18 results
Search Results
2. The Role of Cognitive Individual Differences in Digital versus Pen-and-Paper Writing
- Author
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Vasylets, Olena, Mellado, M. Dolores, and Plonsky, Luke
- Abstract
It is unknown whether and to what extent cognitive individual differences may play different roles in paper versus computer-based second language (L2) writing. This exploratory study is a first attempt to explore this issue, focusing on the effects of working memory and language aptitude on the quality of paper versus computer-based L2 writing performance. Forty-two Spanish learners of L2 English performed a problem-solving task either digitally or on paper, took a working memory n-back test, and completed LLAMA tests to measure language aptitude. The quality of their L2 written texts was assessed in terms of complexity, accuracy and fluency (CAF) measures. The results indicated that the role of cognitive individual differences may vary depending on the writing environment.
- Published
- 2022
3. A Classroom-Based Study on the Effects of WCF on Accuracy in Pen-and-Paper versus Computer-Mediated Collaborative Writing
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González-Cruz, Belén, Cerezo, Lourdes, and Nicolás-Conesa, Florentina
- Abstract
This study compared the effects of computer-mediated (CM) versus pen-and-paper (P&P) writing on written accuracy and feedback processing in tasks written and rewritten collaboratively following a pedagogical treatment in two intact authentic classrooms. The study involved 32 secondary education low-proficiency English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners writing two descriptive texts collaboratively and receiving in-class training in the identification and correction of grammatical, lexical, and mechanical errors. Participants were provided with unfocused direct error correction (EC). Error logs were used to facilitate noticing of teacher corrections (i.e., feedback processing). Dyads were required to rewrite their texts for evidence of feedback uptake. Results indicate that writing collaboratively on the computer with the availability of the Internet contributes to increased grammatical and lexical accuracy. No differences were found between writing environments regarding feedback processing or accuracy of rewritten texts.
- Published
- 2022
4. Pre-Service Teacher Education and the Integration of Mediation, Technology, and Plurilingualism
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Ciaramita, Giulia
- Abstract
Although some research has been conducted on the importance of mediation in language learning and teaching (Dendrinos, 2006; González-Davies, 2020; Piccardo, 2012, 2020; Scarino, 2016), there is still scarce research on the integration of plurilingualism, mediation, and technology. Through qualitative and quantitative methodology, this paper investigates teachers' abilities in Italy and Spain to integrate plurilingualism, mediation, and technology. A survey has been distributed in order to explore teachers' attitudes towards the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their awareness of the definition and importance of mediation. Furthermore, some mediation tasks performed by teachers in which they had to integrate mediation, plurilingualism, and technology were analysed. [For the complete volume, "Intelligent CALL, Granular Systems and Learner Data: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2022 (30th, Reykjavik, Iceland, August 17-19, 2022)," see ED624779.]
- Published
- 2022
5. Telecollaboration and Languages for Specific Purposes
- Author
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Montaner-Villalba, Salvador, Gimeno-Sanz, Ana, Di Sarno-García, Sofia, Sevilla-Pavón, Ana, Nicolaou, Anna, Koris, Rita, and Vuylsteke, Jean-François
- Abstract
There is no doubt that telecollaboration currently plays an important role in foreign language learning and, not less so, in the field of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). Guth (2020) highlighted how telecollaboration has rapidly evolved in the past years as an innovative approach, and how it has brought together a whole community of academics and researchers interested in the field. In this paper, a brief overview of the various presentations that took place in the EuroCALL Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) Special Interest Group (SIG) Symposium is offered. The paper introduces four projects based on telecollaboration contextualised within an ESP classroom in higher education. The first one focuses on a collaborative debate project using English as a lingua franca; the second elaborates on improving learners' pragmatic skills through telecollaborative roleplays; the third describes an immersive Virtual Exchange (VE) aiming to foster the students' civic and entrepreneurial competence, while enhancing their intercultural communicative competence. The fourth project aimed at improving students' business communication and management skills in English in a multicultural environment. [For the complete volume, "Intelligent CALL, Granular Systems and Learner Data: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2022 (30th, Reykjavik, Iceland, August 17-19, 2022)," see ED624779.]
