With different learning purposes and environment, the attitude to western culture of English majors and non-English majors is hypothetically different. But after the study conducted with the method of questionnaire, t...With different learning purposes and environment, the attitude to western culture of English majors and non-English majors is hypothetically different. But after the study conducted with the method of questionnaire, the hypothesis is proved to be wrong. Thus, the writer analyses the reasons for the problem and suggests the pedagogic practice.展开更多
Based on the literature review of learner autonomy,this paper analyses the necessity and importance of cultivating autonomous listening ability for non-English majors.Then,it presents some practical ways of cultivatin...Based on the literature review of learner autonomy,this paper analyses the necessity and importance of cultivating autonomous listening ability for non-English majors.Then,it presents some practical ways of cultivating autonomous listening ability of non-English majors.展开更多
Grammar is very important in language learning. The mastery of English grammar is the basic English skill. However,most non-English majors are relatively poor in English and English grammar. They think grammar learnin...Grammar is very important in language learning. The mastery of English grammar is the basic English skill. However,most non-English majors are relatively poor in English and English grammar. They think grammar learning is boring and have a negative attitude towards grammar. So,it's necessary and urgent to teach them grammar.展开更多
Based on the results of the questionnaire survey,supplemented with the classroom observation and individual interview,the author probes into the reasons why Chinese non-English majors use memory strategies infrequentl...Based on the results of the questionnaire survey,supplemented with the classroom observation and individual interview,the author probes into the reasons why Chinese non-English majors use memory strategies infrequently.On the one hand,the students do not know about memory techniques and on the other hand,they seldom receive memory strategy training in class.Therefore,it is strongly suggested that teachers be encouraged to become familiar with recent learner strategy research findings,and integrate the teaching of language learning strategies with classroom instruction plans.Only in this way can they offer their students a great deal of guidance in experimenting with new different strategies to enhance their learning.展开更多
In college English learning, many learning variables are considered to influence the proficiency of studying, among which, anxiety is one of the most important affective variables. There is a negative correlation betw...In college English learning, many learning variables are considered to influence the proficiency of studying, among which, anxiety is one of the most important affective variables. There is a negative correlation between anxiety and foreign language learning. The present study explores the correlation between foreign language anxiety and language performance. It put forward two suggestions concerning what language teachers can do to help Non-English Major students lower their foreign language anxiety.展开更多
This paper firstly discusses the nature of discourse comprehesion,and then analyzes the importance of reading strategy instructionon reading comprehension. Finally,it presents some useful approaches to help freshmen o...This paper firstly discusses the nature of discourse comprehesion,and then analyzes the importance of reading strategy instructionon reading comprehension. Finally,it presents some useful approaches to help freshmen of non-English majors read effectively.展开更多
Self-access language learning has attracted much attention in second language teaching and researching. This paper aims to do some researches on developing self-access language learning in the self-access center and t...Self-access language learning has attracted much attention in second language teaching and researching. This paper aims to do some researches on developing self-access language learning in the self-access center and test its effect on developing learner autonomy. Data,collected in the form of questionnaires and interview,were analyzed. Results show the development of self-access language learning by non-English majors.展开更多
Many Chinese non-English Majors often feel confused and discouraged in remembering so many English words and using them properly. The article is based on the author’s teaching experience, investigation and interview....Many Chinese non-English Majors often feel confused and discouraged in remembering so many English words and using them properly. The article is based on the author’s teaching experience, investigation and interview. Result findings display that the methods the learners adopt are mechanic, dull and inappropriate. At last five pieces of advice are put forward for learners such as: teachers’ guiding, how to overcome learning by rote, developing students’ interest, learning about background and using English-English dictionary.展开更多
Demotivation can be defined as"specific external forces that reduce or diminish the motivational basis of a behavioral intention or an ongoing action".The purpose of the present study is to identify what fac...Demotivation can be defined as"specific external forces that reduce or diminish the motivational basis of a behavioral intention or an ongoing action".The purpose of the present study is to identify what factors demotivated non-English majors in a southeast university in China.Questionnaire and semi-interview were developed to collect data.82 Participants responded to the questionnaire,three of whom shared their perception and experience of English learning in the interview.Consequently,this study identified four salient demotivating factors which made non-English majors less enthusiastic about English learning:(1)unhappy and unsuccessful experience of English learning in the elementary and high school;(2)low language proficiency;(3)difficulties of language learning contents at university and(4)utilitarian ideas.It is hoped that administration and English teachers will match the course,teaching content and course book with students’need,interest and proficiency.展开更多
