Scaffolding Information of Learner’s Dictionaries for L2 Writing: A User Perspective

As a major resource and tool of language learning, learner’s dictionaries have provided sufficient information forL2 writing, which serves as a good guide of peer feedback. Hence, learner’s dictionaries are an indispensable partof scaffolding in the L2 writing feedback system. However, the effects of dictionary use in L2 writing have longbeen ignored either in L2 writing pedagogy or in learner lexicography. By applying the concept of “scaffolding” topeer feedback as the theoretical framework, this study first clarifies three distinct types of scaffolding informationpresented in current English learner’s dictionaries, and then makes an investigation into EFL learners’ perceptionand practical use of scaffolding information in their English writing. Results show that most EFL learners havepositive attitudes towards scaffolding information and its role in motivating effective feedback in English writing.But their practical use of such information is not satisfactory owing to their inadequate skills and knowledge ofdictionary use. This reflects a high demand of a dictionary use course in universities, which will help to raise EFLlearners’ dictionary use efficiency as well as improve English teachers’ lexicographical expertise in English writingpedagogy.

The Effects of Learner’s Individual Differences on the Written Corrective Feedback

From the perspective of individual learner differences,this paper aims to show the readers an outline of the influence of individual learner differences on written corrective feedback.Based on 200 eighth and ninth grade junior high school students’thinking patterns and tests,60 students were selected as subjects in this study.Based on the comparative analysis and error analysis in second language acquisition as the main theoretical basis,this study analyzed the common types of errors in the use of nonpredicate verbs in junior high school students and their causes.There are three main questions in this study:how about the error frequency of the five forms(present participle,past participle,infinitive,gerund and independent nominative structure)in the nonpredicate verb learning of junior high school students?What kind of mistakes do junior high school students make in the process of learning non-predicate verbs?According to the conclusion of the investigation and research,the author puts forward some suggestions from the aspects of teachers and students in the last part of the article.

Qualitative Research on Learner's Beliefs about Learning English

In the ESOL/SLA field, qualitative studies try to explain the language learning process not merely from psychological points of view, but also from social and cultural perspectives. In this study, a Chinese learner's perceptions of mainstream English instruction in China has been investigated through the interview, and the problem was explained from social and cultural perspectives.

The Evaluation of the Seventh Edition of Oxford Advanced Learner's English-Chinese Dictionary

As one of the most popular English learning tools, the 7th edition of Oxford Advanced Learner's English-Chinese Dictionary aims to provide adequate information to satisfy learners' needs. In this article, this latest edition is examined with re spect to two primary aspects: syntactic and semantic information based on Chan, A.C. and Y. Loong's evaluating criteria of learn er's dictionary. The focus falls on grammatical properties of nouns, verbs and adjectives, valency requirement, definitions, syn onyms and antonyms, collocations, etc. Conclusion suggests that the overall standard of this new dictionary is admirably high in terms of applicability and user-friendliness.

A Survey of Learner's Autonomy and Its Inspiration on College English Teaching

This paper,based on the investigation of students'autonomous English learning competence,aims to identify the problems students have in learner's autonomy(LA) and to further explore the possible ways to develop students'autonomous English learning competence in Chinese context.

The Role of Bilingualised Learner＇s Dictionary in Vocabulary Learning of Chinese College Students as non-English Majors

According to Cowie(2002), choosing which type of dictionary depends on"several factors, including the year of study, the level of linguistic proficiency of the users, and the nature of the study activity"(p. 195). After comparing the features of monolingual and bilingual learner's dictionaries, and examining the definitions and examples of three entry words(‘owe',‘deadlock'and‘pertinent') in six popular learner's dictionaries in China, we make a tentative conclusion that bilingualised dictionary is the better choice in vocabulary learning of Chinese college students as non-English majors. Some further investigations have to be conducted about the status quo of dictionary use among Chinese college students as non-English majors and their vocabulary learning strategies.

A Tentative Exploration into Business English Textbooks for English Majors

There are many universities and colleges open the Business English courses for English Majors. These courses are orientated at improving practical business skills of the students for meeting the demands of the rapid development of society. Choosing the right text-books for these courses plays a vital role in cultivating the interdisciplinary English majors. After the empirical investigations and theoretical studies conducted for this paper, it is suggested the proportion and difficulty level of business knowledge and English language should be adjusted according to the real situation of universities as well as the needs of English major students. Moreover, the use of authentic material from the professional portfolio and task-based activities are also highly recommended to be included in the textbooks.

Can Pragmatic Competence Be Taught in an EFL Classroom?

An L2 learner's pragmatic competence is an inseparable part of his communicative competence.Large quantities of aspects of pragmatic competence are teachable.Classroom is the place where an L2 learner's pragmatic competence can be developed.Though classroom instruction has some negative effect,efforts could be done to arrange relevant awareness-raising and communication-practice activities.

Rethinking Learner Autonomy:A Narrative Analysis of Learners’ Experiences

This paper presents three learners’ stories with different setting and time scales:a Chinese worker as a language user in Japan,a Japanese language major student in Chinese university, and a German learner of Japanese participated in eTandem project. These stories were constructed by narrative analysis with qualitative data. Comparing the three cases,it was found that participants build social relations in a group/community they belong to or have a relationship with significant others by exercising learner autonomy. Their autonomy as Japanese-related person was fostered and constrained in their relationships of the social context. Learner autonomy can be seen as socially mediated agency to obtain authorship of one’s action and voice, which leads to an enhanced second language life. Moreover, it is shaped and developed by social relationships.