Thesis (Ed.D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University, 1995. / Includes tables. Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: JoAnne Kleifgen. Dissertation Committee: Clifford Hill. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 171-175).

The challenges in learning pinyin, the romanized Chinese orthography, faced by 5-to-7-year-olds, have received little attention. This study represents an attempt to better understand learning an alphabetic writing system from the viewpoint of the alphabetic principle, in the context of the Chinese language, by examining both reading aloud and spelling, with a particular focus on spelling. To detect the challenges, a pinyin syllable-type test (STT) was developed, in which syllables were classified into seven spelling types guided by the alphabetic principle, where there is a letter-sound correspondence. Syllables of all the lengths under each type of spelling pattern were given to two age groups, 6-year-old first-grade pupils and 7-year-old second-grade pupils, at the start of their school year. The sample consists of a total of 192 pupils. In spelling, the STT reveals that challenges appear when the spelling type departs from the alphabetic principle. The results show that the hardest type of spelling is not the type containing the longest syllables, but a type one-half of that length, for which the correspondence between letters and sounds is abridged, but explicitly taught. In contrast, the latter type poses no problem in the reading-aloud test, where the results show little variation between the spelling types. Comparing the students' performance on the STT shows an order of challenges among the seven types emerging in the first grade. This order is confirmed in the second grade in some types but not others. The pupils' raw data reveal not only what is challenging but also why it is so. Along with an indication of the influence from the local speech, the data also point to the effect of the teaching method, which is more or less uniform all over China. Thus, there is a possible application of the findings to a larger population.

The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of students from China's Henan province regarding inequities they experience in the Chinese higher education system based solely on their geography. Henan students are required to score higher than students from other provinces on the Chinese National College Entrance Examinations (NCEE) in order to apply for admission into Chinese top tier universities. Yet despite having higher scores than their peers from other provinces and meeting all admissions requirements, Henan students have little guarantee of admission. The study systematically reviews the history of the Chinese higher education system to contextualize the impact of current NCEE policies and procedures. The perceptions of six Henan students currently studying in the top tiered Chinese University were gathered using qualitative interviews and explored for commonalities and differences. The students’ responses reveal a range of feelings from anger to acceptance, and even gratitude for the ways the inequities impacted their lives. This work increases our understanding of the link between geography and access to Chinese top tiered university and the effects of that link on students from Henan province. / School of Education; / Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Education Leaders (IDPEL) / EdD; / Dissertation;

徐匡謀. / 據稿本複印. / Thesis (M.A.) -- 香港中文大學硏究院敎育學部. / Ju gao ben fu yin. / Includes bibliographic references: leaves (167-172). / Xu Kuangmou. / Thesis (M.A.) -- Xianggang Zhong wen da xue yan jiu yuan jiao yu xue bu. / Chapter 第一章 --- 導言 / 問題說明 --- p.1 / 有關文獻 --- p.11 / 假設 --- p.26 / 定義 --- p.28 / Chapter 第二章 --- 研究方法 / 研究設計 --- p.35 / 研究對象 --- p.37 / 研究工具 --- p.43 / 資料收集 --- p.44 / 資料分析 --- p.48 / Chapter 第三章 --- 結果與討論 / 量化分析結果與討論 --- p.57 / 質化分析結果與討論 --- p.115 / Chapter 第四章 --- 摘要，結論及建議 / 摘要與結論 --- p.138 / 建議 --- p.157

Discusses issues concerning the role of a program administrator in designing instructional units and managing language schools in Taiwan for adult learners (age 18 and up) in the English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) context. Offers useful EFL teaching strategies in speaking and writing and gives program administrators tips on organizing schools and designing good instructional units.