This research investigated English learning strategy use by Non-English majors in Guangxi.Students’self-reports and questionnaires are conducted to collect data.The analysis finds that students have difficulty with l...This research investigated English learning strategy use by Non-English majors in Guangxi.Students’self-reports and questionnaires are conducted to collect data.The analysis finds that students have difficulty with long-term memory and internalization of words.The most frequently used strategies are some determination,memory and cognitive strategies.Social and metacognitive strategies are used less.The findings indicate that there are no great differences in the use of most strategies between groups of different proficient levels.Suggestions are provided to teachers based on the findings.展开更多
In China,a lot of studies have been carried out to investigate the college students' learning strategies and their relationship to learning achievement mainly in the aspect of reading,writing,listening and vocabul...In China,a lot of studies have been carried out to investigate the college students' learning strategies and their relationship to learning achievement mainly in the aspect of reading,writing,listening and vocabulary learning.But in the area of speaking,not many researches have been conducted due to this or that reason.Moreover,the subjects under these studies were mostly English majors and non-English majors of the common universities or colleges.There are few studies that focus on the use of the strategies of the non-English major students from independent colleges.This study was conducted by means of questionnaire and oral test among 90 first-year non-English major students from an independent college.展开更多
Engaging non-science majors in a college-level science course can prove challenging. In turn, this can make it difficult to effectively teach science and math content. However, topics related to planetary exploration ...Engaging non-science majors in a college-level science course can prove challenging. In turn, this can make it difficult to effectively teach science and math content. However, topics related to planetary exploration have a unique way of capturing one’s imagination and may serve to robustly engage non-science majors. In this contribution, I 1) describe a model rocketry lab module,?I have created and implemented into an introductory-level planetary geology course and 2) quantify student learning gains as a result of this module. This module builds on model rocketry lesson plans for science and math coursework at the K-12 level (e.g., [1]?[2])?and involves students working in groups to 1) design and build model rockets to carry out a theoretical mission that addresses a science question the students have developed, 2) launch their rockets and collect related data, 3) synthesize and evaluate their data, and 4) report their results in both oral and written forms. The tasks of building and launching the model rocket serve as a vehicle that allows students to employ the scientific process while learning about planetary mission design and applying geologic and quantitative skills useful to answering a science-related question. Quantification of student learning gains shows that through this lab module, students significantly improved their quantitative and scientific reasoning skills. Results from student questionnaires showed a significant increase in student interest and confidence in addressing scientific questions as well as an understanding of how planetary missions are designed and conducted.展开更多
This study aimed to explore the effects of writing portfolio on English writing performance of non-English majors. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. 127 second-year students in the major of internat...This study aimed to explore the effects of writing portfolio on English writing performance of non-English majors. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. 127 second-year students in the major of international business participated in this study. They were divided into the experimental group and the control group. The methods of data collection consisted of writing tests and interview. Writing portfolios were implemented in the experimental group while the control group did not use them. The quantitative data suggested that there was no significant difference between experimental group and control group in English writing performance after the treatment. However, the qualitative data indicated that most of the participants had positive attitudes towards writing portfolios.展开更多
In this paper,the author will describe the pragmatics and its development in China,and apply the Equivalent Effect Theory,Relevance Theory and Speech Act Theory in college English translation teaching to stress the im...In this paper,the author will describe the pragmatics and its development in China,and apply the Equivalent Effect Theory,Relevance Theory and Speech Act Theory in college English translation teaching to stress the importance of pragmatics on translation learning for non-English majors.展开更多
As we know that mastery of vocabulary is an essential component of foreign language acquisition, and learners cannot learn a language without vocabulary. Based on the vocabulary leaning problems of Non-English majors,...As we know that mastery of vocabulary is an essential component of foreign language acquisition, and learners cannot learn a language without vocabulary. Based on the vocabulary leaning problems of Non-English majors, this article makes analysis of the main factors for the problems and tries to provide some vocabulary teaching strategies to solve the problems.展开更多
Subject-Based English is an important part in college English for non-English major students and an effective way to help them to complete the transition from language learning to its practical application.In this pap...Subject-Based English is an important part in college English for non-English major students and an effective way to help them to complete the transition from language learning to its practical application.In this paper,the author discusses the significance of setting up subject-based English,the teaching materials for subject-based English and focus on teaching model and teaching method.Based on this new teaching concept,in teaching process,Task-driven approach is recommended.In fact Task-driven teaching method is based on communicative approach and the theory of structuralism.They can accomplish certain learning tasks via necessary cooperation.By a large number of practice activities planed,they can improve their application skills in English listening,speaking,reading,writing and translation further.展开更多
