This study investigated the use of language learning strategies by a group of postgraduate students in a Chinese university. The emphasis was on the influence of L2 (second language) proficiency on learners' strate...This study investigated the use of language learning strategies by a group of postgraduate students in a Chinese university. The emphasis was on the influence of L2 (second language) proficiency on learners' strategy use, aiming to look at how proficiency affects the use of LLS (language learning strategies) among postgraduate students learning EFL (English as a foreign language), and to reveal some distinctive features in postgraduate students' use of learning strategies. Findings from this study have suggested a number of implications for the classroom teaching. Teachers should recognize that some strategies might be more suited to some learners than to others due to individual differences. Learners needed further training in the use of all learning strategies展开更多
The current vocational public English education system can not meet the demands of society and market, so there' s still a big gap between the capacity of students' workplace English and market demands. Therefore, t...The current vocational public English education system can not meet the demands of society and market, so there' s still a big gap between the capacity of students' workplace English and market demands. Therefore, the vocational public English teaching should change the traditional English teaching modes, and construct new diversified teaching modes based on the training of workplace English proficiency, which enables students to master the workplace English through practical work tasks. The practical teaching process is an effective way to realize this teaching aim. So the training of students' workplace English capacity is the primary task of English teaching reform in vocational colleges.展开更多
Garden path sentence is a local ambiguity in language that reveals the characteristics of human language processing,so it have obtained the focus of linguistic research.This study use introspective multiple choice tes...Garden path sentence is a local ambiguity in language that reveals the characteristics of human language processing,so it have obtained the focus of linguistic research.This study use introspective multiple choice test and question-response test to explore whether there is a correlation between the ability to interpret DO/SC garden path sentence,the phenomenon of misinterpretation residue and Chinese learners’English proficiency.The result shows both groups exist garden path phenomenon,but influenced by their English level,there are significant differences in understanding target sentences and in the phenomenon of misinterpretation residue between the high and middle English level group.Therefore,efforts should be made to improve learners’English proficiency to avoid the garden path phenomenon in the future.展开更多
According to the theoretical exploration into the self-esteem, situational anxiety and their relationships between English proficiency, the investigation has been conducted. Then results of the questionnaires complete...According to the theoretical exploration into the self-esteem, situational anxiety and their relationships between English proficiency, the investigation has been conducted. Then results of the questionnaires completed by the freshmen from three Chinese universities were statistically processed by factor, coefficient and path analysis to find the factors of self-esteem and situational anxiety that may influence learners English proficiency and to build the path model of the variables. Finally, some teachin...展开更多
English articles belong to a category of high frequency words. However, they also have been considered as one of the most difficult part and latest part to be fully acquired by non-native speakers. Because of this rea...English articles belong to a category of high frequency words. However, they also have been considered as one of the most difficult part and latest part to be fully acquired by non-native speakers. Because of this reason, a lot of efforts have been made to research into the acquisition of them. In China, researches on the article system were mainly focused on the analysis of functions and description of the usage. This essay intends to explore the distribution and features of English article errors made by Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners both horizontally and longitudinally with the hope to find the possible factors which lead to the errors, so as to throw some light on English articles learning and teaching展开更多
In the recent age of globalization, English advertisements prevail in people's everyday life. As a social discourse, advertisements offer valuable resources of language use to English learners. It is also of great im...In the recent age of globalization, English advertisements prevail in people's everyday life. As a social discourse, advertisements offer valuable resources of language use to English learners. It is also of great importance to fully utilize these resources to improve the quality of EFL teaching, especially learners' abilities to gain English proficiency. Based on an analysis of recent findings in modem English advertising, the present paper proposes a framework of employing English advertisements in EFL teaching from linguistic, rhetorical, pragmatic and cultural perspectives.展开更多
Based on an analysis of Chinese EFL learners' problems in English learning, the present paper proposes that English novel-reading is an effective way for promoting learners' English proficiency according to it...Based on an analysis of Chinese EFL learners' problems in English learning, the present paper proposes that English novel-reading is an effective way for promoting learners' English proficiency according to its role both in the lingual and nonlingual perspectives.展开更多
