Digital Commons Network^™

The Composing Processes Of Pre-Intermediate Esl Students In Their First Language And The English Language, Mee Leng Yeong

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study attempts to trace the composing processes of pre-intermediate ESL students in their first language and the English language. It is also to test the hypothesis that pre-­intermediate ESL students use L1 as the dominant language to think when writing in their first language and the English Language. This is a qualitative research project using a case-study approach obtaining data through multiple data collection method. Sources of data were think-aloud protocol, semi-structured questionnaire, retrospective interview and analysis of students' written products. Five Malaysian Chinese students from a private college were asked to write two descriptive essays using one topic, …

Cultural Factors Affecting English Proficiency In Rural Areas, Chop Ler Ee

Student Works (2000-2009)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the rural 'cultural' problems and to determine their effect on the learning of English. Twenty students from different ethnic backgrounds and English language proficiency in six rural schools were interviewed. In addition, ten teachers also from different rural schools and ethnic backgrounds responded to a questionnaire. The problems discussed by both the teacher and student respondents arose due to the rural cultural setting. The findings of this study show that i) five major problem areas exist, namely peer pressure and motivation, attitudes towards English, teaching methodology, school culture, influence of Islamic teaching …

Conversational Implicature In Child Language : A Malaysian Case Study, Sharon Lan Fong Yap

Student Works (2000-2009)

Conversational lmplicature (CI) is a form of pragmatic indirectness in language use that is widely considered to be an adult discourse phenomenon. However, detection of its use in children's discourse has led the researcher to embark on a study to document evidence of this phenomenon by investigating IO subjects aged 3 to 7 years. The participant observation method was adopted for this study and the data collected was presented as noted verbatim. The 'as is' nature of the data presented in Chapter Four served to document the children's ability to both extricate and generate applied meaning. Furthermore, by applying adult …

Frasa Objek Dalam Bahasa Arab : Satu Kajian Kes, Halim Daud

Student Works (2000-2009)

Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengkaji dan mengenal pasti punca kelemahan yang dihadapi dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran bahasa Arab komunikasi di kalangan pelajar Sekolah Menengah Ugama Arab (SMUA). lni adalah penting bagi melihat keberkesanan penggunaan bahasa Arab dalam penulisan dan pertuturan seharian untuk mencapai tahap kefahaman yang tepat lagi mantap. Kajian ini dibahagikan kepada lima bab mengikut topik-topik tertentu. Bab pertama penulis membincangkan tentang latar belakang kajian, bidang kajian, objektif kajian, rasional kajian, metodologi kaj ian, latar belakang sejarah Ma'ahad Muhammadi semenjak d itubuhkan h i ngga sekarang. Dalam bab kedua, penulis cuba meninjau tentang pengertian dan asal-usul bahasa, leksikon kata, …

Perbandingan Arah Perkembangan Bahasa Melayu Di Malaysia Dan Thailand, Hara Shintaro

Student Works (2000-2009)

This research is a comparative study of the Malay language in Malaysia and Thailand from the view point of sociolinguistics, especially focusing on the influence of the major language in each country. This study has three main purposes; i) to compare those factors which influence the development direction of the Malay language in each country; ii) to describe and analyze differences found between the Malay language in those two countries, and iii) to forecast future developmental direction of the Malay language. Chapter 1 outlines the background, purpose, field of study, theoretical frame and me1hod of research. Chapter 2 focuses on …

Learners' Difficulties In Group Work In An Esl Classroom, Aziah Ibrahim

Student Works (2000-2009)

Research on effective approaches to language teaching is an on-going process. This study looks at a learner active classroom where students are encouraged to work as members of a team, sharing a common round table. The Malaysian English Language Syllabus for Secondary Schools recommend the use of group work in the language class. Thus, there is a dire need for teachers to understand the problems and difficulties that learners may face whilst carrying out group activities or task and at the same time, to help these learners overcome such language obstacles in the processes of both teaching and learning the …

Learner-Teacher Perceptions Of Classroom Processes In An English Proficiency Class, Cordelia Mason

Student Works (2000-2009)