It is well known that most Chinese nonEnglish majors can't understand the English materials they have heard,but they do understand them if the materials are in written form.Though there may be a lot of reasons (Su...It is well known that most Chinese nonEnglish majors can't understand the English materials they have heard,but they do understand them if the materials are in written form.Though there may be a lot of reasons (Such as phonological and psychological ones),this paper covers the influence of sound changes in connected speech upon the learners' listening comprehension.Non-English majors can improve their listening comprehension,to some degrees,by getting familiar with and being practiced in sound-changes in a flow of speech,with the help of a good attitude towards sound-changes in English speeches.展开更多
English is not only a language,but also a tool.There are many factors that affect students’English learning quality and ef?ficiency,among which the biggest one is learning motivation.At present,some non-English major...English is not only a language,but also a tool.There are many factors that affect students’English learning quality and ef?ficiency,among which the biggest one is learning motivation.At present,some non-English majors in our country lack the motiva?tion of English learning,and the phenomenon of students’grade differentiation becomes more and more obvious,which seriously affects the process and quality of English teaching in the whole class.Analyzing and exploring the present situation and cultivation of English learning motivation of non-English majors can improve the quality and level of English learning of Chinese college stu?dents as a whole.展开更多
文摘With different learning purposes and environment, the attitude to western culture of English majors and non-English majors is hypothetically different. But after the study conducted with the method of questionnaire, the hypothesis is proved to be wrong. Thus, the writer analyses the reasons for the problem and suggests the pedagogic practice.
文摘Based on the literature review of learner autonomy,this paper analyses the necessity and importance of cultivating autonomous listening ability for non-English majors.Then,it presents some practical ways of cultivating autonomous listening ability of non-English majors.
文摘Grammar is very important in language learning. The mastery of English grammar is the basic English skill. However,most non-English majors are relatively poor in English and English grammar. They think grammar learning is boring and have a negative attitude towards grammar. So,it's necessary and urgent to teach them grammar.
文摘Based on the results of the questionnaire survey,supplemented with the classroom observation and individual interview,the author probes into the reasons why Chinese non-English majors use memory strategies infrequently.On the one hand,the students do not know about memory techniques and on the other hand,they seldom receive memory strategy training in class.Therefore,it is strongly suggested that teachers be encouraged to become familiar with recent learner strategy research findings,and integrate the teaching of language learning strategies with classroom instruction plans.Only in this way can they offer their students a great deal of guidance in experimenting with new different strategies to enhance their learning.
文摘In college English learning, many learning variables are considered to influence the proficiency of studying, among which, anxiety is one of the most important affective variables. There is a negative correlation between anxiety and foreign language learning. The present study explores the correlation between foreign language anxiety and language performance. It put forward two suggestions concerning what language teachers can do to help Non-English Major students lower their foreign language anxiety.
文摘This paper firstly discusses the nature of discourse comprehesion,and then analyzes the importance of reading strategy instructionon reading comprehension. Finally,it presents some useful approaches to help freshmen of non-English majors read effectively.
文摘Self-access language learning has attracted much attention in second language teaching and researching. This paper aims to do some researches on developing self-access language learning in the self-access center and test its effect on developing learner autonomy. Data,collected in the form of questionnaires and interview,were analyzed. Results show the development of self-access language learning by non-English majors.
文摘Many Chinese non-English Majors often feel confused and discouraged in remembering so many English words and using them properly. The article is based on the author’s teaching experience, investigation and interview. Result findings display that the methods the learners adopt are mechanic, dull and inappropriate. At last five pieces of advice are put forward for learners such as: teachers’ guiding, how to overcome learning by rote, developing students’ interest, learning about background and using English-English dictionary.
文摘Demotivation can be defined as"specific external forces that reduce or diminish the motivational basis of a behavioral intention or an ongoing action".The purpose of the present study is to identify what factors demotivated non-English majors in a southeast university in China.Questionnaire and semi-interview were developed to collect data.82 Participants responded to the questionnaire,three of whom shared their perception and experience of English learning in the interview.Consequently,this study identified four salient demotivating factors which made non-English majors less enthusiastic about English learning:(1)unhappy and unsuccessful experience of English learning in the elementary and high school;(2)low language proficiency;(3)difficulties of language learning contents at university and(4)utilitarian ideas.It is hoped that administration and English teachers will match the course,teaching content and course book with students’need,interest and proficiency.
