This study examines the writing abilities of Iranian intermediate Korean learners,specifically their performance in the compositional writing section of the Test of Proficiency in Korean(TOPIK).By utilizing the many F...This study examines the writing abilities of Iranian intermediate Korean learners,specifically their performance in the compositional writing section of the Test of Proficiency in Korean(TOPIK).By utilizing the many FACETS-Rasch Model,we meticulously analyzed nine writing samples from the 52nd TOPIK.These samples were evaluated using a modified rubric ranging from 0 to 3 based on predefined criteria for written composition.The results underscored that the sections on“appropriateness of spacing and spelling,”“relevance of vocabulary,”and“content diversity”presented the most significant challenges for the learners.On the other hand,“the quantity of writing”emerged as the least challenging aspect.These findings reveal substantial disparities in various aspects of writing proficiency among learners.The study not only pinpoints issue areas in writing skills,but also underscores the necessity of customized teaching strategies within the TOPIK framework to address these weaknesses.Consequently,it offers valuable insights that could bolster the effectiveness of teaching writing to Korean language learners.The findings of this study are not only significant for the field of language education,but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by intermediate learners and provide a roadmap for improving language instruction.展开更多
One of the most obvious markers of an individual’s identity is their language.However,in some ways,the relationship between identity and language acquisition seems to be missed.In fact,a lot of studies have shown tha...One of the most obvious markers of an individual’s identity is their language.However,in some ways,the relationship between identity and language acquisition seems to be missed.In fact,a lot of studies have shown that identity may influence the reasons behind language acquisition,especially in bilingual or multilingual societies.Learning English can provide EFL(English as a Foreign Language)students with a good sense of identity and encourage them to practice their agency,which can improve learning efficiency and effectiveness.This paper examines how the efficacy and results of language learning are influenced by the learner’s identity.展开更多
This study investigated the general situation of metalinguistic awareness of third language learners in Chinese universities.Data analyses showed that the level of metalinguistic awareness in those learners was signif...This study investigated the general situation of metalinguistic awareness of third language learners in Chinese universities.Data analyses showed that the level of metalinguistic awareness in those learners was significantly higher than that of second language learners.And learning a third language can improve metalinguistic awareness.展开更多
Learner belief is attracting growing attention since it is regarded as one element of individual difference which account for learners' different achievements in second language learning. This article gives a revi...Learner belief is attracting growing attention since it is regarded as one element of individual difference which account for learners' different achievements in second language learning. This article gives a review o studies of learner belief about second language learning concerning its properties, classifications, and majo approaches to investigation. Based on the review, the importance of the research in the field is emphasized.展开更多
This paper is organized into three main sections.In the first section,theories and related research on rhetorical patterns are reviewed.The second section analyzes and discusses the rhetorical patterns demonstrated in...This paper is organized into three main sections.In the first section,theories and related research on rhetorical patterns are reviewed.The second section analyzes and discusses the rhetorical patterns demonstrated in the essays of ESL learners in China and Canada.The paper is ended with a third section that discusses the implications of this research for the future studies and the teaching of ESL writing.展开更多
What makes a successful learner? Some people learn foreign languages more quickly than others; they progress rapidly while others still struggle along making very slow progress. What individual differences might contr...What makes a successful learner? Some people learn foreign languages more quickly than others; they progress rapidly while others still struggle along making very slow progress. What individual differences might contribute to the successful learning process? Based on the case study of two second language learners and the comparison between their learning outcome and performance, this paper tries to explore more insights about the leaner factors and their influences on second language learning.展开更多
Learners differ,so does their language acquisition.Studies show there are several personality factors affecting the process of language of learning.This paper attempts to indicate these factors to help learners have a...Learners differ,so does their language acquisition.Studies show there are several personality factors affecting the process of language of learning.This paper attempts to indicate these factors to help learners have a better understanding of their own learning.展开更多
Vocabulary learning is of great importance in the successful development of communication and literacy skills(Teresa A. Belisle, 2011). Some questions will be discussed as how many words a learner needs to know? How m...Vocabulary learning is of great importance in the successful development of communication and literacy skills(Teresa A. Belisle, 2011). Some questions will be discussed as how many words a learner needs to know? How many words are there in English? And how many words do native speakers know. A clearer idea will be presented to show the number of words different people know and need for various purposes in the daily life.展开更多
