Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching
Not a member yet
594 research outputs found
Sort by
Working memory and second language development: A complex, dynamic future?
Full text linkWorking memory (WM) is inherently dynamic and complex, being a multi-faceted system that links storage and processing components; yet it is widely understood as internal. Hence, in second language (L2) research, its connection to complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) remains underspecified. This paper seeks to bridge a gap between CDST and WM in L2 research. First, definitions of WM are reviewed, along with evidence for its relationship to L2 outcomes. Next, a brief overview of CDST highlights its metatheoretical and methodological implications. Three perspectives are presented to illustrate how WM can be viewed in terms of major tenets in CDST. These consider WM effects as: (1) context-dependent, (2) interrelated with those of other variables, and (3) amenable to change across the lifespan. Despite this reappraisal, numerous challenges remain. Thus, in addition to noting research opportunities, the paper also considers measurement issues, such as the determination of boundaries and selection of appropriate timescales. In closing, while WM studies have shown its influence on L2 proficiency and processing, to more fully understand its dynamic nature, what is needed is further research on the reciprocal influences of bilingual development and changes in WM components, such as control of attention
Further exploring the dynamicity, situatedness, and emergence of the self: The key role of context
Full text linkDrawing on theoretical insights from a complex dynamic systems framework, this work explores the ways that learner selves, as they relate to learning and using languages, manifest across different contexts and timescales and emerge in interaction with various factors. First, a broad overview of dynamically-oriented L2 motivation research is provided before critically considering the need for research that aligns with conceptual advances made under the dynamic turn in SLA. In particular, this critical overview highlights a crucial need for more research employing dynamic methods capable of revealing how learner perceptions of self emerge in relation to their interlocutors and in interaction with external factors, including language ideologies that may uniquely characterize sociocultural contexts where target languages other than English are learned. The chapter concludes by discussing ways to implement dynamically oriented methodology that can provide much needed insights into the inherent dynamic, emergent, and contextually and socially embedded nature of learner selves
Learner- vs. expert-constructed outlines: Testing the associations with L2 text comprehension and multiple intelligences
Full text linkCognitive organizers (COs) are text aids which represent objects, concepts, and their relations by the use of symbols and spatial arrangements without adding to semantic content. The present study examines language learners’ text comprehension through outlines, a popular CO, compared with text-only condition, and further investigates the effect of learner-constructed outlines (i.e., systematic note-taking) and expert-constructed outlines (i.e., readymade displays) on comprehension. Finally, the predictive power of multiple intelligences (MI) across different input modalities is scrutinized. Following stratified random sampling, a total of 111 EFL undergraduates were divided into text-only (receiving a text twice), expert-constructed (the text followed by an outline), and learner-constructed (the text followed by an outline to be drawn up by the learner) groups. A TOEFL examination, a 1218-word expository text on systematic sleep disorder, a follow-up reading comprehension test, and a multiple intelligences inventory constituted the data collection measures. The results of multiple regression and ANOVA were as follows: (a) COs lead to more content recall than text displays; (b) expert-constructed and learner-constructed outlines are equally effective; (c) MI significantly predicts the groups’ reading comprehension; (d) interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences are significant correlates of text-only groups’ performance; and (e) visual, verbal, and intrapersonal intelligences are significantly associated with learner-constructed groups’ reading scores. The study offers several implications for theory and practice
Review of Non-natives writing for Anglo-American journals: Challenges and urgent needs; Author: Katarzyna Hryniuk; Publisher: Warsaw University Press, 2019; ISBN: 978-83-235-3677-2; Pages: 172
Full text linkI was looking forward to a publication of a scholarly text on academic writing and on the publishing process, which both have such an important impact on the professional experience of Polish scholars. The book by Katarzyna Hryniuk, entitled Non-Natives Writing for Anglo-American Journals: Challenges and Urgent Needs, fulfils this need. The monograph, 172 pages in length, includes an introductory section, six chapters, an appendix, an extensive list of references, topic and author indexes, and a short summary in Polish. It offers a fairly complete picture of issues in academic publication with a unique focus on Poland