By adopting quantitative analysis,based on the statements for oral scale of CSE(China Standards of English)level five,this paper investigated the current status,common difficulties and control factors on oral English ...By adopting quantitative analysis,based on the statements for oral scale of CSE(China Standards of English)level five,this paper investigated the current status,common difficulties and control factors on oral English competency of nonEnglish majors in second-tier universities,which was conducted using questionnaires that includes six dimensions of language expression:accuracy,complexity,coherence,fluency,appropriateness,and flexibility.The results showed that:(i)the overall oral English competency of college non-English majors hasn't met the statements of CSE level five;(ii)female students significantly outperformed male students,and business majors students significantly outperformed those in liberal arts majors who were significantly better than those in science majors;(iii)there was no significant difference between grades;(iv)the flexibility,coherence and accuracy of language expression almost reached the standard grade,but the common core difficulties faced by the students were mainly in pronunciation,scope oflanguage expression,fluency and appropriateness.Unclear goals,less practice and poor vocabulary were major impact factors.The research is helpful for strengthening students?knowledge on their own oral English competency as well as adjusting their oral practice objectives,thereby shedding light on students5 actual oral English proficiency and helping to clarify and refine the teaching objectives of speaking and promote the effective practice of oral English as well as the rational application of CSE.展开更多
Since the late 1990s, the study on cooperative learning has been an educational fad in linguistic circle. The previous studies have shown that cooperative learning is a good method of learning. However, very few Chine...Since the late 1990s, the study on cooperative learning has been an educational fad in linguistic circle. The previous studies have shown that cooperative learning is a good method of learning. However, very few Chinese English teachers have really or commonly tried to apply the theory of cooperative learning in English reading class. On the basis of reading some related literatures, the author combine his teaching experience and the reality of the teaching subjects to put forward the following questions:l) Whether cooperative learning helps improve students' reading achievements? 2) Whether cooperative learning can inspire students' motivation in learning English? 3) Whether cooperative learning can improve students' English reading ability? The results of the study show that cooperative learning used in the English reading class can not only stimulate students' learning interests, boost the students' motivation, but also raise their English language proficiency and reading ability.展开更多
With the popularization of college education, the English level of freshmen majoring in English language has been declining. To maintain the required English level of the graduates, training the English language skill...With the popularization of college education, the English level of freshmen majoring in English language has been declining. To maintain the required English level of the graduates, training the English language skill should underlie every English course offered. As an advanced comprehensive course, the course-Reading Newspapers and Magazines in English-is supposed to train the skills of its students in every aspect as possible. This task should be the focal point to be considered when the teacher is involved in instructional design. This paper intends to introduce some methods on how to combine English skill training and English newspaper reading together.展开更多
This mixed methods study investigated language learning motivation in an one-year e-learning course for technological university students to bridge the geographical divide between students on industrial placements whe...This mixed methods study investigated language learning motivation in an one-year e-learning course for technological university students to bridge the geographical divide between students on industrial placements when studying graded readers using an e-learning course to improve their English competence and to pass the General English Proficiency Test. Data was collected through questionnaires and course feedback. The results of this study extend Gardner's socio-educational model in an e-learning environment by adding the new category, Computer Attitudes, which was proven to be highly correlated with Motivation. Although the low proficiency English students had good computer skills, their habits of using the computer for entertainment and their lack of the skill of "technological communication efficacy" caused increased anxiety when using computers and thus provided them with a lower computer confidence over time. Consequently, it is recommended that sound e-learning training should be provided to all of the students prior to embarking on an e-leaning course so that these learners can benefit from online language learning in the future.展开更多
