scholarly journals Enhancing EFL learning in college through performance festivals – a holistic approach

2016 ◽  
Vol X (2) ◽  
pp. 49-64
Author(s):  
Yasuko Shiozawa ◽  
Miho Moody
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Educational Experience ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Current Status ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Japanese Student

A group of university teachers have worked to organize and host an annual performance festival for 20 years. About a hundred students from several universities gather and perform a variety of oral activities every year. Students engage with everything from everyday events to long-standing global issues through drama, and thus this festival is a unique educational experience. Touching on the current status of EFL (English as Foreign Language) within Japanese Universities, this paper aims to discuss the significance of the festival through briefly describing some sample performances and their process of preparation. While the festival is not in any way competitive, both students and teachers attending are expected to provide some form of feedback to every performance viewed. Expressing themselves at the festival is especially meaningful in the context of EFL, where no immediate need to use the language in their daily life exists for the typical Japanese student. Additionally, participants are likely to gain a sense of achievement and confidence through the process and encouraging response at the festival. Finally, students learn to collaborate efficiently and build leadership skills. Challenges in terms of preparation and management of the festival are also discussed in this paper.

scholarly journals Inclusive Education and Learning English as Foreign Language in Algeria: Views from Faculty Members at Abderrahmane Mira University

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 339-353
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teacher Training ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
General Education ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
General Education Teachers ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Current Status ◽  
English As Foreign Language

This is an exploratory case study conducted at the faculty of Letters and languages at the University Abderrahmane Mira of Bejaia -Algeria. It examined general education teachers and faculty members’ views concerning inclusive education (IE) in classes of English as a foreign language (EFL) and identified major issues regarding its future development in higher education. The goal of the present study was to reflect on the current status of inclusive education in the Algerian learning environment. To gather data, a semi-structured interview was conducted with teachers and administration members; the interview results were thematically arranged and results were discussed accordingly. The data of the current study revealed that while faculty members believe and support the idea of education for all, EFL teachers have varying perceptions towards inclusion. In light of this, we tend to conclude that material facilities, teacher training, and professional development are fundamental issues that curtailed its full implementation. Keywords: Algerian learning culture; General education teachers; Higher education; Inclusive education; teacher training.

scholarly journals Using design thinking as an appr Using design thinking as an approach to creative and communicativ e and communicative engagement in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 63-81
Author(s):  
Tim Cleminson ◽  
◽  
Neil Cowie ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Student Work ◽  
Language Play ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Collaborative Engagement ◽  
Viable Method

Design thinking (DT) could provide a viable method to develop 21st-century skills in English as Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms; however, its potential is not clearly understood. To explore this potential, two Japanese university teachers developed a DT course in which students built a creativity measure and wrote academic reflections. Student work displayed creative thinking, insight, and language play. Survey data revealed correlations between DT, student enjoyment, confidence communicating, and thinking flexibly. In conclusion, DT can facilitate collaborative engagement and creative thinking, however, time to develop on-task communication and a focused approach to report writing may be necessary to support understanding and communicative competence.

scholarly journals Different Methods of Evaluating Student Translations: The Question of Validity

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Waddington
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Error Analysis ◽  
University Students ◽  
Validation Study ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
University Teachers ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Main Factor

Abstract This article examines the criterion-related validity of the results obtained by the application of four different methods of assessment to the correction of a second-year exam of translation into the foreign language (Spanish-English) done by 64 university students. These four methods are based on types currently used by university teachers, and the validation study is based on 17 external criteria taken from six different sources. In spite of this variety, a factor analysis reveals the presence of one main factor which is clearly identifiable as Translation Competence . The hypotheses regarding differences between the validity of the methods are verified as null, since all the systems, whether based on error analysis or a holistic approach, prove to correlate significantly with this main factor.

