TL;DR: The authors used structural equation modeling and latent dominance analysis on a sample of Moroccan EFL learners in order to examine the relative importance of each emotion in predicting FL performance and found that FLCA had the strongest negative effect on English test scores.
Abstract:
This study is part of a growing wave of interest in foreign language (FL) learners’ emotions, their sources, and their effects. Previous studies have confirmed that there is a clear relationship between the emotions of foreign language enjoyment (FLE), foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA), foreign language boredom (FLB), and foreign language performance. However, the relative importance of each emotion as a predictor of FL performance has yet to be examined, and as different teaching and learning strategies can elicit different emotions, it is difficult to determine whether FL teachers and learners should prioritize a specific emotion in course design and study. We, therefore, utilized structural equation modeling and latent dominance analysis on a sample of 502 Moroccan EFL learners in order to examine the relative importance of each emotion in predicting FL performance. We argue that it is crucial to use sophisticated statistical analyses and to collect samples from outside Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries. The latent dominance analysis revealed that FLCA had the strongest (negative) effect on English test scores. FLB had a significant—but slightly weaker—negative effect and FLE had a significant—but weaker still—positive effect. As such, it is vital that FL teachers and learners not underestimate the impact of anxiety on language learning.
TL;DR: In this article , a systematic review of emerging technologies for teaching and learning English as an applied language at the university level is presented, where the authors identify, bring together, compare and analyze all of the technologies that are currently efficiently employed in foreign language education and provide specific pedagogical implications on how to use these technologies.
Abstract: At present, emerging technologies, such as machine learning, deep learning, or various forms of artificial intelligence are penetrating different fields of education, including foreign language education (FLE). Moreover, the current young generation was born into the technological environment, and they perceive technologies as being an indispensable part of their everyday life. However, they mainly use technologies in their informal learning, but there is not much research into emerging technologies in FLE, namely in teaching and learning English as an applied language. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to identify, bring together, compare and analyze all of the technologies that are currently efficiently employed in foreign language teaching and learning, and based on the findings of the detected experimental studies, we provide specific pedagogical implications on how to use these technologies in the acquisition of English as an applied language at the university level. The methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The results of the detected experimental studies revealed that there was a serious lack of the latest technologies, such as chatbots or virtual reality (VR) devices, that are being empirically employed in a foreign language (FL) education. Moreover, mobile apps are merely focused on the development of FL vocabulary. The findings also indicate that although the FL teachers might theoretically know about these latest technological devices, such as neural machine translation, they do not know how to practically implement them in their teaching process. Therefore, this research suggests that teachers must be trained and pedagogically guided on how to purposefully implement them in their FL classes to support traditional instruction in order to identify what skills or language structures could be developed through their use. In addition, it is also claimed that more experimental studies are needed to clearly the evidence and its usefulness in teaching a foreign language as an applied language.
TL;DR: In this article , a model of willingness to communicate (WTC) based on ideal L2 self, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and intercultural communicative competence (ICC) among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners was tested.
TL;DR: This article developed a chatbot to assist second-language learners at a tertiary education institution in Hong Kong with independent language learning and found that participants enjoyed interacting with the chatbot both in and out of class and perceived that it improved their English skills.
Abstract: Independent language learning is paramount for those wishing to develop proficiency in a second or foreign language. Language learners often have few opportunities to communicate and interact actively in their target language. In this two-phase study, a chatbot was developed to assist second-language learners at a tertiary education institution in Hong Kong with independent language learning. I employed a questionnaire (N = 128) followed by semi-structured interviews (N = 12) to gain holistic insight into learners' experiences with the chatbot. The results suggested that the participants enjoyed interacting with the chatbot both in and out of class and perceived that it improved their English skills. These findings have implications for language teachers and the future development of chatbots.
TL;DR: In this article , an innovative practice based on one of potential artificial intelligence technologies for second-language teaching and learning is shared, which generates texts based on user's keywords, and the extent to which the artificial intelligence-based content generator-based activity could influence the participants' foreign language enjoyment and interests in reading English books is examined.