A comprehensive overview of standardized testing system for ESL (English as a Second Language) students in U.S kindergarten thru grade 12 public school system is reviewed within the context of basis on federal and s...A comprehensive overview of standardized testing system for ESL (English as a Second Language) students in U.S kindergarten thru grade 12 public school system is reviewed within the context of basis on federal and state laws, as well as instructional basis. Identification process of LEP (Limited English Proficient) students via nomination, testing and testing criteria to be identified as LEP, hence ESL if placed in the program is defined in detail Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) measures through regular state standardized tests depending on three types of instructional program that LEP student is placed in the school that are Bilingual Education Program, ESL Program, and Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Programs are described. Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP measures through other means if exempted from regular state standardized tests such as LAT (Linguistically Accommodated Testing) and the conditions to be exempted are discussed in detail. Holistically rated English Language Proficiency Assessments that are implemented to fulfill federal AMAOs (Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives) measures are defined briefly. Physical features of LAT test as well as direct and indirect accommodations for LAT reading, mathematics and science tests are defined via the accommodation needed and the type of assistance provided. Lastly, testing criteria to exit LEP status and other issues concerning exiting LEP status are reviewed展开更多
ELP (English Language Proficiency) testing is both time-consuming and wasteful if the texts are used merely as tools for assessment. CDA (Critical Discourse Analysis) is an approach that allows for text, processin...ELP (English Language Proficiency) testing is both time-consuming and wasteful if the texts are used merely as tools for assessment. CDA (Critical Discourse Analysis) is an approach that allows for text, processing and social analyses. This paper focuses on the problem-solution discourse pattern in a text selected from the responses of 86 Chinese law school freshmen to a writing test prompt that addressed problems with learning English. The text was compared and contrasted with the response of the same subject as a senior to the identical prompt. The objectives of the CDA were to investigate what constraints were placed on contents, relations and subjects in terms of discourse and to describe, interpret and explain formal features that function to elicit experiential, relational and expressive values simultaneously in the texts. Further analyses of such texts may contribute to ESP (English for Specific Purposes) curriculum and materials development for non-English majors展开更多
This paper analyzes the design and implementation of a normal writing test in a senior high school. In line with theories of test evaluation, an effective writing test should try to meet the balance of the six usefuln...This paper analyzes the design and implementation of a normal writing test in a senior high school. In line with theories of test evaluation, an effective writing test should try to meet the balance of the six usefulness, which will be discussed in this paper; thereafter, pedagogical implications will be mentioned with an emphasis on how a test affects the teachers in changing their teaching approaches and motivates the learners in achieving higher goals in their writing proficiency.展开更多
This paper systematically reviews factors related to the use of reading strategies among college-level learners of English as a foreign/second language(EFL/ESL).The author examines empirical studies published from 200...This paper systematically reviews factors related to the use of reading strategies among college-level learners of English as a foreign/second language(EFL/ESL).The author examines empirical studies published from 2000 to 2017 in order to answer two research questions:(a)What factors relate to the college-level EFL/ESL learners’use of reading strategies?(b)How do these factors relate to college-level EFL/ESL learners’use of reading strategies?An initial review of the literature identifies four factors related to EFL/ESL learners’reading strategy use:English proficiency,first language(L1)literacy experience,gender,and motivation.For reasons of space,this article only reports and discusses findings on the first two factors.(1)English proficiency:High-proficiency readers use more metacognitive,support,global,and problem-solving strategies and have more metacognitive knowledge of strategy use than low-proficiency readers.They also differ from low-proficiency readers in learning reading strategies.(2)L1 literacy experience:EFL/ESL readers’L1 linguistic features and L1 reading experience shape their strategy use when they read English.展开更多
文摘This study investigated the use of language learning strategies by a group of postgraduate students in a Chinese university. The emphasis was on the influence of L2 (second language) proficiency on learners' strategy use, aiming to look at how proficiency affects the use of LLS (language learning strategies) among postgraduate students learning EFL (English as a foreign language), and to reveal some distinctive features in postgraduate students' use of learning strategies. Findings from this study have suggested a number of implications for the classroom teaching. Teachers should recognize that some strategies might be more suited to some learners than to others due to individual differences. Learners needed further training in the use of all learning strategies
文摘The current vocational public English education system can not meet the demands of society and market, so there' s still a big gap between the capacity of students' workplace English and market demands. Therefore, the vocational public English teaching should change the traditional English teaching modes, and construct new diversified teaching modes based on the training of workplace English proficiency, which enables students to master the workplace English through practical work tasks. The practical teaching process is an effective way to realize this teaching aim. So the training of students' workplace English capacity is the primary task of English teaching reform in vocational colleges.
