Past studies reveal the prevalence of anxiety,coupled with low motivation and disengagement among students in English-medium instruction(EMI)programs.Given the detrimental impact these negative emotions can have on le...Past studies reveal the prevalence of anxiety,coupled with low motivation and disengagement among students in English-medium instruction(EMI)programs.Given the detrimental impact these negative emotions can have on learning outcomes,it is imperative that teachers establish positive emotional rapport with their students.This study explores how experienced and highly rated EMI lecturers at a Chinese university’s overseas campus use communication strategies to build rapport with their students during interactive academic activities.It identifies the strategies used by these lecturers and examines how the strategies facilitate the teaching-learning process.The data,consisting of 10 hours of tutorials and 10 hours of supervisor-student supervision meetings,is analyzed using an adapted Conversation Analysis(CA)approach.The analysis reveals three types of communication strategies(CSs)frequently used by lecturers:back-channeling,codeswitching,and co-creation of messages.By employing these strategies,the lecturers established a strong rapport with the students,which created an encouraging and supportive learning environment.Consequently,this positive atmosphere facilitated students’learning of content knowledge through English.The findings of this study have implications for the training of lecturers who encounter difficulties in establishing rapport with multilingual students in the EMI setting.展开更多
Mirror neuron system （MNS） represents one past decade, and it has been found to involve in multiple of the most important discoveries of cognitive neuroscience in the aspects of brain functions including action unde...Mirror neuron system （MNS） represents one past decade, and it has been found to involve in multiple of the most important discoveries of cognitive neuroscience in the aspects of brain functions including action understanding, imitation, language understanding, empathy, action prediction and speech evolution. This manuscript reviewed the function of MNS in action understanding as well as language evolution, and specifically assessed its roles as the bridge from body language to fluent speeches. Then we discussed the speech defects of autism patients due to the disruption of MNS. Finally, given that MNS is plastic in adult brain, we proposed MNS targeted therapy provides an efficient rehabilitation approach for brain damages conditions as well as autism patients.展开更多
Reading and writing are input and output respectively. The relation between reading and writing is closely related. Reading is the preparation for good writing. And writing theory or law can provide readers some clues...Reading and writing are input and output respectively. The relation between reading and writing is closely related. Reading is the preparation for good writing. And writing theory or law can provide readers some clues for better understanding. The relation between reading and writing can help our English teaching in and out class. Also the way of thinking influences our reading and writing.展开更多
This paper discusses the approach to the CET （college English test） oral test based on automatic essay marking （AEM）. The reliability and validity arouses a dispute on Internet-based CET （iB-CET） oral test in Ch...This paper discusses the approach to the CET （college English test） oral test based on automatic essay marking （AEM）. The reliability and validity arouses a dispute on Internet-based CET （iB-CET） oral test in China, leading to the penetration into oral test contents in dialogue, description or comment, and question answering. Then, a probe into transformation from a spoken document into a textual document is touched on a conversion ratio of 72% adopted at the present time, AEM to be carried forward being a necessary hypothesis for Afterwards, this paper focuses on the pipeline in AEM with the content features and the language itself, which is established in two different models in marking for extraction and detection. Through experiments, this paper reveals the fact that an iB-CET oral test can be performed perfectly in the pipeline of spoken documents transformed into textual documents which can be automatically marked. Hence the design of the iB-CET oral test reaches its reliability and validity.展开更多
The Test for English Majors Band-4（TEM4） is annually taken for the second year students in China and it is based on the requirement of English teaching syllabus for English majors. This paper has collected some of s...The Test for English Majors Band-4（TEM4） is annually taken for the second year students in China and it is based on the requirement of English teaching syllabus for English majors. This paper has collected some of students＇ compositions of TEM-4, and according to the score evaluation of the syllabus as well as TEM-4, the paper aims to analyze students＇ errors and find out their reasons behind in order to improve students＇ writing capacity in TEM-4.展开更多
