{"title":"Towards the Synergy of Genre- and Corpus-Based Approaches to Academic Writing Research and Pedagogy","authors":"Xiaofei Lu, J. Casal, Yingying Liu","doi":"10.4018/ijcallt.2021010104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijcallt.2021010104","url":null,"abstract":"This paper outlines the research agenda of a framework that integrates corpus- and genre-based approaches to academic writing research and pedagogy. This framework posits two primary goals of academic writing pedagogy, that is, to help novice writers develop knowledge of the rhetorical functions characteristic of academic discourse and become proficient in making appropriate linguistic choices to materialize such functions. To these ends, research in this framework involves 1) compilation of corpora of academic writing annotated for rhetorical functions, 2) analysis of the organization and distribution of such functions, 3) analysis of the linguistic features associated with different functions, 4) development of computational tools to automate functional annotation, 5) use of the annotated corpora in academic writing pedagogy, and 6) exploration of the role of form-function mappings in academic writing assessment. The implications of this framework for promoting consistent attention to form-function mappings in academic writing research, pedagogy, and assessment are discussed.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82759276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Debates in English Language Education","authors":"Soraya García-Sánchez","doi":"10.4018/ijcallt.2020100103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijcallt.2020100103","url":null,"abstract":"Discussing and reasoning remain essential activities in a 21st educational and professional ecosystem, which are often supported by multimodal communication. This paper links learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to a professional and communicative approach through the debate task, which is supported by a ubiquitous CALL/MALL environment. This study will show the proposed structure of the debate in order to establish interdependent and collaborative work that can be successfully planned by means of combining 21st cognitive and communicative skills that will enhance students' EFL performance in Higher Education. Students' decisions to explore target content, role positions, and the production of well-linked communicative messages in EFL will be shown at upper intermediate level B1+/B2. The empirical data suggests that interactive patterns and argumentative rebuttals in English encourage a multimodal educational and professional ecosystem for 21st century learners, who use face-to-face and technological devices to interact with each other and to access ubiquitous information.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75372448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"University L2 Learners' Voices and Experience in Making Use of Dictionary Apps in Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)","authors":"Qing Ma","doi":"10.4018/ijcallt.2019100102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijcallt.2019100102","url":null,"abstract":"Language learners can now access language learning information anywhere and anytime with handheld mobile devices connected to unlimited online information. Searching the meaning of unknown language items encountered online may be the first step for language learning to take place. Making good use of e-dictionaries and dictionary apps is a key factor that affects learning efficiency. Using a survey questionnaire completed by more than 200 participants and examining both quantitative and qualitative data, this study investigated how Hong Kong university L2 learners make use of dictionary apps and probed into what dictionary functions they actually use and what functions they desire when they engage in MALL. Four categories of dictionary functions, including lexical information, extra resources, lexical tutors, and lexical tools, are used to describe all dictionary functions that students accessed or desired. The results show that dictionary apps have become essential tools for Hong Kong university students to learn an L2 as well as facilitate their academic studies; bilingual dictionaries with multiple functions and rich resources are meaning decoders that help students engage in learning both in their subject courses and English learning. Some discrepancies exist in learners' actual use and desired use of dictionary functions, which deserve the further attention of both app developers and language teachers to improve learners' efficiency of vocabulary learning. In addition, teachers play an important role in guiding students' lexical learning. Based on the findings, a framework for understanding Hong Kong university students' choice and use of dictionary apps is provided, based on which implications are offered and discussed.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"96 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73924454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Investigation of Chinese Older Adults' Self-Directed English Learning Experience Using Mobile Apps","authors":"Yangting Wang, M. Christiansen","doi":"10.4018/ijcallt.2019100104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijcallt.2019100104","url":null,"abstract":"A majority of research on mobile-assisted language learning focuses on traditional English language learners: thus, little attention has been paid to older adult learners. The purpose of the study is to explore the learning experiences of Chinese older adults using the free and popular English learning mobile apps, Duolingo/Hello English, Baicizhan, and Liulishuo, in a self-directed learning (SDL) context. A 17-week sequential mixed-methods study was designed. 55 older adults from age 45 to 85 participated. The informed grounded theory was used and Saldana's coding techniques for qualitative analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. Findings demonstrate that older adults persisted in learning using mobile apps for 17 weeks and increased their vocabulary significantly. Finally, a transformational learning model called MISAPP was created based on the empirical data and the SDL theory.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81085150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Language Teacher Beliefs About Technology","authors":"Emily A. Hellmich","doi":"10.4018/ijcallt.2019100101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijcallt.2019100101","url":null,"abstract":"Much of the work done on language teacher beliefs about technology remains limited to the individual or institutional scales. This study responds to calls to reinsert language teaching and learning into a larger ecosystem by examining language teacher beliefs and uses of technology from an ecological theoretical perspective. Using a case study research design comprised of interviews and participant observations, the study analyzed two language teachers' beliefs and uses of technology in terms of beliefs (language, learning, technology) and scales (temporal, spatial). Analysis revealed multiple beliefs, such as language for cultural understanding and technology as a threat, that were produced at multiple scale levels. Analysis also revealed layered interactions between beliefs and scales that has led to tensions in both beliefs and uses of technology, such as the societal pressure to include technology that clashed with personal and institutional understandings of learning. Implications for how to address this complexity are discussed.