文摘Garden path sentence is a local ambiguity in language that reveals the characteristics of human language processing,so it have obtained the focus of linguistic research.This study use introspective multiple choice test and question-response test to explore whether there is a correlation between the ability to interpret DO/SC garden path sentence,the phenomenon of misinterpretation residue and Chinese learners’English proficiency.The result shows both groups exist garden path phenomenon,but influenced by their English level,there are significant differences in understanding target sentences and in the phenomenon of misinterpretation residue between the high and middle English level group.Therefore,efforts should be made to improve learners’English proficiency to avoid the garden path phenomenon in the future.
文摘According to the theoretical exploration into the self-esteem, situational anxiety and their relationships between English proficiency, the investigation has been conducted. Then results of the questionnaires completed by the freshmen from three Chinese universities were statistically processed by factor, coefficient and path analysis to find the factors of self-esteem and situational anxiety that may influence learners English proficiency and to build the path model of the variables. Finally, some teachin...
文摘English articles belong to a category of high frequency words. However, they also have been considered as one of the most difficult part and latest part to be fully acquired by non-native speakers. Because of this reason, a lot of efforts have been made to research into the acquisition of them. In China, researches on the article system were mainly focused on the analysis of functions and description of the usage. This essay intends to explore the distribution and features of English article errors made by Chinese EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners both horizontally and longitudinally with the hope to find the possible factors which lead to the errors, so as to throw some light on English articles learning and teaching
文摘In the recent age of globalization, English advertisements prevail in people's everyday life. As a social discourse, advertisements offer valuable resources of language use to English learners. It is also of great importance to fully utilize these resources to improve the quality of EFL teaching, especially learners' abilities to gain English proficiency. Based on an analysis of recent findings in modem English advertising, the present paper proposes a framework of employing English advertisements in EFL teaching from linguistic, rhetorical, pragmatic and cultural perspectives.
文摘Based on an analysis of Chinese EFL learners' problems in English learning, the present paper proposes that English novel-reading is an effective way for promoting learners' English proficiency according to its role both in the lingual and nonlingual perspectives.
基金the Project"Research on Peer Education in College English Classroom Reconstruction"(GD18WZX34)A Study of Chinese SBUs from the Perspective of Ritual Theory of Interpersonal Relations55(GD17WXZ19)supported by Guangdong Philosophy and Social Science Foundation.
文摘By adopting quantitative analysis,based on the statements for oral scale of CSE(China Standards of English)level five,this paper investigated the current status,common difficulties and control factors on oral English competency of nonEnglish majors in second-tier universities,which was conducted using questionnaires that includes six dimensions of language expression:accuracy,complexity,coherence,fluency,appropriateness,and flexibility.The results showed that:(i)the overall oral English competency of college non-English majors hasn't met the statements of CSE level five;(ii)female students significantly outperformed male students,and business majors students significantly outperformed those in liberal arts majors who were significantly better than those in science majors;(iii)there was no significant difference between grades;(iv)the flexibility,coherence and accuracy of language expression almost reached the standard grade,but the common core difficulties faced by the students were mainly in pronunciation,scope oflanguage expression,fluency and appropriateness.Unclear goals,less practice and poor vocabulary were major impact factors.The research is helpful for strengthening students?knowledge on their own oral English competency as well as adjusting their oral practice objectives,thereby shedding light on students5 actual oral English proficiency and helping to clarify and refine the teaching objectives of speaking and promote the effective practice of oral English as well as the rational application of CSE.
文摘Since the late 1990s, the study on cooperative learning has been an educational fad in linguistic circle. The previous studies have shown that cooperative learning is a good method of learning. However, very few Chinese English teachers have really or commonly tried to apply the theory of cooperative learning in English reading class. On the basis of reading some related literatures, the author combine his teaching experience and the reality of the teaching subjects to put forward the following questions:l) Whether cooperative learning helps improve students' reading achievements? 2) Whether cooperative learning can inspire students' motivation in learning English? 3) Whether cooperative learning can improve students' English reading ability? The results of the study show that cooperative learning used in the English reading class can not only stimulate students' learning interests, boost the students' motivation, but also raise their English language proficiency and reading ability.