In order to improve the reliability of the design and calculation of single piles under the combined vertical and lateral loads, the solutions were presented based on the subgrade reaction method, in which the ultimat...In order to improve the reliability of the design and calculation of single piles under the combined vertical and lateral loads, the solutions were presented based on the subgrade reaction method, in which the ultimate soil resistance was considered and the coefficient of subgrade reaction was assumed to be a constant. The corresponding computational program was developed using FORTRAN language. A comparison between the obtained solutions and the model test results was made to show the validity of the obtained solutions. The calculation results indicate that both the maximum lateral displacement and bending moment increase with the increase of the vertical and lateral loads and the pile length above ground, while decrease as the pile stiffness, the coefficient of subgrade reaction and the yielding displacement of soil increase. It is also shown that the pile head condition controls the pile responses and the vertical load may cause the instability problem to the pile. In general, the proposed method can be employed to calculate the pile responses independent of the magnitude of the pile deflection.展开更多
Embodiment theories proposed that the comprehension of language involves sensory-motor simulation in the brain.The present study examined the brain response to motor compatibility effect in comprehending action-relate...Embodiment theories proposed that the comprehension of language involves sensory-motor simulation in the brain.The present study examined the brain response to motor compatibility effect in comprehending action-related linguistic materials for participants learning Chinese as a second language(L2).In this study,participants are required to read action-related sentences describing an agent performing two manual actions simultaneously or sequentially by manipulating temporal conjunctions.The sentences with simultaneous actions are marked by Chinese parallel structure一边……一边……(“while”)showing non-congruent motor condition while the sequential action sentences are marked by先……然后……(“after”)showing congruent motor condition.Event-Related Potentials(ERPs)were recorded with the second verb phrase.A larger fronto-central late positivity was observed for the sentences with simultaneous actions rather than the sentences with sequential actions due to body constraints,revealing that late L2 Chinese learners integrate embodied knowledge while processing action-related complex sentence despite demanding more cognitive resources,and longer processing time.展开更多
In the era of globalization,English as an international language(EIL) is also the medium of intercultural communication for the international community.Based on the theory of cultural linguistics(CL),which regards lan...In the era of globalization,English as an international language(EIL) is also the medium of intercultural communication for the international community.Based on the theory of cultural linguistics(CL),which regards language as culture-oriented rather than structure-oriented,Sharifian(2009,p.4) has proposed that varieties of English which constitute EIL result from the interaction between the English language and different local cultures.CL suggests that China English(CE) should be understood in this light:It is not a substandard interlanguage,but a variety of English with its own cultural value and right.This paper intends to systemically analyze the nature of CE and its value in intercultural communication so as to better understand current intercultural education.Over a long time,much emphasis has been laid on the importance of adapting to the target language culture to the neglect of home language culture in our College English classrooms,thus resulting in what is known as Chinese cultural aphasia.In the light of CL,intercultural communication competence(ICC) encompasses not only knowing English and adapting to its culture,but also using CE to introduce the native culture in which CE plays an irreplaceable role.Therefore,CE is undoubtedly a key remedy for Chinese cultural aphasia.More research on CL should be conducted as it provides felicitous disciplinary guidance for our college intercultural education.展开更多
How to promote interaction in cooperative learning tasks is discussed from a theoretical perspective in order to maximize the benefits of cooperative learning. A classroom instructional model is presented and examined...How to promote interaction in cooperative learning tasks is discussed from a theoretical perspective in order to maximize the benefits of cooperative learning. A classroom instructional model is presented and examined to illustrate how successful and effective interaction is carried out to create the optimal conditions for second language acquisition.展开更多
Language teaching entails the use of varied methods to maximize learning. Most language educators, particularly those teaching foreign languages tend to use lesson review sheets, dialogue practice, drills on grammar, ...Language teaching entails the use of varied methods to maximize learning. Most language educators, particularly those teaching foreign languages tend to use lesson review sheets, dialogue practice, drills on grammar, audio tapes or text recordings. Educators also make use of media to enhance learning while a few language instructors use graded-conversations. Thus, this paper explores ways in which graded-conversations impact language learning. This paper shows how using graded-conversations in a Swahili language classroom enhanced language learning and encouraged students to collaborate in and outside the classroom. More specifically, the findings indicate that while graded-conversations motivated students to communicate with each other beyond classroom and use social media to help each other study, assignments shape the type and quality of students＇ collaboration. Implications for teaching are presented.展开更多
