scholarly journals Elementary English Language School Teachers Self Evaluation: A Case Study from Real Life Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. p64
Author(s):  
Salwa H. Al Darwish
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Female Teacher ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Teacher Trainees ◽  
Public Elementary Schools ◽  
Teacher Trainee ◽  
Central Tool

Self- evaluation is a central “tool” to express how we know what we do when we teach, and as we make decisions on our own while we teach, self- evaluation has the power to help us link knowledge and theoretical information and to use each area of expertise more professionally. This paper will discuss primary school English Language teacher trainee’s self- evaluation which will be carried out between the instructor (researcher/ mentor) and the student teacher trainees. This study aims to explore the benefits of the process of self-evaluation during the student trainees while teaching English as a foreign language in public elementary schools in the form of the practice classes (Practicum Course). Another purpose of this research will be to find out more about students’ perceptions, problems and difficulties of teaching the target language (English) to young learners in order to find the instrument that will help the teacher trainees to better prepare, monitor and evaluate their own teaching through the self-evaluation and peer evaluation. The chosen instrument for this research will be observation for each individual by the instructor (mentor) and the teacher trainees, followed by a questionnaire distributed among the teacher trainees. The sample will consist of 30 female teacher trainees. Each participant is assigned four classmates to be observed and evaluated; followed by the mentor observation and evaluation for each teacher trainee. The results were not similar between the teacher trainees and the mentor.

scholarly journals What Makes an Effective English Language Teacher? The Life Histories of 13 Mexican University Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Nicholas Bremner
Keyword(s):  
Life Histories ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Student Teacher Relationship ◽  
Inductive Methods ◽  
Being There

This study examined the educational life histories of 13 students at a Mexican university in order to gather their perspectives of effective language teaching. Most previous studies on students’ perspectives of language teaching have used quantitative and deductive methods, whereas this study employed qualitative and inductive methods. The main methodological approach was the ‘life history’ approach, and the specific methods were two extended interviews and an innovative ‘timeline’ activity. In total, 77 examples of effective (and ineffective) teachers emerged from the 13 students’ life histories. The study revealed three major findings. Firstly, teachers’ language knowledge and proficiency were not mentioned as important characteristics of effective language teaching, although several students did make reference to teachers’ command of language when it was perceived to be missing. Secondly, students generally favoured more ‘modern’ approaches (engaging, active, real-life skills, immersion in the target language), as opposed to more ‘conservative’ approaches (unappealing, passive, overly theoretical, lack of immersion in the target language). Thirdly, students emphasised the importance of a positive student-teacher relationship, and greatly appreciated the teacher being there to provide them with personalised attention. Notably, the students tended not to value autonomous learning, preferring teachers to be close to them to help them with their problems in class. Two main implications for practice were suggested. Firstly, a general consensus has been reached regarding several key characteristics of effective language teaching, strengthening the argument that these characteristics should be listened to, and acted upon, by teachers and educational decision-makers. Secondly, the study makes a strong case for future research to utilise more qualitative, inductive methods when investigating students’ perspectives.

scholarly journals Where the Wild Things Are

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 128-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riitta Oittinen
Keyword(s):  
Picture Books ◽  
English Language ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Visual Images ◽  
Forthcoming Book ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Classical Picture

Abstract Translating picture books is a many-splendored thing: it includes not only the relationship between the verbal and the visual (images and other elements) but also issues like reading aloud and child images. In the following, while mainly concentrating on the visual, I will deal with the other questions as well, as they all interact and influence each other. My starting point is translating as rewriting for target-language audiences – we always need to ask the crucial question: “For whom?” Hence, while writing children’s books is writing for children, translating children’s literature is translating for children. (See Hunt 1990:1, 60-64 and Oittinen 2000.) The reasons why I take such a special interest in translating picture books are twofold: cultural and national as well as individual. In Finland, we translate a lot: 70-80% of all the books published for children annually are translations. From the perspective of picture books, the number may be even higher (and 90% of the translations come from the English language; see Rättyä 2002:18-23). Moreover, being an artist and translator of picture books makes me especially keen on the visual as a translation scholar as well. As a case study, I have chosen Maurice Sendak’s classical picture book Where the Wild Things Are and its translations into German, Swedish and Finnish. At the background of my article is my book Translating for Children (2000) as well as my forthcoming book Kuvakirja kääntäjän kädessä on translating picture books. Due to copyright reasons, I only have picture examples from illustrations of my own.

