This article makes an investigation of 114 English majors' level of a particular communicative performance and the general ability to perform in small-group conversations in their conversation class, and thereafter e...This article makes an investigation of 114 English majors' level of a particular communicative performance and the general ability to perform in small-group conversations in their conversation class, and thereafter explores the reasons for their current level with the aid of questionnaire based on a rating scale, together with observation and interviews. Some countermeasures are provided to call for teachers' attention in their teaching practice.展开更多
While there is lots of empirical evidence showing that grammar consciousness raising tasks (GCRTs) have an edge over the traditional modes of grammar instruction, there is very little qualitative evidence reflecting...While there is lots of empirical evidence showing that grammar consciousness raising tasks (GCRTs) have an edge over the traditional modes of grammar instruction, there is very little qualitative evidence reflecting learners' perceptions of externally imposed educational changes including GCRTs. To extrapolate the previous findings and fill in this gap, this study aims to: (I) test the alleged superiority of GCRTs in grammar instruction and (2) explore learners' perceptions of learning grammar through GCRTs. To this end, this study used a mixed-method design including a quantitative and a qualitative dimension. The former dimension aimed at testing the superiority of GCRTs on a random sample of intermediate learners from Simin language school in Karaj, Iran through the robust Solomon-four-group design and the latter dimension aimed at collecting and analyzing qualitative interview data on learners' perceptions of GCRTs. The quantitative results clearly showed that learners being taught through GCRTs significantly outperformed those instructed through the traditional mode of grammar instruction and the qualitative analysis of learners' perspectives showed that the participants had a positive perception of GCRTs and this positive perception was rooted in GCRTs' potential to: (1) facilitate the internalization of grammar and (2) involve learners in discovery learning. The findings have clear implications for syllabus designers and practitioners.展开更多
Learner autonomy and attribution impact English language acquisition. Learners should be encouraged to take the responsibility for their success or failure, and achievement or underperformance in the acquisition of En...Learner autonomy and attribution impact English language acquisition. Learners should be encouraged to take the responsibility for their success or failure, and achievement or underperformance in the acquisition of English as an L2 (second language). A paradigm shift can be visible on the part of teachers and students of English only when they are metamorphosed voluntarily into classroom facilitators and autonomous learners with changed duties and responsibilities. As facilitators, teachers closely monitor learners' attributions to their success/failure in English language courses. "Attribution" means "how learners learn about themselves and order uncertain environments". Teachers are very often unaware of learner attributions; so it becomes essential for them to increase their awareness of learner attributions so that they can become facilitators. Interaction is the only medium for acquisition of English in the classroom, and teachers can play the role of a catalyst only when they allow students to become leamers with autonomy and right kind of learner attributions. Autonomy implies accountability. Very often, learner attributions clash with teacher attributions. As long as there is a clash, teachers can never claim themselves as facilitators of learning. This paper identifies the attributions of Indian learners of English, and studies if they clash with those of teachers. It also finds out the means of minimizing the negative and undesirable attributions of both facilitators and learners. Two standardized research questionnaires were developed and administered among students and teachers to identify the attributions, and to detect the desirability and feasibility of learner autonomy in the Indian context.展开更多
From 1970 onwards, Halliday worked on the functional aspect of grammar. He mentioned the language as a form of "doing" rather than a form of "knowing". He believes that language is what it is because it has to ser...From 1970 onwards, Halliday worked on the functional aspect of grammar. He mentioned the language as a form of "doing" rather than a form of "knowing". He believes that language is what it is because it has to serve certain function. In other words, social demands on language have helped to shape its structure. This theory distinguishes linguistic behavior potential from actual linguistic behavior. That means the speaker can do many things in certain language: making an invitation, expressing hope, inquiry, agreement, refuse and etc. Therefore EFL teaching is to develop the abilities to communicate with others, that is, listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating. This paper wants to discuss Halliday's theory about the functional approach and how to make good use of it to the language leaming and teaching.展开更多
