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
Since 1970s, action research is well claimed in education. This article tries to give a brief introduction of some major relevant information about action research, and then it explores the significance of adopting ac...Since 1970s, action research is well claimed in education. This article tries to give a brief introduction of some major relevant information about action research, and then it explores the significance of adopting action research in EFLT. Moreover, it proposes a possible way, namely collaborative action research in EFLT.展开更多
The goal of language instruction for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners has always been a hot topic in SLA (Second Language Acquisition). First, Alan Davies's view to regard native speaker's proficienc...The goal of language instruction for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners has always been a hot topic in SLA (Second Language Acquisition). First, Alan Davies's view to regard native speaker's proficiency as the goal of both L2 and EFL learners is retorted. And then another complete and realistic goal for EFL learners, that is, understandable and acceptable interlanguage of EFL learners themselves is sought out. Furthermore, the four characteristics of EFL learners' IL are to be summarized. Finally, one needs to notice the fact that interlanguage is dynamic and has a close relation to SLA and EFL study.展开更多
Based on empirical research and qualitative analysis, this paper aims to explore the effects of interlingual strategies on L2 vocabulary teaching. The results show that, during L2 vocabulary teaching process, the prop...Based on empirical research and qualitative analysis, this paper aims to explore the effects of interlingual strategies on L2 vocabulary teaching. The results show that, during L2 vocabulary teaching process, the proper application of interlingual strategies can effectively facilitate the memorization of new words, and the bilingual method (both English explanation and Chinese translation) is welcomed by most subjects. Therefore, using L1 as a means of semantization or as a tool for checking and validating L2 learners' understanding of word meaning should not be completely rejected, especially for adult Chinese EFL learners.展开更多
We live in an age of changes. And these changes in science, technology, economy, political systems, and immigration patterns, especially the emergence of Internet, have created a world in which we increasingly interac...We live in an age of changes. And these changes in science, technology, economy, political systems, and immigration patterns, especially the emergence of Internet, have created a world in which we increasingly interact with people from different cultures. The levels of students' cultural awareness toward the target language (English) have a profound influence on the foreign language teaching (English) practice and performance. Obviously linguistic knowledge alone is not enough to secure successful interactions with native speakers in cross cultural communications. Cultural mistakes are worse than linguistic ones because they tend to cause misjudgments, or ill feelings between native and foreign speakers. Therefore, this paper mainly discusses the relationship between culture and language, explaining cultural awareness, providing some principles of cultural knowledge teaching and some techniques to develop students' cultural awareness through foreign language (English) teaching in high schools.展开更多
Based on the literature review on learner-centered classroom, this essay is to explore now to create a learner-centered classroom in Chinese context so as to design a workshop for those teaching professionals all over...Based on the literature review on learner-centered classroom, this essay is to explore now to create a learner-centered classroom in Chinese context so as to design a workshop for those teaching professionals all over China to create a learner-centered classroom. The workshop conducted mainly focuses on what is a learner-centered classroom, why and how to create a learner-centered classroom, meanwhile, it aims at helping the participants work out a practical framework which can be eventually put to their everyday teaching.展开更多
The present paper discusses three major sources of negative effect of classroom instruction on L2 learners' pragmatic development: inadequate or inappropriate metapragmatic input, non-authentic classroom discourse a...The present paper discusses three major sources of negative effect of classroom instruction on L2 learners' pragmatic development: inadequate or inappropriate metapragmatic input, non-authentic classroom discourse and grammar-oriented pedagogy, then proposes some pedagogical suggestions on developing pragmatic competence.展开更多
This paper explores Chinese college students' motivation for learning oral English, which is normally considered as an important factor contributing to learners' speaking proficiency in Second Language Learning. The...This paper explores Chinese college students' motivation for learning oral English, which is normally considered as an important factor contributing to learners' speaking proficiency in Second Language Learning. The theoretical studies on motivation in Second Language Learning are firstly reviewed. Based on the literature review, Chinese college students' motivation in oral English learning is examined in terms of the Chinese context. Finally, five specific helpful strategies are put forward to facilitate students' optimal oral English learning.展开更多
This article traces the evolution of the field of second language acquisition/development(SLA/SLD). It chronicles the evolution in terms of different disciplines and theories that have been influential, beginning with...This article traces the evolution of the field of second language acquisition/development(SLA/SLD). It chronicles the evolution in terms of different disciplines and theories that have been influential, beginning with the origin of SLA/SLD in linguistic thinking and expanding its scope of inquiry to psycholinguistics. It has developed further with the disciplines of anthropology and sociology holding sway. More recently, newer cognitive theories have been influential. The article discusses the recent call for a transdisciplinary approach. More specifically, the author promotes the adoption of complex dynamic systems theory, in keeping with non-reductionist systems thinking. Not only is this sociocognitive theory an interdisciplinary theory, but it also highlights the dynamic, variable, nonlinear nature of second language development. This it does within an ecological conception of development, which insists on the relevance of context. It also maintains that SLA/SLD is not a matter of input becoming output, but rather that language patterns emerge from the interaction of its users, given the affordances that they perceive. The article concludes with a discussion of several instructional issues.展开更多
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Since 1970s, action research is well claimed in education. This article tries to give a brief introduction of some major relevant information about action research, and then it explores the significance of adopting action research in EFLT. Moreover, it proposes a possible way, namely collaborative action research in EFLT.
