Abstract: Abstract This article discussed the use of Chinese fantasy novel for vocabulary acquisition among the non-native learners of Mandarin. Research findings have been affirmative. PubDate: 2016-09-29
Abstract: Abstract This paper examines students’ reflection on the design and development of a prototype biochemistry virtual laboratory (vLab) at the University of Hong Kong. Second year students from the MBBS programme were divided into two groups. One group (non-vLab) took part in the original didactic lecture while the other group (vLab) joined in the trial blended virtual lab learning session. The learning outcomes were evaluated by a post-lab knowledge comprehension quiz and the class performances were analyzed. In addition, students’ perceptions toward blended vLab learning experience were evaluated by questionnaires. The group with the vLab experience achieved higher quiz results. However, their evaluation and feedback with regard to the vLab learning experience were rather critical, which provided valuable insights for further improvements on the instructional design. PubDate: 2016-09-27
Abstract: Abstract ‘Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan’ is a national govt. scheme for primary education. Under this scheme, all physically & mentally challenged students of age gr. 6-14 were brought under inclusive education section. Access and retention in school was challenge for MR student. Parents were not ready to send them in school as it was meaningless for the children. But, schooling not only retained but developed them optimally through formal education and connected with society. A case study of girl child is presented here. PubDate: 2016-09-23
Abstract: Abstract The potential ways in which learning a second or third language can influence other languages in the mind of the (emergent) bilingual is an increasingly important issue given the international importance of foreign language learning. This study explored whether learning French as a foreign language influences knowledge of English morphosyntax in learners of L2 French with L1 English (n=21) and learners of L3 French with L2 English (n=9). Comparing these two groups allowed us to identify whether and to what extent backwards cross linguistic influence (CLI) are different depending on whether French is L2 or L3, and whether English is L1 or L2. Accuracy on tenseaspects of English morphosyntax was measured through two tasks (Grammaticality Judgement and Proofreading). Results indicated no inhibitive influence from L2 French to L1 English, with potential enhancement of explicit knowledge when compared to a control group of English-speaking participants with no French. In contrast, influence leading to inaccuracy was observed from L3 French to L2 English in that the L3 French learners made more errors in past simple and present perfect in the GJT. Results are discussed in the context of better understanding the nature of developing grammatical systems, together with implications for future work. PubDate: 2016-09-23
Abstract: Abstract Noam Chomsky incarnates rationalism in the study of language like no other man has or does in man’s history, it seems to me. I will attempt to elucidate this position, however inchoately and incompletely, by enumerating his revolutionarily perceptive contributions to the study of language as a phenomenon. There is so much conventional perceptual deadwood about language that its position in epistemological space needs to be clarified, and perspectivised, deadwood that has come down and continues to float down the canons in the social sciences and the humanities. Once clarified, people could agree or disagree. People now seem to disagree with some of these positions without understanding them! The paper will position Chomsky in his niche in the history of ideas about language, a niche which is noticeably distinctly different from that of a Panini, the great Indian grammarian or a Sibavahi, the great Arabic grammarian, the three of whom together form the great grammarian trio the world has seen 2 . The intervention is clearly more an elucidatory, albeit argumentative, exercise than an originally researched paper although of course it has to do with placing language in epistemological space. PubDate: 2016-09-20
Abstract: Abstract In accreditation process, it is tremendously challenging in meeting all the SLOs (Student Learning Outcomes) in a pure engineering course, as the SLOs generally consists of more than 50% of non-engineering attributes that to be cultivated for engineering graduate. A pedagogy approach in supporting engineering courses to accomplish the SLOs that involves humanity, social science, management and economy is proposed and implemented in this work through design projects. PubDate: 2016-09-16
Abstract: Abstract Engineering education requires reformation to address the drastically change of the industrial development in various product markets. Nowadays most product development involves not only different disciplines of engineering but also integration of design science. In this case, the engineering education must in-cooperate design science into the curriculum seamlessly to give quality teaching and learning experience for both faculties and students. This work shares the experience of integrating design science into the engineering courses by introducing crossed subjects design project and lesson plan, which results in effective teaching and learning. PubDate: 2016-09-16
