering the English language lecturer. This paper refers to the results of research conducted on the teaching of English in the Faculty of Social Sciences that use lecturers and students as the main informant, as well as interviews, observation and document analysis as data collection techniques. The results showed that some important improvement in ELT for non-English majors can be initiated by the lecturers. There are some necessary steps to do to reinforce the role of lecturers in ELT implementation. They are involving the lecturer in designing or revising the curriculum, building connection with fellow ESP lecturers and lecturers of relevant field of study, and activating Focus Group Discussion among teaching team. These steps hopefully will be complemented by the improvement of other aspects in ELT for non-English departments to build an effective teaching.   ABSTRAK Pengajaran bahasa Inggris di jurusan non-bahasa Inggris baru memiliki “rumah” saja, belum “tuan rumah”nya. Ini berarti bahwa pihak-pihak yang terlibat dalam pembelajaran belum dapat menata sebuah pengajaran bahasa Inggris yang efektif. Ada banyak hal yang dapat dilakukan, namun tulisan ini memilih untuk mengajukan sebuah solusi perbaikan pengajaran bahasa Inggris di jurusan non-bahasa Inggris dengan cara memberdayakan dosen pengampu matakuliah. Tulisan ini  merujuk pada hasil penelitian yang dilakukan terhadap pengajaran bahasa Inggris di Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dengan menggunakan dosen dan mahasiswa sebagai informan utama, serta wawancara, observasi dan analisis dokumen sebagai teknik pengumpulan data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa beberapa perbaikan penting dalam penegajaran bahasa Inggris dapat difasilitasi oleh dosen pengampu matakuliah. Langkah-langkah yang dapat dilakukan adalah: melibatkan dosen dalam menyusun kurikulum pengajaran bahasa Inggris; membangun hubungan dengan sesama dosen pengajar ESP dan dosen ahli bidang ilmu tertentu; mengaktifkan forum diskusi antar anggota tim pengajar. Langkah-langkah ini diharapkan dapat dilengkapi dengan perbaikan dari aspek-aspek lain guna mewujudkan pembelajaran yang efektif. How to Cite: Akhiroh, N. S. . (2017). Teaching English in Non-English Departments: Empowering Teacher Towards Improvement. IJEE (Indonesian Journal of English Education), 4(1), 49-62. doi:10.15408/ijee.v4i1.5341  

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