文摘The goal of language instruction for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners has always been a hot topic in SLA (Second Language Acquisition). First, Alan Davies's view to regard native speaker's proficiency as the goal of both L2 and EFL learners is retorted. And then another complete and realistic goal for EFL learners, that is, understandable and acceptable interlanguage of EFL learners themselves is sought out. Furthermore, the four characteristics of EFL learners' IL are to be summarized. Finally, one needs to notice the fact that interlanguage is dynamic and has a close relation to SLA and EFL study.
文摘Based on empirical research and qualitative analysis, this paper aims to explore the effects of interlingual strategies on L2 vocabulary teaching. The results show that, during L2 vocabulary teaching process, the proper application of interlingual strategies can effectively facilitate the memorization of new words, and the bilingual method (both English explanation and Chinese translation) is welcomed by most subjects. Therefore, using L1 as a means of semantization or as a tool for checking and validating L2 learners' understanding of word meaning should not be completely rejected, especially for adult Chinese EFL learners.
文摘We live in an age of changes. And these changes in science, technology, economy, political systems, and immigration patterns, especially the emergence of Internet, have created a world in which we increasingly interact with people from different cultures. The levels of students' cultural awareness toward the target language (English) have a profound influence on the foreign language teaching (English) practice and performance. Obviously linguistic knowledge alone is not enough to secure successful interactions with native speakers in cross cultural communications. Cultural mistakes are worse than linguistic ones because they tend to cause misjudgments, or ill feelings between native and foreign speakers. Therefore, this paper mainly discusses the relationship between culture and language, explaining cultural awareness, providing some principles of cultural knowledge teaching and some techniques to develop students' cultural awareness through foreign language (English) teaching in high schools.
文摘Based on the literature review on learner-centered classroom, this essay is to explore now to create a learner-centered classroom in Chinese context so as to design a workshop for those teaching professionals all over China to create a learner-centered classroom. The workshop conducted mainly focuses on what is a learner-centered classroom, why and how to create a learner-centered classroom, meanwhile, it aims at helping the participants work out a practical framework which can be eventually put to their everyday teaching.
文摘The present paper discusses three major sources of negative effect of classroom instruction on L2 learners' pragmatic development: inadequate or inappropriate metapragmatic input, non-authentic classroom discourse and grammar-oriented pedagogy, then proposes some pedagogical suggestions on developing pragmatic competence.
文摘This paper explores Chinese college students' motivation for learning oral English, which is normally considered as an important factor contributing to learners' speaking proficiency in Second Language Learning. The theoretical studies on motivation in Second Language Learning are firstly reviewed. Based on the literature review, Chinese college students' motivation in oral English learning is examined in terms of the Chinese context. Finally, five specific helpful strategies are put forward to facilitate students' optimal oral English learning.
文摘This article traces the evolution of the field of second language acquisition/development(SLA/SLD). It chronicles the evolution in terms of different disciplines and theories that have been influential, beginning with the origin of SLA/SLD in linguistic thinking and expanding its scope of inquiry to psycholinguistics. It has developed further with the disciplines of anthropology and sociology holding sway. More recently, newer cognitive theories have been influential. The article discusses the recent call for a transdisciplinary approach. More specifically, the author promotes the adoption of complex dynamic systems theory, in keeping with non-reductionist systems thinking. Not only is this sociocognitive theory an interdisciplinary theory, but it also highlights the dynamic, variable, nonlinear nature of second language development. This it does within an ecological conception of development, which insists on the relevance of context. It also maintains that SLA/SLD is not a matter of input becoming output, but rather that language patterns emerge from the interaction of its users, given the affordances that they perceive. The article concludes with a discussion of several instructional issues.