Although vocational college students have already had many years of English education, their foundation of English study is not satisfactory. Many vocational college students are not very interested in English study. ...Although vocational college students have already had many years of English education, their foundation of English study is not satisfactory. Many vocational college students are not very interested in English study. There are many factors that cause this situation and some measures are taken to change This situation is also very important. Facts have proved that the introduction of flip classroom teaching mode can provide new ideas for improving higher vocational English teaching. This article is based on the topic of research, hoping to provide some methods for higher vocational English teaching reform.展开更多
Autonomous learning is a modem learning way that corresponds with the traditional acceptance learning. Students as the main body of learning by students' independent analysis, exploration, practice,questioning, creat...Autonomous learning is a modem learning way that corresponds with the traditional acceptance learning. Students as the main body of learning by students' independent analysis, exploration, practice,questioning, create other methods to achieve the learning objectives. This paper analyzed the characteristic of self-learning and the theoretical basis of the implementation of autonomous learning during English teaching process focused on the College English independent study pattern.展开更多
As we enter the 21st century, acquisition of vocabulary has assumed a more important role, and as some would argue, it has assumed the central role in learning a second language. On one hand, students have a strong de...As we enter the 21st century, acquisition of vocabulary has assumed a more important role, and as some would argue, it has assumed the central role in learning a second language. On one hand, students have a strong desire to improve their English level in order to make them more adaptable when they step into this competitive society after graduation. On the other hand, most students are facing a great difficulty in learning a large number of vocabularies though they do spend a lot of time and energy on it. Also, recent researches show that students don't like the classroom that is still teacher-centered and lecture-based. They want to be more involved in class and more responsible for their own studies. Hence, it is important to equip students with necessary strategies for dealing with vocabulary learning activities. In this paper, three strategies are recommended: extensive listening & reading and contextual guesswork, communicative activities and group-work and the use of dictionary.展开更多
Different from literary English which tends to give a subjective description, culinary English tends to give an objective one. In addition, culinary English has other unique features as shown in this paper.
It is assumed that the success of learner training in other subjects is applicable to language learning. But little has been done to prove this. In this article this assumption will be proved to be true through school...It is assumed that the success of learner training in other subjects is applicable to language learning. But little has been done to prove this. In this article this assumption will be proved to be true through school report analysis.展开更多
Comprehending speaking materials in a foreign language is one of the most difficult tasks and one of the most useful skills in foreign language teaching. But for many years listening skills have not received the prior...Comprehending speaking materials in a foreign language is one of the most difficult tasks and one of the most useful skills in foreign language teaching. But for many years listening skills have not received the priority it deserves in language teaching. A traditional listening lesson often tends to test listening rather than teach it and does not practice the kind of listening that takes place in real life. This paper explores a communicative way of teaching listening--a combination of seeing, listening and speaking. The new teaching approach can inspire learners' interest, help learners develop a better awareness of how to listen, build up their skills and strategies in listening and prepare them to deal with the demands of real world communication. The present study attempts to measure the effectiveness of and student reaction to the new approach to teaching listening.展开更多
Chinese college students have some drawbacks in English learning and mastering. Through a dozen years of English learning, some of them have high ability of passing examinations, but the practical application ability ...Chinese college students have some drawbacks in English learning and mastering. Through a dozen years of English learning, some of them have high ability of passing examinations, but the practical application ability is barely satisfactory with relatively poor listening level and oral expression ability. The objective cause for this situation is the relatively single and stylization English teaching model used by traditional colleges and universities. This model only emphasizes learning on class which greatly harms students' English learning enthusiasm and initiatives. The result is that although the students passed CET4 and CET6 long time before their graduation, they still not dare to open their mouth to speaking concerning face to face English communications. Over the years, the researches on how to improve college students' English application ability never stop and they did obtain some achievements and show some opportunities, for example, if we can bring APP (application programs) into college English listening class, it will largely meet students requirements on English learning and this can also replenish and perfect traditional English teaching model.展开更多
