The primary purpose of this study was to determine if WebVR enhances the knowledge retention regarding mechanical components of high-risk moving machinery, specifically elevators. There were 23 participants divided into a treatment group and comparison group. The treatment group used WebVR to take a virtual elevator machine room tour while the comparison group studied printed images of the same elevator machine room. These alternative activities were conducted prior to a field trip to a real elevator machine room. Gains in knowledge pre to post were measured and compared between the treatment and comparison groups. The research findings showed an overall gain in knowledge for the participants in the elevator bootcamp. More in depth analysis showed the treatment group exhibited significant gains for six of the ten knowledge areas while the comparison group exhibited significant gains in three of the ten targeted knowledge areas. The treatment group gained more knowledge on components higher than eye-level while the comparison group scored better on components that were below eye-level or on the floor. Both groups were seen actively engaged in the field trips. The treatment group members exposed to the virtual reality elevator machine room frequently referred to what they saw in the WebVR while the comparison group did not refer to their printed images while on an actual tour of the elevator machine room. Virtual reality training of this type has the potential to improve basic knowledge and safety trainings. Added, it provides trainings to large numbers of people across the globe who would otherwise not receive such training. This type of training has the potential to save the lives of workers in high risk electro-mechanical spaces and similar settings in different industries.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether listening to music as an out-of-school activity, and English songs in particular, motivated a group of Swedish upper-secondary students to learn extramural English. One aspect that comes into focus is whether the students perceived that there were particular aspects of second language acquisition (SLA) that improved as a result of listening to music. The study focuses on the correlation between the needs of the listeners and the nature of their motivation for learning. This is a qualitative study based on the analysis of semi-structured interviews. The results show that all of the students perceived listening to music as an aid in their extramural English acquisition. A majority of the students had the intrinsic motivation for learning as they exhibited curiosity, emotions and internal needs as the primary factors that empowered them to expand their extramural English. The minority of the interviewees showed signs of extrinsic motivation to learn the vocabulary of the lyrics of the songs they listened to. The learning they experienced was linked to the expectancy in improving their academic performances. They may, however, have had a combination of the extrinsic and intrinsic forms of motivation where the former had a dominant position. In both cases the respondents showed awareness of the correlation between their extramural English acquisition and listening to vocal music. It is suggested that vocabulary acquisition was the primary aspect of language learning that benefited from listening to songs, followed by listening skills. The possibility to make their own choice to listen to music is linked to deep language learning, vocabulary learning in context and mastering listening skills.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the English teaching program at G&uuml / lhane Military Medical Faculty and suggest a new program based on the Monitor Model. The study, as an example of a systematic study of a language program and that of a proposed syllabus, is expected to aid the practice of English Language Teaching in Turkey. The data sources were 230 students, 25 doctors and 7 teachers. The data analysis showed that students do not like the contents of the course books. Students reported speaking and reading as priority skills. To understand and translate medical material, to get an overseas assignment, to talk to foreigners and to follow lectures were the common language-related goals. Students&amp / #8217 / , institution&amp / #8217 / s and doctors&amp / #8217 / needs and goals and available resources were surveyed and a new second language teaching program was suggested for Phase 1. A general curriculum model and a program design model were also suggested together with the syllabuses for Phase 1. In the suggested program, grammar, writing and other conscious learning activities are separated from comprehension or (subconscious) acquisition-based activities. The suggested design has three topic-based syllabuses organized in modular format for three levels: Advanced, intermediate and elementary. For the majority advanced level classes new materials need to be developed and for elementary and intermediate levels new course books are suggested. A sample module was prepared, piloted and the results are discussed. The piloted module was found better than the previous form of the lessons both by the students and the teachers.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal identificar e analisar os elementos linguÃsticos responsÃveis pela coerÃncia temÃtica em produÃÃes escritas de estudantes de nÃvel avanÃado de PortuguÃs LÃngua Estrangeira (PLE). Nosso objeto de pesquisa sÃo os mecanismos de coesÃo nominal em produÃÃes textuais escritas por esses estudantes. Os sujeitos produtores desses textos sÃo estudantes de diferentes nacionalidades que se encontram em mobilidade acadÃmica na UFC. O corpus da nossa pesquisa foi coletado durante o curso de PortuguÃs LÃngua Estrangeira: LÃngua e Cultura Brasileiras, ofertado pelo grupo de pesquisa GEPLA, no perÃodo de 2013.2. O foco principal do curso à desenvolver as capacidades de linguagem em estudantes estrangeiros, necessÃrias à comunicaÃÃo em contexto acadÃmico. Para isso, leva-se em consideraÃÃo o ensino e aprendizagem pautados nos gÃneros de texto, considerados tambÃm como um instrumento de aprendizagem de lÃnguas (SCHNEUWLY, 2004). Partimos, assim, do pressuposto de que o produto de uma interaÃÃo verbal sÃo textos e à atravÃs deles que apreendemos uma lÃngua (BRONCKART, 1999). Como embasamento teÃrico, utilizaremos os pressupostos do Interacionismo Sociodiscursivo (BRONCKART, 1999) e tambÃm da AnÃlise Textual do Discurso (ADAM, 2011). No primeiro nÃvel de anÃlise, utilizaremos o modelo descendente de anÃlise de textos. Destacaremos na nossa anÃlise, principalmente o contexto de produÃÃo, os nÃveis da arquitetura textual, como propostas por Bronckart (1999), e, sobretudo, as anÃforas. O segundo nÃvel de anÃlise, realizou-se para dar conta dos tipos de anÃfora. Para isso, apresentamos o contexto de ensino e aprendizagem de PLE na UFC, o perfil dos participantes do curso, as propostas de produÃÃo de texto e a anÃlise dos mecanismos de coesÃo nominal nas produÃÃes de textos resultantes desse processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Os resultados que apresentamos mostram que os estudantes utilizam recursos coesivos variados disponÃveis na lÃngua alvo para manter e fazer a progressÃo do conteÃdo temÃtico. Constatamos, tambÃm, que a mobilizaÃÃo de diferentes conhecimentos como os linguÃsticos e culturais da lÃngua alvo contribuem para a construÃÃo de um texto coerente tematicamente. No entanto, hà ainda algumas operaÃÃes de textualizaÃÃo realizadas que mostram que esses estudantes precisam desenvolver capacidades linguÃstico-discursivas em PLE, como podemos constatar a partir das repetiÃÃes lexicais, alÃm da estruturaÃÃo de SN que, muitas vezes, tornam as retomadas problemÃticas.

O presente trabalho é um estudo acerca do processo de compreensão do sentido das Expressões Idiomáticas (EIs) do espanhol por parte de aprendizes brasileiros adolescentes de espanhol como língua estrangeira (E/LE) à luz do Pensamento Complexo (MORIN, 2011) ou Complexidade, com base no modelo interpretativo de aquisição/aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras de Bruno (2006). Nesta pesquisa, foram aplicados dois testes de caráter qualitativo e experimental a aprendizes de um Centro de Estudos de Línguas do Estado de São Paulo, situado na cidade de São Paulo, de níveis com menos tempo de exposição à língua estrangeira (aproximadamente 240h/a), neste caso, o espanhol, e a aprendizes com mais tempo de exposição (a partir de 320h/a). Pedimos aos alunos que reformulassem em espanhol e em português dois enunciados na língua alvo, com uma EI verbal e com uma EI adverbial, respectivamente em diferentes momentos do curso. Os resultados revelam que nos dois testes há elementos linguísticos relevantes da língua meta no processo de compreensão do sentido da EI em espanhol, tal como, a forma apresentada que ativa aspectos gramaticais, semânticos e pragmático-discursivos bem próximos do que um falante nativo compreenderia, independente da faixa etária do aprendiz. Os dados também revelam que os gêneros discursivos e, mais especificamente, a cena enunciativa, são importantes nesse processo. No entanto, ao compararmos os dados, nota-se uma maior desestabilização no processamento destes por parte dos aprendizes ao terem contato com a EI adverbial. / The present job is a study about the process of comprehension of sense Spanish idioms for teenagers Brazilian apprentices of Spanish Foreign Language at light of Complex Thinking (MORIN, 2011) or Complexity, based on interpretative model of acquisition/learning of foreign languages from Bruno (2006). In this research, we applied two tests of qualitative and experimental character for apprentices of a public Centro de Estudos de Línguas from São Paulo State, situated in the city of São Paulo, with levels with less time of contact to the target language (about 240h/classes), in this case, Spanish Language, and for apprentices with more time of contact to this language (about 320h/classes). We asked to students that reformulate in Spanish and in Portuguese two enunciations in the target language, with a verbal idiom and a adverbial idiom, respectively, in different moments of the course. The results reveals that in the both tests there are important linguistics elements of the target language on the process of comprehension of the Spanish idioms sense, like the form presented that actives grammatical, active grammatical , semantic and pragmatic-discursive aspects closer than a native speaker would understand regardless of the age of the apprentice. The data also reveal that the genres, and more specifically, the scene enunciation are important in this process. However, when comparing the data, there is a greater destabilization processing those of apprentices to have contact with the adverbial EI.

O presente trabalho é um estudo acerca do processo de compreensão do sentido das Expressões Idiomáticas (EIs) do espanhol por parte de aprendizes brasileiros adolescentes de espanhol como língua estrangeira (E/LE) à luz do Pensamento Complexo (MORIN, 2011) ou Complexidade, com base no modelo interpretativo de aquisição/aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras de Bruno (2006). Nesta pesquisa, foram aplicados dois testes de caráter qualitativo e experimental a aprendizes de um Centro de Estudos de Línguas do Estado de São Paulo, situado na cidade de São Paulo, de níveis com menos tempo de exposição à língua estrangeira (aproximadamente 240h/a), neste caso, o espanhol, e a aprendizes com mais tempo de exposição (a partir de 320h/a). Pedimos aos alunos que reformulassem em espanhol e em português dois enunciados na língua alvo, com uma EI verbal e com uma EI adverbial, respectivamente em diferentes momentos do curso. Os resultados revelam que nos dois testes há elementos linguísticos relevantes da língua meta no processo de compreensão do sentido da EI em espanhol, tal como, a forma apresentada que ativa aspectos gramaticais, semânticos e pragmático-discursivos bem próximos do que um falante nativo compreenderia, independente da faixa etária do aprendiz. Os dados também revelam que os gêneros discursivos e, mais especificamente, a cena enunciativa, são importantes nesse processo. No entanto, ao compararmos os dados, nota-se uma maior desestabilização no processamento destes por parte dos aprendizes ao terem contato com a EI adverbial. / The present job is a study about the process of comprehension of sense Spanish idioms for teenagers Brazilian apprentices of Spanish Foreign Language at light of Complex Thinking (MORIN, 2011) or Complexity, based on interpretative model of acquisition/learning of foreign languages from Bruno (2006). In this research, we applied two tests of qualitative and experimental character for apprentices of a public Centro de Estudos de Línguas from São Paulo State, situated in the city of São Paulo, with levels with less time of contact to the target language (about 240h/classes), in this case, Spanish Language, and for apprentices with more time of contact to this language (about 320h/classes). We asked to students that reformulate in Spanish and in Portuguese two enunciations in the target language, with a verbal idiom and a adverbial idiom, respectively, in different moments of the course. The results reveals that in the both tests there are important linguistics elements of the target language on the process of comprehension of the Spanish idioms sense, like the form presented that actives grammatical, active grammatical , semantic and pragmatic-discursive aspects closer than a native speaker would understand regardless of the age of the apprentice. The data also reveal that the genres, and more specifically, the scene enunciation are important in this process. However, when comparing the data, there is a greater destabilization processing those of apprentices to have contact with the adverbial EI.

This master thesis focuses on an exploration of digital technologies and systems used for learning interaction, specifically learning of foreign languages (FLA) and second languages acquisition (SLA) and investigates the use of autonomy-based virtual environment systems for knowledge acquisition. The study describes an enhancement of multimodal language learning practices and deployment of teaching material in an autonomous setup operated by language students. The master thesis project culminated with the creation of a language learning virtual reality system called "VR wor(l)ds" supporting oral training and vocabulary acquisition in a contextual learning environment. The VR system is intended to compensate for the loss of equal opportunities among students interacting in the traditional classroom setup. Furthermore, this concept aims to explore new opportunities for knowledge acquisition and opens up an argument for using virtual reality systems for encouraging students to actively engage with oral training and vocabulary acquisition in their language learning process. Last but not least, this project aims to open up a cross discussion between the field of interaction design (IxD) and language learning for possible collaboration on solutions to create playful environments for learning and improve learning outcomes.

Este estudo investiga o sucesso no processo de bilinguismo português/japonês de seis jovens retornados do Japão. Como sucesso no bilinguismo, entendemos pelo caso em que o indivíduo, mesmo após uma longa permanência no Japão e vivência no sistema escolar japonês, tenha conseguido após o seu retorno no Brasil, manter o domínio na lingua japonesa e possuir uma proficiência linguísitica em português suficiente para seu ingresso no ensino superior brasileiro. O referencial teórico sobre bilinguismo foi baseado nos estudos de Skutnabb-Kangas (2008); Cummins (1984); Baker (1993); Nakajima (2010). Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas presenciais e online, sendo analisados os seguintes três domínios na trajetória de vida desses colaboradores que, baseados em uma auto-avaliação, foram divididos em 2 grupos bilíngues dominantes em português e bilingues dominantes em japonês : (1) ambiente linguístico no Japão (2) atitudes dos colaboradores com os estudos da L1 e L2 e (3) ambiente linguístico no Brasil. O estudo comprovou que o apoio de familiares e de terceiros constitui um fator importante na motivação dos estudos, bem como na superação de desafios surgidos na adaptação linguística e cultural. Foi também observado que os colaboradores de ambos os grupos tiveram que investir na aprendizagem da língua por um longo período para o desenvolvimento da proficiência linguística acadêmica ALP (Cummins, 2001; 2011) até o ingresso na faculdade. Em relação à rede de apoio formal, foram verificadas as seguintes ações para minimizar os problemas relacionados ao não domínio da língua japonesa no contexto de imigração no Japão: ingresso em escola pública de região com alta concentração de brasileiros, ingresso em faculdade japonesa por programa especial para retornados e ingresso em escola brasileira ações essas realizadas pelos colaboradores do grupo dominantes em português. Por outro lado, os do grupo dominantes em japonês utilizaram as seguintes medidas para facilitar a adaptação linguística e escolar no Brasil: ingresso em escola privada com curso curricular de japonês, ingresso em escola técnica e ingresso em escola pública estadual. Em ambos os grupos foi observada a frequência em cursos preparatórios pré-vestibular. Concluiu-se que o uso dessas redes de apoio formais infuenciou positivamente no desenvolvimento da ALP dos colaboradores. / The study herein aims to investigate success in the process of Portuguese/Japanese bilingualism of six youngsters returned from Japan. In our view, successful bilingualism happens in those cases in which even after a long stay in Japan along with an experience with the Japanese school system, the individual has managed to keep his mastery of the Japanese language after returning to Brazil, and be proficient enough in Portuguese so as to be admitted to Brazilian higher education. The theoretical framework on bilingualism was based on studies of Skutnabb-Kangas (2008); