scholarly journals ‘Things Will Look Up Because They Always Do’: The Continuation of My Autoethnography as a Self-Directed Learner of French

2020 ◽  
pp. 271-293
Author(s):  
Robert J. Werner
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
French Language ◽  
Learning Cycle ◽  
Second Step ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
New Words ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
English Class

This is the second part of an autoethnography about trying to enrich my vocabulary and improve my listening skills as a self-directed learner through French language songs. I followed the same Study Use Review Evaluate (SURE) learning cycle as my students in a self-access English class, and my work occurred at the same time as theirs, over a period of six weeks. Throughout the project and in the course of writing it up, I was making comparisons and identifying connections between my learning and that of my students. This installment covers the second and third weeks of the project, and part of the fourth. First, it discusses vocabulary, describes how I adjusted a strategy, ways I enlisted help from native French speakers, and a problem that arose with using new words (the second step of SURE). Next, it details how I reviewed grammar through Duolingo, a language learning app, and the unexpected benefits I derived from using this app. Finally, this paper examines fluctuations in motivation and affect, which many learners experience at some point, and this initially led to anxiety and self-doubts about my purpose in conducting this project. Stepping into the learner’s experience was valuable, however, in helping me to rediscover intrinsic motivation and regain my self-confidence as I headed into the final weeks of the project.

scholarly journals ‘Trusting the Process’: Part Three of My Autoethnography as a Self-Directed Learner of French

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-369
Author(s):  
Robert Werner ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
French Language ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Learning History ◽  
English Class ◽  
Classroom Language ◽  
Authentic Language

This is the third part of an autoethnography about trying to enrich my vocabulary and improve my listening skills as a self-directed learner through French language songs. I followed the same Study Use Review Evaluate (SURE) learning cycle as my students in a self-directed English class at a university in Japan, and my work occurred at the same time as theirs, over a period of six weeks. Throughout the project and in the course of writing it up, I have been making comparisons and identifying connections between my learning and that of my students. This installment covers the final three weeks of the project. First, in continuing my language learning history, I discuss authentic language and the discrepancies between my classroom language learning and real-life experiences, especially with regard to understanding spoken language while in France. Next, the paper details how I evaluated my learning both during the project and months after it finished. After that, I describe my longtime interest in accents and dialects and how I chose my third song partly to study Nouchi, a French-based dialect spoken in Ivory Coast. The paper concludes with a description of how I felt my goals shifting at different points in the project and reasons I considered changing my focus from listening to reading. I also describe a way I have been able to continue practicing reading French on a daily basis and how students can benefit from this method too.

scholarly journals Cadets’ Perceptions on the Teaching Methods and Their Influence on Cadets’ Language Learning Process: A Study on the Co-curricular English Class of PIP Semarang

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Latifa Ika Sari ◽  
Ria Hermina Sari
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
First Year ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Negative Perception ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
English Class

Cadets’ perception is very important in teaching and learning process. Cadets who perceive the teaching methods used by their teachers positively are more likely to achieve better results. This study aims to investigate cadets’ perceptions on teaching methods used by English teachers in the Co-curricular English class and how they influence cadets’ language learning process especially on the aspect of language improvement, motivation, self-confidence and attitude. As many as 200 questionnaires were distributed randomly to the first-year cadets of PIP Semarang and 10 of the cadets were involved for the interview. The study found that 79.2% cadets have positive perception towards the teaching methods used by English teachers, while the rest (20,8%) have negative perception. This study also revealed that cadets perceive their class more positively if the teachers use interesting method such as games and challenge. It is expected that the result of this study can become an evaluation to improve teaching and learning process ahead.

scholarly journals ‘A Puzzle that Needs to be Fitted Together’: The Beginning of My Autoethnographic Journey of Learning French Through Music

2020 ◽  
pp. 93-107
Author(s):  
Robert J. Werner
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
French Language ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Learning History ◽  
Learning Goal ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Song Lyrics

This is the first of several installments of an autoethnography about my experiences as a self-directed learner studying French over a six-week period. My studies paralleled work that students were completing in an English language course at a Japanese university and occurred simultaneously with theirs. I set a learning goal and focused on vocabulary and listening skills in order to better understand French language songs. In doing so, I not only revisited past knowledge of French, but also examined my learning techniques and developed strategies as I made weekly study plans. In this installment, I will give an overview of the project, and tell how I arrived at it and why I chose to study French. I will also describe my language learning history, especially with regard to French and Japanese. Data consisted of observation notes, weekly reflections, song lyrics with my vocabulary translations, and a log of days/time spent studying. This installment goes through the first week of the project, when I chose a song to study, a strategy to try, resources to use, and then did those things. At the onset, I doubted whether I could be successful, but was also excited and motivated to begin a new endeavor.

scholarly journals ‘Learning This Way Is Like Piecing a Puzzle Together’: Bringing My Autoethnography as a Self-Directed Learner of French to a Conclusion

2021 ◽  
pp. 92-117
Author(s):  
Robert J. Werner
Keyword(s):  
Intercultural Communication ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Writing Process ◽  
French Language ◽  
Learning Cycle ◽  
Linguistic Knowledge ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Lexical Frequency ◽  
Frequency Profile ◽  
Learning Plan

This is the fourth and final part of an autoethnography about how I tried to enrich my vocabulary and improve my listening skills through French language songs. I made a learning plan and followed the same Study Use Review Evaluate (SURE) learning cycle as my students in a self-directed English course at a university in Japan, over a period of six weeks. Throughout the project and in the course of writing it up, I made comparisons and identified connections between my learning and that of my students. In this installment, I first compare the difficulty levels of the vocabulary in the three songs I studied by finding the lexical frequency profile of each. Next, in revisiting my trouble with understanding spoken French while in France, I discuss how cultural awareness, in addition to linguistic knowledge, is necessary for intercultural communication. After that, I briefly explore empathy as a factor in advising students, and particularly how learning in the same way as them (as in this project) can assist a teacher/advisor in better understanding and helping their students/advisees. Finally, I discuss the writing process as a method of inquiry. I feel that writing this autoethnography has transformed me into a better learner, teacher/advisor, writer, and researcher, and in this way, I hope to help others benefit from this method too.

scholarly journals Reading Aloud Activity in ESP Class in the Perspectives of Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Titien Indrianti
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Reading Instruction ◽  
Reading Aloud ◽  
Silent Reading ◽  
New Words ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
English Class ◽  
Correct Pronunciation ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Reading Activity

Many studies have contradicted the reading aloud with silent reading instruction in EFL classroom. However, each viewpoint has its own arguments. Those in support of a silent reading claim that there exists psycho logical involvement in the mind of each reader and any written content. Through silent reading activity, students are trained to grasp the meaning of the text as int ended by the writer. On the other hand, the power of reading aloud cannot be seen as simplistic. Some believe that out loud reading instruction aid students to acquire new words and correct pronunciation, and comprehend language forms and mechanics, especially those with low English p roficiency. The students of Business Administration Department, State Polytechnic of Malang learn English as a foreign language in their ESP class. However, they still have insufficient English proficiency. In their English class, the reading aloud activity has been practiced as a method of instruction.On the basis of the above-mentioned background, this study intends to obtain the perspectives of students towards reading aloud activity in their ESP class. The problems of the study include (1) students’ viewpoint toward the benefit of reading aloud activity; (2) whether students feel any improvement in their English and aspects of the improvement; and (3) sorts of problems they encount er when dealing with reading aloud. The data are analysed qualitatively. The findings indicate that the students view a lot of benefits in reading aloud activity as it is building their self-confidence, recalling vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and managing pace and intonation in their reading.

Perfecting Communication Skills of the Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Dr. Neeta Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Listening And Speaking

