• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.365-389
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is to present the task model that is the most effective in English language methodology based on the investigation of task-based performance in Korean EFL classroom practice. The subjects were 538 high school students and 126 high school teachers, each of whom had common experiences using the materials of task-based activities for more than one year. To analyze the data, the program SPSS WIN 11.0 including frequency distribution and chi-square analysis was used. The results of the questionnaire analysis showed that both teachers and students had a comparatively high level of satisfaction in task rationale, but that they had some mixed responses in the fields of input data, settings, and activity types. To conclude, a few suggestions are made to provide some meaningful considerations for the EFL teachers and material developers: a) task goals and rationale that encourage the learner's positive motivation; b) authenticity of input data based on the real-world context; c) collaborative learning environment that enhances communicative interaction; d) proportional representation of the creative problem-solving activities related to discussions and decision-making processes; e) systematic introduction of integrated language skills. It also suggests that the multi-lateral task model, which has some positive assets compared to previous task models, be newly introduced and applied to the second language learning classrooms.

• Journal of Digital Contents Society
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.209-216
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• 2005

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of web-based cyber instruction on EFL learning from the viewpoint of learners` perceptions and needs. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey that was carried out with 709 undergraduate student enrolled in three cyber English courses offered at N university during the secind semester in 2004. The results of the study indicated that the learners exhibited a positive attitude towards web-based cyber instruction and considered it a paper educational method in the cyber age. However, the students perceived that web-based cyber instruction was not greatly satisfactory in terms of cultivating their English communicative competence or improving the language skills they needed. It was also found that cyber instruction was still teacher-dominant, lacking in interaction, which made the students passive recipients of informaton presented. In comparison with off-line instruction, cyber instruction was not particularly better in enhancing their motivation interest or concentration on class. To be more effective, cyber instruction needs to be equipped not only with a large variety of contents and class activities, but also with more exposure to authentic language by native English speakers. The finding of the investigation yield some implications for the design and development of web-based cyber EFL programs.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-27
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• 2006

This study investigated how EFL readers critically read texts which are written in English. Although critical reading has been discussed in advanced EFL and ESL contexts there has not been much research on the critical reading of beginning EFL learners. Many educators are recommending that a critical perspective be adopted so that L2 learners can become empowered rather than indoctrinated. In this study, the researcher has examined the critical reading practices of five beginning level EFL readers in Korea and five first language readers of English in the United States as they read a news editorial article. The significant findings were discussed related to critical reading practice of L2 readers. The findings of the study can help the educators in English education in improving the curriculum, the teaching methodology and the learning theory for EFL reading for critical reading.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.15-38
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• 2002

This article explored 9 EFL learners' emotional reactions they experienced in order to locate sources of EFL apprehension in university-based classroom settings. As part of further establishing construct validity of the measure (the FLPAS) Kim (2002) developed, lengthy interviews were adopted with focus on sources of discomfort with a variety of forms of language learning tasks. Findings showed that the interviewees confirmed most of the statements in the measuring tool, thereby increasing the trustworthiness of the measure. Specifically, the following themes or categories emanated from the analysis of interview data: (a) anxiety about performance in EFL classrooms; (b) EFL anxiety or discomfort about difficulties with cultural understanding; and (c) EFL anxiety induced by instructor and instruction.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.63-77
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• 2021

This study aims to explore the differential effects of teacher support on Chinese EFL students' listening ability in a blended learning environment. 87 third-year English-major students in a Chinese university participated in this study and they were randomly divided into an autonomy group (n=22), an emotional group (n=22), a cognitive group (n=22) and a control group (n=21). Each experimental group received relevant teacher support during their 17-week course learning while the control group did not. To confirm the effects of teacher support, pre- and post- listening tests were conducted. The results of the paired t-tests demonstrated that all groups showed statistically significant improvement in their English listening ability. The results of the one-way ANOVA for the post-test revealed that autonomy support and cognitive support were more effective than emotional support in improving students' listening ability. Based on the findings, this study hopes to provide insights for EFL teachers in designing and arranging the activities in a blended course.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.91-106
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• 2010