- Published
- 2022
6. Exploring the Impact of a Group Dynamics Training Activity on Learner Engagement during Online Classes of French as a Foreign Language
- Author
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Rosso, Ana, Robbins, Jackie, and Appel, Christine
- Abstract
This paper focuses on the impact of introducing a Group Dynamics Training Activity (GDTA) on learners' reported engagement during the course. The context is a university Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) B2 French language online course over the course of two semesters. Data was collected in the form of online surveys during the semester prior to the introduction of the GDTA and during the semester when it was administered. This case study uses quantitative analysis of Likert-scale question responses and qualitative analysis of open fields in the questionnaires using a content analysis methodology. Results indicate that the GDTA had a positive impact on learners, particularly on the social and cognitive dimension of learner engagement. [For the complete volume, "Intelligent CALL, Granular Systems and Learner Data: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2022 (30th, Reykjavik, Iceland, August 17-19, 2022)," see ED624779.]
- Published
- 2022
7. Emotional and Social Engagement of Teenager and Young Adult Students of EFL Using MIM (Mobile Instant Messaging)
- Author
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Martínez, Dunia and Appel, Christine
- Abstract
Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) applications have come into focus as potential tools to improve English language instruction, and teachers can engage more students from different backgrounds in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes thanks to MIM apps' distinctive features, like WhatsApp. Most of the reported studies on the use of WhatsApp in the teaching of foreign languages were performed in university or adult learning environments. The present study explores how social and emotional engagement manifest themselves in a popular instant messaging application group (WhatsApp) used by teenagers learning EFL. A focus group, a Likert scale survey, and a transcript of the WhatsApp chat were the three main sources from which data was gathered. Members' interaction records were retrieved and inductive thematic analysis was used to examine them. These findings suggest that WhatsApp provided communicative opportunities to all students, including those who did not fully engage. However, further research with a larger number of students in different contexts is necessary. [For the complete volume, "Intelligent CALL, Granular Systems and Learner Data: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2022 (30th, Reykjavik, Iceland, August 17-19, 2022)," see ED624779.]
- Published
- 2022
8. A Telecollaborative Study of University Students in Spain and Sri Lanka Using the Soqqle Video App
- Author
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Manegre, Marni and Udeshinee, Piyumi
- Abstract
This study addresses interculturality and Intercultural Competence (IC) by connecting university students in Spain and Sri Lanka through the use of the Soqqle app, an education-based video app. The students were asked to create five videos independently using English as a lingua franca and upload each video to the app related to the assigned tasks. The goal of this study is to determine whether creating videos increases the IC of the students and whether the video creation activities enhance the students' English as a Foreign Language (EFL) listening and speaking skills. The students were given a pre-questionnaire at the onset and post-questionnaire at the conclusion of this study. The results show that the students increased in their cultural knowledge from the pre- to post-questionnaire. Additionally, the students reported that their Foreign Languages (FL) skills increased, and they generally enjoyed participating in this study. [For the complete volume, "Intelligent CALL, Granular Systems and Learner Data: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2022 (30th, Reykjavik, Iceland, August 17-19, 2022)," see ED624779.]
- Published
- 2022
9. Helping Aerospace Engineering Students Develop Their Intercultural Communicative Competence
- Author
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Di Sarno-García, Sofia
- Abstract
This paper presents a six-week telecollaborative project carried out between B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for languages -- CEFR) level learners of English from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Spain, and B1 (CEFR) level students of Spanish as a foreign language from the University of Bath (UK). The aim of the project was to help Spanish-speaking students develop their Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC). Students carried out asynchronous discussions focusing on two cultural topics in groups of four through the social network MeWe and participated in synchronous Zoom sessions in pairs. To conclude the project, students completed a collaborative task with their overseas partners. Qualitative data was gathered through the analysis of the transcripts of the Zoom sessions, the students' posts on MeWe, as well as a final project questionnaire. Results revealed that the students who engaged the most in the synchronous sessions and felt curiosity about their partners' culture were also the same ones who contributed the most to the cultural discussions on MeWe. At the end of the course all participants felt they had learnt something about their partners' culture. [For the complete volume, "CALL and Professionalisation: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2021 (29th, Online, August 26-27, 2021)," see ED616972.]
