This study examines the impact of two different models of teaching English to Chinese children, to see whether it meets learners&rsquo / needs. These two different approaches appear to lead to different result for children. The results of the analysis appear to show that this teaching programme is failing the children at Z&rsquo / SL. Therefore, the course needs to be reviewed and improved. Four research tools were used in this study: interviews, questionnaires, classroom observation, and document analysis. Interviews and questionnaires were distributed to coordinators and teachers at both schools. Questionnaires were also distributed to the parents of students. Classroom observation was done during normal class time by the researcher. The document analysis dealt with the analysis of the textbooks.<br /> <br /> The results of the study appear to show that the teaching programme in English at Z&rsquo / SL has failed to meet the children&rsquo / s needs. The materials are not designed for young learner&rsquo / s needs. They just emphasize the four skills of English in an English environment, but neglect the relatively unstable language situation of the children. The teaching methodology emphasized the direct method, but neglected children&rsquo / s needs. Children should be taught to know how to use a language in the society they live in and to learn a second language effectively for actual use. This study concludes that two-way bilingual education and the cognitive developmental approach are most effective to develop dual language proficiency for Chinese children in their native language and English in order to bring up the children as members of Chinese society. Additive bilingualism education is also appropriate for Chinese children when the home language is a majority language and the school is adding a second minority or majority language. Another consideration is that collaboration between parents and teachers is more effective to provide opportunities for children to maintain their own language and culture while children acquire a second language.

