In view of a series of challenges since Task-Based Language Teaching(TBLT) was introduced into China, we interviewed 14 front-line teachers in primary and secondary schools about their viewpoints and classroom strateg...In view of a series of challenges since Task-Based Language Teaching(TBLT) was introduced into China, we interviewed 14 front-line teachers in primary and secondary schools about their viewpoints and classroom strategies of TBLT. The results show teachers’ willingness to use TBLT. They adopt flexible teaching procedures, apply TBLT creatively, and explore task-based language assessment. The authors argue for inclusive non-doctrinaire approaches to TBLT, and propose to construct localized TBLT theory and practice with Chinese characteristics.展开更多
In China, the teaching of culture was stipulated to be very important at the government level in the form of a curriculum in early 2000s. Now although the teachers seem to be fully aware of the significance of culture...In China, the teaching of culture was stipulated to be very important at the government level in the form of a curriculum in early 2000s. Now although the teachers seem to be fully aware of the significance of culture teaching, there are misunderstandings about it. A survey was conducted to find out how the teachers understand and meet the requirements of the curriculums. The results show even the teachers do not understand the objectives of ELT （English Language Teaching） stipulated in the curriculums. They need training and the requirements need clarification, so that the gap between what is expected and what is performed can be bridged.展开更多
We are living in the era of Information Technology where students have a lot exposure to the state-of-the-art devices and softwares. The remarkable revolutions in interactivity and multimedia materials together with c...We are living in the era of Information Technology where students have a lot exposure to the state-of-the-art devices and softwares. The remarkable revolutions in interactivity and multimedia materials together with countless emerging technologies have also enabled the conception of digital storytelling. However, it has not been widely used in many developing countries such as Vietnam. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to conduct an investigation into the history of digital storytelling, the necessary facilities and how it is being used educationally in the classroom so that teachers in developing countries can widely apply digital storytelling in teaching. This paper also raises students＇ awareness towards using technology in their study, which will make an important breakthrough in teaching and learning English in Vietnam.展开更多
For most universities and colleges in China, literary theory is taught at the graduate level of literary studies. Most English teachers think literary theory is such a complex field with jargon-ridden disciplines and ...For most universities and colleges in China, literary theory is taught at the graduate level of literary studies. Most English teachers think literary theory is such a complex field with jargon-ridden disciplines and concepts that it is often considered as ＂a hot potato＂ in classroom teaching. Based on a case study from ＂Approaching Fiction＂ in China Youth University of Political Studies （CYUPS）, the present paper claims that application of literary theory in teaching literature not only greatly broadens students＇ horizon but also deepens their interpretation and understanding of literary works. With proper selection of teaching material and carefully designed teaching approaches, application of critical theory plays an increasingly important role in the undergraduate literature classroom.展开更多
In China, it is widely believed that teacher feedback plays a crucial role in EFL writing course, exerting a great impact on the improvement of Chinese EFL students＇ writing abilities so that teachers have been requi...In China, it is widely believed that teacher feedback plays a crucial role in EFL writing course, exerting a great impact on the improvement of Chinese EFL students＇ writing abilities so that teachers have been required to deliver feedback on students＇ writings. Teachers, consequently, spare no pains to give feedback, expecting their students would make progress in their writing, but it seems that things go contrary to their wishes. Although there are various complicated factors contributing to the situation, one of the important factors lies in the teachers, a number of whom do not grasp a systematic and effective mechanism of delivering feedback on EFL student writing. Much importance has been attached to Chinese EFL student writing, however, rare attention has been paid to conducting research on concrete ways of delivering feedback on Chinese EFL student writing in China. Therefore, this paper serves to fill the gap, mainly devoting itself to exploring concrete methods of delivering teacher feedback on EFL student writing.展开更多
Sometimes foreign language teachers find formal instructions unrewarding. This paper intends to find answers to the problems found in the English teaching classroom at university level in China by reviewing the SLA th...Sometimes foreign language teachers find formal instructions unrewarding. This paper intends to find answers to the problems found in the English teaching classroom at university level in China by reviewing the SLA theories on formal instruction and some pedagogical implications drawn from the findings are discussed.展开更多
Since Korean ethnics in China learn English on the basis of two languages and two cultures, there is dual transfer of Korean-Chinese when they learn English. They can make good use of two language systems and dual pos...Since Korean ethnics in China learn English on the basis of two languages and two cultures, there is dual transfer of Korean-Chinese when they learn English. They can make good use of two language systems and dual positive transfer, and make English-Korean and English-Chinese comparative analysis in the basic stages of English learning.展开更多