Previous studies abroad and at home on learner autonomy have provided a variety of definitions from different perspectives as a framework of reference for the essence of LA. Therefore, based on the characteristics of ...Previous studies abroad and at home on learner autonomy have provided a variety of definitions from different perspectives as a framework of reference for the essence of LA. Therefore, based on the characteristics of LA, ways such as cultivation of LA beliefs and learning strategies, construction of a favorable LA environment and promotion of learner autonomy through teacher autonomy can be employed to foster students'autonomous learning ability.展开更多
This article offers an overview of theoretical ideas and recent empirical research by referring to the interactive communication between teachers and learners in a second language classroom.Both the interaction of tea...This article offers an overview of theoretical ideas and recent empirical research by referring to the interactive communication between teachers and learners in a second language classroom.Both the interaction of teacher-centered classroom and learner-centered classroom are reviewed within the context of sociocultural theory.The paper attempts to indicate the better effect of language learning can be achieved by complementing one another in the classroom of teacher-centeredness and learner-centeredness.展开更多
This historical study investigates the concept of learner autonomy in the national English language curricula for Chinese universities.It seeks to understand the meaning of learner autonomy in China and the intentiona...This historical study investigates the concept of learner autonomy in the national English language curricula for Chinese universities.It seeks to understand the meaning of learner autonomy in China and the intentionality of promoting this concept through the curricula from 1978 to 2007.By adopting Quentin Skinner’s intentionalist approach to analyzing the history of ideas,this study conducted a systematic document analysis of three national curricula in relation to their linguistic and practical contexts constituted of 169 Chinese academic articles in total.The study revealed that learner autonomy mainly referred to students’motivation and ability to work hard on their own outside the classroom in the Chinese context.Importing this concept,however,caused ideological confusion and exacerbated the disempowerment of teachers within the dynamics of China’s English language education at the tertiary level.The study raises awareness for borrowing concepts across different cultural contexts and has implications for research,policymaking,teacher development,and pedagogical practice in second language education in China.展开更多
This paper reports a small-scale study of needs analysis of leamers of Turkish as a foreign language at University of Florida. Needs analysis is described in the context of foreign language learning as ＂a systematic ...This paper reports a small-scale study of needs analysis of leamers of Turkish as a foreign language at University of Florida. Needs analysis is described in the context of foreign language learning as ＂a systematic and ongoing process of gathering information about students＇ needs and preferences, interpreting the information and then making course decisions in order to meet those needs＂ （Graves, 2000, p. 74）. Because foreign language instruction has become much more learner-centered in recent years, needs analysis is a must for effective learning processes to occur （LONG, 1999, 2005; Kikuchi ＆ Apple, 2006）. In this context, the purpose of this pilot study is to gather information about the students＇ needs in learning Turkish at Center for European Studies, where less commonly taught languages, including Czech, Greek, Hungarian and Polish are offered. Drawing on interview data compiled from a number of studies （Tarone ＆ Yule, 1989; LI ＆ Richards, 1995）, the findings indicate that the students＇ needs may be grouped under four categories including their linguistic needs, their objectives in learning Turkish, learning resources, psychological and sociological factors that may impact their learning experiences. In the light of the interview findings, certain suggestions as to how to teach Turkish effectively are made.展开更多
Learner Autonomy （LA） is the desirable goal of the education. To date, many Learner Autonomy training programs have been carried out in foreign language teaching. Cooperative Learning （CL） is a language teaching a...Learner Autonomy （LA） is the desirable goal of the education. To date, many Learner Autonomy training programs have been carried out in foreign language teaching. Cooperative Learning （CL） is a language teaching and learning strategy which gets learners actively and cooperatively involved in learning a foreign language in groups. Both of them have been respectively advocated from pedagogical point of view and from the perspective of philosophy. However, being autonomous does not necessarily mean learning alone. Language learners should learn cooperatively and autonomously. It is the author＇s contention that CL is a good method to promote LA. CL has positive effects on both students＇ readiness and their ability to be more autonomous. CL enhances self-esteem and self-confidence, increases high motivation, encourages learners＇ responsibility for learning, enhances self-management skills, increases support for language learners to move from interdependence to independence. The paper stresses in the end that promoting LA is the teacher＇s long-term pedagogic goal.展开更多
Learner beliefs of language learning are of critical importance to the success or failure of any student＇s efforts to master a foreign language. In this paper, some recent researches on learner beliefs about language...Learner beliefs of language learning are of critical importance to the success or failure of any student＇s efforts to master a foreign language. In this paper, some recent researches on learner beliefs about language learning have been reviewed and summarized. The learner beliefs in Chinese context are also discussed. It is suggested that it is premature to determine learner beliefs in Chinese context and to conclude that cultural differences have great influences on learner beliefs. More researches need to be conducted by means of more various research methodolozies.展开更多