scholarly journals Translating Commons’ ‘Industrial Goodwill’ Into Italian: Some Conceptual and Linguistic Considerations

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Pietro Manzella ◽  
Bruce E. Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Context Specific

This paper examines the English-language term ‘industrial goodwill’, which was introduced into industrial relations discourse by John R. Commons in his book Industrial Goodwill (1919). The paper then goes on to investigate the challenges resulting from the attempts to translate this concept into Italian, as no equivalent exists in the target language which fully captures its English meaning. More generally, this case study is used to highlight the relevance of language in comparative research. This is particularly true in industrial relations, as concepts in this domain are frequently culture and context specific.

Special library in teacher training and information literacy

2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 175-178
Author(s):  
May Chua
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Literacy Support ◽  
Teacher Trainees ◽  
Teacher Trainee ◽  
World Class ◽  
Multiplier Effects

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the underemphasized importance of libraries in cultivating information literacy habits in teacher trainees that in turn generate the multiplier effects of inculcating positive habits of information literacy of children in schools. Design/methodology/approach – By using Singapore's National Institute of Education (NIE) Library as a case study, this paper provides an overview of its institutional and cultural dynamics that create a favorable environment to cultivate information literacy in trainee teachers. Findings – NIE Library's unique embeddedness in the public education system and education research system allows it to provide world-class information literacy support for teacher trainees. Originality/value – Provides a description of how special libraries are vital in supporting a nation-wide effort in information literacy through the support of teacher trainee and education researchers.

scholarly journals Krashen Revisited: Case Study of the Role of Input, Motivation and Identity in Second Language Learning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Bailey ◽  
Ahmed Kadhum Fahad
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Target Language

Stephen Krashen has a long and enduring legacy in the field of second language acquisition. His “Input Hypothesis” was among the very first attempts to create a coherent theoretical account of second language learning. Krashen argued that learners can acquire language through the process of comprehending it. While elements of his model have been extensively critiqued, this idea has endured and offers teachers a clear mandate to provide learners with abundant opportunities to making meaning of the target language. Utilizing a case study of an English language learner, Krashen’s model is challenged and enriched by considering the role that motivation and identity play in learning. Teachers tapping into an important source of learner motivation, role models drawn from the local community or broader society, can inspire and energize students’ studies and help them visualize a life in which a second language plays a vital role. Building upon Krashen’s idea of the importance of language teachers and programs creating robust reading programs for a sustained engagement with second language print resources, the authors propose to expand his vision and include all manner of multimedia and technologies. However, such a program can only succeed if teachers mediate their learners’ social identities and motivations for sustained second language learning.

Impact of Language-Oriented Extracurricular Activities on Academic Achievement in Language Preparation Schools

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunus YILDIZ
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Preparatory Schools ◽  
Special Approach

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) requires learners’ exposure to what educators call the language skills: reading, speaking, writing and listening. Language teachers’ aim is to make students acquire language skills to ensure achievement both in oral and written communication.  Language teachers at Preparatory Schools try to do their best to teach those students who did not reach the level of target language skills that would enable them to study in that language. According to observations, the researcher came to conclusion that those students have difficulty reaching the proficiency level needed for study in the language at their departments for the following year need a special approach, additional to their curriculum studies. The idea was instead of giving abundant homework to students to be completed, it is better to draw their attention to English language-oriented extracurricular activities (ECAs). Via these activities students will use the language beyond the classroom, have sufficient real-life-like practice, but, on the other hand, be devoid of the stress typical for both classroom and first contacts with people not speaking one’s native language. This, hopefully, will also let students increase students’ level of language skills. The experimental research, in which 34 students of Ishik University (Iraq, Erbil) were involved, the idea was confirmed.