Foreign Language Writing Anxiety: The Perceptions and Experiences of Freshmen Lebanese University Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-492
Author(s):  
ROLA LABABIDI
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Numerical Data ◽  
Psychological Needs ◽  
Writing Anxiety ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Foreign Language Writing ◽  
Language Writing ◽  
Shed Light

Writing is an essential skill for language production. However, many English as Foreign language learners (EFL) face many difficulties in writing. This study aims to shed light on the psychological aspect of writing; more specifically writing anxiety. Consequently, the main purpose of this exploratory mixed-method study is to explore and investigate the sources and manifestations of foreign language writing anxiety among Lebanese university students. The participants were Lebanese EFL university students (N=87). Data for this study was gathered from the use of the Second Language Writing anxiety scale(SLWAI), Sources of Writing Anxiety Inventory(SWAI), and semi-structured Focus group interviews (FG). Focus interviews with students were used to triangulate the derived data from the inventories. This study provides numerical data regarding the level of writing anxiety among students. The data from the FG interviews were transcribed and uploaded for thematic coding and further analysis. The results from this study shed light on the sources and manifestation of the writing anxiety among students. It also helps to disseminate several practical recommendations for the alleviation of writing anxiety among students. It is assumed that the findings will address the perceived psychological needs of Lebanese EFL learners and provide grounds for further research.

Improving Communicative Competence Levels of Pre-Service Teachers Through Spoken-Based Reflection Instruction

2021 ◽  
pp. 002205742110445
Author(s):  
Chinaza Solomon Ironsi
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Listening And Speaking ◽  
Speaking Skills

This study investigated the use of spoken-reflection instruction to improve the communicative competence level of English as Foreign Language learners in a second language acquisition classroom. A listening and speaking test was administered before and after the study to determine the participants’ level of speaking competence. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study. A 3-credit unit language course was designed and implemented for the study. The course was built on the core principles of reflective practice. Participants were taught using the normal language teaching method and spoken-based reflection instruction. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 65 English as Foreign Language learners who willingly participated in the study. At the end of the course, a questionnaire was used to obtain information from the participants about their perceptions of using spoken-based reflection instruction to improve their speaking skills. In addition, participants were administered a Reflection-Listening, and Speaking Skills Test before and after each experimental phase to determine whether their listening and speaking skills had improved. Most learners found the use of spoken reflections to be a fun way to learn. However, they expressed anxiety about doing teacher-student reflection because they felt intimidated by the presence of their language teacher, although sending recordings of their reflections to their teachers was more convenient than interacting with them on a one-to-one basis.

Progression of Skills and Competencies through University to Employment

1998 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 290-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Hobrough ◽  
Rodney Bates
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Leadership Skills ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Graduate Employment ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Undergraduate Experience ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Business Sectors

This paper discusses findings of a research project comparing skills of business-related advanced GNVQ/GCE students in the UK, together with perceptions as to how skills develop through undergraduate experience into employment. Expectations of employers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also indicated. GNVQ students seem more aware of business needs than GCE students, and appear to have a greater awareness of teamworking. GCE students tend towards a recognition of leadership skills and improvement of self-sufficiency during higher education. Work experience is identified as the major need within higher education for SME employment across Europe and the acquisition of a foreign language is identified as a growing need for graduate employment, not only in Europe but also in certain UK business sectors.

scholarly journals EXPLORING ENGLISH LISTENING PROBLEMS AMONG EFL STUDENTS AT IAIN KUDUS

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Azizah Maulina Erzad
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
English Education ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Education Department ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Listening Process

Listening comprehension becomes one of the most difficult skills for most of English learners especially EFL learners. As a foreign language, English is rarely used in communication by EFL learners in their daily life. Therefore, the learners or students always face some difficulties/problems in listening comprehension. It can be seen from the results of their tests. The purpose of this study is to investigate the problems occur in listening class of EFL students at IAIN Kudus and the solutions to overcome those problems. The EFL students in this study refer to the English Education Department students of IAIN Kudus. The participants of this study are the second semester of English Education Department students. This study is a qualitative research. Observation, interview and documentation were conducted to collect the data. By conducting this study, several problems in listening comprehension can be revealed. The listening problems encountered by the EFL students are the pronunciation (accents), speedy delivery and length of the listening, physical conditions, unfamiliar vocabularies and terminologies, and limited facility for listening. Some actions should be done to overcome these obstacles occurred during listening process. The solutions to overcome the problems are students should be focus, practice more in listening English, memorize vocabularies, and prepare a language laboratory.

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