"Backwash" has usually been described in terms of the effect of testing on language teaching and learning. "Backwash can be harmful or beneficial", as Arthur Hughes states. (Hughes: 1989) This paper set out to ..."Backwash" has usually been described in terms of the effect of testing on language teaching and learning. "Backwash can be harmful or beneficial", as Arthur Hughes states. (Hughes: 1989) This paper set out to see how far this term can be applied to the ways in which both the students and teachers can benefit from language testing.展开更多
CALL (computer-assisted language learning) has tremendously transformed the teaching of language, with its wide application in many aspects of language teaching. However, how to integrate CALL into the teaching of c...CALL (computer-assisted language learning) has tremendously transformed the teaching of language, with its wide application in many aspects of language teaching. However, how to integrate CALL into the teaching of culture is still rarely discussed. The purpose of the paper is to explore feasible models for teaching culture in CALL and their effects on students' acquisition process. Based on two fundamental pedagogical approaches (participatory pedagogy and multiliteracies pedagogy) for teaching culture, this paper proposes three pedagogical models (problem-posing model, web-quest model, and computer-supported collaborative learning model) for teaching culture in CALL. In the end, this paper illustrates a combination of the three models in real CALL setting by a cultural teaching case. A questionnaire survey and interviews are conducted to reflect on students' feedback, which gives an insight into possible adjustments in teaching models and the paper also proposes future possibilities in applying these models into teaching culture展开更多
American English is predominantly prescribed as the primary English learning model at every educational level in Taiwan and limited attention is paid to other accents of English. It is therefore the intention of this ...American English is predominantly prescribed as the primary English learning model at every educational level in Taiwan and limited attention is paid to other accents of English. It is therefore the intention of this paper to investigate whether Taiwan Residents EFL learners have difficulties understanding British English after years of instruction in American English, and to identify differences between learners' attitudes towards these two varieties of English. EFL learners from two universities were randomly assigned to American and British English groups and required to listen to short texts recorded with either American or British accent. An independent simple t-test showed that no significant differences were found in listening comprehension scores, but responses on questionnaires revealed significant differences in attitudes towards American and British English. The influence of long-term instruction in American English was evidenced. Based on these findings, suggestions are provided for English language teaching in Taiwan and implications are drawn for the concept of English as an International Language (ELL), that in order to pursue successful international communication with people of various native languages, EFL learners need to experience various accents of English.展开更多
In this research paper, we conduct research on development trend of contemporary English education pattern under the quality education and the ability oriented background. In learning, learn grammar use master grammar...In this research paper, we conduct research on development trend of contemporary English education pattern under the quality education and the ability oriented background. In learning, learn grammar use master grammar functions in use many teaching experts recommended is effective way. In this way, we can fully mobilize students' learning grammar effectiveness on the basis of can make them have more chance to practice. Participation can make students understand, no longer limited to simple memorization and found problems in study and communication with each other, to explore the problems and effectively improve English learning. The proposed methodology will enhance general performance of the contemporary English education and activate the students' learning passion.展开更多
Business English-Viewing, Listening & Speaking is a practical course for business English majors. Cooperative learning is the teaching mode mainly based on the group work. The author applied the cooperative learning ...Business English-Viewing, Listening & Speaking is a practical course for business English majors. Cooperative learning is the teaching mode mainly based on the group work. The author applied the cooperative learning in the teaching for 10 weeks. The action research attempts to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of cooperative learning through teaching practice, questionnaire, interview, and classroom observation. The results show that cooperative learning can improve the learning behavior, and facilitate the students' communicating skills展开更多
In order to sustain and increase students' interest in learning English, we tried to design several motivational approaches based on teaching psychology and pedagogy so as to improve our English teaching. The three o...In order to sustain and increase students' interest in learning English, we tried to design several motivational approaches based on teaching psychology and pedagogy so as to improve our English teaching. The three orientations were identified to be the principles for the study: 1.Inspiration out of tracing the retrogression to its source; 2.Stimulating learning through integrative internal and external drives; 3.Providing chances to get more inspiration of creativity. The study of integrative motivation was made for two years, which turned out to be efficacious in our English teaching when it was finished.展开更多