This study focuses on learners' two characteristics: motivation and learning strategies.In the field of English as a second language(ESL),learners' motivation and learning strategies determine how fast and how...This study focuses on learners' two characteristics: motivation and learning strategies.In the field of English as a second language(ESL),learners' motivation and learning strategies determine how fast and how wellthey acquire the language as well as getting involved in other country.This paper attempts to explore Chinese ESL learners' motiva-tion in English and how they employ different learning strategies to practice or facilitate their English learning in class and beyond class.展开更多
This paper aims to explore how learners of English as a second language(ESL)acquire English conditional sentences and what causes their difficulties,especially focusing on how their native languages affect their acqui...This paper aims to explore how learners of English as a second language(ESL)acquire English conditional sentences and what causes their difficulties,especially focusing on how their native languages affect their acquisition of the conditional sentences.Interviews were carried out with four undergraduate ESL students of University of Central Oklahoma in the United States who are respectively Chinese,Korean,French,and Greek.By conducting interviews with them,the participants’perceptions of acquiring English conditional sentences will be collected and analyzed.There will be some typical errors of constructing conditional sentences demonstrated.Moreover,some pedagogical implications will also be provided,which will help students have a better command of the conditional sentences.展开更多
The reason to choose this topic is because among three types of context in natural second language learning settings,majority language contexts are undoubtedly the most important type to help L2 learners enhance their...The reason to choose this topic is because among three types of context in natural second language learning settings,majority language contexts are undoubtedly the most important type to help L2 learners enhance their proficiencies of target languages in an effective way.The first part of the paper is review of the researches that have been conducted concerning majority language contexts.From following chapters,analysis will be made on the deficiencies of L2 learning and teaching in China as well as necessities of majority language contexts.Finally,basic strategies will be proposed to help L2 learners overcome various problems in majority language contexts.展开更多
Learner autonomy,the ability of taking one's own learning in charge,plays an important role in language learning.The paper reviews the definition and the level of learner autonomy,the characteristics of autonomous...Learner autonomy,the ability of taking one's own learning in charge,plays an important role in language learning.The paper reviews the definition and the level of learner autonomy,the characteristics of autonomous learners,the application of learner autonomy in the classroom and out of the classroom and the relationship between learner autonomy and culture.In the paper,the development and the study of learner autonomy in China are also summarized.展开更多
The paper discusses learner autonomy and its importance in foreign language learning. While human beings are born with a tendency to autonomy, the traditional textbooks and teaching methods hold back the depth, speed ...The paper discusses learner autonomy and its importance in foreign language learning. While human beings are born with a tendency to autonomy, the traditional textbooks and teaching methods hold back the depth, speed and extent of the learn?ers. With it, learners may use this in-born tendency, plus the help from teachers and other learners, to improve the quality of for?eign language education.展开更多
As one of the major individual learner differences in second language learning,motivation is frequently used to account for differential success in learning a foreign language.When comes to the definition of motivatio...As one of the major individual learner differences in second language learning,motivation is frequently used to account for differential success in learning a foreign language.When comes to the definition of motivation,Ellis(2006:537) primarily defines motivation is "the effort learners were prepared to make to learn a language and their persistence in learning." According to Dornyei(2001a:8) motivation is The choice of a particular action,the persistence with it,the effort expended on it.In other words,motivation is responsible for why people decide to do something,how long they are willing to sustain the activity,how hard they are going to pursue it.展开更多
文摘This study examines the writing abilities of Iranian intermediate Korean learners,specifically their performance in the compositional writing section of the Test of Proficiency in Korean(TOPIK).By utilizing the many FACETS-Rasch Model,we meticulously analyzed nine writing samples from the 52nd TOPIK.These samples were evaluated using a modified rubric ranging from 0 to 3 based on predefined criteria for written composition.The results underscored that the sections on“appropriateness of spacing and spelling,”“relevance of vocabulary,”and“content diversity”presented the most significant challenges for the learners.On the other hand,“the quantity of writing”emerged as the least challenging aspect.These findings reveal substantial disparities in various aspects of writing proficiency among learners.The study not only pinpoints issue areas in writing skills,but also underscores the necessity of customized teaching strategies within the TOPIK framework to address these weaknesses.Consequently,it offers valuable insights that could bolster the effectiveness of teaching writing to Korean language learners.The findings of this study are not only significant for the field of language education,but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by intermediate learners and provide a roadmap for improving language instruction.