Exploring the relationships between L2 vocabulary knowledge, lexical segmentation, and L2 listening comprehension
Full text linkThe capacity to perceive and meaningfully process foreign or second language (L2) words from the aural modality is a fundamentally important aspect of successful L2 listening. Despite this, the relationships between L2 listening and learners’ capacity to process aural input at the lexical level has received relatively little research focus. This study explores the relationships between measures of aural vocabulary, lexical segmentation and two measures of L2 listening comprehension (i.e., TOEIC & Eiken Pre-2) among a cohort of 130 tertiary level English as a foreign language (EFL) Japanese learners. Multiple regression modelling indicated that in combination, aural knowledge of vocabulary at the first 1,000-word level and lexical segmentation ability could predict 34% and 38% of total variance observed in TOEIC listening and Eiken Pre-2 listening scores respectively. The findings are used to provide some preliminary recommendations for building the capacity of EFL learners to process aural input at the lexical level
Cross-country comparison of EFL teacher preparedness to include dyslexic learners: Validation of a questionnaire
Full text linkThe aim of this study was to validate a 24-item TEPID (Teachers of EFL Preparedness to Include Dyslexics) scale measuring the beliefs of 546 pre-service and in-service teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) across three countries (Cyprus, Greece, and Poland) on their preparedness to include learners with dyslexia in mainstream foreign language (FL) classes. Principal component analysis of the scale led to a two-factor structure, that is, knowledge and self-efficacy in implementing inclusive instructional practices with dyslexic EFL learners, and stance towards inclusion. The analysis of measurement invariance confirmed the generalizability of the TEPID across all subgroups and allowed valid comparisons between factor variances and covariances. The scale is a useful tool for investigating perceived teacher preparedness to include dyslexic learners and variables that influence TEPID, comparing the results across countries, and designing tailored pre-service and in-service training schemes on inclusion
Vocabulary development in a CLIL context: A comparison between French and English L2
Full text linkContent and language integrated learning (CLIL) has expanded in Europe, favored by the large body of research, often showing positive effects of CLIL on L2 development. However, critical voices have recently questioned whether these positive findings apply to any language, given that most research focuses on English. Taking into account this concern, the present study investigated the (productive and receptive) vocabulary development in L2 English and L2 French of the same group of learners within a CLIL context. The aim was not to evaluate the benefits of CLIL over non-CLIL, but, instead, to examine whether vocabulary gains in CLIL learning are language-dependent. More specifically, this study included 75 Flemish eight-grade pupils who had CLIL lessons in both English and French. The results show that although the pupils have a larger English vocabulary, the level of improvement (from pretest to posttest) is not different across the languages. The findings indicate that within CLIL vocabulary knowledge also develops in languages other than English
Editorial
Full text linkIt is with great pleasure that I am sharing with you this new issue of Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching. Since the first issue in 2020 was a special issue guest-edited by Laura Gurzynski-Weiss, I did not have the chance to emphasize the fact that the journal has entered its tenth year of existence. These ten years have passed very quickly and the journey we have travelled is truly exceptional. When we were putting together the first issues, it was so hard to find good papers and we had to continually struggle trying to convince our colleagues that SSLLT had much potential and was the right choice for publishing their work. At present, we are receiving several hundred submissions per year and the rejection rate by far exceeds 80%. At the same time, an increasing number of submissions represent outstanding scholarship, with the effect that the papers that ultimately get accepted and published are also getting better and better. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all those who have supported SSLLT from the get-go – the co-editors, the members of the Editorial Board, the reviewers, the guest-editors of special issues and all the contributors. I will have much more to say about this special anniversary in the December edition where I will also be announcing the way in which we are planning to celebrate it