Abstract: Abstract E. L. Doctorow’s historical novel The Book of Daniel (1971), by using trauma narrative, from the perspective of the political Left wing, combining memory with imagination and mixing history with fiction, reconstructs the tragic historical story of Daniel’s parents who were electrocuted for treason by the state in the 1950s, exposes and criticizes the political violence as the root of trauma imposed upon the younger generation from that tragedy. PubDate: 2016-09-16
Abstract: Abstract This study identifies the level of intellectual quality of pre-university students in Malaysia. A mixed method approach is adapted to acquire data and information from the samples and informans. A total of 500 sixth form pre-university students from 38 secondary schools in Penang was selected quantitatively. Classroom observations of pre-university classes of 8 students from 8 schools in Penang were done to obtain information for qualitative method. Data analysis using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used. The research findings show that the intellectual quality of pre-university students is at a moderate level with girls showing higher intellectual level than boys for all six dimensions of intellectual quality. Meanwhile, the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Problem Solving Skills dimensions have the most number of students at a high level compared to other dimensions. The study also showed that the students who major in religious studies shown a higher intellectual quality for all dimensions compared to those who major in science and arts. Information gain through qualitative study also found that students shows an interest in learning the subject when the teachers integrated the usage of ICT during teaching and learning session. This enhanced the students to apply HOTS as well as Problem Solving Skills. Information gathered through this study will provide new understanding and knowledge to teachers and researchers related to intellectual thoughts and pedagogical practices that can be used to improve sixth form pre-university students intellectual quality and hence help improve students’ intellectual capital to keep abreast with the rapid developing country in the 21st century. PubDate: 2016-09-16
Abstract: Abstract Whatever is intelligible is translatable. Whatever is intelligible is by definition subject to externalisation, and whatever is subject to externalisation is by definition subject to translation. PubDate: 2016-09-16
Abstract: Abstract In the study we are interpreting the concept of Hungarian media education in a wide range: we observed the professional work of the courses, the solutions of the course concentration, the curricular and extracurricular activities. The observation was completed with three focus group interviews recorded on film- according to the conversations with the parents. PubDate: 2016-09-16
Abstract: Abstract The paper considers the interrelation of culture, worldview and language. The cultural differences are acknowledged from the philosophic point of view and determine/are determined by the worldview. The worldview differences predispose the Russian and English national characters and are reflected in the languages: lexis, grammar and speech practices. Vocabulary as the most vulnerable aspect of language registers the changes first. On the basis of the author’s classification of new vocabulary concepts some changes in the Russian worldview and language are treated as a result of the English culture and language influence. PubDate: 2016-01-18
Abstract: Abstract As Moodle (and similar online teaching tools) move into their second decade, it is important to learn how they have caught on among teachers and students. This research attempts to answer the question: Do students and teachers use Moodle to the maximum' A two-part questionnaire was designed to probe student and teacher use of Moodle. Results show that neither students nor teachers take full advantage of what Moodle has to offer. PubDate: 2016-01-18
Abstract: Abstract In a programming course, lectures were given using a slideshow, and syntax and example programs from a textbook were explained. Afterward, students received worksheets with example programs and problems for practicing syntactic elements, and the professor explained the worksheets. The students then performed an exercise where they created a program based on example programs as an assignment. They were instructed to finish as much of their program as possible during class and to submit their program file and a report file over an e-learning site. They could learn either in class or through lecture slides uploaded to an e-learning site. Students' attitudes were assessed before and after the course. The attitudes and activities were analyzed with cluster analysis. Useful activities for improving the attitudes in a programming course were found by chi-square analysis of cross-tabulation of attitude and activity clusters. Principal component analysis of attitudes was conducted. Students were classified based on principal components of attitude scores. Characteristic of student groups is explained. The findings are reported in this paper. PubDate: 2016-01-18