文摘One of the most obvious markers of an individual’s identity is their language.However,in some ways,the relationship between identity and language acquisition seems to be missed.In fact,a lot of studies have shown that identity may influence the reasons behind language acquisition,especially in bilingual or multilingual societies.Learning English can provide EFL(English as a Foreign Language)students with a good sense of identity and encourage them to practice their agency,which can improve learning efficiency and effectiveness.This paper examines how the efficacy and results of language learning are influenced by the learner’s identity.
文摘This study investigated the general situation of metalinguistic awareness of third language learners in Chinese universities.Data analyses showed that the level of metalinguistic awareness in those learners was significantly higher than that of second language learners.And learning a third language can improve metalinguistic awareness.
文摘Learner belief is attracting growing attention since it is regarded as one element of individual difference which account for learners' different achievements in second language learning. This article gives a review o studies of learner belief about second language learning concerning its properties, classifications, and majo approaches to investigation. Based on the review, the importance of the research in the field is emphasized.
文摘This paper is organized into three main sections.In the first section,theories and related research on rhetorical patterns are reviewed.The second section analyzes and discusses the rhetorical patterns demonstrated in the essays of ESL learners in China and Canada.The paper is ended with a third section that discusses the implications of this research for the future studies and the teaching of ESL writing.
文摘What makes a successful learner? Some people learn foreign languages more quickly than others; they progress rapidly while others still struggle along making very slow progress. What individual differences might contribute to the successful learning process? Based on the case study of two second language learners and the comparison between their learning outcome and performance, this paper tries to explore more insights about the leaner factors and their influences on second language learning.
文摘Learners differ,so does their language acquisition.Studies show there are several personality factors affecting the process of language of learning.This paper attempts to indicate these factors to help learners have a better understanding of their own learning.
文摘Vocabulary learning is of great importance in the successful development of communication and literacy skills(Teresa A. Belisle, 2011). Some questions will be discussed as how many words a learner needs to know? How many words are there in English? And how many words do native speakers know. A clearer idea will be presented to show the number of words different people know and need for various purposes in the daily life.
文摘Previous studies abroad and at home on learner autonomy have provided a variety of definitions from different perspectives as a framework of reference for the essence of LA. Therefore, based on the characteristics of LA, ways such as cultivation of LA beliefs and learning strategies, construction of a favorable LA environment and promotion of learner autonomy through teacher autonomy can be employed to foster students'autonomous learning ability.
文摘This article offers an overview of theoretical ideas and recent empirical research by referring to the interactive communication between teachers and learners in a second language classroom.Both the interaction of teacher-centered classroom and learner-centered classroom are reviewed within the context of sociocultural theory.The paper attempts to indicate the better effect of language learning can be achieved by complementing one another in the classroom of teacher-centeredness and learner-centeredness.
基金This work was supported by the MOE Project of Key Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences in Universities in China.
文摘This historical study investigates the concept of learner autonomy in the national English language curricula for Chinese universities.It seeks to understand the meaning of learner autonomy in China and the intentionality of promoting this concept through the curricula from 1978 to 2007.By adopting Quentin Skinner’s intentionalist approach to analyzing the history of ideas,this study conducted a systematic document analysis of three national curricula in relation to their linguistic and practical contexts constituted of 169 Chinese academic articles in total.The study revealed that learner autonomy mainly referred to students’motivation and ability to work hard on their own outside the classroom in the Chinese context.Importing this concept,however,caused ideological confusion and exacerbated the disempowerment of teachers within the dynamics of China’s English language education at the tertiary level.The study raises awareness for borrowing concepts across different cultural contexts and has implications for research,policymaking,teacher development,and pedagogical practice in second language education in China.