Classroom questioning is one of the main means for classroom interaction which plays a very important role in classroom teaching. Therefore, based on the observation of four different level English classes in the UK a...Classroom questioning is one of the main means for classroom interaction which plays a very important role in classroom teaching. Therefore, based on the observation of four different level English classes in the UK and interview of English teachers, this thesis investigates the types, functions and answer-seeking strategies used by EFL teachers.展开更多
Based on the theories on the text linguistics proposed by Beaugrande and Dressier, the paper points out that though we recognize the merits that genre-based approach deserves, it is unwise to take genre analysis as th...Based on the theories on the text linguistics proposed by Beaugrande and Dressier, the paper points out that though we recognize the merits that genre-based approach deserves, it is unwise to take genre analysis as the central activity in ESL writing class. Instead, we should not give learners fish to eat, but to teach them how to fish.展开更多
Content-based instruction has been gaining widespread popularity in the teaching of both ESL and EFL. Despite its reported and recognized advantages, however, many English teachers fail to make full use of its content...Content-based instruction has been gaining widespread popularity in the teaching of both ESL and EFL. Despite its reported and recognized advantages, however, many English teachers fail to make full use of its content and benefits of language learning. In addition, there are comparatively few studies which offer theoretical foundation for content-based teaching and constructive suggestions for its integration in the settings of EFL. This article aims to connect theory with practice and help teachers of EFL in China to maximize the potential of content-based instruction. To achieve this goal, it first presents a short literature review on project-based instruction, followed by a summary of its advantages and beneficial outcomes of using the intemet in order to implement it. It then proposes an eight-step process for the sequencing of project work and finally demonstrate a real-world project specially designed for Chinese EFL students. Both the design and the teaching activities proposed can be easily transferred to other settings..展开更多
The paper is an analysis of how much success Thai teachers of English have had throughout four decades of teaching English as a Foreign Language （TEFL） and the future direction to take. Thai teachers are aware that ...The paper is an analysis of how much success Thai teachers of English have had throughout four decades of teaching English as a Foreign Language （TEFL） and the future direction to take. Thai teachers are aware that their students are not confident of their speaking abilities. That is why they try to avoid making mistakes in pronunciation and connected speech making as mistakes are taken as signs of inability. It is a common sight in an English class that Thai students prefer to remain in their comfort zone of using the Thai language. Speaking is a productive skill; teaching someone to speak cannot be successfully done through listening to the ＂how to＂ lecture. The author proposes that to dream a possible dream, the teachers need to change their course design to adopt the goals of English for communication and enhancement of soft skills such as networking skill, teamwork skill, self-management skill, creativity, and work attitude. An example of a course design used is discussed with the underlining learning theories for the course, the course organization, and the fruits of this endeavor. This course is adopting the ＂Teach Less and Learn More＂ approach, a route to take for real learning.展开更多
When it comes to the practical use of English, the traditional college English class, which has big size and uses lecture-style teaching, has increasingly showed its disadvantages. The English Department of Harbin Eng...When it comes to the practical use of English, the traditional college English class, which has big size and uses lecture-style teaching, has increasingly showed its disadvantages. The English Department of Harbin Engineering University has initiated a mini-class model in recent years, which has received positive responses from both teachers and students who have experienced the class. By comparing the lecture-style class with mini-class, this paper will introduce the strengths and weaknesses of mini-class according to the author＇s observation of the class as well as the feedbacks from teachers and students. As is found out, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and therefore the model is highly recommended for college English class in other schools展开更多
In the field of second language acquisition, an increasing amount of research has been conducted on learner＇s beliefs. Few empirical studies, however, have been focused on students＇ conceptions of learning English ...In the field of second language acquisition, an increasing amount of research has been conducted on learner＇s beliefs. Few empirical studies, however, have been focused on students＇ conceptions of learning English （COLE）. This study aims to assess conceptions of learning particularly in the domain of English. Data were collected through the COLE questionnaire among 284 college students in China. Seven factors of COLE are identified, such as ＂memorizing＂, ＂testing＂, ＂drill and practice＂, ＂increasing knowledge＂, ＂understanding＂, ＂application＂, and ＂seeing in a new way＂. These findings also provide some pedagogical implications for English language instructors and researchers.展开更多