Abstract: Artificial intelligence has recently seen tremendous growth, and been applied to several fields, including the second-language domain. In this article, we share an innovative practice based on one of potential artificial intelligence technologies for second-language teaching and learning – artificial intelligence-based content generator, which generates texts based on user’s keywords. In total, 121 young English-as-a-foreign-language learners participated in the study, with half of them having engaged in the artificial intelligence-based content generator-based activity, and the other half having received traditional English-as-a-foreign-language reading instruction. We examined the extent to which the artificial intelligence-based content generator-based activity could influence the participants’ foreign language enjoyment and interests in reading English books, and the participants were given the survey addressing these variables, prior to and after the innovative practice. It was found that the condition based on the artificial intelligence-based content generator-based activity was more effective in terms of enhancing the target variables, and that the group which engaged in the artificial intelligence-based content generator-based activity was largely in favor of artificial intelligence-based content generator technology. Pedagogical implications for employing this technology in second-language contexts are provided.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigated the causes of anxiety among foreign language pre-service teachers and found no difference in anxiety levels between genders, whereas cognitive anxiety type was distinctive in results.
Abstract: Psychologically complicated by nature, anxiety refers to feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension. Several research studies have been devoted to exploring anxiety's effects on language skills, including writing. Since foreign language anxiety directly influences a learner's motivation and determination to learn that language, it is imperative to study the findings and reasons behind these anxious feelings. One-third of foreign language learners have been experiencing at least a moderate level of anxiety. Researchers have attempted to investigate the causes of anxiety among foreign language pre-service teachers. The present study objectifies two goals to determine the extent of writing anxiety, followed by reasons and references to the role of gender. Seventy-two pre-service teachers of the English language training department from the University of Education, Multan, Pakistan, were selected for the study using convenience sampling. Second language writing anxiety inventory (SLWAI) and second language writing anxiety reasons inventory (SLWARI) were used to collect data, and semi-structured interviews were taken with students. The findings presented no difference in anxiety levels between genders, whereas cognitive anxiety type was distinctive in results. Most of the participants experienced high and medium levels of anxiety.
TL;DR: The model of EFL teachers’ work engagement is valid and the factors influencing it include teachers’ grit, professional identity, and foreign language teaching enjoyment.
Abstract: Abstract Since teacher work engagement is argued to substantially affect education quality and learners’ performance, unveiling the factors affecting teacher engagement is of high significance. As an attempt to explore the antecedents of this construct in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) teachers, we tested a structural model of work engagement based on teachers’ professional identity, grit, and foreign language teaching enjoyment. A sample of 476 EFL teachers in Iran was requested to complete an online survey constituting the valid scales of the four constructs. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results indicated that the model fitted the data sufficiently. The model revealed that teachers’ grit, professional identity, and foreign language teaching enjoyment were the direct correlates of work engagement. Additionally, professional identity affected work engagement indirectly via foreign language teaching enjoyment and grit. Also, foreign language teaching enjoyment influenced work engagement through the mediation of grit. We conclude our study with a discussion on the implications of the findings.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors investigated the effect of learners' altruistic teaching on their emotion regulation and found that it significantly impacts EFL learners' emotion regulation by enhancing their enjoyment, self-esteem, bonding, devotion, and progress.
Abstract: The second language acquisition (SLA) field has recently seen heightened interest in the study and application of positive psychology (PP). Emotion regulation is one of the concepts that has been stressed in PP. Several studies in PP have delved into how controlling one’s emotions improves second language learning/teaching. One of the concepts that has slipped the minds of researchers in the field is altruistic teaching. Unlike egocentric acts, altruistic teaching acts are performed to improve others’ well-being. Despite their importance in causing positive emotional effects, no study has investigated the impact of altruistic teaching acts on learners’ emotion regulation. To bridge this gap, the present study sought to investigate the effect of learners’ altruistic teaching on their emotion regulation. The study followed a sequential explanatory comparison group pre-test–post-test design. One hundred forty-one English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners were recruited for this intervention study and were divided into experimental and control groups. Learners in the experimental group performed altruistic teaching by teaching their peers how to write essays in English, whereas learners in the control group did group work tasks on English essay writing. The results of independent-sample t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA showed that altruistic teaching significantly impacts EFL learners’ emotion regulation. The results of qualitative data pointed to five themes, including enjoyment, self-esteem, bonding, devotion, and progress. Overall, the results suggested that altruistic teaching impacts learners’ emotion regulation by enhancing their enjoyment, self-esteem, bonding, devotion, and progress. The paper has theoretical and pedagogical implications for SLA research and practice.
