• Title/Summary/Keyword: EFL (English as a foreign language)

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Automatic Adverb Error Correction in Korean Learners' EFL Writing

  • Kim, Jee-Eun
    • International Journal of Contents
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    • v.5 no.3
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    • pp.65-70
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    • 2009
  • This paper describes ongoing work on the correction of adverb errors committed by Korean learners studying English as a foreign language (EFL), using an automated English writing assessment system. Adverb errors are commonly found in learners 'writings, but handling those errors rarely draws an attention in natural language processing due to complicated characteristics of adverb. To correctly detect the errors, adverbs are classified according to their grammatical functions, meanings and positions within a sentence. Adverb errors are collected from learners' sentences, and classified into five categories adopting a traditional error analysis. The error classification in conjunction with the adverb categorization is implemented into a set of mal-rules which automatically identifies the errors. When an error is detected, the system corrects the error and suggests error specific feedback. The feedback includes the types of errors, a corrected string of the error and a brief description of the error. This attempt suggests how to improve adverb error correction method as well as to provide richer diagnostic feedback to the learners.

Annotation of a Non-native English Speech Database by Korean Speakers

  • Kim, Jong-Mi
    • Speech Sciences
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.111-135
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    • 2002
  • An annotation model of a non-native speech database has been devised, wherein English is the target language and Korean is the native language. The proposed annotation model features overt transcription of predictable linguistic information in native speech by the dictionary entry and several predefined types of error specification found in native language transfer. The proposed model is, in that sense, different from other previously explored annotation models in the literature, most of which are based on native speech. The validity of the newly proposed model is revealed in its consistent annotation of 1) salient linguistic features of English, 2) contrastive linguistic features of English and Korean, 3) actual errors reported in the literature, and 4) the newly collected data in this study. The annotation method in this model adopts the widely accepted conventions, Speech Assessment Methods Phonetic Alphabet (SAMPA) and the TOnes and Break Indices (ToBI). In the proposed annotation model, SAMPA is exclusively employed for segmental transcription and ToBI for prosodic transcription. The annotation of non-native speech is used to assess speaking ability for English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners.

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Investigating EFL Learners' Reactions to Digital Competence using the DigComp Framework

  • So-Hee Kim
    • International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.149-155
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    • 2023
  • Since developing digital technology requires new skills in digital literacy, digital competence also has become a keystone in English classes. This study explores three aspects of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' digital confidence: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, and digital content creation, based on the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp). The participants were 150 Korean college students enrolled in two general English classes, and their English proficiency levels were from basic to advanced; each level consisted of 30 participants. In order to assess their digital confidence, I designed a Google survey form and collected data during two semesters. The survey results revealed that the participants had highest digital confidence in information and data literacy and overall, the female participants showed higher digital confidence than their male counterparts. It also showed that the learners' English proficiency and computer skills are important factors.

A model of EFL instruction using oral presentation for Korean intermediate learners (오럴 프레젠테이션을 통한 영어수업모형)

  • Kim, Hak-Soo
    • English Language & Literature Teaching
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.159-181
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    • 2006
  • The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of presentation-based instruction and to suggest a model of instruction targeted to the Korean intermediate level students learning English as a foreign language (EFL). To achieve this objective, the author examined how the acquisition of practical English through oral presentation would enhance the students' learning motivation, language abilities, and communicative competence in concrete situations. It was confirmed that the trained leader and systematic teaching and learning are needed to maximize the effects of presentation-based instruction. In doing so, the author compared and analyzed the collected data in order to support the validity of this teaching method. It was further pointed out that the teacher should have a close look at the roles of the presenter and learner in an effort to work out the usefulness of such an instruction model. The method of presentation in classroom settings would be a practical mode to attain the essential purpose of EFL teaching particularly to get over the drawbacks of Korean students' communicative competence. As a result, it would be an effective teaching method to meet the nation's long-standing demands for EFL education.

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An applied English drama in primary English education (초등영어교육에서의 영어연극 활용법)

  • Park, Chan-Jo
    • English Language & Literature Teaching
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    • v.17 no.2
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    • pp.161-180
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    • 2011
  • This study aims to illustrate the value of teaching English drama in the course of teaching primary English and suggests a model for primary English drama in an English camp for Children. Drama is the world of assumption where language is used just like in real life. It has a positive effect on foreign language learning by encouraging the operation of certain psychological factors which facilitate oral communication. Dramatic techniques such as storytelling, role play, chant, song and games can be used in the EFL classroom to help bring about such results. Meanwhile, making a primary English drama in an English camp for Children would be practical mode to attain the essential purpose of EFL teaching particularly to get over the drawbacks of Korean students' communicative competence under the school's inflexible EFL education curriculum. In this paper, I will present the effectiveness of English drama and the skills for using it with ESL students and suggest some notes that can be used to reinforce the goals set out from the position of the teacher, student and teaching material. It is confirmed that the trained leader, students' affirmative attitude and systematic teaching materials are needed to maximize the effects of drama activities. In addition to that, there will be showed a model of instruction targeted to the primary students learning English in an English camp for Children.

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The Effect of Peer Scaffolding on College Students' Writing Skills in EFL

  • Wooyoung Kim
    • International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.156-162
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    • 2023
  • The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of peer scaffolding on the writing fluency of English language learners. This study was intended to confirm that peer scaffolding in English as a foreign language (EFL) writing classes can improve students' English proficiency. An analysis of 20 EFL learners studying at a university in Gyeonggi Province was conducted based on the English Proficiency Test. In this study, 20 intermediate learners with similar proficiency levels were included in the sample. Randomly, 10 students were designated as members of the control group, and 10 students were designated as members of the experimental group. In the experimental group, students practiced essay writing, while a skilled student provided scaffolding for a less skilled student. A variety of tools were used to gather data, including tests, questionnaires, and interviews Statistical analyses of quantitative data were conducted using t-tests for independent samples, whereas analyses of qualitative data were conducted based on themes. Pre-test results indicated a significant value of sig. =0.87, which was higher than α = 0.05. According to the results of this study, the writing performance of both experimental and control groups of students was equal and homogeneous prior to treatment. However, there were significant differences between the writing of students in the two groups after the completion of the program. Due to the post-test analysis of the writing test, the test resulted in a sig. =0 .043, a value lower than α = 0.05. As a result, the experimental group participants showed a marked improvement in their writing abilities after treatment.

Designing ESP Curriculum for EFL Learners at College of Navigation

  • Choi, Seung-Hee
    • Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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    • v.38 no.2
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    • pp.127-134
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    • 2014
  • This paper aims to identify what is needed to improve the English for Specific Purposes(ESP) curriculum for English as a Foreign Language(EFL) college learners at navigation school. Different needs from learners and experienced professionals are identified through diversified methods, and the findings from these are analysed and consolidated from a balanced point of view. For this purpose, putting learners at the centre of analysis, identifying their subjective and objective needs serves as a point of departure in formulating the curriculum. Then, the target situation is analysed according to the short-term aim of getting a job, followed by long-term needs for successfully fulfilling future duties as a pilot. Based on findings, it is suggested that ESP curriculum for learners in navigation studies should be focused on the successful language performance of their actual duties and tasks to be given in the future working situations, rather than on immediate needs for getting a job. In particular, special attention needs to be paid to enhancing learners' productive language competences through a series of hands-on trainings and a wide range of extra-curricular activities, specifically for a higher command of oral communication. For this, not only ESP, curriculum for EGP(English for General Purposes) should be systematically structured as ESP-oriented EGP, and naturally move onto areas of ESP in a coherent manner.

A Research on Methods for English Native-Speakers' Teaching in Korean EFL Classes

  • Roh, Seung-Bin
    • English Language & Literature Teaching
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    • v.12 no.3
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    • pp.51-78
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    • 2006
  • This research conducted between March and December of 2005 has focused on analyzing a diverse range of educational services provided by English native-speaking instructors teaching in Korea. This study includes quantitative research findings from 238 university students. This dual-semester research study focuses on our most recent Korean EFL (English as a Foreign Language) programs provided for university students who wish to improve their English ability. Many students hope to partake in lectures taught by Native English Speaking teachers (hereafter NS teachers), and many universities are also willing to open additional courses for these students. However, in order for lectures to be most effective, NS instructors need to be appropriately trained or qualified teachers in order to successfully educate their students. Furthermore, NS teachers need to constantly review their teaching styles and strategies to allow for professional development and to ensure an improvement in their teaching methodology. Overall, this research provides whole English lecture views of NS teachers that is data-driven regarding designing, implementing, evaluating, and reforming the education of English taught by NS teachers working in Korea.

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Content-Based EFL Instruction Using Scaffolding and Computer-Mediated Communication as an Alternative for a Korean Middle School

  • CHUNG, Warren E.
    • Educational Technology International
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    • v.8 no.2
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    • pp.93-112
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    • 2007
  • This case study explored the potential for implementing content-based English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction in a Korean middle school facilitated by computer-mediated communication (CMC). The instructor scaffolded the student participant's language learning online, helping her to produce English output on her own. While experimental social studies lessons on the topic of stereotyping were taught, data were collected on the student's online exchanges with her counterpart in Iran about their respective cultures. Findings show that the student from Korea was able to better understand her own culture as a result of the online experience. This interaction and the in-class lessons have demonstrated that content-based EFL instruction is a viable alternative to the school's existing curriculum.

Non-Native Teachers' English Language Teaching Improvement through Multimedia Applications (멀티미디어 응용을 통한 비원어민 영어 교사의 수업 개선)

  • Lee, Il-Suk
    • Journal of Digital Contents Society
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    • v.11 no.2
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    • pp.161-168
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    • 2010
  • In the past, Korean English language learners focused on knowledge of grammatical structures. Thus Korean trained instructors, who focused on explaining the grammar structures, were seen as being preferable for teaching in EFL (English as a foreign language) classrooms. However, with the focus changed to speaking capability Koreans now desire 'fluent' English more than 'accuracy' seeing if possible (Mottos, 1997). Current study has been concerned about the issue of how non-native learners of English perceive the difference between native teachers (NTs) and non-native teachers (non-NTs) of English in the context of ELT classroom. The study explores the issues and problems the followed and how non-NTs can enhance teaching practice of speaking and listening lessons through multimedia application.