Chan, Wai Nga Gloria. / Thesis submitted in: December 2006. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 278-285). / Abstracts in English and Chinese ; appendix also in Chinese. / ABSTRACT (ENGLISH) --- p.i / ABSTRACT (CHINESE) --- p.iv / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.vi / TABLE OF CONTENT --- p.viii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.xix / Chapter Chapter 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1. --- Background to this Study --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2. --- Purpose of this Study --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3. --- Significance of this Study --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4. --- Organization of this Thesis --- p.3 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2 --- "Motivation, Investment and Language Learning" --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Socio-psychological Approach to Motivation --- p.5 / Chapter 2.2.1.1 --- Motivation as a Socio-educational Model --- p.7 / Chapter 2.2.1.2 --- Instrumental and Integrative Motivation --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Motivation in Self-determination Theory --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2.2.1 --- Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Individual Differences and Language Learning --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Personality --- p.18 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Self-esteem --- p.19 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Motivation and Investment of Adult Language Learners --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.4.1 --- Differences between Child-Adult Learners --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.4.2 --- Investment of Adult Language Learners --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Language Learning and Socio-cultural Theory --- p.27 / Chapter 2.3 --- Shift in Perspective in Adult Education from Transmission of Knowledge to Transformative Learning --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Different Perspectives on Adult Education --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Mezirow's Transformative Learning Theory --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Definition and the Emergence of Mezirow's Transformative Theory --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- Transformation in Meaning Perspectives and Meaning Schemes --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.2.3 --- Indication of Transformative Learning --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Recognition of the Value of Lifelong Learning in Hong Kong --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4 --- Summary --- p.37 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- METHODOLOGY --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.39 / Chapter 3.2 --- Research Design --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3 --- Participants --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Selection Criteria for the Focused Cases --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Demographic and Language Background --- p.41 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Profile of Participants --- p.42 / Chapter 3.4 --- Instrumentation --- p.46 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Focus Group Interviews --- p.47 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Participant Observation and Informal Conversation --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Semi-structured Individual Interviews --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Survey --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- Triangulation of Data --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5 --- Data Collection and Processing --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Open-ended Focus Group Interviews --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Semi-structured Individual Interview --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6 --- Data Analysis --- p.55 / Chapter 3.7 --- Validity and Reliability --- p.55 / Chapter 3.8 --- Ethics --- p.57 / Chapter 3.9 --- Limitations --- p.58 / Chapter 3.10 --- Summary --- p.59 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS -SUN AND KRISTY'S STORIES --- p.61 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2 --- Sun's Story --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- English Learning and Use in Childhood --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.1.1 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.1.1.1 --- Parental Influence --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.1.1.2 --- Influence of Siblings --- p.65 / Chapter 4.2.1.1.3 --- Influence of Community --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.1.2 --- Formal Schooling (Kindergarten to Secondary