This essay mainly explores the present situation of students' drawbacks in learning English grammar, especially the section of subjunctive mood and analyzes the definition and the usage of subjunctive mood as well as...This essay mainly explores the present situation of students' drawbacks in learning English grammar, especially the section of subjunctive mood and analyzes the definition and the usage of subjunctive mood as well as the basic causes to the above-mentioned phenomenon. Finally it presents some practical solutions according to the writer's years of experience in learning English.展开更多
The purpose of college English teaching is to train students in listening, speaking, reading and writing English proficiency in all aspects. With the rapid development of society and innovative college English teachin...The purpose of college English teaching is to train students in listening, speaking, reading and writing English proficiency in all aspects. With the rapid development of society and innovative college English teaching concepts and models, the use of innovation diffusion theory is to guide the reform of college English teaching this subject into the spotlight. The use of innovative teaching mode diffusion theory can mobilize students a variety of sensory coordination and cooperation can be achieved to enhance English learning, to enhance the purpose of English proficiency. This paper will apply to the specific circumstances of innovation diffusion theory college English teaching reform of College English Teaching in the diffusion of innovation theory perspective.展开更多
文摘This article makes an investigation of 114 English majors' level of a particular communicative performance and the general ability to perform in small-group conversations in their conversation class, and thereafter explores the reasons for their current level with the aid of questionnaire based on a rating scale, together with observation and interviews. Some countermeasures are provided to call for teachers' attention in their teaching practice.
文摘While there is lots of empirical evidence showing that grammar consciousness raising tasks (GCRTs) have an edge over the traditional modes of grammar instruction, there is very little qualitative evidence reflecting learners' perceptions of externally imposed educational changes including GCRTs. To extrapolate the previous findings and fill in this gap, this study aims to: (I) test the alleged superiority of GCRTs in grammar instruction and (2) explore learners' perceptions of learning grammar through GCRTs. To this end, this study used a mixed-method design including a quantitative and a qualitative dimension. The former dimension aimed at testing the superiority of GCRTs on a random sample of intermediate learners from Simin language school in Karaj, Iran through the robust Solomon-four-group design and the latter dimension aimed at collecting and analyzing qualitative interview data on learners' perceptions of GCRTs. The quantitative results clearly showed that learners being taught through GCRTs significantly outperformed those instructed through the traditional mode of grammar instruction and the qualitative analysis of learners' perspectives showed that the participants had a positive perception of GCRTs and this positive perception was rooted in GCRTs' potential to: (1) facilitate the internalization of grammar and (2) involve learners in discovery learning. The findings have clear implications for syllabus designers and practitioners.
文摘Learner autonomy and attribution impact English language acquisition. Learners should be encouraged to take the responsibility for their success or failure, and achievement or underperformance in the acquisition of English as an L2 (second language). A paradigm shift can be visible on the part of teachers and students of English only when they are metamorphosed voluntarily into classroom facilitators and autonomous learners with changed duties and responsibilities. As facilitators, teachers closely monitor learners' attributions to their success/failure in English language courses. "Attribution" means "how learners learn about themselves and order uncertain environments". Teachers are very often unaware of learner attributions; so it becomes essential for them to increase their awareness of learner attributions so that they can become facilitators. Interaction is the only medium for acquisition of English in the classroom, and teachers can play the role of a catalyst only when they allow students to become leamers with autonomy and right kind of learner attributions. Autonomy implies accountability. Very often, learner attributions clash with teacher attributions. As long as there is a clash, teachers can never claim themselves as facilitators of learning. This paper identifies the attributions of Indian learners of English, and studies if they clash with those of teachers. It also finds out the means of minimizing the negative and undesirable attributions of both facilitators and learners. Two standardized research questionnaires were developed and administered among students and teachers to identify the attributions, and to detect the desirability and feasibility of learner autonomy in the Indian context.