- Published
- 2021
10. Sustainable Development Goals in EFL Students' Learning: A Systematic Review
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Ni Luh Putu Ning Septyarini Putri Astawa, Made Hery Santosa, Luh Putu Artini, and Putu Kerti Nitiasih
- Abstract
Involving the global issues as listed in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education is necessarily done in the education process, especially in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. Exposure to global issues is known to improve students' understanding, awareness, and ability to solve urgent issues faced by global society. This paper aims to find out the trend of research on the coverage of SDGs in students' learning process. This systematic literature analysis was done by applying Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Method. A total of 25 studies were recognized through a systematic search by using Sustainability, SDGs, and EFL as keywords. The result shows that the trend of associating SDGs with EFL settings was done mostly in Indonesia. In the recent year 2022, it reached the highest number of studies in the particular matter with 7 total of research. It was also found that the study involving SDGs on EFL learning was mostly done in the tertiary setting, compared with K-12, junior high school, secondary, high school, and other educational institutions. It was also discovered that the specific area of study enhances EFL students' learning achievement, environmental awareness, global citizen values, as well as students' levels of self-norms, beliefs, and self-value.
- Published
- 2024
11. Conspiring to Decolonise Language Teaching and Learning: Reflections and Reactions from a Reading Group
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Browning, Peter, Highet, Katy, Azada-Palacios, Rowena, Douek, Tania, Gong, Eleanor Yue, and Sunyol, Andrea
- Abstract
Within the spirit of conspiration, this article brings together contributions from participants of the PhD-led UCL Reading and React Group 'Colonialism(s), Neoliberalism(s) and Language Teaching and Learning', which ran in 2019/20. Weaving together various perspectives, the article centres on the dialogic nature of the decolonial enterprise and challenges the colonial concept of monologic authorial voice. Across the reflections on participants' own engagements with questions of decolonising language teaching and learning, we pull together three threads: the inherent coloniality of the concepts that shape the very disciplines we seek to decolonise; the need to place decolonial efforts within broader contexts and to be sceptical of projects claiming to have completed the work of decolonising language teaching and learning; and the affordances and limitations offered to us by our positionalities, which the reflexivity of the conspirational encounter has allowed us to explore in some depth. The article closes with a reflection on the process of writing this article, and with the assertion that decolonising the curriculum is a multifaceted and open-ended process of dialogue and conspiration between practitioners and researchers alike.
- Published
- 2022
12. American Culture Presence in EFL Textbooks Used in Baccalaureate in Spain
- Author
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Valencia Robles, Jeannette and Garcia Laborda, Jesus
- Abstract
Learning a foreign language implies a lot more than learning grammar and vocabulary. Language learners should also acquire the necessary social and cultural skills that would allow them to interact within the context where the target language is expected to be used. As a result, EFL teachers face the challenge of selecting and explaining the cultural contents that their students could employ when communicating with other English speakers; especially the speakers from those countries where EFL learners would more likely travel to either for academic or working purposes. In the case of Spanish EFL learners, the United States of America is among the most popular destinations in this regard. Therefore, exploring to what extend the American Culture is being addressed in EFL textbooks might help educators to improve their own teaching approach. This paper addresses research into the presence of American culture in textbooks used in Spain. The results indicate the limited importance of American Culture in the ELT books used in Spain.. The paper concludes by including some suggestions to address American Culture in the teaching of English as a Foreign Language in Spanish EFL Classrooms.
- Published
- 2022
13. Using Augmented Reality (AR) as an Authoring Tool in EFL through Mobile Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
- Author
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Belda-Medina, Jose
- Abstract
Several studies have been published to date about the use of Augmented Reality (AR) as a breakthrough technology in education, but most of them focused on the impact of using prepackaged information on student motivation and engagement. This paper analyzes the affordances and limitations of AR in second language learning, emphasizing its potential as transformative rather than delivery technology in teacher training programs. The novelty of this research is that it examines the attitudes and creative skills of pre-service teachers to meaningfully integrate AR-based projects aimed at teaching English from a Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning model. The sample size was 229 Education students from the University of Alicante (Spain), who created 47 vision-based and location-based projects through different authoring tools, and utilized them to teach English to children. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a pre-post-test, teaching experience videos and class debates. The research findings revealed that the teacher candidates lack practical training in AR content creation and implementation from a technological and pedagogical perspective, but their attitudes towards AR integration as transformative technology were very positive, particularly regarding student attention, collaboration and shared enjoyment. Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient also demonstrated a relationship between positive attitudes towards AR integration in EFL and the level of difficulty perceived by participants.
