The Role of Non-verbal Behavior of Teachers in Providing Students Corrective Feedback and Their Consequences

Considering the primary focus of corrective feedback literature on verbal-correction provided by teachers and lack of attention to the role of other forms of corrective feedback in FL （foreign language） classroom interaction, this paper demonstrates how essential teachers＇ non-verbal communication and stance display are in making students＇ errors noticeable for them by providing samples from videotaped data. The findings in this study provide insights into the use of non-verbal behavior in providing students with corrective feedback. This study shows that research dealing only with verbal corrections provided by FL teachers cannot fully define the classroom interaction in terms of teachers＇ use of error correction techniques and student notification and uptake.

An Analysis of Errors in College English Writing in China

This paper first explores the importance and significance of college English writing in China, then the current problems and the main reasons in teaching Chinese college students. The author classifies the main errors that Chinese college students always commit in detail, gives the analysis of errors referring to the error analysis theory, puts forward the principles and methods that both Chinese teachers and Chinese college students can use, finally talks about the analytical significance and how to improve Chinese college students＇ writing abilities.

Traditional and Computer-Based Evaluation of Preschoolers＇ Oral Language in Greek A Review of the Literature

The purpose of this study is to examine and present the procedures and the tools that are described in the literature for observing preschool children＇s communication competence. Informal and formal standardised testing activities are included and a distinction is made on traditional and computer-based screening and diagnosis. The results of study illustrate the current trends of the literature and discuss the possibility of the computer-based screening and diagnosis to partially make up for the expert-personnel shortage

Learner Autonomy via Self-Assessment in Consecutive Interpreting for Novice Learners in a Non-Interpreting Environment

This paper discusses the implementation of self-assessment in consecutive interpreting among novice learners in a non-interpreting environment specifically referring to the interpreting courses offered at USM （Universiti Sains Malaysia）, being the only bachelor＇s degree programme in Translation and Interpreting in Malaysia, and the learners＇ perception on this mode of assessment with the goal of fostering learner autonomy among them. Such implementation was made possible with the shift from analogue technology to digital technology, the deployment of e-learning in the course instruction, and the shift from teacher-centred learning approach to student-centred learning approach in line with the university＇s APEX （Accelerated Programme for Excellence） transformation plan. Findings show a high acceptance level of self-assessment among novice learners of interpreting

A study on pragmatic failure in cross-cultural communication

Through analyzing and comparing the anecdotes of pragmatic failure in cross-cultural communication from the aspects of lexicon, syntax and discourse, some pragmatic strategies are suggested in intercultural communication. To improve learners＇ cultural awareness and communicative competence, a cultural-linguistic approach in foreign language teaching should be adopted.

A generic analysis of English Research Article abstracts and the use of modal verbs for financial economics

This paper is a generic study of schematic structures and the use of modal verbs of 50 English Research Article （RA） abstracts. With Bhatia＇s （1990） model as the framework, three other move patterns were obtained besides the normal move order. The density of modal verbs varies greatly from move to move with significant differences in the frequency of occurrence in different moves. The use of modal verbs is much more move-determined than discipline-determined.

Problems in EFL reading teaching and possible solutions

The ability to read is acknowledged to be the most stable and durable of the second language modalities. In other words, reading plays a vital role in second language acquisition. But for a long time, reading was viewed as a bottom-up process in a word-sentence-passage sequence, in which readers decode the text and rebuild what the writer wants to convey. Accordingly, reading teaching becomes teaching of language points known as grammar and vocabulary. This kind of English reading teaching to a great extent hinders EFL students＇ language proficiency. In this paper, the author puts forward some problems in the present EFL reading teaching and offers some suggestions for classroom teaching in the hope of opening up a new perspective for EFL reading.

A Comparative Study of Teacher Autonomy Between Novice Teachers and Proficient Teachers in the Context of University English Teaching Reform in China

Teacher autonomy has become a popular focus in the field of teacher education at present. The development of learner autonomy depends largely on teacher autonomy. Teacher autonomy is also one of the most effective ways to support teachers in their classroom practice, as well as to improve and expand their professional preparation and practices. Apart from that, the research of teacher autonomy at different phases of teachers＇ professional development may provide insight into how to strengthen their autonomy capability and to better understand the differences in teachers＇ development at different stages. The current study aims to explore the different level of how university novice and proficient English teachers see themselves as autonomous practitioners on the five dimensions of teacher autonomy： teaching autonomy, assessment autonomy, school management autonomy, professional development autonomy, and curriculum development autonomy. In addition, it proposes coping strategies to facilitate the development of teacher autonomy, which may shed some light on cultivating teacher autonomy for teachers at different developing stages, development of expertise, and teacher education.

An Investigation Into Typical Problems in Senior English Classroom Instruction in China

English is widely taught as a foreign language in China. However, the current situation of English teaching cannot keep pace with the requirements of the Senior High School Standards. The improvement of teaching quality has become the focus in the new era. This paper analyzes the situation of English teaching in Southwest China. A questionnaire-based survey indicates the typical problems, such as silent classes, lack of student-student interaction, and low quality of teacher-student interaction, which will impede the improvement of English teaching quality and hinder students to develop. The author suggests using interactive teaching in senior schools in China.