The main goals of this study are firstly to find out how the perceptions of students and teachers regarding classroom processes differ or coincide, and secondly to identify affective factors evidenced in an English proficiency class. These goals are supported by the need to find out learners' perceptions of classroom processes so that we better understand the learners and hopefully become more learner centered. The method used to conduct the study is the diary study method where the diary entries made by students and teacher are analysed using the procedures developed by Progoff (Mcdonough & Mcdonough, 1997). Seventeen subjects were …

Literature-Based Instruction And Post-Reading Activities To Enhance The Basal Reading Program, Susan J. Vertrees

All Graduate Projects

The focus ofthis project was to create a resource manual to use in the reading program with students learning a second language. The project implements a balanced reading curriculum with an emphasis on literature-based instruction. Trade books and post-reading activities are the highlights of the resource manual. Using literature in the classroom with literature-based instruction techniques has been shown to have a positive impact on students. The purpose of reading instruction is to increase reading skills as well as the joy ofreading.

Reading Comprehension Strategies For Esl K-3 Students Utilizing Multicultural Children's Literature, Ann K. Rizor

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a teacher's handbook to aid in reading instruction for students grades K-3 who are learning English as their second language. To accomplish this purpose a review ofliterature was conducted on the topics of second language acquisition, second language reading, and the use of multicultural literature. Additionally, information and materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed.

Repeated Reading: Using Audiotaped Books And Activities To Help At-Risk Readers, Wendy S. Stover

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine whether repeated reading with an audio model would significantly supplement the literacy instruction of atrisk readers. Research related to reading practice, the relationship between fluency and reading development, and repeated reading was read, evaluated, and summarized. A positive relationship between repeated reading and reading growth (i.e., fluency and comprehension) was indicated from this review. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for using repeated reading with at-risk readers. A manual containing a teacher's guide on repeated reading with an audio model and related literacy activities was created.

Internet-Enhanced Esl Education : A Literature Review, Yu Cao

Graduate Research Papers

This paper intends to present some of the most current research on the tremendous benefits which the Internet can provide to ESL education. Some Internet applications which can be used as active teaching and learning tools in the ESL classrooms are being presented in this paper, such as electronic mail, electronic discussion group or "lists," electronic forum, chat room, and keypal. Additionally, this paper intends to bring educators' attention to those issues which affect language learners' interests in using the Internet in their learning. Issues include the lack of training, accessibility of technology, and lack of feedback.

Alternate Curriculum In Reading For Grade Four, Julie A. Schmit

Graduate Research Papers

Julie A. Schmit, a fourth grade teacher, specifically designed the two reading alternate units. These units were designed to provide challenging reading and learning experiences for talented and gifted students in grade four. These units provide challenging, above grade level materials and activities for the students whose reading, vocabulary, and language skills are advanced to such a degree that they would derive greater educational benefit from working with alternate materials.

A Study Of The Composing Skills Among Learners In A Chinese School, Kam Mee Foo

Student Works (2000-2009)

Composition writing has always been an integral part of the English Language curriculum in all schools. However, after years of practice in writing composition, many of our students are still weak in their composing skills. This study looks into the problems of composition writing among learners in a Chinese school. The instruments used in this study were two sets of questionnaires and to supplement and verify data obtained from questionnaire, structured interviews were conducted and sample of students' marked compositions were collected. Data obtained was analyzed via triangulation. The main findings revealed that there is very little direct teaching of …

A Genre Analysis Of Advertisements In A Local Newspaper, Moi Moi Yong

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study attempts to investigate the organisation of advenisements on private institutions of higher learning taken from 'The Star' daily and to provide a descriptive account of how the advertisements are structured Twenty advertisements on different private institutions of higher learning are selected and analysed using the nine move structure analysis adapted by S. Kathpalia (1992). This genre based move structure is employed as a format to study the structure of these advertisements. It is revealed that there is a uniform pattern of organisation of the elements in the advertisements. An eight move structure is identified. It is also found …

First Language Transfer Amongst Malay Students In National Primary Schools, Kien Cheng Yong

