Independent language learning is one aspect of what the research literature calls learner autonomy, in other words, the ability and willingness of learners to study foreign languages on their own. This article illustr...Independent language learning is one aspect of what the research literature calls learner autonomy, in other words, the ability and willingness of learners to study foreign languages on their own. This article illustrates the strategies I used to design, carry out and sustain my independent language learning project.展开更多
Apparent discrepancy exists between Schmidt's Noticing Hypothesis and Krashen's Input Hypothesis. Whilst Krashen highlights the importance of comprehensible input and asserts that language is acquired unconcio...Apparent discrepancy exists between Schmidt's Noticing Hypothesis and Krashen's Input Hypothesis. Whilst Krashen highlights the importance of comprehensible input and asserts that language is acquired unconciously, the notion of conscious learning has gained wide support from Schmidt and other researchers. They argue that noticing enhances second language development as one crucial level of consciousness. By reviewing the theoretical constructs that underlie the role of noticing, this paper aims to justify the role of noticing as one crucial level of consciousness in enhancing second language learning.展开更多
Beginning with the history,definition and levels of Language Awareness,this paper reviewed and analyzed two views:1) Language awareness is one necessary condition in language learning,or 2) Language learning can be ac...Beginning with the history,definition and levels of Language Awareness,this paper reviewed and analyzed two views:1) Language awareness is one necessary condition in language learning,or 2) Language learning can be achieved without Language Awareness.It pointed out the problems existing in these studies:1) Limitations in sample choice,concerning the adult beginning learners instead of the learners in different learning stages;2) Limitations in methodology,preferring cross-sectional researches to longitudinal case studies;and 3) Limitations in material choice,focusing on "word" level rather than other levels or aspects of language learning.This paper argued that language awareness is dynamic in the whole process of language learning.展开更多
Mental image has often been believed to play a very large, even pivotal, role in both memory and motivation. However, with the lateralization of the brain, the treasure of mental image, a function dominated by the rig...Mental image has often been believed to play a very large, even pivotal, role in both memory and motivation. However, with the lateralization of the brain, the treasure of mental image, a function dominated by the right hemisphere of the brain, is often neglected in the realm of language learning, a function dominated by the left-brain. Thus, educational systems have largely, if not exclusively, catered to the logic, analytical left-brain, and unwisely phase out the imagery elements of the right brain. In this paper, therefore, the author argues that mental image should not be a property confined to children, who have more imagination. This kind of human treasure should be appropriately deployed through the process of language teaching and learning, for it can provide a strong impetus for language learning, thus making language-learning process more enjoyable and beneficial.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
Motivation is always a dominatant factor in second language learning and teaching. Dornyei once suggested his model of learners' motivation, which is, language learning attitudes and the Ideal L2 self. Certainly, ...Motivation is always a dominatant factor in second language learning and teaching. Dornyei once suggested his model of learners' motivation, which is, language learning attitudes and the Ideal L2 self. Certainly, this could bring some research interests to other researchers. In this paper, the author reviews a research carried among the Hungarians, where the research focus is clearly given on the relationship between age and motivation to test Dornyei' s theory and offer a new way to promote learner's motivation in second language learning.展开更多
In recent years,web-based language learning becomes a positive force both in education and in society as well as an essential facet of the teaching-learning process.The application of skype offers learners a opportuni...In recent years,web-based language learning becomes a positive force both in education and in society as well as an essential facet of the teaching-learning process.The application of skype offers learners a opportunity to communicate with native spearkers who are geographically unaccessable during their independent learning.The main aim of this essay is trying to explain the langauge learning- friendly features of Skype and how to applicate them into aqusition of English in chinese setting.展开更多
Since the 1960s, foreign language educators and researchers home and abroad have started to pay attention to the influence of the affective variables including language learning anxiety on foreign language learning. T...Since the 1960s, foreign language educators and researchers home and abroad have started to pay attention to the influence of the affective variables including language learning anxiety on foreign language learning. This thesis tried to find out the factors that may influence the foreign language learning anxiety level of left-behind students and put forward ways to help lower down the foreign language learning anxiety level of the left-behind junior middle school students.展开更多
A smattering of articles on the importance of language play to second language acquisition and language teaching pedagogy have begun to appear in both academic journals and conferences in recent years.Anne Pomerantz a...A smattering of articles on the importance of language play to second language acquisition and language teaching pedagogy have begun to appear in both academic journals and conferences in recent years.Anne Pomerantz and Nancy D.Bell's Learning to Play,Playing to Learning:FL Learners as Multicompetent Language Users reconsiders how instances of spontaneous,creative language play can be of help to language learning.This paper first briefly summarizes the main idea of the article,then it makes a critical point-to point review.展开更多