文摘This research investigated English learning strategy use by Non-English majors in Guangxi.Students’self-reports and questionnaires are conducted to collect data.The analysis finds that students have difficulty with long-term memory and internalization of words.The most frequently used strategies are some determination,memory and cognitive strategies.Social and metacognitive strategies are used less.The findings indicate that there are no great differences in the use of most strategies between groups of different proficient levels.Suggestions are provided to teachers based on the findings.
文摘In China,a lot of studies have been carried out to investigate the college students' learning strategies and their relationship to learning achievement mainly in the aspect of reading,writing,listening and vocabulary learning.But in the area of speaking,not many researches have been conducted due to this or that reason.Moreover,the subjects under these studies were mostly English majors and non-English majors of the common universities or colleges.There are few studies that focus on the use of the strategies of the non-English major students from independent colleges.This study was conducted by means of questionnaire and oral test among 90 first-year non-English major students from an independent college.
文摘Engaging non-science majors in a college-level science course can prove challenging. In turn, this can make it difficult to effectively teach science and math content. However, topics related to planetary exploration have a unique way of capturing one’s imagination and may serve to robustly engage non-science majors. In this contribution, I 1) describe a model rocketry lab module,?I have created and implemented into an introductory-level planetary geology course and 2) quantify student learning gains as a result of this module. This module builds on model rocketry lesson plans for science and math coursework at the K-12 level (e.g., [1]?[2])?and involves students working in groups to 1) design and build model rockets to carry out a theoretical mission that addresses a science question the students have developed, 2) launch their rockets and collect related data, 3) synthesize and evaluate their data, and 4) report their results in both oral and written forms. The tasks of building and launching the model rocket serve as a vehicle that allows students to employ the scientific process while learning about planetary mission design and applying geologic and quantitative skills useful to answering a science-related question. Quantification of student learning gains shows that through this lab module, students significantly improved their quantitative and scientific reasoning skills. Results from student questionnaires showed a significant increase in student interest and confidence in addressing scientific questions as well as an understanding of how planetary missions are designed and conducted.
文摘This study aimed to explore the effects of writing portfolio on English writing performance of non-English majors. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. 127 second-year students in the major of international business participated in this study. They were divided into the experimental group and the control group. The methods of data collection consisted of writing tests and interview. Writing portfolios were implemented in the experimental group while the control group did not use them. The quantitative data suggested that there was no significant difference between experimental group and control group in English writing performance after the treatment. However, the qualitative data indicated that most of the participants had positive attitudes towards writing portfolios.
文摘In this paper,the author will describe the pragmatics and its development in China,and apply the Equivalent Effect Theory,Relevance Theory and Speech Act Theory in college English translation teaching to stress the importance of pragmatics on translation learning for non-English majors.
文摘As we know that mastery of vocabulary is an essential component of foreign language acquisition, and learners cannot learn a language without vocabulary. Based on the vocabulary leaning problems of Non-English majors, this article makes analysis of the main factors for the problems and tries to provide some vocabulary teaching strategies to solve the problems.
文摘Subject-Based English is an important part in college English for non-English major students and an effective way to help them to complete the transition from language learning to its practical application.In this paper,the author discusses the significance of setting up subject-based English,the teaching materials for subject-based English and focus on teaching model and teaching method.Based on this new teaching concept,in teaching process,Task-driven approach is recommended.In fact Task-driven teaching method is based on communicative approach and the theory of structuralism.They can accomplish certain learning tasks via necessary cooperation.By a large number of practice activities planed,they can improve their application skills in English listening,speaking,reading,writing and translation further.
文摘It is well known that most Chinese nonEnglish majors can't understand the English materials they have heard,but they do understand them if the materials are in written form.Though there may be a lot of reasons (Such as phonological and psychological ones),this paper covers the influence of sound changes in connected speech upon the learners' listening comprehension.Non-English majors can improve their listening comprehension,to some degrees,by getting familiar with and being practiced in sound-changes in a flow of speech,with the help of a good attitude towards sound-changes in English speeches.
文摘English is not only a language,but also a tool.There are many factors that affect students’English learning quality and ef?ficiency,among which the biggest one is learning motivation.At present,some non-English majors in our country lack the motiva?tion of English learning,and the phenomenon of students’grade differentiation becomes more and more obvious,which seriously affects the process and quality of English teaching in the whole class.Analyzing and exploring the present situation and cultivation of English learning motivation of non-English majors can improve the quality and level of English learning of Chinese college stu?dents as a whole.