In the acquisition of a second language, the learner feels motivated to create verbal exchanges in order to build relationships with his/her partners but especially xo grow discursive and formative skills at the same ...In the acquisition of a second language, the learner feels motivated to create verbal exchanges in order to build relationships with his/her partners but especially xo grow discursive and formative skills at the same time. Under this aspect, we＇re going to investigate, firstly, what the role of creativity is in interactions in the language class. On the other hand, the adoption of creative interaction techniques allows the group to take a new look in the face of its learning （apprenticeship）, to better manage its potential. Finally, it would be interesting to propose the realization of a project of creative communication, to re-explore creativity in problem solving through the techniques of the game, giving more importance to the performance of more or less complex tasks and the development of the project in a holistic and action-oriented approach.展开更多
文摘Past studies reveal the prevalence of anxiety,coupled with low motivation and disengagement among students in English-medium instruction(EMI)programs.Given the detrimental impact these negative emotions can have on learning outcomes,it is imperative that teachers establish positive emotional rapport with their students.This study explores how experienced and highly rated EMI lecturers at a Chinese university’s overseas campus use communication strategies to build rapport with their students during interactive academic activities.It identifies the strategies used by these lecturers and examines how the strategies facilitate the teaching-learning process.The data,consisting of 10 hours of tutorials and 10 hours of supervisor-student supervision meetings,is analyzed using an adapted Conversation Analysis(CA)approach.The analysis reveals three types of communication strategies(CSs)frequently used by lecturers:back-channeling,codeswitching,and co-creation of messages.By employing these strategies,the lecturers established a strong rapport with the students,which created an encouraging and supportive learning environment.Consequently,this positive atmosphere facilitated students’learning of content knowledge through English.The findings of this study have implications for the training of lecturers who encounter difficulties in establishing rapport with multilingual students in the EMI setting.
基金Sci-ence Foundation of Ministry of Education of China (No.FBB011469)
文摘Mirror neuron system （MNS） represents one past decade, and it has been found to involve in multiple of the most important discoveries of cognitive neuroscience in the aspects of brain functions including action understanding, imitation, language understanding, empathy, action prediction and speech evolution. This manuscript reviewed the function of MNS in action understanding as well as language evolution, and specifically assessed its roles as the bridge from body language to fluent speeches. Then we discussed the speech defects of autism patients due to the disruption of MNS. Finally, given that MNS is plastic in adult brain, we proposed MNS targeted therapy provides an efficient rehabilitation approach for brain damages conditions as well as autism patients.
文摘Reading and writing are input and output respectively. The relation between reading and writing is closely related. Reading is the preparation for good writing. And writing theory or law can provide readers some clues for better understanding. The relation between reading and writing can help our English teaching in and out class. Also the way of thinking influences our reading and writing.
基金The Humanities and Social Sciences Project granted from the Ministry of Education in China(No.10YJA740061,11YJA740121)the Teaching Reform Key Project under Educational Section of Jiangsu Province(No.2011JSJG453)+3 种基金Southeast University Teaching Reform Project for Graduates(No.2010-54)Southeast University Teaching Reform Project for Post-Graduates(No.KJGKT12-06)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK2008354)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.6550181821,60975017)
文摘This paper discusses the approach to the CET （college English test） oral test based on automatic essay marking （AEM）. The reliability and validity arouses a dispute on Internet-based CET （iB-CET） oral test in China, leading to the penetration into oral test contents in dialogue, description or comment, and question answering. Then, a probe into transformation from a spoken document into a textual document is touched on a conversion ratio of 72% adopted at the present time, AEM to be carried forward being a necessary hypothesis for Afterwards, this paper focuses on the pipeline in AEM with the content features and the language itself, which is established in two different models in marking for extraction and detection. Through experiments, this paper reveals the fact that an iB-CET oral test can be performed perfectly in the pipeline of spoken documents transformed into textual documents which can be automatically marked. Hence the design of the iB-CET oral test reaches its reliability and validity.
文摘The Test for English Majors Band-4（TEM4） is annually taken for the second year students in China and it is based on the requirement of English teaching syllabus for English majors. This paper has collected some of students＇ compositions of TEM-4, and according to the score evaluation of the syllabus as well as TEM-4, the paper aims to analyze students＇ errors and find out their reasons behind in order to improve students＇ writing capacity in TEM-4.
基金Foundation item： Projects（50708093, 50808159） supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘In order to improve the reliability of the design and calculation of single piles under the combined vertical and lateral loads, the solutions were presented based on the subgrade reaction method, in which the ultimate soil resistance was considered and the coefficient of subgrade reaction was assumed to be a constant. The corresponding computational program was developed using FORTRAN language. A comparison between the obtained solutions and the model test results was made to show the validity of the obtained solutions. The calculation results indicate that both the maximum lateral displacement and bending moment increase with the increase of the vertical and lateral loads and the pile length above ground, while decrease as the pile stiffness, the coefficient of subgrade reaction and the yielding displacement of soil increase. It is also shown that the pile head condition controls the pile responses and the vertical load may cause the instability problem to the pile. In general, the proposed method can be employed to calculate the pile responses independent of the magnitude of the pile deflection.
文摘Embodiment theories proposed that the comprehension of language involves sensory-motor simulation in the brain.The present study examined the brain response to motor compatibility effect in comprehending action-related linguistic materials for participants learning Chinese as a second language(L2).In this study,participants are required to read action-related sentences describing an agent performing two manual actions simultaneously or sequentially by manipulating temporal conjunctions.The sentences with simultaneous actions are marked by Chinese parallel structure一边……一边……(“while”)showing non-congruent motor condition while the sequential action sentences are marked by先……然后……(“after”)showing congruent motor condition.Event-Related Potentials(ERPs)were recorded with the second verb phrase.A larger fronto-central late positivity was observed for the sentences with simultaneous actions rather than the sentences with sequential actions due to body constraints,revealing that late L2 Chinese learners integrate embodied knowledge while processing action-related complex sentence despite demanding more cognitive resources,and longer processing time.
文摘In the era of globalization,English as an international language(EIL) is also the medium of intercultural communication for the international community.Based on the theory of cultural linguistics(CL),which regards language as culture-oriented rather than structure-oriented,Sharifian(2009,p.4) has proposed that varieties of English which constitute EIL result from the interaction between the English language and different local cultures.CL suggests that China English(CE) should be understood in this light:It is not a substandard interlanguage,but a variety of English with its own cultural value and right.This paper intends to systemically analyze the nature of CE and its value in intercultural communication so as to better understand current intercultural education.Over a long time,much emphasis has been laid on the importance of adapting to the target language culture to the neglect of home language culture in our College English classrooms,thus resulting in what is known as Chinese cultural aphasia.In the light of CL,intercultural communication competence(ICC) encompasses not only knowing English and adapting to its culture,but also using CE to introduce the native culture in which CE plays an irreplaceable role.Therefore,CE is undoubtedly a key remedy for Chinese cultural aphasia.More research on CL should be conducted as it provides felicitous disciplinary guidance for our college intercultural education.
文摘How to promote interaction in cooperative learning tasks is discussed from a theoretical perspective in order to maximize the benefits of cooperative learning. A classroom instructional model is presented and examined to illustrate how successful and effective interaction is carried out to create the optimal conditions for second language acquisition.
文摘Language teaching entails the use of varied methods to maximize learning. Most language educators, particularly those teaching foreign languages tend to use lesson review sheets, dialogue practice, drills on grammar, audio tapes or text recordings. Educators also make use of media to enhance learning while a few language instructors use graded-conversations. Thus, this paper explores ways in which graded-conversations impact language learning. This paper shows how using graded-conversations in a Swahili language classroom enhanced language learning and encouraged students to collaborate in and outside the classroom. More specifically, the findings indicate that while graded-conversations motivated students to communicate with each other beyond classroom and use social media to help each other study, assignments shape the type and quality of students＇ collaboration. Implications for teaching are presented.
文摘In the acquisition of a second language, the learner feels motivated to create verbal exchanges in order to build relationships with his/her partners but especially xo grow discursive and formative skills at the same time. Under this aspect, we＇re going to investigate, firstly, what the role of creativity is in interactions in the language class. On the other hand, the adoption of creative interaction techniques allows the group to take a new look in the face of its learning （apprenticeship）, to better manage its potential. Finally, it would be interesting to propose the realization of a project of creative communication, to re-explore creativity in problem solving through the techniques of the game, giving more importance to the performance of more or less complex tasks and the development of the project in a holistic and action-oriented approach.