Nowadays teaching English as a foreign language is becoming more and more important in Tibetan education.Since Ti-betan education system is complicated,Tibetan college students are facing many problems which interfere...Nowadays teaching English as a foreign language is becoming more and more important in Tibetan education.Since Ti-betan education system is complicated,Tibetan college students are facing many problems which interfere with their EFL learning.By carrying on a mini qualitative study of interviewing two Tibetan college students,this paper mainly discusses the major prob-lems and causes of the Tibetan college students on EFL learning on linguistic and cultural perspectives,and attempts to suggestsome solutions.展开更多
The research of language learning strategies(LLSs) plays a significant role in language instruction, especially in learning strategy instruction, but the challenges have been identified along with researchers' ent...The research of language learning strategies(LLSs) plays a significant role in language instruction, especially in learning strategy instruction, but the challenges have been identified along with researchers' enthusiasm in the research of LLSs. The serious challenges are reviewed from the perspectives of the conceptualization, the classification systems, and the identification and measurement of LLSs in this paper.展开更多
The advent of the Age of Information brings about bright prospects to Network-based Language Learning(NBLL).The thesis adopts the Engagement Theory as guided principles.The purpose is to use the novel NBLL model effec...The advent of the Age of Information brings about bright prospects to Network-based Language Learning(NBLL).The thesis adopts the Engagement Theory as guided principles.The purpose is to use the novel NBLL model effectively with the help of modern technology especially in less-developed areas.This thesis focuses on network-based experimental study.The research shows that the students under NBLL environment have cultivated the capabilities in information collection,computer operation,and information evaluation,as well as the abilities in problem solving,reasoning with criticism,and cooperating with others.展开更多
Foreign language anxiety is one of the factors of affecting foreign language achievement. It is negatively associated with language skill learning. This article will show some researches on foreign language anxiety fr...Foreign language anxiety is one of the factors of affecting foreign language achievement. It is negatively associated with language skill learning. This article will show some researches on foreign language anxiety from certain aspects.展开更多
This essay,in light of recent studies in foreign language teaching and learning by gender,try to explore the causes why boys are underachieved in language learning from a world-wide perspective and accordingly identif...This essay,in light of recent studies in foreign language teaching and learning by gender,try to explore the causes why boys are underachieved in language learning from a world-wide perspective and accordingly identify what clues for good practice already exist and to offer some tentative suggestions to help the"failing boys".展开更多
This study focuses on the effectiveness of the project-based language learning(PBLL) in a college Secretarial Oral English(SOE) Module. Student reflections of the language project work have been analyzed through Activ...This study focuses on the effectiveness of the project-based language learning(PBLL) in a college Secretarial Oral English(SOE) Module. Student reflections of the language project work have been analyzed through Activity Theory. Moreover,Data has been collected and categorized based on the components of complex human activity: the subject, object, tools(signs,symbols, and language), the community in which the activity take place, division of labor, and rules. The findings theoretically support the outcome of project-based language learning which align with the object of the activity.展开更多
This article discusses the application of theories in the field of learning strategies to ELT classroom in Chinese universities.By reviewing the literature of learning strategies,this article examines the possible con...This article discusses the application of theories in the field of learning strategies to ELT classroom in Chinese universities.By reviewing the literature of learning strategies,this article examines the possible connection between theories and the Chinese ELT classroom in specific,in which it focuses on the requirements of CET 4 examination.By doing so,this article tries to offer some suggestions that could be used in the classroom.展开更多
To generate a further understanding of the impact of positive affective variables on foreign language learning efficiency, a theoretical analysis was conducted, from second language acquisition and cognitive psycholog...To generate a further understanding of the impact of positive affective variables on foreign language learning efficiency, a theoretical analysis was conducted, from second language acquisition and cognitive psychology perspectives. Second language acquisition process is inevitably influenced by individual affective variables residing within the learner. To improve language learning efficiency, positive and facilitative affect should be enhanced in language learning.展开更多