Native language transfer is a common phenomenon in foreign language learning and is all the time influencing the learners＇ language. As to us English teachers in China, how to use or avoid the Chinese transfer in stu...Native language transfer is a common phenomenon in foreign language learning and is all the time influencing the learners＇ language. As to us English teachers in China, how to use or avoid the Chinese transfer in students＇ English learning is an issue we need to further explore. The paper, based on the theory of SLA （second language acquisition） and language transfer, discusses this phenomenon, analyzes the factors that cause the transfer, and puts forward some suggestions to deal with the influence of transfer in teaching English as a foreign language Contrastive analysis, with examples, is employed to find the similarities and difficulties in students＇ learning Some of the difficulties can be predicted and positive transfer indeed plays a positive role in language acquisition.展开更多
Enhancing the teaching quality of college English teachers in China is an important guarantee to improve the level of English teaching and is a realistic choice of promoting the sustainable development of English educ...Enhancing the teaching quality of college English teachers in China is an important guarantee to improve the level of English teaching and is a realistic choice of promoting the sustainable development of English education. The article analyzes the basic quality that college English teachers should have and discusses the current English teaching status in order to improve the quality of English teachers and promote the development of English teaching in China.展开更多
Case study research investigated the launching of an innovative Live Journal, as part of a professional social network, during international conference held in Israel on the subject of teacher training. Research liter...Case study research investigated the launching of an innovative Live Journal, as part of a professional social network, during international conference held in Israel on the subject of teacher training. Research literature notes various publications used to record research and academic materials, but talks less about tools accompanying academic conferences. As far as could be ascertained no online ＂live journal＂ has served the needs of a professional conference. To understand the process and contribution of the Live Journal, qualitative study was chosen, using categorical analysis to interpret materials uploaded by participants on the journal. Additionally, in-depth interviews exposed participants＇ voices and interpretations. The research aimed to identify factors encouraging or hindering the initiative＇s success, patterns of participation, participants＇ characteristics, writing styles and incumbent difficulties and aimed to present a model for optimal operation of the Live Journal. Findings indicate essential components for the journal＇s success include： participants, technology and marketing, noting the importance of each component and their correlation with other components. The journal＇s potential to assist construction of a professional community, and act as an impetus for professional development and familiarity with other professionals in the field indicates the importance of the journal and constitutes the key for success.展开更多
With the wide spread of English in the global context, scholars increasingly call for the reshaping of English education towards teaching English as an international language. One oft-mentioned proposal is to increase...With the wide spread of English in the global context, scholars increasingly call for the reshaping of English education towards teaching English as an international language. One oft-mentioned proposal is to increase students＇ exposure to more English varieties, in particular the variety of English used in their country or region. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the attitudes of Chinese university students and teachers towards China English （CE）, an emerging variety in China and the ideological underpinnings beneath their attitudinal responses. In the study, 33 English teachers and 31 students were asked to first evaluate the understandability and acceptability of CE features that are identified in literature and then provide reasons justifying their choices in a questionnaire survey. Results show that both teacher and student participants were reluctant to accept CE as a legitimate variety but their attitudes diverged as regards specific CE features. The in-depth exploration of their justifications revealed that native speaker English ideology, Chinglish stigma and the communicativeness of CE to the outside world were their major concerns in evaluating CE. Findings in this study have implications for educators who attempt to localize English language teaching.展开更多
基金supported by the National Social Science Funding Project in China(16BYY080)。
文摘In view of a series of challenges since Task-Based Language Teaching(TBLT) was introduced into China, we interviewed 14 front-line teachers in primary and secondary schools about their viewpoints and classroom strategies of TBLT. The results show teachers’ willingness to use TBLT. They adopt flexible teaching procedures, apply TBLT creatively, and explore task-based language assessment. The authors argue for inclusive non-doctrinaire approaches to TBLT, and propose to construct localized TBLT theory and practice with Chinese characteristics.
文摘In China, the teaching of culture was stipulated to be very important at the government level in the form of a curriculum in early 2000s. Now although the teachers seem to be fully aware of the significance of culture teaching, there are misunderstandings about it. A survey was conducted to find out how the teachers understand and meet the requirements of the curriculums. The results show even the teachers do not understand the objectives of ELT （English Language Teaching） stipulated in the curriculums. They need training and the requirements need clarification, so that the gap between what is expected and what is performed can be bridged.
文摘We are living in the era of Information Technology where students have a lot exposure to the state-of-the-art devices and softwares. The remarkable revolutions in interactivity and multimedia materials together with countless emerging technologies have also enabled the conception of digital storytelling. However, it has not been widely used in many developing countries such as Vietnam. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to conduct an investigation into the history of digital storytelling, the necessary facilities and how it is being used educationally in the classroom so that teachers in developing countries can widely apply digital storytelling in teaching. This paper also raises students＇ awareness towards using technology in their study, which will make an important breakthrough in teaching and learning English in Vietnam.
文摘For most universities and colleges in China, literary theory is taught at the graduate level of literary studies. Most English teachers think literary theory is such a complex field with jargon-ridden disciplines and concepts that it is often considered as ＂a hot potato＂ in classroom teaching. Based on a case study from ＂Approaching Fiction＂ in China Youth University of Political Studies （CYUPS）, the present paper claims that application of literary theory in teaching literature not only greatly broadens students＇ horizon but also deepens their interpretation and understanding of literary works. With proper selection of teaching material and carefully designed teaching approaches, application of critical theory plays an increasingly important role in the undergraduate literature classroom.
文摘In China, it is widely believed that teacher feedback plays a crucial role in EFL writing course, exerting a great impact on the improvement of Chinese EFL students＇ writing abilities so that teachers have been required to deliver feedback on students＇ writings. Teachers, consequently, spare no pains to give feedback, expecting their students would make progress in their writing, but it seems that things go contrary to their wishes. Although there are various complicated factors contributing to the situation, one of the important factors lies in the teachers, a number of whom do not grasp a systematic and effective mechanism of delivering feedback on EFL student writing. Much importance has been attached to Chinese EFL student writing, however, rare attention has been paid to conducting research on concrete ways of delivering feedback on Chinese EFL student writing in China. Therefore, this paper serves to fill the gap, mainly devoting itself to exploring concrete methods of delivering teacher feedback on EFL student writing.
文摘Sometimes foreign language teachers find formal instructions unrewarding. This paper intends to find answers to the problems found in the English teaching classroom at university level in China by reviewing the SLA theories on formal instruction and some pedagogical implications drawn from the findings are discussed.
文摘Since Korean ethnics in China learn English on the basis of two languages and two cultures, there is dual transfer of Korean-Chinese when they learn English. They can make good use of two language systems and dual positive transfer, and make English-Korean and English-Chinese comparative analysis in the basic stages of English learning.
文摘Classroom questioning is one of the main means for classroom interaction which plays a very important role in classroom teaching. Therefore, based on the observation of four different level English classes in the UK and interview of English teachers, this thesis investigates the types, functions and answer-seeking strategies used by EFL teachers.
文摘Based on the theories on the text linguistics proposed by Beaugrande and Dressier, the paper points out that though we recognize the merits that genre-based approach deserves, it is unwise to take genre analysis as the central activity in ESL writing class. Instead, we should not give learners fish to eat, but to teach them how to fish.
文摘Content-based instruction has been gaining widespread popularity in the teaching of both ESL and EFL. Despite its reported and recognized advantages, however, many English teachers fail to make full use of its content and benefits of language learning. In addition, there are comparatively few studies which offer theoretical foundation for content-based teaching and constructive suggestions for its integration in the settings of EFL. This article aims to connect theory with practice and help teachers of EFL in China to maximize the potential of content-based instruction. To achieve this goal, it first presents a short literature review on project-based instruction, followed by a summary of its advantages and beneficial outcomes of using the intemet in order to implement it. It then proposes an eight-step process for the sequencing of project work and finally demonstrate a real-world project specially designed for Chinese EFL students. Both the design and the teaching activities proposed can be easily transferred to other settings..
文摘The paper is an analysis of how much success Thai teachers of English have had throughout four decades of teaching English as a Foreign Language （TEFL） and the future direction to take. Thai teachers are aware that their students are not confident of their speaking abilities. That is why they try to avoid making mistakes in pronunciation and connected speech making as mistakes are taken as signs of inability. It is a common sight in an English class that Thai students prefer to remain in their comfort zone of using the Thai language. Speaking is a productive skill; teaching someone to speak cannot be successfully done through listening to the ＂how to＂ lecture. The author proposes that to dream a possible dream, the teachers need to change their course design to adopt the goals of English for communication and enhancement of soft skills such as networking skill, teamwork skill, self-management skill, creativity, and work attitude. An example of a course design used is discussed with the underlining learning theories for the course, the course organization, and the fruits of this endeavor. This course is adopting the ＂Teach Less and Learn More＂ approach, a route to take for real learning.