文摘From 1970 onwards, Halliday worked on the functional aspect of grammar. He mentioned the language as a form of "doing" rather than a form of "knowing". He believes that language is what it is because it has to serve certain function. In other words, social demands on language have helped to shape its structure. This theory distinguishes linguistic behavior potential from actual linguistic behavior. That means the speaker can do many things in certain language: making an invitation, expressing hope, inquiry, agreement, refuse and etc. Therefore EFL teaching is to develop the abilities to communicate with others, that is, listening, speaking, reading, writing and translating. This paper wants to discuss Halliday's theory about the functional approach and how to make good use of it to the language leaming and teaching.
文摘Although vocational college students have already had many years of English education, their foundation of English study is not satisfactory. Many vocational college students are not very interested in English study. There are many factors that cause this situation and some measures are taken to change This situation is also very important. Facts have proved that the introduction of flip classroom teaching mode can provide new ideas for improving higher vocational English teaching. This article is based on the topic of research, hoping to provide some methods for higher vocational English teaching reform.
文摘Autonomous learning is a modem learning way that corresponds with the traditional acceptance learning. Students as the main body of learning by students' independent analysis, exploration, practice,questioning, create other methods to achieve the learning objectives. This paper analyzed the characteristic of self-learning and the theoretical basis of the implementation of autonomous learning during English teaching process focused on the College English independent study pattern.
文摘As we enter the 21st century, acquisition of vocabulary has assumed a more important role, and as some would argue, it has assumed the central role in learning a second language. On one hand, students have a strong desire to improve their English level in order to make them more adaptable when they step into this competitive society after graduation. On the other hand, most students are facing a great difficulty in learning a large number of vocabularies though they do spend a lot of time and energy on it. Also, recent researches show that students don't like the classroom that is still teacher-centered and lecture-based. They want to be more involved in class and more responsible for their own studies. Hence, it is important to equip students with necessary strategies for dealing with vocabulary learning activities. In this paper, three strategies are recommended: extensive listening & reading and contextual guesswork, communicative activities and group-work and the use of dictionary.
文摘Different from literary English which tends to give a subjective description, culinary English tends to give an objective one. In addition, culinary English has other unique features as shown in this paper.
文摘It is assumed that the success of learner training in other subjects is applicable to language learning. But little has been done to prove this. In this article this assumption will be proved to be true through school report analysis.
文摘Comprehending speaking materials in a foreign language is one of the most difficult tasks and one of the most useful skills in foreign language teaching. But for many years listening skills have not received the priority it deserves in language teaching. A traditional listening lesson often tends to test listening rather than teach it and does not practice the kind of listening that takes place in real life. This paper explores a communicative way of teaching listening--a combination of seeing, listening and speaking. The new teaching approach can inspire learners' interest, help learners develop a better awareness of how to listen, build up their skills and strategies in listening and prepare them to deal with the demands of real world communication. The present study attempts to measure the effectiveness of and student reaction to the new approach to teaching listening.
文摘Chinese college students have some drawbacks in English learning and mastering. Through a dozen years of English learning, some of them have high ability of passing examinations, but the practical application ability is barely satisfactory with relatively poor listening level and oral expression ability. The objective cause for this situation is the relatively single and stylization English teaching model used by traditional colleges and universities. This model only emphasizes learning on class which greatly harms students' English learning enthusiasm and initiatives. The result is that although the students passed CET4 and CET6 long time before their graduation, they still not dare to open their mouth to speaking concerning face to face English communications. Over the years, the researches on how to improve college students' English application ability never stop and they did obtain some achievements and show some opportunities, for example, if we can bring APP (application programs) into college English listening class, it will largely meet students requirements on English learning and this can also replenish and perfect traditional English teaching model.
文摘"Backwash" has usually been described in terms of the effect of testing on language teaching and learning. "Backwash can be harmful or beneficial", as Arthur Hughes states. (Hughes: 1989) This paper set out to see how far this term can be applied to the ways in which both the students and teachers can benefit from language testing.