As one might expect, motivational theorists have attempted to explain motivation in different ways. This case study at-tempts to provide relevant evidence for the contribution of motivation in second language learning...As one might expect, motivational theorists have attempted to explain motivation in different ways. This case study at-tempts to provide relevant evidence for the contribution of motivation in second language learning by looking at the success of Japa-nese study of an adult who learned Japanese at a later age 24, acquiring the target language over a 5-year period characterized bytotal exposure in Japan. The study shows that adult can still be successful to acquire second language if he is exposed to the envi-ronment and has strong motivation, and that the boundary of integrative motivation and instrumental motivation is not necessarilyclear-cut completely.展开更多
This article attempts to integrate language learning strategies into the theory and practice of formative assessment. It is argued that learners’ current language problems might have been a result of their strategic ...This article attempts to integrate language learning strategies into the theory and practice of formative assessment. It is argued that learners’ current language problems might have been a result of their strategic learning problems. As such, diagnosing the potential problems in language learning strategies and providing support in strategic learning(the ‘how’ of learning) will not only help locate the possible causes of language deficiencies but also help learners close the linguistic gap(the ‘what’ of learning). The article also illustrates how language learning strategies can be assessed formatively. Next, two implementation issues, the teacher’s pedagogical content knowledge and student engagement after assessment feedback, are highlighted for discussion.展开更多
Learning strategies can be seen as particular techniques used by learners to have a good mastery of a second language.This articles aims to summarize the different opinions about learning strategies from different sch...Learning strategies can be seen as particular techniques used by learners to have a good mastery of a second language.This articles aims to summarize the different opinions about learning strategies from different scholars in the hope of inspiring peo⁃ple to seek for more efficient strategies to be successful learners.展开更多
文摘Independent language learning is one aspect of what the research literature calls learner autonomy, in other words, the ability and willingness of learners to study foreign languages on their own. This article illustrates the strategies I used to design, carry out and sustain my independent language learning project.
文摘Apparent discrepancy exists between Schmidt's Noticing Hypothesis and Krashen's Input Hypothesis. Whilst Krashen highlights the importance of comprehensible input and asserts that language is acquired unconciously, the notion of conscious learning has gained wide support from Schmidt and other researchers. They argue that noticing enhances second language development as one crucial level of consciousness. By reviewing the theoretical constructs that underlie the role of noticing, this paper aims to justify the role of noticing as one crucial level of consciousness in enhancing second language learning.
文摘Beginning with the history,definition and levels of Language Awareness,this paper reviewed and analyzed two views:1) Language awareness is one necessary condition in language learning,or 2) Language learning can be achieved without Language Awareness.It pointed out the problems existing in these studies:1) Limitations in sample choice,concerning the adult beginning learners instead of the learners in different learning stages;2) Limitations in methodology,preferring cross-sectional researches to longitudinal case studies;and 3) Limitations in material choice,focusing on "word" level rather than other levels or aspects of language learning.This paper argued that language awareness is dynamic in the whole process of language learning.
文摘Mental image has often been believed to play a very large, even pivotal, role in both memory and motivation. However, with the lateralization of the brain, the treasure of mental image, a function dominated by the right hemisphere of the brain, is often neglected in the realm of language learning, a function dominated by the left-brain. Thus, educational systems have largely, if not exclusively, catered to the logic, analytical left-brain, and unwisely phase out the imagery elements of the right brain. In this paper, therefore, the author argues that mental image should not be a property confined to children, who have more imagination. This kind of human treasure should be appropriately deployed through the process of language teaching and learning, for it can provide a strong impetus for language learning, thus making language-learning process more enjoyable and beneficial.
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Motivation is always a dominatant factor in second language learning and teaching. Dornyei once suggested his model of learners' motivation, which is, language learning attitudes and the Ideal L2 self. Certainly, this could bring some research interests to other researchers. In this paper, the author reviews a research carried among the Hungarians, where the research focus is clearly given on the relationship between age and motivation to test Dornyei' s theory and offer a new way to promote learner's motivation in second language learning.
文摘In recent years,web-based language learning becomes a positive force both in education and in society as well as an essential facet of the teaching-learning process.The application of skype offers learners a opportunity to communicate with native spearkers who are geographically unaccessable during their independent learning.The main aim of this essay is trying to explain the langauge learning- friendly features of Skype and how to applicate them into aqusition of English in chinese setting.
文摘Since the 1960s, foreign language educators and researchers home and abroad have started to pay attention to the influence of the affective variables including language learning anxiety on foreign language learning. This thesis tried to find out the factors that may influence the foreign language learning anxiety level of left-behind students and put forward ways to help lower down the foreign language learning anxiety level of the left-behind junior middle school students.