The Application of English Movies in Higher Vocational English Teaching

Since the rapid development of China＇s ecnomy, especially China＇s entry to World Trade Organization, English has become more and more significant. Now in China, College English, an integral part of higher learning, is a required basic course for undergraduate students. In order to deepen teaching reform and improve teaching quality, a wide variety of teaching methods enter the classroom. With the advancement of society and development of modern educational technology, English movies have gained its popularity with more and more advantages recognized in higher vocational English teaching. English movies can not only arouse the students＇ interests to study English but also improve English teaching effect and teaching efficiency. So, this paper aims at how to apply English Movies to higher vocational English teaching.

Struggling With Sibilants： Do English Speakers Use Acceptable Alternative Tongue Placements to Pronounce/s/and/z/？

Textbooks on phonology and on teaching ESL （English as a Second Language） often present the place of articulation of the sibilant/s/and its voiced counterpart/z/as a settled matter. The/s/and/z/are described and listed in phonological charts as ＂alveolar fricatives＂, meaning that the tongue is raised and the apex approaches the alveolar ridge. Those teaching pronunciation or remediating speech problems often use these descriptions by the IPA （International Phonetic Association） as models for teaching these phonemes. A number of linguists and instructors, however, have suggested that an acceptable/s/and/z/sound can be produced in English by other means This study attempted to determine the prevalence of the acceptable alternative placements for the/s/and/z/sounds in a sample of 50 English-speaking university students. Results revealed that 64% of participants used alternate tongue positions to that described in the literature as standard. Implications for speech pathology and ESL instruction are discussed.

Semantic Features and Applications in Translation of English Words in Pairs

English words in pairs are a special form of English idioms, which have different kinds and are used widely. For English learners, words in pairs are one of the difficult points. This paper discusses their form patterns, semantic relations, grammatical functions, rhetoric features and their application in translation. Its purpose is to help learners understand and use them accurately and correctly so as to improve language expressing ability.

Rethinking Speaking Skills in EFL （English as a Foreign Language） Settings

The teaching of speaking has been neglected in EFL （English as a Foreign Language） settings throughout language history which led to negative effects on EFL teachers＇ and learners＇ attitudes. While teachers exhibit hesitation having no preset teaching paradigms at their disposal, learners experience withdrawal in speaking situations that demand interactional ease and socio-pragmatic awareness. Indeed, both the type of instruction and the complexity of this skill make of the teaching of spoken language a highly controversial issue especially with the implicit dichotomy that speaking entails and which opposes accurate mastery of linguistic patterns to ease or facility in meaning transmission. This paper aims at reconsidering the way this dormant skill has been tackled and the interfering variables that should be rethought and revisited while dealing with it.

Overview of Standardized Testing System for ESL Students in U.S. Kindergarten Thru Grade 12 Public Schools

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

Conflict and Tolerance in Communication

Conflicts raging in private life and intolerance permeating all strata of society are among unpleasant hallmarks of our world. The paper deals with the nature of ＂conflict communication＂ and the category of tolerance alongside pragmalinguistic means and procedures of describing them. It is concerned with identifying the nature of communicative tolerance. It describes communication strategies and tactics involved in tolerant interpersonal communication. Rationale for tolerant behavior being a universal basis of communication in the modern multi-polar world is discussed.

Teacher-Retraining Course Design Renewal

Teacher-retraining course design is considered to be a challenge not only to the course participants but to the course designers as well, especially, when the participants enrolled turn out to have dramatically different professional background and conditions. This article supports the idea that changes to the course design should be made straightaway in response to the trainees＇ specific needs. The context for rural school teacher retraining at Novosibirsk State Technical University in Russia illustrates reasons for making immediate changes necessary as the course progressed, and reaction to them. The article discusses a model for a teacher retraining course in which EFL improvement is the core element.

Strategies for Effective Teaching and Learning of Reading Skill in English

Reading is a pertinent skill of the four basic language skills. English teaching and learning in Nigeria cannot but be given all special attention since it is the major language of administration, economics, religious propagation, and others in the nation. This paper has traced the treatment of reading aspect of English in the Nigerian Junior Secondary Schools using the teachers, students, and the nation＇s curriculum as instrument of operation. Some of the problems militating against effective teaching of reading skill in English were identified and discussed. Recommendations for achieving effective language teaching and learning focusing on English reading skill were highlighted. In the end, English teachers＇ attention is drawn on better ways of teaching reading as an important skill of the English language education

The Effect of Learning Strategies on Reading Comprehension

Learning strategies are usually regarded as one of the aspects of the cognitive psychology and reading is a cognitive process in which the reader engages in a conversation with the text or the author. Then is there any relationship between learning strategies and reading comprehension？ To explore this, an experimental study is conducted in this paper. The conclusion is thereafter reached that reading comprehension is closely related to and greatly affected by learning strategies, especially cognitive and metacognitive strategies.

Functional Discourse Analysis of Andersen＇s ＂The Little Match-Seller＂

Within a framework of Halliday＇s SFL （Systemic Functional Linguistics）, this paper takes a functional approach to the analysis of the fairy tale--＂The Little Match-Seller＂ （Andersen, 1846）. The analysis is carried out in three respects： genre, register and language. Genre analysis indicates that the schematic structure of the fairy tale is very much in line with the one mentioned by Hasan. Register analysis shows that the material process is the most dominant one; the Finite in the clauses is predominantly in past tenses, and most of the Themes in the text are unmarked ones. Language analysis reveals that the lexical density in the fairy tale is relatively low. The findings in this paper can help deepen people＇s understanding of the textual features of English fairy tales.