scholarly journals The Importance of Affective Factors in Self-Access Language Learning Courses

2011 ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Valdivia ◽  
David McLoughlin ◽  
Jo Mynard
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Emotional Involvement ◽  
Change Over Time ◽  
Learning Modules ◽  
Affective Factors ◽  
Short Summary ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Over Time

In this short summary, we investigate the importance of learners’ emotional involvement in self-directed learning. We begin by briefly examining the literature related to affective factors in self-access language learning. We then describe two examples of institutions with self-access centres that place particular importance on affective factors in courses of self-directed study. The first example is in a university in Japan, where affective strategies are introduced through self-directed learning modules. The second example is in a university in Mexico, where educators are investigating how feelings about self-access language learning can change over time.

scholarly journals Self-Directed Learning Modules for Independent Learning: IELTS Exam Preparation

2011 ◽  
pp. 51-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian R. Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Modules ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Exam Preparation ◽  
Individual Learning Plan ◽  
Directed Learning

Learners studying for exams sometimes show a lack of awareness in their abilities as tested through the framework of that exam. Instead, such learners focus on the score obtained in exams, and exam preparation includes using textbooks, online materials and timed use of past papers. The purpose of exam-focused flexible self-directed learning modules (FSDLMs) at Kanda University of International Studies have been designed to address this by developing learners’ ability to identify their strengths and weaknesses, to make informed decisions about their own learning, and to improve their test-taking skills. Each FSDLM has at its core a diagnostic for learners to use for self-evaluation, often with guidance from a learning advisor. This process leads to the setting of clear goals and the development and implementation of an individual learning plan through a variety of dialogues. Learners have the potential to transfer this skill beyond examination preparation to other areas of learning. In other words, learners’ awareness of needs analysis, planning, implementation and evaluation is fostered with a view to developing their language learning ability within and beyond this module.

scholarly journals Sharing Stories of Practice in Self-Access Facility Design and Management

2015 ◽  
pp. 216-218
Author(s):  
Katherine Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
The Self ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Learning Modules ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
Access Services

Welcome to the new column in SiSAL Journal. So far, this regular column has followed two different institutions as they reconceptualised aspects of their self-access services, in the case of Kanda University of International Studies (Japan), the self-directed learning modules offered through their SALC, and, in the case of the University of Bradford (UK), the reinvention of the self-access facilities as a social learning space. The upcoming column is a much bigger project. It will run for seven volumes of SiSAL Journal. Each issue will address a different aspect of self-access management, through reflective case studies from professionals who work in language learning spaces.

Technology and Learner Autonomy: An Argument in Favor of the Nexus of Formal and Informal Language Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun Lai
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Technology Aids ◽  
Constructed Self ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThis article discusses some of the current research on technology in relation to learner autonomy, outlining major findings on the relationship between technology and learner autonomy in formal and informal learning contexts. Extant literature has discussed both teacher-initiated technology-enhanced formal learning environments and learner-constructed self-directed learning experience in informal learning contexts. Although valuable in the insights it provides into how technology aids learner autonomy, the two bodies of literature have largely been independent from each other, which may constrain our understanding.

scholarly journals Self-Directed Learning Readiness (SDLR) among Foundation Students from High and Low Proficiency Levels to Learn English Language

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (Number 2) ◽  
pp. 55-81
Author(s):  
Abu Bakar Razali ◽  
Lim Ying Xuan ◽  
Arshad Abd. Samad
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
T Test ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Proficiency Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Directed Learning

Purpose – In the field of second language education, self-directed learning is really important as it can empower students to attain optimal success in language learning by engaging students to express their ideas confidently, think reflectively and make use of language learning strategies. The main aim of the present study is to investigate students’ self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) in a foundation program in a public university in Malaysia so as to find out how they perceive this approach can improve their learning of the English language at tertiary level. More specifically, the researchers intend to find answers to these research questions: 1) Are foundation students ready to use self-directed learning strategies in English Language learning? (i.e. awareness, motivation and language learning strategies); 2) Is there a significant difference in the three attributes (i.e., awareness, motivation and language learning strategies) of self-directed learning among foundation students?; and 3) Is there a significant difference between English language proficiency (upper and lower) and the three attributes (i.e., awareness, motivation, language learning strategies) in using self-directed learning strategies? Methodology – A set of survey questionnaires with a 6-point Likert scale were administered to 400 students attending an English proficiency course (i.e., Introduction to Academic English) in the first semester of the Foundation Studies for Agricultural Science program. The data of the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and paired samples t-test. Findings – Results revealed that the respondents have a rather high degree of readiness to apply self-directed learning strategies in learning English. Motivation has the highest mean scores (M=4.57), followed by language learning strategies (M=4.41) and awareness (M=4.34). Results also showed that there are no difference in terms of SDLR depending on English proficiency levels, namely lower level (MUET Bands 1,2,3) and upper level (MUET Bands 4,5) (p>.05). Significance – The findings are beneficial for students to learn more about their readiness to apply the self-directed learning strategies. In particular, these findings also provide insights for lecturers, program administrators, curriculum developers, and policy makers to plan and implement suitable teaching methods, course outlines, and curricula for the development of the students’ English language abilities.

scholarly journals Teaching Communicatively in a Classroom with Mobile-sourced Materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Rupert Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Classroom Teaching ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Shared Experience ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Material Sources ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Student Reactions

Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) is now common in extra-curricular language learning, but, more recently, teachers have increasingly sought ways to utilise MALL as a communicative classroom tool. Research into the extent that MALL can transform a whole communicative language course, and learners’ impressions of such courses, is scarce. This study, therefore, sought the opinions of five undergraduate learners on a short communicative English language course based on communicative principles, with materials entirely sourced from learner’s own devices. Learner reflections elicited in interviews suggested that MALL had aided the facilitation of an environment that was interactive, motivating, differentiated, authentic and autonomous, at times potentially more so than on a course using traditional material sources. The novel aspect of allowing freedom in choosing materials caused some complications, though none were considered insurmountable with minor adjustments to the course plan. In summary, student reactions implied that a communicative course could be taught exclusively through mobile-sourced materials, but further research is required to identify exactly how this would best be achieved. Nevertheless, findings here give reasons for practitioners to explore methods of classroom teaching inclusive of MALL that encourage self-directed learning, the creation of a platform for interaction, personalization, differentiation, a shared experience for learners and elements of game-play.