文摘This paper reports a small-scale study of needs analysis of leamers of Turkish as a foreign language at University of Florida. Needs analysis is described in the context of foreign language learning as ＂a systematic and ongoing process of gathering information about students＇ needs and preferences, interpreting the information and then making course decisions in order to meet those needs＂ （Graves, 2000, p. 74）. Because foreign language instruction has become much more learner-centered in recent years, needs analysis is a must for effective learning processes to occur （LONG, 1999, 2005; Kikuchi ＆ Apple, 2006）. In this context, the purpose of this pilot study is to gather information about the students＇ needs in learning Turkish at Center for European Studies, where less commonly taught languages, including Czech, Greek, Hungarian and Polish are offered. Drawing on interview data compiled from a number of studies （Tarone ＆ Yule, 1989; LI ＆ Richards, 1995）, the findings indicate that the students＇ needs may be grouped under four categories including their linguistic needs, their objectives in learning Turkish, learning resources, psychological and sociological factors that may impact their learning experiences. In the light of the interview findings, certain suggestions as to how to teach Turkish effectively are made.
文摘Learner Autonomy （LA） is the desirable goal of the education. To date, many Learner Autonomy training programs have been carried out in foreign language teaching. Cooperative Learning （CL） is a language teaching and learning strategy which gets learners actively and cooperatively involved in learning a foreign language in groups. Both of them have been respectively advocated from pedagogical point of view and from the perspective of philosophy. However, being autonomous does not necessarily mean learning alone. Language learners should learn cooperatively and autonomously. It is the author＇s contention that CL is a good method to promote LA. CL has positive effects on both students＇ readiness and their ability to be more autonomous. CL enhances self-esteem and self-confidence, increases high motivation, encourages learners＇ responsibility for learning, enhances self-management skills, increases support for language learners to move from interdependence to independence. The paper stresses in the end that promoting LA is the teacher＇s long-term pedagogic goal.
文摘Learner beliefs of language learning are of critical importance to the success or failure of any student＇s efforts to master a foreign language. In this paper, some recent researches on learner beliefs about language learning have been reviewed and summarized. The learner beliefs in Chinese context are also discussed. It is suggested that it is premature to determine learner beliefs in Chinese context and to conclude that cultural differences have great influences on learner beliefs. More researches need to be conducted by means of more various research methodolozies.
文摘This study focuses on learners' two characteristics: motivation and learning strategies.In the field of English as a second language(ESL),learners' motivation and learning strategies determine how fast and how wellthey acquire the language as well as getting involved in other country.This paper attempts to explore Chinese ESL learners' motiva-tion in English and how they employ different learning strategies to practice or facilitate their English learning in class and beyond class.
文摘This paper aims to explore how learners of English as a second language(ESL)acquire English conditional sentences and what causes their difficulties,especially focusing on how their native languages affect their acquisition of the conditional sentences.Interviews were carried out with four undergraduate ESL students of University of Central Oklahoma in the United States who are respectively Chinese,Korean,French,and Greek.By conducting interviews with them,the participants’perceptions of acquiring English conditional sentences will be collected and analyzed.There will be some typical errors of constructing conditional sentences demonstrated.Moreover,some pedagogical implications will also be provided,which will help students have a better command of the conditional sentences.
文摘The reason to choose this topic is because among three types of context in natural second language learning settings,majority language contexts are undoubtedly the most important type to help L2 learners enhance their proficiencies of target languages in an effective way.The first part of the paper is review of the researches that have been conducted concerning majority language contexts.From following chapters,analysis will be made on the deficiencies of L2 learning and teaching in China as well as necessities of majority language contexts.Finally,basic strategies will be proposed to help L2 learners overcome various problems in majority language contexts.
文摘Learner autonomy,the ability of taking one's own learning in charge,plays an important role in language learning.The paper reviews the definition and the level of learner autonomy,the characteristics of autonomous learners,the application of learner autonomy in the classroom and out of the classroom and the relationship between learner autonomy and culture.In the paper,the development and the study of learner autonomy in China are also summarized.
文摘The paper discusses learner autonomy and its importance in foreign language learning. While human beings are born with a tendency to autonomy, the traditional textbooks and teaching methods hold back the depth, speed and extent of the learn?ers. With it, learners may use this in-born tendency, plus the help from teachers and other learners, to improve the quality of for?eign language education.
文摘As one of the major individual learner differences in second language learning,motivation is frequently used to account for differential success in learning a foreign language.When comes to the definition of motivation,Ellis(2006:537) primarily defines motivation is "the effort learners were prepared to make to learn a language and their persistence in learning." According to Dornyei(2001a:8) motivation is The choice of a particular action,the persistence with it,the effort expended on it.In other words,motivation is responsible for why people decide to do something,how long they are willing to sustain the activity,how hard they are going to pursue it.