文摘CALL (computer-assisted language learning) has tremendously transformed the teaching of language, with its wide application in many aspects of language teaching. However, how to integrate CALL into the teaching of culture is still rarely discussed. The purpose of the paper is to explore feasible models for teaching culture in CALL and their effects on students' acquisition process. Based on two fundamental pedagogical approaches (participatory pedagogy and multiliteracies pedagogy) for teaching culture, this paper proposes three pedagogical models (problem-posing model, web-quest model, and computer-supported collaborative learning model) for teaching culture in CALL. In the end, this paper illustrates a combination of the three models in real CALL setting by a cultural teaching case. A questionnaire survey and interviews are conducted to reflect on students' feedback, which gives an insight into possible adjustments in teaching models and the paper also proposes future possibilities in applying these models into teaching culture
文摘American English is predominantly prescribed as the primary English learning model at every educational level in Taiwan and limited attention is paid to other accents of English. It is therefore the intention of this paper to investigate whether Taiwan Residents EFL learners have difficulties understanding British English after years of instruction in American English, and to identify differences between learners' attitudes towards these two varieties of English. EFL learners from two universities were randomly assigned to American and British English groups and required to listen to short texts recorded with either American or British accent. An independent simple t-test showed that no significant differences were found in listening comprehension scores, but responses on questionnaires revealed significant differences in attitudes towards American and British English. The influence of long-term instruction in American English was evidenced. Based on these findings, suggestions are provided for English language teaching in Taiwan and implications are drawn for the concept of English as an International Language (ELL), that in order to pursue successful international communication with people of various native languages, EFL learners need to experience various accents of English.
文摘In this research paper, we conduct research on development trend of contemporary English education pattern under the quality education and the ability oriented background. In learning, learn grammar use master grammar functions in use many teaching experts recommended is effective way. In this way, we can fully mobilize students' learning grammar effectiveness on the basis of can make them have more chance to practice. Participation can make students understand, no longer limited to simple memorization and found problems in study and communication with each other, to explore the problems and effectively improve English learning. The proposed methodology will enhance general performance of the contemporary English education and activate the students' learning passion.
基金This research is supported by 山东省高校人文社科研究项目 (Research Project of Humanity and Social Science in Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province J 15WD26) 滨州学院教学研究项目 (Teaching Research Project of Binzhou University BYJYZD201305, BYJYWZ201337).
文摘Business English-Viewing, Listening & Speaking is a practical course for business English majors. Cooperative learning is the teaching mode mainly based on the group work. The author applied the cooperative learning in the teaching for 10 weeks. The action research attempts to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of cooperative learning through teaching practice, questionnaire, interview, and classroom observation. The results show that cooperative learning can improve the learning behavior, and facilitate the students' communicating skills
文摘In order to sustain and increase students' interest in learning English, we tried to design several motivational approaches based on teaching psychology and pedagogy so as to improve our English teaching. The three orientations were identified to be the principles for the study: 1.Inspiration out of tracing the retrogression to its source; 2.Stimulating learning through integrative internal and external drives; 3.Providing chances to get more inspiration of creativity. The study of integrative motivation was made for two years, which turned out to be efficacious in our English teaching when it was finished.
文摘This essay mainly explores the present situation of students' drawbacks in learning English grammar, especially the section of subjunctive mood and analyzes the definition and the usage of subjunctive mood as well as the basic causes to the above-mentioned phenomenon. Finally it presents some practical solutions according to the writer's years of experience in learning English.
文摘The purpose of college English teaching is to train students in listening, speaking, reading and writing English proficiency in all aspects. With the rapid development of society and innovative college English teaching concepts and models, the use of innovation diffusion theory is to guide the reform of college English teaching this subject into the spotlight. The use of innovative teaching mode diffusion theory can mobilize students a variety of sensory coordination and cooperation can be achieved to enhance English learning, to enhance the purpose of English proficiency. This paper will apply to the specific circumstances of innovation diffusion theory college English teaching reform of College English Teaching in the diffusion of innovation theory perspective.