文摘A smattering of articles on the importance of language play to second language acquisition and language teaching pedagogy have begun to appear in both academic journals and conferences in recent years.Anne Pomerantz and Nancy D.Bell's Learning to Play,Playing to Learning:FL Learners as Multicompetent Language Users reconsiders how instances of spontaneous,creative language play can be of help to language learning.This paper first briefly summarizes the main idea of the article,then it makes a critical point-to point review.
文摘Nowadays teaching English as a foreign language is becoming more and more important in Tibetan education.Since Ti-betan education system is complicated,Tibetan college students are facing many problems which interfere with their EFL learning.By carrying on a mini qualitative study of interviewing two Tibetan college students,this paper mainly discusses the major prob-lems and causes of the Tibetan college students on EFL learning on linguistic and cultural perspectives,and attempts to suggestsome solutions.
文摘The research of language learning strategies(LLSs) plays a significant role in language instruction, especially in learning strategy instruction, but the challenges have been identified along with researchers' enthusiasm in the research of LLSs. The serious challenges are reviewed from the perspectives of the conceptualization, the classification systems, and the identification and measurement of LLSs in this paper.
文摘The advent of the Age of Information brings about bright prospects to Network-based Language Learning(NBLL).The thesis adopts the Engagement Theory as guided principles.The purpose is to use the novel NBLL model effectively with the help of modern technology especially in less-developed areas.This thesis focuses on network-based experimental study.The research shows that the students under NBLL environment have cultivated the capabilities in information collection,computer operation,and information evaluation,as well as the abilities in problem solving,reasoning with criticism,and cooperating with others.
文摘Foreign language anxiety is one of the factors of affecting foreign language achievement. It is negatively associated with language skill learning. This article will show some researches on foreign language anxiety from certain aspects.
文摘This essay,in light of recent studies in foreign language teaching and learning by gender,try to explore the causes why boys are underachieved in language learning from a world-wide perspective and accordingly identify what clues for good practice already exist and to offer some tentative suggestions to help the"failing boys".
文摘This study focuses on the effectiveness of the project-based language learning(PBLL) in a college Secretarial Oral English(SOE) Module. Student reflections of the language project work have been analyzed through Activity Theory. Moreover,Data has been collected and categorized based on the components of complex human activity: the subject, object, tools(signs,symbols, and language), the community in which the activity take place, division of labor, and rules. The findings theoretically support the outcome of project-based language learning which align with the object of the activity.
文摘This article discusses the application of theories in the field of learning strategies to ELT classroom in Chinese universities.By reviewing the literature of learning strategies,this article examines the possible connection between theories and the Chinese ELT classroom in specific,in which it focuses on the requirements of CET 4 examination.By doing so,this article tries to offer some suggestions that could be used in the classroom.
文摘To generate a further understanding of the impact of positive affective variables on foreign language learning efficiency, a theoretical analysis was conducted, from second language acquisition and cognitive psychology perspectives. Second language acquisition process is inevitably influenced by individual affective variables residing within the learner. To improve language learning efficiency, positive and facilitative affect should be enhanced in language learning.
文摘As one might expect, motivational theorists have attempted to explain motivation in different ways. This case study at-tempts to provide relevant evidence for the contribution of motivation in second language learning by looking at the success of Japa-nese study of an adult who learned Japanese at a later age 24, acquiring the target language over a 5-year period characterized bytotal exposure in Japan. The study shows that adult can still be successful to acquire second language if he is exposed to the envi-ronment and has strong motivation, and that the boundary of integrative motivation and instrumental motivation is not necessarilyclear-cut completely.
文摘This article attempts to integrate language learning strategies into the theory and practice of formative assessment. It is argued that learners’ current language problems might have been a result of their strategic learning problems. As such, diagnosing the potential problems in language learning strategies and providing support in strategic learning(the ‘how’ of learning) will not only help locate the possible causes of language deficiencies but also help learners close the linguistic gap(the ‘what’ of learning). The article also illustrates how language learning strategies can be assessed formatively. Next, two implementation issues, the teacher’s pedagogical content knowledge and student engagement after assessment feedback, are highlighted for discussion.
文摘Learning strategies can be seen as particular techniques used by learners to have a good mastery of a second language.This articles aims to summarize the different opinions about learning strategies from different scholars in the hope of inspiring peo⁃ple to seek for more efficient strategies to be successful learners.