TL;DR: The authors discusses alternative assessments regarding their nature, forms, characteristics, advantages, and integration into L2 programs and establishes a foundational theoretical account for future research that would take place when ChatGPT becomes commonplace in the worldwide L2 contexts.
Abstract: In the Artificial Intelligence (AI) age now, foreign language learners can get unlimited support on their learning tasks from advanced AI chatbots, primarily the ChatGPT. At the same time, such a language chatbot intensifies the importance of rethinking learning outcome assessment. Traditional assessments that draw on a teach-and-test- approach are of little use and no longer valid for a comprehensive understanding of students’ knowledge and skills that they, by and large, obtain in informal learning settings and contribute to their overall performance. Hence, alternative assessments can reflect more on learners’ actual performance that likely involves AI chatbots and yet goes unnoticed by traditional assessment. This paper discusses alternative assessments regarding their nature, forms, characteristics, advantages, and integration into L2 programs. It establishes a foundational theoretical account for future research that would take place when ChatGPT becomes commonplace in the worldwide L2 contexts. It charts new research territories and passes the torch to second and foreign-language learning assessors to reflect on their teaching situations and reimagine L2 programs in light of the affordances of the ChatGPT, which has made a significant breakthrough in learning and teaching languages.
TL;DR: This paper reviewed and synthesised evidence of the language challenges faced by teachers and students in secondary and tertiary English medium instruction (EMI) science courses, as well as proposed coping strategies.
Abstract: In classrooms worldwide, the use of English to teach science subjects is becoming increasingly common. There is an increasing number of English-as-a-second/foreign-language learners studying science in English. This review examines 66 empirical studies on this topic published from 2000 to 2021. We critically review and synthesise evidence of the language challenges faced by teachers and students in secondary and tertiary English medium instruction (EMI) science courses, as well as proposed coping strategies. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, we examine our findings from three fields of research: science education, language policy and applied linguistics. Our study extends EMI research by combining language learning and canonical content learning. Our synthesis of previous findings enhances understanding of content teaching in a second/foreign language in language immersion classrooms (e.g. content and language integrated learning, content-based instruction) and provides evidence-based pedagogical suggestions for enhancing EMI science teachers’ instructional practices worldwide.
TL;DR: This paper investigated the impact of perceived foreign language teacher support on academic emotions (e.g., foreign language anxiety; FLA) and the mediating role of personality (i.e., second language [L2] grit).
Abstract: Within students’ proximal social environment, the crucial role of their perceived foreign language teacher support in their academic learning has emerged in numerous empirical studies in recent decades. However, little is known about the impact of perceived foreign language teacher support on academic emotions (e.g. foreign language anxiety; FLA). The mediating role of personality (e.g. second language [L2] grit) also remains unknown. To address these gaps, the current study adopted a quantitative approach to investigate the impact of perceived foreign language teacher support on their FLA and the mediating effect of L2 grit. We administered questionnaires to 1,401 Chinese high school students learning English as a foreign language to measure their FLA, L2 grit, and three types of perceived foreign language teacher support – namely, academic, emotional, and instrumental support. Structural equation modelling results indicate that students’ perceived overall foreign language teacher support had a direct positive predictive effect on FLA, whereas three dimensions of teacher support could not directly affect FLA alone. Mediation analysis results reveal that perceived emotional and instrumental support could negatively affect FLA via the complete mediating role of L2 grit. This study offers insights for teachers to improve students’ academic learning experience.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated how foreign language enjoyment and second language (L2) motivation contribute to learners' English achievement and the mediating role of motivation in the pathway.
Abstract: To further understand the connections between positive emotions, in particular foreign language enjoyment, second language (L2) motivation, and English achievement, the present study investigated how foreign language enjoyment and L2 motivation contribute to learners’ English achievement and the mediating role of motivation in the pathway. A questionnaire was employed to collect quantitative data from 512 university students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in China. The results showed that the higher the language proficiency level, the higher the foreign language enjoyment level and the stronger the L2 motivation. Participants reported a significant difference in the private factor of foreign language enjoyment, the ideal L2 self, and the L2 learning experience among different language proficiency groups. Overall, foreign language enjoyment has a positive predictive effect on L2 motivation; however, the influence of different dimensions varies among language proficiency groups. Foreign language enjoyment is a positive predictor of English achievement, and motivation partially mediates this pathway. These findings provided an in-depth profile of foreign language enjoyment and L2 motivation of Chinese EFL learners at different language proficiency levels, highlighting the connections between positive emotion, motivation, and English achievement, and the contribution of foreign language enjoyment and L2 motivation in English learning. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications are suggested for English teaching and learning in Chinese tertiary education.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors highlight the advantages of using chatbots in teaching a foreign language and the controversial issues of using this program in the educational process, and propose a dialog training program capable of developing foreign-language oral and written speech skills of a student based on the algorithms of human speech behavior embedded in it.