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study attempts to discover the influence of first language transfer on the production of written English. Since all the subjects are Malay students, their first language is likely Bahasa Melayu. Their second language is the English Language which is taught in their national primary schools. Besides that, this study also seeks to discover the types of errors involved in first language transfer, whether gender and the socioeconomic background of the subjects affect ESL learning. 194 Year 4 students from two national primary schools in Kajang, Selangor were involved in this study. They were given four sets of writing tasks …

An Analysis Of Verb Form Errors Of Chinese Esl Students, Yong Meng Kam

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study sets out to investigate the types of errors in the simple past and past progressive tenses found in the written English of 40 Form Four Chinese students of Sek. Men. Tanah Merah Site 'C', Negeri Sembilan. The errors are examined according to Corder's (1981) taxonomy of errors. In the essays, selection errors accounted for the highest percentage of simple past tense errors, followed by addition and then, omission errors. In the past progressive tense, the omission category has the highest occurrence of errors, followed by the selection category with no errors in the addition category. In the structured …

A Study Of The Teaching And Learning Of Literature In Two Form 1 Classes, Zamrudah Ahmad Rashidi

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study explored the process of the recent implementation of the Literature in English component in the Form 1 English Language Syllabus in an attempt to examine the teaching and learning of literature in actual classroom situations. It sought to examine the nature of input by teachers and the uptake by students of typical Literature in English lessons in two Form 1 classes, to obtain feedback on the hands-on implementation of the component so as to inform future effective practice. To be more specific, this study sought to identify the approaches used to teach the selected literary texts as well …

An Investigation Of Cooperative Consciousness-Raising As An Innovative Teaching Practice, And Of Reactions To Its Introduction Into A High School, Sahoby Solo Raharinirina

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The language pedagogy literature stresses the importance of the quality of second/foreign language teaching/learning in learners' acquisition, development of communicative competence, or both. The change literature equally emphasizes the importance of the quality of innovation in change audience’s resolution to reconceptualize current practices and espouse the new practice being advocated. Both literatures underline the need to use multiple research strategies in order to depict the product and process of learning and/or shifting experiences. To contribute to the educational literature in these areas, the present research incorporated two different but interrelated studies.

Study One utilized both between- and within-method approaches (Denzin, …

A Comparison Of Developmental Sentence Scores And Ratings Of Intelligibility, Julie O'Harrow Karnstein

Dissertations and Theses

Speech intelligibility is the term used to describe the degree to which an individual speaker is understood by both familiar and unfamiliar listeners. There are many factors that influence an individual's intelligibility, including (but not limited to) variations in phonology, grammar, rate of speech, and vocal features. Most research has focused on the articulation and phonological influences that impact speech intelligibility. Perhaps for this reason, treatment methods for improving speech intelligibility generally have targeted an individual's phonological production skills. Additional research is necessary to understand more about each of the areas of language production that may be influencing intelligibility. This …

Language Implications For Numeracy: A Study Of Language Use Of Disadvantaged Students, Robyn Zevenbergen

2000 - Improving Numeracy Learning

Increasingly language is recognised as causing difficulties for students when they come to learn mathematics. Many different levels and aspects of language can be seen to create such difficulties for students. This paper looks at the implications of language on learning mathematics or developing a sense of numeracy.

Persuasion In Thesis Writing, Faridah Noor Mohd. Noor

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study is an attempt to suggest that persuasion is employed in thesis writing . Based on the Social Constructionist Approach , the present study proposes that persuasion in thesis writing is implicit. This is in line with the demands of the academic community that expects scientific language to be objective. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted in the study. The major study is a qualitative analysis based on a corpus made up of fourteen (14) Master's theses that were randomly selected from the Arts and Science fields. Two quantitative analyses were also conducted on the corpus. The first …

An Evaluation Of An Esp Course At A Polytechnic In Malaysia, Kee Fong Yoo

Student Works (2000-2009)

This study evaluates the Al04 Commercial English 1 (CE 1) course at the Ungku Omar Polytechnic (PUO). It is specifically aimed at determining the perceptions of first year commerce students and language teachers with regard to the strengths and weaknesses of the course, and their recommendations for improvement. Two sets of questionnaires were administered to a total of 70 respondents, comprising 37 Certificate in Business Studies (CBS) and 26 Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) students, and 7 language teachers. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 students and 5 teachers. Data gathered from the questionnaires was analyzed using frequency …