This study examines the use of hedges in cross-cultural communication between EFL learners in an e-learning environment. The study analyzes the use of hedges in a corpus of an interactive web with a bulletin board system through which college students of English at Japanese and Korean universities interacted with each other discussing the topics of local and global issues. It compares the use of hedges in the students' corpus to that of a native English speakers' corpus. The result shows that EFL learners tend to use relatively smaller number of hedges than the native speakers in terms of the frequencies of the total tokens. It further reveals that the learners' overuse of a single versatile high-frequency hedging item, I think, results in relative underuse of other hedging devices. This indicates that due to their small repertoire of hedges, EFL learners' overuse of a limited number of hedging items may cause their speech or writing to become less competent. Based on the result and interviews with the learners, the study also argues that hedging should be understood in its social contexts and should not be understood just as a lack of conviction or a mark of low proficiency. Suggestions were made for using computer corpora in understanding EFL learners' language difficulties and helping them develop communicative and pragmatic competence.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.375-387
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• 2022

One of the latest teaching strategies is smart classroom teaching. Teaching is carried out with the assistance of smart teaching technologies to improve teacher-student contact, increase students' learning autonomy, and give fresh ideas for the fulfillment of students' deep learning. Computer-based technology has improved students' language learning and significantly motivating them to continue learning while also stimulating their creativity and enthusiasm. However, the difficulties and barriers that many EFL instructors are faced on seeking to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) into their instruction have raised discussions and concerns regarding ICT's real worth in the language classroom. This is a case study that includes observations in the classroom, field notes, interviews, and written materials. In EFL classrooms, both computer-based and non-computer-based activities were recorded and analyzed. The main instrument in this study was a survey questionnaire comprising 43 items, which was used to examine the efficiency of ICT integration in teaching and learning in public schools in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 101 questionnaires were delivered, while each responder being requested to read the statements provided. The total number of respondents for this study was 101 teachers from Kuala Lumpur's public secondary schools. The questionnaire was randomly distributed to respondents with a teaching background. This study indicated the accuracy of utilizing Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) in analyzing the survey results and potential for students to learn English as a foreign language using computers. Also, the usage of foreign language may be improved if real computer-based activities are introduced into the lesson.

• Korean Journal of English Language and Linguistics
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.305-327
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• 2002

This paper is in line with the attempts to examine two assumptions implied about the role of Universal Grammar (UC) in nonnative language acquisition: Are the EFL learners at disadvantage in acquiring UC-driven knowledge? Are there critical period effects in EFL learning? Based on the research with the seven studies of ESL and EFL adult learners performance on the Subjacency violation sentences, the paper investigates the extent to which the EFL adult learners can attain UG-driven knowledge represented by the Subjacency Principle. It also makes comparison of the EFL learners level of access to UG with that of their counterparts, the ESL learners. The research findings suggests that the EFL environment doesn't prevent the learners from acquiring target grammar in UG domain. That is, the current paper strongly suggests that the EFL adult-learners be able to acquire UG-driven knowledge to a considerable extent, at least as high as the ESL adult learners can attain. For the interpretation of the research results of the seven studies, Constructionist Hypothesis (CH) supported by a Minimalist Program (MP) assumption is employed. CH seems more plausible to account not only for incomplete acquisition observed among the beginning and intermediate level learners but also for the native-like competence acquired by advanced level L2 learners.

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.75-95
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a group activity, reciprocal peer tutoring (RPT), in order to investigate advantages and challenges of RPT in promoting cooperative and collaborative learning environment for EFL University reading instruction. The participants in this study were 89 students taking an English reading course at a Korean university. RPT is a learning strategy whereby learners help each other and learn by teaching. This program was supported by a Vygotskyan perspective which assumes that learners gain mastery and develop cognitive skills through social interaction with more proficient others and their environment. This study relied particularly on participant perceptions through questionnaire survey and Anonymous Online class Report of the course. This study showed various advantages for tutors such as learning through teaching and becoming more autonomous and responsible for their own learning. Non-threatening and highly motivating learning atmosphere are parts of benefits for tutees. Other advantages for tutees included improved level of academic self-confidence, and motivation. This study also revealed several drawbacks associated with the problem of inaccuracy in students' production and students' demand for more direct teacher role. (182 words).

• English Language & Literature Teaching
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.57-76
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• 2005

This study provides a rationale for using project-based learning with Korean students of English in Korea; in addition, it describes the process of creating and implementing project-based learning in the classroom and gives examples of how this unique teaching and learning method has been used successfully to teach learners with different levels of English proficiency. The first two chapters of the study examine the nature of project-based learning by comparing it with related fields of study, such as language teaching syllabi and methods, cognitive psychology, constructivists' views and interaction theory. The latter part of the study deals with issues related to applying project-based learning in Korean English classes. It emphasizes the importance not only of motivating active group effort and participation, but also in creating a trusting, cooperative relationship between group members in order to have a successful accomplishment of a project. The study concludes with implications for future studies.