Resource vs. Deficit Views About English Language Learners in Classroom Practice

2019 ◽  
pp. 91-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heeok Jeong
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
English Language ◽  
Classroom Practices ◽  
Female Teacher ◽  
Cultural Resources ◽  
Positive Identity

Grounded in a critical sociocultural perspective, this ethnographic case study explores two ELL teachers' views about ELLs and their classroom practices over one academic year using linguistically oriented critical discourse analysis methods. Findings indicate that one female teacher with resource views about ELLs, who focused on what ELLs have and can do in her utterances, demonstrated shared production of knowledge in the classroom. However, another female teacher with deficit views about ELLs, who emphasized what ELLs do not have and cannot do in her utterances, enunciated and embodied teacher-scripted classroom practices. The findings illuminate how critical it is for educators to have resource perspectives toward ELLs. Resource perspectives cause teachers to recognize and use in their instruction the linguistic and cultural resources that ELLs bring to the classroom and thus foster the positive identity construction and academic achievement of ELLs.

scholarly journals Teaching speaking in large classes: Crossing the barriers

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 72-89
Author(s):  
Nargis Chowdhury ◽  
Sabrina M Shaila
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Large Classes ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Classroom Language ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
Innovative Techniques

The modern theories, approaches and methodologies regarding classroom language learning perceive learning as an interactive process. In countries like Bangladesh, where English is a foreign language, one common phenomenon is that the teachers have to deal with large classes. This paper tries to focus on how the English language teachers deal with large classes at the tertiary level, especially when they are conducting classes to practice and evaluate speaking skills of students. A survey was conducted on 52 English language teachers working at different private universities to find out the problems teachers face when the carry on and observe speaking classes. The study finds that students’ less exposure to the real life interaction in the target language, their nervousness, influence of the L1, adverse social environment along with other problems tend to hamper the smooth ongoing of the class. But as most of the teachers consider large class as a challenge rather than a problem, so they attempt to utilize different new methods of teaching speaking in classrooms. The authors of this paper suggest some innovative techniques and methods found to be effective and fruitful in large classes. Stamford Journal of English; Volume 6; Page 72-89 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sje.v6i0.13904

scholarly journals HOW COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING METHOD ACTIVATE STUDENTS LEARNING PROCESSES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TANZANIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Irene Mollel
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
English Language ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Communicative Language Teaching ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Unique Contribution ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to make a thorough assessment of how communicative language teaching method activates student learning process in secondary schools in Tanzania, particularly Arusha district. Methodology: This study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches under case study design and data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis. Findings: Results from the study reveals that, CLT promotes learner’s self-expression abilities using a target language; build learners communicative competences; Create and maintain the interaction between language, learner and the speaker and enhance easy assessment of the learners' practices and development.   Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy CLT method is the best approach to be adopted by all teachers on instructing learners’ new language particularly the English language. The scrutiny of this study will help the policymakers to review the curriculum and add utmost CLT activities to be done in and outside the classroom thus enable students to get more time to practice the language.

scholarly journals Yemeni EFL Learners’ Identity Conflicts: An Exploratory Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Rais Ahmed Attamimi ◽  
Nasser Omer M. Al-Tamimi ◽  
Jon Andrew Chittick
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Exploratory Case Study ◽  
Identity Conflicts ◽  
High Level

The importance of the concept of “identity” in the context of language learning is unassailable. Stemming from this premise, the current study is intended to explore the identity conflicts of a group of Yemeni learners who were studying English, as well as the techniques and strategies used to mitigate and/or lessen the conflicts between their actual identity and the identity associated with the target language, i.e., English. This research project used a qualitative exploratory case study research design with a sample of 20 students who were requested to write their journal diaries. Following that, semi-structured interviews were conducted using the double-sampling technique to select 10 of the previously sampled students who were proven to have written the most stimulating and intriguing journal entries. From the results of the study, tangible identity conflicts between the Yemeni culture and society at large and the implied behaviors and conventions accompanying the intensive study of the English language became apparent. The students exhibit a high level of motivation and they also exert their efforts using different techniques and strategies to excel at the learning and/or acquisition of the speaking skill of the English language. These conflicts may be consciously or subconsciously realized by the language learners, but what has been proven is that their attitudes, motivation and general inclinations towards the goal of speaking with a native or a native-like accent are unquestionably genuine. Lastly, the study suggested or recommended a revamp of the current textbooks giving teachers more training sessions in order to improve their individual repertoire, as well as a higher degree of awareness upon the part of the Yemeni society at large that these conflicts can interfere with the strong motivations, both aspirational and actual, to achieve the learning outcomes of the nation’s most promising future leaders and pioneers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document