Teaching Spelling: An Integrated Developmental Approach Within The First Grade Reading And Writing Curriculum, Dorothy Bower

All Graduate Projects

There has been extensive research concerning various instructional procedures for the acquisition of spelling skills. Many research-based principles of effective spelling instruction have emerged from one of two contrasting models for the development of spelling competence. Traditionally, spelling has been taught with textbooks and workbooks. Students followed a structured program with the goal oflearning to spell the weekly list of words. According to the traditional model, spelling is taught as a separate curriculum. Advocates for spelling reform suggest spelling instruction should be based on the understanding of the developmental nature of the child. This project report provides guidelines and strategies …

Balanced Reading In An Intermediate Classroom, Rochelle Marie Cramer

All Graduate Projects

Research in the process of balancing the reading curriculum was read, evaluated and summarized. This research showed the need for further study in the areas of shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, and responding to literature; as combining these four components create a balanced reading program. In a balanced approach students receive skill and strategy instruction in addition to reading and responding to authentic literature. A yearlong balanced reading guide and ten sample supporting lessons were created for the intermediate grade teachers at Washington State Centennial Elementary in the Bethel School District.

Ways To Promote Literacy, Heidi Lynn Desteunder

All Graduate Projects

The process by which literacy develops in children and ways to promote literacy development were studied. The review of related literature showed support that children's literacy development begins in infancy, that it develops through a set of stages, and that active involvement of parents and caregivers does promote literacy development. A handbook for parents of children from preschool through elementary school was created. The handbook includes a continuum of literacy development and activities to encourage its growth.

The Importance Of Phonemic Awareness In Initial Reading Acquisition And How You Can Support It In Your First Grade Classroom: A Handbook For Educators, Jan Pearson Golob

All Graduate Projects

The significance of phonemic awareness in initial reading acquisition was researched. The research suggests that those children without phonemic awareness will struggle with learning to read. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook contains songs and activities either extracted from or modeled after those that had already been field tested in many classrooms.

Promoting Reading Literacy In The Home Of Spanish Speaking Students, Erica G. Rodgriguez

All Graduate Projects

Research related to the bilingual and bicultural issues of emergent literacy, family literacy, and intergenerational literacy, factors that promote literacy, parent involvement, and family literacy programs was read, evaluated, and summarized. From this literature review it became evident that when children develop literacy skills in their native language and/or English and learn to interact with literacy, learning to read and write becomes easier. A handbook, written in English and Spanish, was designed and printed providing reading strategies and activities for parents to promote reading literacy in the home.

Using Technology To Support The Implementation Of Vocabulary And Comprehension Strategies, Lisa Beames

Graduate Research Papers

This project is a workshop intended to enhance teacher knowledge of assisting students in comprehending informational text. It is supported by research and maintains the instructional goals of providing participants with not only knowledge of current research, but also provides for the development of age and content appropriate hands-on graphic organizers. Graphic organizers are a strategy that have been documented to hold great potential in improving reading comprehension.

Portfolios As An Alternative Assessment, Carmine Z. Draude

Graduate Research Papers

During the past decade, there has been a shift in paradigms by educational reformers to provide a more authentic means of student assessment in our schools. These assessments need to be multidimensional and provide a more accurate picture of students' abilities. The portfolio is one type of alternative assessment that has proven to do this.

This paper discusses the use of portfolios with a group of ninth grade students enrolled in an English course. These portfolios were a systematic collection of the students' work to demonstrate how (1) they have developed and grown academically and (2) how their attitudes and …

Invented Spelling : The Role Of Developmental Spelling In Early Childhood Classrooms, Cynthia L. Ford

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of Invented Spelling in early childhood classrooms. The primary focus of this paper was to develop guidelines which should be used to implement a model program. The literature examined included the features of Invented Spelling and the stages of Invented Spelling. Also, the advantage and disadvantages of Invented Spelling were discussed.

The conclusion of this paper offers suggestions to educators on how to implement a model Invented Spelling program. Recommendations for further research in the area are stated.