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88738762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effectiveness of Different Modalities in Facilitating Grammar Acquisition in the Flipped Classroom","authors":"Hongying Xu","doi":"10.4018/ijcallt.2019100103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/ijcallt.2019100103","url":null,"abstract":"The flipped classroom model (FC), as a new instructional approach, has been implemented by different disciplines over the past few years. However, the use of this model is still in its infancy in the field of foreign language education. The present study explored the efficacy of using the FC model in facilitating the acquisition of grammar among novice level learners of Chinese as a foreign language by measuring their comprehension and awareness of usage of the target grammar patterns as well as by collecting responses from a semi-open-ended questionnaire regarding learners' experience of and attitudes towards the FC model.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84304180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges to Overcome and Scaffolding to Build on","authors":"Hao Yang, Zhiqiang Ma","doi":"10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070104","url":null,"abstract":"While current research on the flipped classroom generally focuses on test results and (or) student/teacher perceptions as a measurement of its pedagogical efficacy, students' adaptation to it and the essential conditions for its application are rarely explored. This exploratory case study aims to rectify this by examining how university students adapted to flipped classrooms implemented in a public university in East China. The findings suggest that while the flipped model is impeded by entrenched polarity between students in terms of their learning dispositions and academic competence, students do develop a prototype of theories of learning, a sense of better self through learning from their peers and an awareness of the importance of intrinsic motivation. A gradualist approach is thus proposed for implementing flipped classrooms, which requires longitudinal studies accordingly to understand its long-term effects on learning behavior hitherto left unexplored.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"44 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070104","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72429356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Machine Learning Based Taxonomy and Analysis of English Learners' Translation Errors","authors":"Ying Qin","doi":"10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070105","url":null,"abstract":"This study extracts the comments from a large scale of Chinese EFL learners' translation corpus to study the taxonomy of translation errors. Two unsupervised machine learning approaches are used to obtain the computational evidences of translation error taxonomy. After manually revision, ten types of English to Chinese (E2C) and eight types Chinese to English (C2E) translation errors are finally confirmed. There probably exists three categories of top-level errors according to the hierarchical clustering results. In addition, three supervised learning methods are applied to automatically recognize the types of errors, among which the highest performance reaches F1 = 0.85 on E2C and F1 = 0.90 on C2E translation. Further comparison to the intuitive or theoretical studies on translation taxonomy shows some phenomenon accompanied by language skill improvement of Chinese learners. Analysis on translation problems based on machine learning provides the objective insight and understanding on the students' translations.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"71 6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87734015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Collocations with The Prime Machine","authors":"Stephen Jeaco","doi":"10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070103","url":null,"abstract":"One of the greatest impacts of corpus linguistics on language teaching has been in the recognition of the importance of collocation. A very influential guide for language teachers with regard to teaching collocation has been the Lexical Approach. Activities pointing students to rich collocational information in monolingual dictionaries, in texts and specifically in collocation dictionaries provided ways for language learners to engage with collocation information: to notice, to remember and to acquire. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Data Driven Learning and new tools are now available to allow students to access collocation information from corpora for themselves. After introducing some pedagogic considerations, this article presents some of the features of The Prime Machine which were developed to support DDL activities focussed on collocation.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"62 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83970440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Five Keys from the Past to the Future of CALL","authors":"Philip Hubbard","doi":"10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/IJCALLT.2019070101","url":null,"abstract":"Current trends in CALL such as mobile learning, gamification, and use of social media appear to represent major shifts in the digital language learning landscape. However, these and other applications of technology to mediate language learning may be informed by reflecting not only on the present but perhaps more importantly on relevant insights from past research and practice. This article draws on selected studies and the author's experience to lay out five key lessons learned over more than three decades in CALL. These lessons involve understanding: 1) the cycle of technology adoption; 2) the dimensions of technology mediation in the language learning process; 3) the promise and limitations of CALL research; 4) the critical importance of teacher education and professional development in an age of continuous change; and 5) the need for learner training for effective technology use. Teachers, researchers, and developers alike are encouraged to reflect on these lessons as they create and seek to control the technologies, tasks, and activities of the future.","PeriodicalId":43610,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching","volume":"29 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2019-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74906953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}