Several researchers in the area of input modification have examined the effect of this technique on second language learner 's comprehension (Oh, 2001; Brewer, 2008; Maxwell, 2011) and others investigate its effect not only on comprehension but also on vocabulary learning (Urano, 2000; Kim, 1996). Some studies showed that there was no significant difference in learning second language vocabularies between using reading elaborated text with unmodified texts (Chung, 1995; Kim; 1996; Silvia, 2000).
Mosavi (2014) investigate the effect of explicit lexical elaboration on second language vocabulary learning in writing of 70 Iranian learners. Learners were randomly divided into two groups, both groups had the same reading text but for elaborated version target words had its synonyms or definitions right after them, for example, X has the same meaning as Y, which can be named as the most explicit elaboration device. A time limit was conducted for learners to read the text, in the elaborated group, learners were asked to pay attention to the target form while reading. When they finished the reading process they had to answer the reading comprehension questions and after that write a paragraph with the same topic with the reading comprehension text. This writing considers as the post-test which learners do not have the permission for using dictionaries, peer help or teacher guidance. They just had the topic familiarity. The results of this study revealed that if learners write their
The benefits English language learners (ELLs) receive from Guided Reading are the same as all other students. However, when a modified approach is used ELLs benefit the most. Language learning opportunities gained by ELLs are those that native speakers acquire implicitly. Language and literacy learning opportunities including detailed vocabulary instruction, variables concerning second language (L2) text structure, such as semantics, syntax, and morphology are enhanced and enriched by modification. Some researchers have determined that ELLs are not generally ready for English reading instruction until they are intermediate stage of English language acquisition, while others advocate that reading and a second language are best acquired simultaneously (Avalos, Plasencia, Chavez, & Rascon, 2007, 319). In working with ELLs at
Presently there is a rising number of English Language Learners (ELLs) entering into classrooms all over the country. According to the three research studies that I utilized, there are several varied assessment approaches for teaching ELLs in reading (Davis-Lenski, Ehlers-Zavala, Daniel, & Sun-Irminger, 2006; Dreher, & Letcher-Gray, 2009; Ebe, 2010). English Language Learners (ELLs) consistently struggle with some aspects of reading because, they lack background knowledge in terms of the generalized text selections, which they are often given (Davis-Lenski, Ehlers-Zavala, Daniel, & Sun-Irminger, 2006; Dreher, & Letcher-Gray, 2009; Ebe, 2010). The data across all three journal documents agrees that there is an achievement gap where ELLs
Within this paper we will take a brief look at the Language Acquisition Principles and how they work on the behalf of ELL students. We will see how these principles can be applied within our own learning environment. There is much information from Walqui article that gives a brief overview of ELL students and how things looked in the past for these students. Now that times has change we will see how educators can make the requirements for ELL students better and more effective for teacher and students. Hopefully, as we look at ways of changing learning for our ELL students we must remember that every student learns differently. Even if you follow the principles from
My seminar provided an overview of chapter 4- explaining second language learning. During my introduction, key points from each of the 5 perspectives were discussed. The cognitive perspective was given priority as it contained many subcategories within itself. This section also allowed my group mates to connect theory and practice of second language learning. My group mates were able to connect to the noticing hypothesis, processability theory and the three principles of practice through their own personal experiences while learning a second language. The first discussion question asked my group members to evaluate their own understanding of how language learning occurs and compare it with the perspectives we covered. The second discussion question provided them a chance to assess each perspective and think of one weakness and one strength for each. Overall if I were to re-do my seminar, I would like to provide more attention to the other perspectives. I would add more discussion questions in order to stimulate more in-depth discussions. Similarly, adding supplemental information from an outside source to further discussion and connect the theories to pedagogy. Additionally, I would create an activity that focused more on teaching of a second language and how these theories have influenced the current practices used.
In this paper, I will discuss definitions of literacy, review research related to the transfer of literacy skills, and suggest practical applications of research findings of ways Linguistics (L1) support literacy in L2 for individuals learning English as a Second Language (ESL). Further, I will explore instructional practices implemented as L1 is transferred to L2 knowledge-base. As learning practices for L1 and L2 are outlined, cognates of L2 will be demonstrated in this paper for further understanding. In addition, L1 proficiency learners stem from individuals’ first language also known as their “mother language.” L1 can be described in four acquisition stages from the following: (1) babbling (2) one-word (3) two-word (4) string of words
In our everyday lives, the origin of our ability to communicate is usually not often taken into consideration. One doesn't think about how every person has, or rather had at one time, an innate ability to learn a language to total fluency without a conscious effort – a feat that is seen by the scientific community "as one of the many utterly unexplainable mysteries that beset us in our daily lives" (3).. Other such mysteries include our body's ability to pump blood and take in oxygen constantly seemingly without thought, and a new mother's ability to unconsciously raise her body temperature when her infant is placed on her chest. But a child's first language acquisition is different from these
When I was in Middle School and High School I had no interest in learning English as my second language even though it was required from 7th to 11th grade. I would make excuses to and have my cousin do my English homework for me. English was not spoken much in my community. As such, learning a language that is not generally spoken in the surrounding community (Yule 187) was not important and I did not see any need to learn English. My attitude was why do I need to learn a foreign language? A “Foreign Language” was not on my priority list as a teenager.