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Mak Ho-Yan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-147). / Abstract and questionnaires in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background of the Present Study --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- English as Foreign Language (FL) in Mainland China --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- The Problems of Learning / Teaching English in Mainland China --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- A Response: The Present Study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Significance of the Study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4 --- Organization of this Thesis --- p.6 / Chapter 2 --- REVIEW OF LITERATURE --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1 --- Notion of Language Proficiency --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Language Proficiency in General --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Oral Language Proficiency --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Working Definition of Oral Language Proficiency --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2 --- Communicative Language Teaching and Learning --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3 --- Task-based Learning --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Definition of 'Task' --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Tasks for Second Language Learning --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Guidelines for Incorporating Element of Learners' Active Involvement in Task Design --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Task-based Instructions --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4 --- Related Theories in Task-based Learning and Teaching --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Input Hypothesis --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Interaction Hypothesis --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Output Hypothesis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Humanistic Education and Experiential Learning --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Learner-centredness --- p.32 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Cooperative Learning and Group-based Learning --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.6.1 --- Cooperative learning --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.6.2 --- Language development through (cooperative) group work --- p.34 / Chapter 2.5 --- Immersion Programmes --- p.36 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Formal Immersion --- p.37 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Non-formal Immersion Programmes --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.2.1 --- "Approach to programme implementation: A ""Short, Sharp, Shock"" [3-S] Procedure" --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.2.2 --- English-speaking environment --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.2.3 --- Relaxing and enjoyable learning environment --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.2.4 --- Flexibility in time management and sufficient room for dynamism --- p.41 / Chapter 2.5.2.5 --- Cooperative and supportive learning environment --- p.41 / Chapter 2.6 --- Summary of the Chapter --- p.44 / Chapter 2.7 --- Research Questions --- p.45 / Chapter 3 --- DESIGN OF THE STUDY --- p.46 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2 --- General and Specific Research Hypotheses --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3 --- Selection of Subjects --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4 --- Group Leaders and Their Roles in the Study --- p.49 / Chapter 3.5 --- Identification and Classification of Tasks for the Immersion Programme --- p.50 / Chapter 3.6 --- Selection of Tasks --- p.53 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Interactivity-oriented Task --- p.53 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Fluency-oriented Tasks --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6.3 --- Accuracy-oriented Tasks --- p.55 / Chapter 3.6.4 --- Integrated Tasks --- p.55 / Chapter 3.6.5 --- General Characteristics of Tasks Selected --- p.55 / Chapter 3.7 --- Non-formal Immersion Programme --- p.57 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Characteristics of Non-formal Immersion Programme --- p.57 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- Sequencing and Grading Tasks --- p.59 / Chapter 3.8 --- Construction of Research Instruments --- p.62 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Oral Proficiency Interview --- p.62 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Students' Pre-programme and Post-programme Questionnaire --- p.63 / Chapter 3.8.3 --- Subjects' Perception / Evaluation of Task Effectiveness --- p.64 / Chapter 3.8.4 --- Post-programme Semi-structured Narrative Journal --- p.64 / Chapter 3.9 --- Previous Design Experience --- p.65 / Chapter 3.10 --- Experimental Procedure --- p.66 / Chapter 3.10.1 --- Overview of the Experimental Procedure --- p.66 / Chapter 3.10.2 --- Administering the Orientation for Group Leaders --- p.68 / Chapter 3.10.3 --- Administering the Pre- and the Post-programme Interview --- p.69 / Chapter 3.10.4 --- The Non-formal Immersion Programme --- p.70 / Chapter 3.10.4.1 --- Administrating the programme --- p.70 / Chapter 3.10.4.2 --- Implementation of tasks --- p.70 / Chapter 3.10.4.3 --- Leaders' daily programme evaluation --- p.72 / Chapter 3.10.5 --- Administrating Subjects' Evaluation of Task Effectiveness --- p.73 / Chapter 3.10.6 --- Administrating Team Leader's Observation --- p.74 / Chapter 3.10.7 --- Administrating Post-programme Semi-structured Reflective Journal --- p.74 / Chapter 3.10.8 --- Administrating Post-programme Questionnaire and Oral Language Proficiency Interview --- p.74 / Chapter 3.11 --- Methods of Data Analysis --- p.74 / Chapter 3.11.1 --- Pre-and Post-programme Questionnaires --- p.75 / Chapter 3.11.2 --- Pre- and Post-Programme Oral Interviews --- p.76 / Chapter 3.11.3 --- Subjects' Evaluation of Task Effectiveness --- p.76 / Chapter 3.11.4 --- Qualitative Data from Reflective Journal and from Team Leader's Fieldnotes --- p.78 / Chapter 3.12 --- Summary of Chapter 3 --- p.79 / Chapter 4 --- DATA ANALYSIS --- p.80 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2 --- Immersion Effect on Subjects' Oral English Proficiency --- p.81 / Chapter 4.3 --- Task Effectiveness --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Perceived Effectiveness of Task-Types in Enhancing Accuracy --- p.84 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Perceived Effectiveness of Task-Types in Enhancing Fluency --- p.85 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Perceived Effectiveness of Task-Types in Enhancing Interactivity --- p.86 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- "Effectiveness of Accuracy-oriented Task-type in Enhancing / Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- "Effectiveness of Fluency-oriented Task Type in Enhancing & Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- "Effectiveness of Interactivity-oriented Task Type in Enhancing & Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- "Effectiveness of Integrated Task Type in Enhancing / Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3.8 --- Summary of Section 4.3 --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.8.1 --- Accuracy enhancement --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.8.2 --- Fluency-enhancement --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.8.3 --- Interactivity enhancement --- p.92 / Chapter 4.4 --- A Brief Summary of the Quantitative Results --- p.92 / Chapter 4.5 --- The Research Hypotheses Tested --- p.93 / Chapter 4.6 --- Reflective Journal --- p.95 / Chapter 4.6.1 --- "Providing an ""English Speaking Environment""" --- p.97 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- Enhancing Subjects' Confidence in Speaking and Using English --- p.99 / Chapter 4.6.3 --- Evaluating Subjects' Overall Performance in Programme --- p.100 / Chapter 4.6.4 --- Helping to Acquire a Higher Level of Communicative Fluency --- p.100 / Chapter 4.6.5 --- "Helping to Acquire a Higher Level of Accuracy (Pronunciation, Accent, and Stress)" --- p.100 / Chapter 4.6.6 --- Helping to Acquire a Higher Level of Interactivity --- p.101 / Chapter 4.6.7 --- "Stimulating and Developing ""Creativity""" --- p.102 / Chapter 4.6.8 --- Additional Comments --- p.102 / Chapter 4.7 --- Summary of the Major Findings --- p.105 / Chapter 4.8 --- Summary of the Chapter --- p.106 / Chapter 5 --- DISCUSSION --- p.107 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2 --- The Impact of the Programme on Learners' Attitudes and Language Learning Behaviour --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Humanistic (Language) Education --- p.108 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Experiential Learning --- p.111 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Cooperative Learning --- p.112 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Learner-centredness Task-based Design --- p.114 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- "A Short, Sharp, Shock (3S) Learning Experience" --- p.115 / Chapter 5.3 --- Programme Impact on Oral Proficiency Enhancement --- p.116 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- General Discussion of the Programme Impact on Oral Proficiency Enhancement --- p.116 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Roles of Designated Tasks in Pinpointing Specific Proficiency Area(s) --- p.118 / Chapter 5.4 --- Sequencing of Tasks for a Balanced Language Development --- p.119 / Chapter 5.5 --- Summary of Chapter Five --- p.123 / Chapter 6 --- CONCLUSION --- p.124 / Chapter 6.1 --- Limitations of the Present Research --- p.124 / Chapter 6.2 --- Pedagogical Implications --- p.125 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Implications for Curriculum / Programme Designs --- p.125 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- The Classroom Implications --- p.129 / Chapter 6.3 --- Suggestions for Further Research --- p.135 / Chapter 6.4 --- Summary --- p.137 / Chapter 7 --- REFERENCE --- p.139