Abstract: The current stage of technological development of the world community is characterized by the dynamic introduction of artificial intelligence technologies into various spheres of human life. Informatization of education contributed to the integration of new innovative technologies in the teaching of certain subjects, including a foreign language. Chatbots are one of the modern programs that operate on the basis of natural language processing and machine learning technologies, which can be used in the development of students’ foreign language speech skills. By chatbots from the standpoint of the methodology of teaching foreign languages, we propose to understand a dialog training program capable of developing foreign-language oral and written speech skills of a student based on the algorithms of human speech behavior embedded in it by maintaining a dialogue with him and imitating human speech. In this work, based on the analysis of methodological research, we highlight the advantages of chatbots in teaching a foreign language and the controversial issues of using this program in the educational process. The advantages include the following: 1) increasing students' motivation to learn a foreign language based on innovative artificial intelligence technology; 2) the opportunity for students to improve foreign language speech skills; 3) the availability of chatbots for the development of students' speech skills, regardless of their location and time; 4) reducing the level of anxiety of students when interacting with the machine. The controversial issues include: 1) students are not always ready to replace the teacher with a chatbot; 2) most of the conversational chatbots are aimed at students with a level of foreign language proficiency A2-B1; 3) stereotyped and limited set of phrases used by the chatbot.
TL;DR: The authors examined how EFL students interacted with the feedback of Pigai, the largest AI-programmed AWE in China, using a small data set arising from an analysis of five Chinese university-level English as a foreign language (EFL) students' submissions.
Abstract: Abstract Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)-programmed automated writing evaluation (AWE) has attracted increasing attention in language research. Using a small data set arising from an analysis of five Chinese university-level English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ submissions, this paper examined in detail how EFL students interacted with the feedback of Pigai, the largest AI-programmed AWE in China. The analysis started with the intention of capturing the machine feedback on the five students’ submissions and the exchanges between the participants and Pigai over repeated submissions, ranging from 3 to 12 submissions. The analysis showed that the learners’ interactions with Pigai focused on error corrective feedback in the initial two submissions. In the case of one student who had 12 submissions, the non-error corrective feedback increased gradually over time, providing rich linguistic resources but without examples and contextual information. The students’ take-up rates of feedback with linguistic resources were much lower than that of error corrective and general feedback. A terrain model to map the stages and nature of student responses showed a more complete dynamic process, in which students’ responses changed from the initial mechanical responses at the discrete language level to more considered approaches in response to machine feedback. The findings of this study have implications for both language pedagogy and the future design and development of AWE for second or foreign language learning.
TL;DR: High-immersion VR reduces foreign language anxiety in public speaking practice.
Abstract: Abstract Public speaking, especially in a foreign language, is associated with increased anxiety. Research has shown the potential of virtual reality (VR) for simulating real-life experiences, allowing for public speaking practice in an ecological and safe environment. This between-subjects study investigated the effect of VR on foreign language anxiety (FLA) in public speaking practice. Intermediate learners of English participated in eight public speaking sessions over a three-month period, yielding 160 research observations. The experimental intervention took place in high-immersion VR with subjects wearing a VR headset and speaking in front of virtual audience. In the control intervention, subjects used a videoconferencing platform (Zoom) to speak in front of a real-life audience. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that practicing speaking in VR was associated with statistically significant lower FLA scores, compared with speaking practice using Zoom. The study found that VR technology had a positive effect on practicing public speaking in a foreign language. The research findings have practical implications for professionals and curriculum designers in various domains where public speaking skills are essential. For example, incorporating VR-based public speaking practice can benefit professionals preparing for a job interview, an elevator pitch, or a conference presentation. Curriculum designers can consider integrating VR simulations into language courses to provide students with realistic public speaking experiences. This approach can help students overcome language barriers, reduce anxiety, and develop their communication skills in a controlled and supportive environment.
TL;DR: The authors conducted a systematic review of gamification studies in foreign language learning and found that the effectiveness of gamified tools in FLL was mixed, with some bringing positive changes, others negative changes, and some showing no differences.