- Published
- 2022
14. Preservice Teachers' Knowledge and Attitudes toward Digital-Game-Based Language Learning
- Author
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Belda-Medina, Jose and Calvo-Ferrer, José Ramón
- Abstract
There is a good body of literature about digital-game-based language learning (DGBL), but research has mainly focused on students as game players rather than as future educators. This paper reports on a research conducted among 154 teacher candidates at a higher-education institution in Spain regarding the adoption of digital games in education. It analyzes the participants' knowledge of and attitudes toward digital games in foreign language learning. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a pre/post-test, digital game presentations, and student blog posts. The research comprised five stages associated with critical thinking skills (definition, selection, demonstration, discussion, and reflection), including a game learning module. In the first two stages, preservice teachers completed the module activities and selected different games aimed at teaching English to children in preschool and elementary education. In the last two, they illustrated, discussed, and evaluated the digital games in class following a rubric and reflected on their perception in blog posts. In this four-week research based on a mixed method and convenience sampling, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a pre- and post-test survey about student perceptions toward the use of video game in the classroom, class discussion, and blog posts. Statistical data analysis unveiled gender-based differences related to gameplay frequency and genre preferences. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used as a nonparametric statistical hypothesis test to compare the two sets of scores resulting from the same participants, and it showed a significant difference (p[less than or equal to]0.05) after the treatment in two of the five dimensions in the survey about teacher candidates' attitudes toward game usage in education, namely, usefulness (U) and preference for video games (PVG). Research findings revealed preservice teachers' positive attitudes but lack of practical knowledge about the use of digital games in foreign-language learning.
- Published
- 2022
15. Slave Away or Get Away: Escape Rooms as Motivational Tools for Learning English in the CLIL History Classroom in Higher Education
- Author
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Bellés-Calvera, Lucía and Martínez-Hernández, Ana-Isabel
- Abstract
In present-day educational contexts, the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and gamification has been the basis for implementing escape rooms as pedagogical tools. This paper examines the role of virtual escape rooms in boosting History learners' motivation in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) contexts. Twenty-nine first-year undergraduates enrolled in a Classical History module delivered at a Spanish university have participated in this study by playing a virtual escape room game and answering a final survey. The findings reveal that escape rooms may result in highly-motivated students who feel less pressure when communicating in the target language. Therefore, the implementation of escape rooms can be a helpful resource in e-learning environments, fostering oral, collaborative, and critical thinking skills.
- Published
- 2022
16. A Novel Context for Project-Based Learning a Language School for Adults in Spain (EOI) & an Applied Higher Education Institution (College) of a University in Estonia
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España, Cristina and Soosaar, Reet
- Abstract
The implementation of the European Union's Erasmus Plus (E+) Program has resulted in the possibility of joint initiatives across-borders led by teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), who can bring classroom practice closer to education as a key area for employability and prepare students for work and communication in multicultural and multilingual settings. Thus, a novel context for project-based learning (PjBL) has emerged, which allows for experimentation, innovation, and research in the classroom. To illustrate this concept, Project Estonia is presented in this paper, introducing interconnected project work to provide a purposeful, real-world experience that extends the classroom setting beyond national frontiers.
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- 2022
17. Compiling a Corpus of Audiovisual Materials for EFL Learning: Selection, Analysis, and Exploitation
- Author
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Wood-Borque, Paula
- Abstract
Films and series are usually consumed in leisure moments, but they can be included in the English as a foreign language classroom as they offer real-life language in context, which can help develop learners' communicative competence. This paper examines how audiovisual materials can promote English acquisition in secondary education and proposes a corpus of films and series for this purpose. Two surveys will be presented, one for compiling fragments, and the other regarding students' viewing habits. The fragment selection process will be explained, and some illustrations of the fragments' exploitation will be described. This medium's language learning benefits will be discussed, and it will be argued that using this corpus can have a positive influence on students' communicative competence development.
- Published
- 2022
18. Framing English as a Medium of Instruction within the Iberian-American Spanish-Speaking Education Contexts
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Escobar-Alméciga, Wilder Yesid
- Abstract
Education in Spain and Latin America has been experiencing an ever-increasing use of English as a medium of instruction at all levels and across curricula. Bringing the vast research-literature into a reflective dialogue is paramount to advancing the discipline and to refining English teaching practices. As such, this literature review systematically situates English-as-a-medium-of-instruction literature related to higher education within the Iberian-American school contexts where Spanish was the students' first language. Thus, the paper asserts that while research that addresses methodological approaches, processes, procedures, and their effects in instruction is significant, there is still a pressing need for framing English-as-a-medium-of-instruction research within the reciprocal relationship existing among communication, classroom culture, social values, the classroom climate for learning, and ultimately, the students' learning.
- Published
- 2022
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