Three) --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2.1.2.1 --- Learning Experiences in Formal Schools --- p.68 / Chapter 4.2.1.2.2 --- English Teachers --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2.1.2.3 --- Attitudes Towards Education and English Learning in Formal Schools --- p.73 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- English Language Learning and Use in the Workplace --- p.76 / Chapter 4.2.2.1 --- Recognition and Confidence Gained from the Workplace --- p.77 / Chapter 4.2.2.2 --- Use of English in the Workplace --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2.2.3 --- Attitudes Towards English and English Learning in the Workplace. --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Returning to the English Classroom --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.3.1 --- Motivation --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.3.2 --- Attitudes Towards English and English Learning --- p.83 / Chapter 4.2.3.3 --- Investment in Learning English --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.3.4 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.88 / Chapter 4.2.3.5 --- English Learning Experiences in Adulthood --- p.93 / Chapter 4.2.3.6 --- Course Instructors --- p.94 / Chapter 4.2.3.7 --- Classmates --- p.96 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Impact of English Learning at Adulthood --- p.101 / Chapter 4.2.4.1 --- Increased Confidence in Using English --- p.101 / Chapter 4.2.4.2 --- Better Job Opportunities --- p.102 / Chapter 4.2.4.3 --- Better Self-perception --- p.103 / Chapter 4.2.4.4 --- Psychological Well-being --- p.104 / Chapter 4.3 --- Kristy's Story --- p.105 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- English Learning and Use in Childhood --- p.105 / Chapter 4.3.1.1 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3.1.1.1 --- Influence of Parents --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3.1.1.2 --- Influence of Siblings --- p.109 / Chapter 4.3.1.1.3 --- Influence of Community --- p.110 / Chapter 4.3.1.2 --- Formal Schooling (Kindergarten to Secondary Four) --- p.111 / Chapter 4.3.1.2.1 --- Learning Experiences in Formal Schools --- p.111 / Chapter 4.3.1.2.2 --- English Teachers --- p.115 / Chapter 4.3.1.2.3 --- Attitudes Towards Education and English Language Learning --- p.119 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- English Language Learning and Use at the Workplace --- p.121 / Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Use of English in the Workplace --- p.122 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Attitudes Towards English and English Learning at the Workplace --- p.123 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Returning to the English Classroom as an Adult --- p.124 / Chapter 4.3.3.1 --- Motivation --- p.124 / Chapter 4.3.3.2 --- Attitude Towards English and English Learning --- p.125 / Chapter 4.3.3.3 --- Investment in Learning English --- p.125 / Chapter 4.3.3.4 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.127 / Chapter 4.3.3.5 --- English Learning Experiences in Adulthood --- p.132 / Chapter 4.3.3.6 --- Course Instructors --- p.133 / Chapter 4.3.3.7 --- Classmates --- p.134 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Impact of English Learning in Adulthood --- p.137 / Chapter 4.3.4.1 --- Increased Self-confidence and Confidence in Using English --- p.137 / Chapter 4.3.4.2 --- Better Job Opportunities --- p.140 / Chapter 4.3.4.3 --- Psychological Well-being --- p.142 / Chapter 4.4 --- Summary --- p.143 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS -EVA AND PAM'S STORIES --- p.148 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.148 / Chapter 5.2 --- Eva's Story --- p.150 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- English Learning and Use in Childhood --- p.150 / Chapter 5.2.1.1 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.150 / Chapter 5.2.1.1.1 --- Influence of Parents and Siblings --- p.150 / Chapter 5.2.1.1.2 --- The Influence of Community --- p.153 / Chapter 5.2.1.2 --- Formal Schooling (Kindergarten to Secondary One) --- p.155 / Chapter 5.2.1.2.1 --- Learning Experiences in Formal Schools --- p.156 / Chapter 5.2.1.2.2 --- English Teachers --- p.158 / Chapter 5.2.1.2.3 --- Attitudes Towards Education and English Language Learning --- p.166 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- English Language Learning and Use at the Workplace --- p.168 / Chapter 5.2.2.1 --- Use of English at the Workplace --- p.168 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Returning to the English Classroom as an Adult --- p.168 / Chapter 5.2.3.1 --- Motivation --- p.169 / Chapter 5.2.3.2 --- Attitude Towards English and English Learning --- p.170 / Chapter 5.2.3.3 --- Investment in Learning English --- p.172 / Chapter 5.2.3.4 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.176 / Chapter 5.2.3.5 --- English Learning Experiences in Adulthood --- p.181 / Chapter 5.2.3.6 --- Course Instructors --- p.181 / Chapter 5.2.3.7 --- Classmates --- p.182 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Impact of English Learning in Adulthood --- p.184 / Chapter 5.2.4.1 --- Increased Self-confidence --- p.184 / Chapter 5.2.4.2 --- Better Self-perception --- p.187 / Chapter 5.2.4.3 --- Psychological Well-being --- p.189 / Chapter 5.3 --- Pam's Story --- p.190 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- English Learning and Use in Childhood --- p.191 / Chapter 5.3.1.1 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.191 / Chapter 5.3.1.1.1 --- Influence of Parents and Siblings --- p.191 / Chapter 5.3.1.1.2 --- The Influence of Community --- p.196 / Chapter 5.3.1.2 --- Formal Schooling (Kindergarten to Secondary One) --- p.197 / Chapter 5.3.1.2.1 --- Learning Experiences in Formal Schools --- p.197 / Chapter 5.3.1.2.2 --- English Teachers --- p.198 / Chapter 5.3.1.2.3 --- Attitudes Towards Education and English Language Learning --- p.201 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- English Language Learning and Use at the Workplace --- p.203 / Chapter 5.3.2.1 --- Use of English at the Workplace --- p.203 / Chapter 5.3.2.2 --- Attitudes Towards English and English Learning at the Workplace --- p.203 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Returning to the English Classroom as an Adult --- p.204 / Chapter 5.3.3.1 --- Motivation --- p.204 / Chapter 5.3.3.2 --- Attitude Towards English and English Learning --- p.209 / Chapter 5.3.3.3 --- Investment in Learning English --- p.212 / Chapter 5.3.3.4 --- Influence of Family and Community --- p.215 / Chapter 5.3.3.5 --- English Learning Experiences in Adulthood --- p.217 / Chapter 5.3.3.6 --- Course Instructors --- p.217 / Chapter 5.3.3.7 --- Classmates --- p.220 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Impact of English Learning in Adulthood --- p.224 / Chapter 5.3.4.1 --- Better Job Opportunities --- p.224 / Chapter 5.3.4.2 --- Increased Self-confidence --- p.224 / Chapter 5.3.4.3 --- Better Self-perception --- p.226 / Chapter 5.4 --- Summary --- p.227 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS --- p.231 / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.231 / Chapter 6.2 --- Guiding Question One --- p.231 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Difficulties faced at home --- p.231 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Difficulties faced in school --- p.234 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Difficulties faced in community --- p.239 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Impact on adult language learning experiences --- p.240 / Chapter 6.3 --- Guiding Question Two --- p.243 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Motivation to return to the English classroom in adulthood --- p.244 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Investment in English learning --- p.245 / Chapter 6.4 --- Guiding Question Three --- p.251 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Better Job Opportunities --- p.252 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Increase in Self-confidence and Confidence in Using English --- p.253 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Better Self-perception --- p.255 / Chapter 6.4.4 --- Psychological Well-being --- p.258 / Chapter 6.5 --- Implications --- p.261 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- For Adult EFL Learners --- p.261 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- For Instructors of Adult EFL Learners --- p.264 / Chapter 6.5.2.1 --- The Potential Personal Qualities of a Good Instructor for Adult EFL Learners --- p.265 / Chapter 6.5.2.2 --- Adult EFL Learners' Needs and Appropriate Teaching --- p.268 / Chapter 6.5.3 --- For Formal School English Teachers --- p.274 / Chapter 6.6 --- Limitations of the Present Study --- p.275 / Chapter 6.7 --- Suggestions for Future Study --- p.276 / REFERENCES --- p.278 / Appendix A Questionnaire - Before Taking Any Adult English Language Course (English Version) --- p.286 / Appendix B Questionnaire 一 Before Taking Any Adult English Language Course (Chinese Version) --- p.290 / Appendix C Questionnaire - At The Present Stage (English Version) --- p.293 / Appendix D Questionnaire - At The Present Stage (Chinese Version) --- p.302 / Appendix E Interview Protocols - Childhood and Formal Schooling --- p.309 / Appendix F Interview Protocols - In Working Life and Adulthood --- p.316 / Appendix G Consent Form (English Version) --- p.323 / Appendix H Consent Form (Chinese Version) --- p.325

The project offers Taiwanese teachers who work with adults a new concept of teaching crosscultural negotiation skills as part of their EFL instruction. It also presents Taiwanese teachers with a method of analyzing their educational practice to encourage more active and engaged teaching with a useful curriculum and its corresponding assessment.