Abstract: Gamification has emerged as a promising approach for foreign language learning (FLL), which refers to the use of game design elements to engage learners or improve academic performance. However, the features of gamification studies in FLL and their effectiveness are unclear. Additionally, how previous studies measured the effectiveness of gamified FLL tools is not well understood. In this systematic review, this author addressed these questions based on 21 empirical studies. The findings revealed that the effectiveness of gamified tools in FLL was mixed, with some bringing positive changes, others negative changes, and some showing no differences. The factors that influenced the effectiveness include methodological limitations, biases in the experiment setting, technical limitations, individual differences, failure to achieve meaningful gamification, a mixture of element selection, sub-optimal measurement, and data interpretation biases. This study identified research gaps in previous studies and offers suggestions for future research in this area.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors focus on the experience of university foreign language teachers from the Czech Republic and Iraq with their online foreign language classes during the past two years and analyze their experience and bring together all major issues and concerns they were able to realise.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors explored the predictive effect of grit, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and foreign language classroom anxiety (FLA) on Chinese language achievement (CLA), and found that FLE acts as a positive mediator between grit and online L2 CLA.
Abstract: The Covid-19 pandemic has provided second language (L2) learners with additional challenges regarding how to obtain an enjoyable experience while achieving a better learning attainment. Despite a growing body of studies that substantiated the predictive effect of grit, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and foreign language classroom anxiety (FLA) on Chinese language achievement (CLA), no previous research has explored their predictive effects in online L2 Chinese learning. To address this gap, this study clarifies the nature of the complex correlation between grit, FLE, FLA, and online CLA by analyzing 169 responses from Arabic multilingual learners using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that: (i) FLE, not FLA, significantly predicts online L2 CLA; (ii) FLE acts as a positive mediator between grit and online L2 CLA; and (iii) FLE has a stronger impact in catalyzing an individual’s online L2 success. This study enriches the applicability of the broaden-and-build and control-and-value theories in the field of Chinese language learning. We hope that this study will serve as a call for further attention to emotions and grit, especially for languages other than English, in order to advance the growth of positive psychology in L2 learning and teaching.
TL;DR: The authors conducted a systematic review based on PRISMA model and adding information obtained from the analysis of fugitive literature to determine the role of ICT in foreign language teaching that follows a CLIL method.
Abstract: The ubiquity of digital technologies for teaching at large is a reality that can be observed at diverse educational stages and in numerous fields, including the teaching of foreign languages, which is the field of study of this research. In view of this situation, this work is intended to determine the role of ICT in foreign language teaching that follows a CLIL method. It was decided to conduct a systematic review based on PRISMA model and adding information obtained from the analysis of fugitive literature. The literature review was carried out on a total of 22 articles. The main inclusion criteria were a temporal selection from January 2017 to February 2022, the inclusion of the terms CLIL/AICLE and ICT/TIC in the title, abstract or keywords of the articles, and the focus on primary and secondary education. The main results show an increasing tendency of this topic, notably in English research. Most relevant conclusions of the systematic review evidence a positive relationship between ICT and CLIL to improve the learning of a foreign language, although some negative aspects are also highlighted as there is still a lack of resources and teacher training.
TL;DR: A systematic literature review exploring the use of films in the teaching of English as a foreign language highlights the pedagogical value of cinema in EFL contexts. More informed guidelines and further research are needed to maximize the benefits of this method.