文摘With the popularization of college education, the English level of freshmen majoring in English language has been declining. To maintain the required English level of the graduates, training the English language skill should underlie every English course offered. As an advanced comprehensive course, the course-Reading Newspapers and Magazines in English-is supposed to train the skills of its students in every aspect as possible. This task should be the focal point to be considered when the teacher is involved in instructional design. This paper intends to introduce some methods on how to combine English skill training and English newspaper reading together.
文摘This mixed methods study investigated language learning motivation in an one-year e-learning course for technological university students to bridge the geographical divide between students on industrial placements when studying graded readers using an e-learning course to improve their English competence and to pass the General English Proficiency Test. Data was collected through questionnaires and course feedback. The results of this study extend Gardner's socio-educational model in an e-learning environment by adding the new category, Computer Attitudes, which was proven to be highly correlated with Motivation. Although the low proficiency English students had good computer skills, their habits of using the computer for entertainment and their lack of the skill of "technological communication efficacy" caused increased anxiety when using computers and thus provided them with a lower computer confidence over time. Consequently, it is recommended that sound e-learning training should be provided to all of the students prior to embarking on an e-leaning course so that these learners can benefit from online language learning in the future.
文摘A comprehensive overview of standardized testing system for ESL (English as a Second Language) students in U.S kindergarten thru grade 12 public school system is reviewed within the context of basis on federal and state laws, as well as instructional basis. Identification process of LEP (Limited English Proficient) students via nomination, testing and testing criteria to be identified as LEP, hence ESL if placed in the program is defined in detail Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) measures through regular state standardized tests depending on three types of instructional program that LEP student is placed in the school that are Bilingual Education Program, ESL Program, and Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Programs are described. Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP measures through other means if exempted from regular state standardized tests such as LAT (Linguistically Accommodated Testing) and the conditions to be exempted are discussed in detail. Holistically rated English Language Proficiency Assessments that are implemented to fulfill federal AMAOs (Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives) measures are defined briefly. Physical features of LAT test as well as direct and indirect accommodations for LAT reading, mathematics and science tests are defined via the accommodation needed and the type of assistance provided. Lastly, testing criteria to exit LEP status and other issues concerning exiting LEP status are reviewed
文摘ELP (English Language Proficiency) testing is both time-consuming and wasteful if the texts are used merely as tools for assessment. CDA (Critical Discourse Analysis) is an approach that allows for text, processing and social analyses. This paper focuses on the problem-solution discourse pattern in a text selected from the responses of 86 Chinese law school freshmen to a writing test prompt that addressed problems with learning English. The text was compared and contrasted with the response of the same subject as a senior to the identical prompt. The objectives of the CDA were to investigate what constraints were placed on contents, relations and subjects in terms of discourse and to describe, interpret and explain formal features that function to elicit experiential, relational and expressive values simultaneously in the texts. Further analyses of such texts may contribute to ESP (English for Specific Purposes) curriculum and materials development for non-English majors
文摘This paper analyzes the design and implementation of a normal writing test in a senior high school. In line with theories of test evaluation, an effective writing test should try to meet the balance of the six usefulness, which will be discussed in this paper; thereafter, pedagogical implications will be mentioned with an emphasis on how a test affects the teachers in changing their teaching approaches and motivates the learners in achieving higher goals in their writing proficiency.
文摘This paper systematically reviews factors related to the use of reading strategies among college-level learners of English as a foreign/second language(EFL/ESL).The author examines empirical studies published from 2000 to 2017 in order to answer two research questions:(a)What factors relate to the college-level EFL/ESL learners’use of reading strategies?(b)How do these factors relate to college-level EFL/ESL learners’use of reading strategies?An initial review of the literature identifies four factors related to EFL/ESL learners’reading strategy use:English proficiency,first language(L1)literacy experience,gender,and motivation.For reasons of space,this article only reports and discusses findings on the first two factors.(1)English proficiency:High-proficiency readers use more metacognitive,support,global,and problem-solving strategies and have more metacognitive knowledge of strategy use than low-proficiency readers.They also differ from low-proficiency readers in learning reading strategies.(2)L1 literacy experience:EFL/ESL readers’L1 linguistic features and L1 reading experience shape their strategy use when they read English.