Abstract Communication is a process of sharing information through speech, writing, gestures or symbols between two or more people. The focus of the present paper is oral communication and the language under consideration is English. The teacher should adopt a student centered approach. The learners should be encouraged to do things in the class which result in developing their communication skills. The trainer has to focus on both the linguistic and paralinguistic features of the communication process while enhancing learners’ communication skills. These features involve the effective use of words, forming grammatically intelligible sentences and an appropriate use of voice and intonation. The teacher should encourage and train his students to use positive body language while listening and speaking. In order to hone the communication skills of the learners, it is very important to make the learners comfortable with the language they have to communicate in. Shedding their inhibitions is also one of the pivotal areas of concerns. This paper explores different techniques that could be useful while training students in communication skills. Communication is a process of sharing information through speech, writing, gestures or symbols between two or more people. The focus of the present paper is oral communication and the language under consideration is English. The major elements of a communication process are sender, receiver, message and feedback. Effective communication is a two way process. It involves both expressive (speaking) skills and receptive (listening) skills. It entails receiver’s understanding of the message sent by the sender and his feedback to the sender. Listening plays a very important role in the language learning process. It is the most primary of the four basic skills of any language i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Listening paves way for speaking. One can never be a good speaker if one is not a good listener. An effective communicator is first a good listener and then a good speaker. According to Tickoo ( 2003 ), ‘Good listening skills not only lay the foundations of good speech, but they grow best through effective communication’.

Examining the Use of Vocabulary Learning Strategies among EFL Learners in Baghlan University of Afghanistan

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Social Strategies ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
New Words ◽  
Vocabulary Learning Strategies

Vocabulary learning is one of the problems in language learning skills. Tackling such problems is to provide useful and effective strategies for enhancing students’ VLSs. Therefore, this study aims to survey vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) utilized among English as a Foreign Language learners (EFL) in Baghlan University of Afghanistan, and to study the high and least frequently used VLSs that contributes to the learners’ vocabulary knowledge. This study utilizes a descriptive quantitative research method with 67 EFL learners who participated in the survey questionnaire adopted from Oxford (1990) taxonomy of VLS from different faculties of Baghlan University. The findings indicated that EFL learners preferably utilize VLSs at a medium level, and the highly used vocabulary learning strategies are the social strategies through which they ask the native speakers, teachers, and classmates for the meanings of new words in English language conversation. Determination, cognitive, and memory strategies are respectively followed by the learners. Whereas, metacognitive strategies are the least used strategies among EFL learners, the reason is that they only focus on the materials related to examination; explore anything about the new words for learning, and rarely think of their improvement in vocabulary learning.

scholarly journals DESIGNING COMMUNITY LANGUAGE LEARNING METHOD BASED CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES USING ELEARNING RESOURCES TO TEACH LISTENING SKILLS AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Sujatha P ◽  
Thippu Sulthan H
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Tertiary Level ◽  
Learning Method ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Learning Materials ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Community Language

In the current scenario, English plays an inevitable role in all the fields. The learners and teachers of this language understood the need of it and have taken certain steps to learn/teach language effectively using different methods to meet the needs of the society. Only recently, after the outlook of ELT scholars moved towards a blend of methods to suit the unique needs of a particular class and students during the post methods era, This paper is an attempt to design classroom activities based on CLL using E-learning materials to teach listening skills.

scholarly journals INVESTIGATING EXPERIENCED AND NOVICE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS` PERCEPTIONS of MOST USEFUL VOCABULARY LEARNING STRATEGIES (VLS)

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 288-295
Author(s):  
Elnaz Zariholhosseini ◽  
Ehsan Namaziandost ◽  
Mehdi Nasri
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
New Words ◽  
Novice Learners ◽  
Vocabulary Learning Strategies ◽  
Personal Use

Purpose of the study: This article report’s findings from a study on the differences and similarities between experienced and novice English language learners with regards to their personal use of VLS. Methodology: Closed questionnaire and semi-structure interviews were applied to collect the data. The questionnaire was distributed among 60 (30 experienced learners and 30 novice learners). In addition, 20 learners (10 experienced learners and 10 novice learners) were asked to answer the questions in the interview. Therefore, descriptive statistics, U Mann Whitney test, and independent-sample t-test were run to compare and analyzed the data. Main Findings: The finding showed that there were significant differences between experienced and novice learners’ thoughts towards vocabulary learning strategies and experienced learners used vocabulary learning strategies while learning new words in English language learning. Applications of this study: If the learners are taught how to use each strategy correctly, their understanding of the language can naturally be improved. Moreover, VLS is beneficial throughout the process of vocabulary learning which makes learners more independent and allows teachers to focus on other things as well. Novelty/Originality of this study: To the best of researchers’ knowledge, no study has been done on investigating Iranian experienced and novice English language learners` perceptions towards most useful vocabulary learning strategies (VLS).

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