Abstract: Abstract Background Especially over the last decades, the use of cinema in the English as a foreign language (EFL) class has been gaining momentum. Although this interest has resulted in a complex body of research, no review to date had aimed to systematically map out (i) the pedagogical guidelines available for English teachers to implement films in class; (ii) the perceptions of EFL teachers and learners on the educational use of films; and (iii) the impact of cinema-based EFL on students’ learning, pertinent aspects as they contribute to deactivate instructors’ reported reluctance to use films as a proper teaching material. Thus, a systematic literature review has been conducted along the three previously-mentioned research questions with the aim of highlighting in a comprehensive manner the robust pedagogical value of cinema in EFL contexts. Methods A systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, ERIC, MLA International Bibliography, Education Database, and Scopus, which were last consulted on 2 December, 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, which covered journal papers written in English, peer-reviewed, published in open-access, and focusing on the exploitation of films for the teaching of English as a foreign language. Following the search and selection stages, a coding scheme was established, and the authors conducted a thematically based qualitative analysis to answer the research questions. Reliability was tested to check the agreement rate among the researchers. Findings Of the 416 sources found, 44 were eligible. Twenty-five percent of the selected references consist of theoretical or practical methodological orientations for the implementation of films in the EFL class, 16% of the sources explore EFL teachers’ and students’ perceptions on the educational use of films, and the remaining 59% of the references tap into the impact of cinema-based EFL on students’ learning. The results revealed that more informed guidelines on the exploitation of this resource are needed, that both instructors and teachers have a great attitude towards this method, and that films provide EFL learners with linguistic, intercultural, and motivational benefits. Interpretation On a general note, scholars have adopted a narrow focus when exploring cinema-based English teaching since they only address some of its benefits and they have mostly concentrated on the University educational context. Specific research gaps are highlighted in relation to each research question, and avenues for further research are proposed. Finally, pedagogical implications for the educational use of cinema in the English class are provided.
TL;DR: The authors examined whether the EFL teaching practicum had an influence on the foreign language teaching anxiety (FLTA) by comparing the differences of FLTA between pre-service EFL teachers who had 4 months of practicum experience and those without the practicum.
Abstract: Most previous studies focused on foreign language learning anxiety, whereas relatively few have ever examined the foreign language teaching anxiety (FLTA), particularly experienced by pre-service EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers. By administering the “Foreign Language Teaching Anxiety Scale” (FLTAS) and a semi-structured interview, the current study examined whether the EFL teaching practicum had an influence on FLTA by comparing the differences of FLTA between pre-service EFL teachers who had 4 months of practicum experience and those without the practicum, and explored the potential factors contributing to FLTA. Results of descriptive analyses showed that overall the pre-service teachers had a relatively high level of FLTA. Results of independent sample t-test analyses indicated that the practicum group had significantly higher FLTA compared to the non-practicum group. Furthermore, within the two groups, female teachers consistently showed higher FLTA than the male teachers. Results of the interview content analyses revealed that anxiety-provoking factors primarily originated from fear of negative evaluation, low self-perception of language proficiency, and teaching inexperience. The findings of the current study provide insights of anxiety research in EFL context and implications for teachers to better reduce anxiety in English teaching practice.
TL;DR: The authors investigated the trajectory of Foreign Language Enjoyment, Foreign Language Peace of Mind (FLPOM), Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA), and Foreign Language Boredom (FLB) among a total of 502 Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced English Foreign Language learners in Morocco who filled out a single online questionnaire.
Abstract: The current study is based on a pseudo-longitudinal design to investigate the trajectory of Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE), Foreign Language Peace of Mind (FLPOM), Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA), Foreign Language Boredom (FLB) among a total of 502 Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced English Foreign Language (EFL) learners in Morocco who filled out a single online questionnaire. Statistical results showed that motivation remained unchanged across skill levels but that positive emotions increased significantly and negative emotions dropped significantly, with the transition from Beginner to Intermediate skill levels showing the biggest change. The direction of relationships between the dependent variables remained similar although their strengths varied slightly across skill levels, reflecting the dynamic nature of FL learners’ emotions and motivation.
TL;DR: The authors investigated the effects of collaborative tasks on foreign language learners' speaking anxiety in face-to-face and online learning contexts and found that no differences were found between the two settings in terms of the impact of collaborative instruction.
Abstract: While speaking anxiety is one of the most problematic aspects observed in English as a foreign language (EFL) context, a limited number of studies focused on the impact of collaborative learning on speaking anxiety in different learning environments. This study investigates the effects of collaborative tasks on foreign language learners' speaking anxiety in face-to-face and online learning contexts. In this experimental study, the data were collected from 34 foreign language students with a questionnaire consisting of a background part and a scale for measuring speaking anxiety. Even though the results revealed changes in speaking anxiety levels after the collaborative instruction in the face-to-face environments, no differences were found between face-to-face and online environments in terms of the impact of collaborative instruction on learners' speaking anxiety.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors discuss the impact of AI on foreign language teaching, analyze its advantages and disadvantages, explore its future development trend, and provide suggestions for educators to make better use of AI technologies to assist foreign language learning.