English is an international language which is used officially all around the world. Anybody who wants to make connections with the world we live in should learn English. I had English language classes in my secondary and high school years. I also took some private English learning courses throughout summers in my country, Turkey. However, I could not improve my English effectively as all Turkish students in Turkey. I fully agree that English will be learned most efficiently in the boundaries of an English-speaking country not in the home country because of some cases. Therefore, I came here, USA, to learn English better after graduation from my university.
Although vocabulary is the sub-skill of a language, it plays a very important role in language learning and teaching. In fact, vocabulary is central to language and is of paramount importance to language learners. On the other hand, words are the building blocks of a language that are used to label objects, actions, and ideas. In other words, people cannot convey the intended meaning without knowing vocabulary. It is widely accepted that vocabulary is a very important part in English language learning because no one can communicate in any meaningful way without vocabulary. As McCarthy (1990) stated, the single, biggest component of any language course is vocabulary. Nation (1990) also affirms that vocabulary can be considered as the most important element in language learning because Learners think that many of their
Vocabulary plays a significant role in English as second language learning process. For the majority of English as Second Language(ESL) learners, the ultimate goal of learning the language is to understand (read and listen) and communicate (write and speak) with little difficulty and the lack of sufficient vocabulary may be the constraint of such goal (Folse, 2004). As the bedrock of English and as well as language, vocabulary also facilitates the development of other language skills: lexical richness leads to the progress in the use of language, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing skills (Nation, 1994). Reversely, The improvement in such skills may enhance learners vocabulary size as the exposure to more learning materials improves the capacity to acquire new vocabulary. (The importance of learning vocabulary/ why vocabulary?)
A Number of studies investigate the use of textual enhancement to see whether it was effective to draw learner 's attention to target language features or not. The results were different. Many researchers reported that textual enhancement facilitates the language acquisition process (Doughty, 1991; Shook, 1994; Lee, 2007; Santis, 2008) but others found no positive effect of this technique (Izumi, 2002; Leow, Egi, Nuevo, & Tasi, 2003; Wong, 2003). Lee (2007) study was on Korean EFL students learning passive form in English. Two hundred and fifty-nine students were divided into four groups, the first group had enhanced and familiar text (a text which they previously read it), the second group had the same text but unenhanced one. The third group had enhanced but unfamiliar text the last group had unenhanced and unfamiliar text. After the treatment, the results showed that text enhancement facilitates the learning process and the first group outperformed (as cited in Park, Choi, & Lee, 2012).
Finding ways to for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners to improve their communication has been the focus of many research studies. The research study, An Investigation of Communicative Competence of ESL Students Using Electronic Discussion Boards, researched by Shenghua Zha, Paul Kelly, MeeAeng Ko Par, and Gail Fitzgerald of the University of Missouri-Columbia, investigates if communication of ESL students improves through a social and technologically interactive mode of communication. This research study is based on beliefs of educational theorists such as Vygotsky, Piaget and Krashen, and the idea that students learn through their social environment and peer interactions in the acquisition of appropriate language skills (Zha, Kelly, Park, & Fitzgerald, 2006, p. 350). Through the use of electronic discussion boards, the researchers study if this technology helps to improve the ESL students’ communication skills. This study employs the students’ use of computers to access electronic discussion boards to both communicate with and collaborate with other students through different activities. The researchers look for any changes, loses or gains, in the students’ proficiency of communication within this environment.
The approaches considered in this paper are founded on the instruction of English Language Learners and the difficulties they face with highly important progress tests. The five peer-reviewed articles, in this paper, investigate how changes in language acquisition are measured and how new regulations, in the United States academic standards, affect test practices and test development. The new educational ideals have been developed and put in place to help teachers accomplish the task of content evaluation during final exams. English learners are the first to acknowledge that they face lots of challenges and many of them are due to the inability of language teachers to comprehend their cultural and unique difficulties that arise from the very different approaches in teaching that western educators employ.
This study is designed to discuss the effects of the extensive reading approach compared with the intensive reading approach for language learners’ reading and give some considerations for implementing the extensive reading in EFL classroom. There is definite limitations that the current intensive reading approach cannot guide second language learners to be fluent and pleasant readers. Many studies and research prove the positive effects of extensive reading on reading speed, reading fluency, vocabulary development and strong desire towards reading. To overcome the practical obstacles ( time-consuming, complicated, and expensive), teachers should think about the detailed considerations for implementing the extensive reading in classroom.
This being said it is important for teacher to not force grammatical structures or rules on learners until they are ready. The input hypothesis suggest that language acquisition occurs when learners receive messages and make meaning from it. This is known as comprehensive input. Krashen further suggest that comprehensive input should be one level above the learner 's current level of understanding (understanding of form not meaning). The last hypothesis affective filter, proposes that affective variables can hinder the success in second language acquisition. These are like motivation, self-confidence and anxiety.