This study draws on ethnographic methods to provide background information for the English as a Second Language teacher who looks out at the classroom and asks, 6 Who are these Chinese students?" The goal is to let Chinese students describe for themselves their experiences learning English, both in China and in the United States.

For Chinese EFL learners, the skill of vocabulary learning is one of the most essential elements in their English learning process. Many Chinese students transfer their familiar character-learning strategies, which include shape identification and rote memorization, in their English word-learning process. As a result, they may spend time and effort associating the shape, the sound, and the meaning of an English word before they learn and memorize it. Since they do not take advantage of the correspondence between the print and the sound, their vocabulary-learning process seems to be less effective.

No description available.

Not available / text

published_or_final_version / Linguistics / Master / Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics

This thesis investigates the second language acquisition of English psych predicates by Chinese-speaking and French-speaking adult learners of English within the Government and Binding Theory. Two major parts comprise the whole work: a study of psych predicates across Chinese, English and French, including verbs like blame and annoy, adjectives such as annoying and annoyed, and nominals like annoyance; and an experiment on Chinese and French learners' knowledge of English psych predicates. / An account of psych predicates is proposed, under which Experiencer Object (EO) verbs are the causatives of Experiencer Subject (ES) verbs, derived by zero affixation. Different D-structures are suggested for the two classes of verbs, solving the linking problem of psych predicates. The binding problem with EO verbs and corresponding -ing adjectives is resolved by the assumption of anaphoric pro, which enables the anaphor to be bound backwards by the antecedent through the extension of chain-binding theory. The Target/Subject Matter (T/SM) restriction is ruled out by a generalization established on the interaction of the zero CAUS and selectional restrictions. / Given the linguistic analysis that EO verbs are made up of a zero CAUS and a root, and the fact that psych adjectives and psych nominals are derived from these verbs, the central hypothesis for the L2 acquisition of English psych predicates hinges on this zero CAUS. It is predicted that if L2 learners of English have difficulty figuring out the causative nature of EO verbs and -ing adjectives, they should have difficulty recognizing the correct argument structure, the ungrammaticality of T/SM violations and the grammaticality of backwards binding with these predicates. A picture identification task, a multiple choice task and a grammaticality judgment and correction task are designed to test L2 learners' knowledge of these properties. The results obtained through the experiment are discussed with respect to the issues in second language acquisition.

This cross-cultural study examined the preferences of 137 Taiwanese EFL students and 97 ESL Quebecois students for specific types of corrective feedback, as well as their attitudes and beliefs about error correction, and those of 12 Taiwanese English instructors and 12 native English teachers in Quebec. All participants completed two questionnaires, the first eliciting overall preferences and attitudes for corrective feedback, and the second eliciting preferences for specific types of feedback aurally modeled through a digital recording designed for the purpose of this study. In addition, a subsample of participants was selected for follow-up interviews. Descriptive analysis of the initial questionnaire coupled with trends found in interview data revealed cross-cultural differences in preferences for types of errors to correct, the use of correction, rates of correction and affective reactions to error correction. However, statistical analysis of the data yielded by the main elicitation instrument revealed similar preferences within both cultural groups, with explicit correction being ranked highest, followed by recasts and then prompts.