文摘When it comes to the practical use of English, the traditional college English class, which has big size and uses lecture-style teaching, has increasingly showed its disadvantages. The English Department of Harbin Engineering University has initiated a mini-class model in recent years, which has received positive responses from both teachers and students who have experienced the class. By comparing the lecture-style class with mini-class, this paper will introduce the strengths and weaknesses of mini-class according to the author＇s observation of the class as well as the feedbacks from teachers and students. As is found out, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and therefore the model is highly recommended for college English class in other schools
文摘In the field of second language acquisition, an increasing amount of research has been conducted on learner＇s beliefs. Few empirical studies, however, have been focused on students＇ conceptions of learning English （COLE）. This study aims to assess conceptions of learning particularly in the domain of English. Data were collected through the COLE questionnaire among 284 college students in China. Seven factors of COLE are identified, such as ＂memorizing＂, ＂testing＂, ＂drill and practice＂, ＂increasing knowledge＂, ＂understanding＂, ＂application＂, and ＂seeing in a new way＂. These findings also provide some pedagogical implications for English language instructors and researchers.
文摘Native language transfer is a common phenomenon in foreign language learning and is all the time influencing the learners＇ language. As to us English teachers in China, how to use or avoid the Chinese transfer in students＇ English learning is an issue we need to further explore. The paper, based on the theory of SLA （second language acquisition） and language transfer, discusses this phenomenon, analyzes the factors that cause the transfer, and puts forward some suggestions to deal with the influence of transfer in teaching English as a foreign language Contrastive analysis, with examples, is employed to find the similarities and difficulties in students＇ learning Some of the difficulties can be predicted and positive transfer indeed plays a positive role in language acquisition.
文摘Enhancing the teaching quality of college English teachers in China is an important guarantee to improve the level of English teaching and is a realistic choice of promoting the sustainable development of English education. The article analyzes the basic quality that college English teachers should have and discusses the current English teaching status in order to improve the quality of English teachers and promote the development of English teaching in China.
文摘Case study research investigated the launching of an innovative Live Journal, as part of a professional social network, during international conference held in Israel on the subject of teacher training. Research literature notes various publications used to record research and academic materials, but talks less about tools accompanying academic conferences. As far as could be ascertained no online ＂live journal＂ has served the needs of a professional conference. To understand the process and contribution of the Live Journal, qualitative study was chosen, using categorical analysis to interpret materials uploaded by participants on the journal. Additionally, in-depth interviews exposed participants＇ voices and interpretations. The research aimed to identify factors encouraging or hindering the initiative＇s success, patterns of participation, participants＇ characteristics, writing styles and incumbent difficulties and aimed to present a model for optimal operation of the Live Journal. Findings indicate essential components for the journal＇s success include： participants, technology and marketing, noting the importance of each component and their correlation with other components. The journal＇s potential to assist construction of a professional community, and act as an impetus for professional development and familiarity with other professionals in the field indicates the importance of the journal and constitutes the key for success.
基金supported by the Educational Bureau of Hubei,China,under the Provincial Social Sciences Research Grant[No.13g049]
文摘With the wide spread of English in the global context, scholars increasingly call for the reshaping of English education towards teaching English as an international language. One oft-mentioned proposal is to increase students＇ exposure to more English varieties, in particular the variety of English used in their country or region. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the attitudes of Chinese university students and teachers towards China English （CE）, an emerging variety in China and the ideological underpinnings beneath their attitudinal responses. In the study, 33 English teachers and 31 students were asked to first evaluate the understandability and acceptability of CE features that are identified in literature and then provide reasons justifying their choices in a questionnaire survey. Results show that both teacher and student participants were reluctant to accept CE as a legitimate variety but their attitudes diverged as regards specific CE features. The in-depth exploration of their justifications revealed that native speaker English ideology, Chinglish stigma and the communicativeness of CE to the outside world were their major concerns in evaluating CE. Findings in this study have implications for educators who attempt to localize English language teaching.