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LANGUAGE LEARNING STRATEGIES AND VOCATIONAL LEARNERS’ EFL PROFICIENCY

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Hilda _ Yustitiasari
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Vocational College ◽  
Language Learning Strategy ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Language learning strategies (LLS) are perceived as tools for teacher to educate the learners behave self-directed learning. It also known, improving language proficient. In the case of vocational college students, they practically use self-directed learning in learning English outside classroom since they should pass the TOEFL test after the internship as the requirement of graduation. Hereby, this study identifies: (1) the frequently language learning strategy used by vocational college learners, (2) the relationship between language learning strategy and English proficiency, (3) the strategy used by learners which could predict learners proficient. The participant is 52 students of Politeknik Kota Malang in 2016- 2017 academic year which done the TOEFL test and willing to complete the Strategy Inventory of Language Learning (SILL). This study employed quantitative approach and correlational research as the research design to identify the relationship between variables. There are six strategies of language learning strategies by Oxford (1990) as the independent variables (predictors) and English proficiency (criterion) as the dependent variable. Therefore, multiple regression analysis employed in this study. The result showed that metacognitive strategy reported highly used by learners. While compensation, cognitive, social strategies reported medium used by learners. The low strategy used was affective and memory strategies. Although, language learning strategy cannot simultaneously predict the English proficiency there is one strategy that can be used to predict English proficiency, namely compensation strategy. Keywords: Language Learning Strategies, EFL Learners, English Proficiency.

scholarly journals Language Learning Sans Frontiers: A Translanguaging View

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 33-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wei ◽  
Wing Yee (Jenifer) Ho
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Analytical Approach ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Writing Systems ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Transdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Bilingualism And Multilingualism

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present an analytical approach that focuses on how transnational and translingual learners mobilize their multilingual, multimodal, and multisemiotic repertoires, as well as their learning and work experiences, as resources in language learning. The approach is that of translanguaging, which seeks to push the boundaries not only between different named languages but also between different modalities and across language scripts and writing systems. We base our arguments on a study of self-directed learning of Chinese via online platforms in the context of mobility and aim to demonstrate the transformative capacity of translanguaging. In doing so, we highlight the need for a transdisciplinary approach to language learning that transcends the boundaries between linguistics, psychology, and education, and in particular, the need to go beyond the artificial divides of the different modalities of language learning to strengthen the connections between research on bilingualism and multilingualism and research on language teaching and learning.

Facilitating the Self-Directed Learning Efforts of Professional Meteorologists

2018 ◽  
Vol 99 (12) ◽  
pp. 2519-2527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daphne S. LaDue ◽  
Ariel E. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
The Self ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Climate Forecasting ◽  
Weather And Climate ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Over Time

AbstractProfessional meteorologists gain a great deal of knowledge through formal education, but two factors require ongoing learning throughout a career: professionals must apply their learning to the specific subdiscipline they practice, and the knowledge and technology they rely on becomes outdated over time. It is thus inherent in professional practice that much of the learning is more or less self-directed. While these principles apply to any aspect of meteorology, this paper applies concepts to weather and climate forecasting, for which a range of resources, from many to few, for learning exist. No matter what the subdiscipline, the responsibility for identifying and pursuing opportunities for professional, lifelong learning falls to the members of the subdiscipline. Thus, it is critical that meteorologists periodically assess their ongoing learning needs and develop the ability to reflectively practice. The construct of self-directed learning and how it has been implemented in similar professions provide visions for how individual meteorologists can pursue—and how the profession can facilitate—the ongoing, self-directed learning efforts of meteorologists.

scholarly journals Syntax mentioned seven times in the CEFR – and how many times at school, in foreign language classrooms?

Linguistica ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-96
Author(s):  
Darja Mertelj
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Authentic Texts ◽  
Affective Factors ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Communicative Approach ◽  
Established Role

In the teaching of foreign languages, complex-clause syntax does not seem to have had an established role over the last 20 years, especially within the communicative approach and, of course, the CEFR. It was previously part of methods which stressed formal approaches to foreign languages and their being taught, but not of natural, acquisition-based methods. With the communicative approach, two important premises were introduced: authentic texts and grammar as a tool when necessary. This is one probable reason why explicit, complex-clause syntax is hardly mentioned in the CEFR, even though it is implicitly present in descriptors, even though it is particularly recognisable in those for writing skills, and even though we know that it can be used for all four skills, as well as to guide learners towards some self-directed learning about language features.To date, in the era of the communicative approach, not much is known about the role of complex-clause syntax in foreign/second language classrooms, in particular from the learners’ viewpoint. In order to bridge this research gap, the paper analyses a questionnaire among learners in secondary schools that looked at their perspectives regarding the (possible) role of syntax. The examined aspects consider its role for the four skills, and the benefits of knowing syntax; implicitly, the paper touches on some affective factors and related methodological approaches, along with problems concerning the teaching of syntax. The findings are based on quantitative data; an evaluation of the need for complex-clause syntax is included, and some pedagogical implications are presented.

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