Abstract: Abstract The use of technology in language learning is not an unfamiliar concept. ‘Weblogs’ or ‘Blogs’ are a type of technological category that allows writing personal journals online that can be published and viewed over the web. Even though blogs are being used for personal, educational, journalistic and commercial purposes worldwide nowadays, it is not a common practice for the non-native English users. This paper shows how blogs can be an effective tool for “English as a Foreign Language”/ “English as a Second Language” (EFL/ESL) users of non-native English speakers in order to improve their English skills. It also explains how blogging not only can help in improving the basic language skills of the blog users, but also in developing their other skills like communicative and critical thinking abilities. PubDate: 2016-01-18
Abstract: Abstract Substantial peer feedback of the students through peer review in the context of EFL or ESL can help them become skilled at different structures and strategies of academic writing in English rather than receiving feedback from teachers in the classroom. However, most of the students at English language classes in Bangladesh do not appreciate the significance of following the structures of academic writing from the lectures of the respective teachers immediately. On the other hand, most of the English language instructors in their classes are not used to encouraging their students to provide peer feedback through peer review. Therefore, this paper will be focusing on the issues regarding how peer review can be utilized for the beginners of English language courses in terms of making them aware of the structures of academic writing. Moreover, this paper will make an attempt to find out whether peer review makes them a better writer, a more rational thinker or a more critical appreciator of peers’ writings. At last, this paper will present some recommendations on how peer review can develop the students’ creativity while producing thought provoking and critical comments on their peers’ writing. PubDate: 2015-12-31
Abstract: Abstract Active learning tool – Just-in-time Teaching (JiTT) is enhanced with visual instruction and lesson plan in this action research based teaching and learning pedagogy research in engineering course that is Circuits. The JiTT was planed one year ahead to identify and gather the necessary topics for JiTT. The topics were carefully analyzed and visual instruction is found to be a better way for the content delivery during second time the Circuits course was delivered. A JiTT based lesson plan was also proposed and implemented in the Circuits course instead of the structured lesson plan. The observation shows JiTT with visual instruction and JiTT lesson plan has improved the course satisfaction, students’ learning experience, and also reduced the teaching resources. PubDate: 2015-12-31
Abstract: Abstract This research primarily investigates the complexities of gender-biased policy in education discourse in the name of promoting ‘gender-equality’ which envisions to empowering women. This study also vigilances the inevitable antifeminist backlash resulted from the implementation of these policies in the socio-economical context of any developing country. Further, it traces out the patterns of transformations required exploring two other policy areas; media discourse and social work. Undertaking extensive theoretical research and empirical evidences, this study contributes a new conceptual framework to the established discourse of gender and policy by redressing the so called ‘equality concept’ of feminism. PubDate: 2015-12-31
Abstract: Abstract Differing from previous studies which not only focused on explicit conflict talk but also considered it as the central subject for research, this paper classifies conflict talk into two types, “implicit conflict talk” (ICT for short) and “explicit conflict talk” (ECT for short). It first presents a working definition to ICT and draws a dividing line between ICT and ECT from three aspects. It then discusses how ICT relates to other types of conflict talk, such as indirect conflict talk and cool conflict talk. It goes further to discuss the organizations of ICT: its local organization—adjacency pair and its overall organization—pre-sequences and insertion sequence. The whole research is done by illustrating 12 examples from well-known literature, popular movies and television series both in English and Chinese. The aim of the paper is to arouse interest in research on ICT. PubDate: 2015-12-31
Abstract: Abstract This paper describes a collection of Natural Language Processing (NLP) modules which automatically generate exercises for introductory courses on structural linguistics and English grammar at a Canadian University. While there is a growing demand for electronic exercises, online testing tools, and self contained linguistics and grammar courses, the exercises and tests offered on companion websites for popular textbooks consist largely of multiple choice type questions. The modules create exercises to practice and test part-of-speech identification, morphological analysis of complex words, and the analysis of sentences into phrase structure trees. They are part of an infrastructure capable of delivering instructional material, exercises for for self assessment, and online testing tools for courses which either use blended instruction or are taught exclusively online. Modules which are work in progress will be briefly discussed in the final section of this paper. PubDate: 2015-12-12
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