Abstract: With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it is increasingly being utilized in the field of education, particularly in foreign language teaching. The concept of education meta-universe is also gaining popularity, and the emergence of ChatGPT has revolutionized traditional foreign language teaching methods. AI technologies such as speech recognition, machine translation, and natural language processing have proven to be effective tools to help students improve their foreign language learning outcomes. However, the application of these technologies also brings some challenges and problems. This paper aims to discuss the impact of AI on foreign language teaching, analyze its advantages and disadvantages, explore its future development trend, and provide suggestions for educators to make better use of AI technologies to assist foreign language teaching.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined non-EFL students' English learning strategies in ESP learning; especially regarding the types of strategies used most often and the tendency of non EFL students to use these strategies.
Abstract: This study was carried out in perception to the demand that in this 4.0 era, Indonesian students should be proficient in English. Hence, in Indonesia, English has been taught and learnt since elementary school level up to tertiary level of education. This study aims to examine non EFL students' English learning strategies in ESP learning; especially regarding the types of strategies used most often and the tendency of non EFL students to use these strategies. This study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study method involving 37 Medical Laboratory Technician students. They were selected by stratified random sampling. The instrument used is a questionnaire adapted from Oxford (1990). The results of study showed that non EFL students were not very aware of the use of language learning strategies in learning English as a foreign language because they rarely used them. However, non EFL students had priority affective strategy (24.3%), social strategy (22.3%), followed by compensation strategies (19.3%), cognitive (11.4%), metacognitive (14.3%), and memory strategies (8.4%). Based on the research results, it is expected that non EFL students can recognize and learn foreign language learning strategies comprehensively, which must be applied continuously to achieve success.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors implemented a systematic literature review using four popular scientific databases for searching relevant records for the purpose of the research and integrated the results from searching the databases were integrated into the PRISMA flow diagram for the identification and extraction of high quality records that is relevant to the effects artificial intelligence has in the process of foreign language learning via the use of learning management system as the platform and medium for learning and teaching English as a foreign language.
Abstract: Among numerous foreign languages, the English language is considered one of the major languages of the world. It has become a door opener for many people in their different fields and have led to advancements in career areas as it plays a major role in boosting confidence, improving connection, communication, and so on. It also gives people the opportunity for self-expression on a global standard level. Although the learning process of a foreign language can sometimes be difficult for both learners and teachers in terms of the various aspects of language learning, which includes; reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The methodology in this study implemented a systematic literature review using four popular scientific databases for searching relevant records for the purpose of the research. The results from searching the databases were integrated into the PRISMA flow diagram for the identification and extraction of high quality records that is relevant to the effects artificial intelligence has in the process of foreign language learning via the use of learning management system as the platform and medium for learning and teaching English as a foreign language. The systematic review research covers a span of 10 years, from 2011 to 2021. The most important finding in this systematic literature review is that the emergence of AI technology is helpful to both students and teachers in the learning of English as a foreign language using a learning management system as it improves and increases speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills processes and provides an easy, interesting, and personalized learning experience. The benefit of the study to shareholders; students and teachers, is to guide teachers on which AI tools to use and how they can be integrated or used into learning management systems to increase students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in teaching and learning foreign languages, especially the English language.
TL;DR: The authors found that teachers bring various experiences to the classroom, and their beliefs about "creative teaching" or "good teaching" practices are frequently influenced by various factors, including their own teaching experiences, individual motivation, and organizational constraints.
Abstract: Teachers bring various experiences to the classroom, and their beliefs about ‘creative teaching’ or ‘good teaching’ practices are frequently influenced by various factors, including their own teaching experiences, individual motivation, and organizational constraints. This context frames their early efforts to develop creative practices, and recognition of influences further affects the level of creativity displayed by teachers. This study aims to ascertain the factors that affected teachers’ creativity in English language teaching (ELT) in contemporary Indonesian higher education. We interviewed twenty Indonesian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers about the factors influencing their creativity and their motivations for teaching creatively. We identified three factors which influenced teachers’ creativity: their knowledge and teaching experiences, their motivation, and the role of technology. These three factors served as a guide for teachers regarding how they might integrate creativity into their teaching practice. Additionally, Indonesian EFL teachers believed that their creativity was necessary to assist students in learning, create an enjoyable learning experience, and encourage students to be creative. This belief appears to be partially due to the affordance of the rapidly changing digital environment which enables student-centred and self-directed learning. Finally, this study indicates that creativity is not instinctive to teachers; however, they can nurture their creativity by accepting their innovative ideas through developing their abilities to teach creatively.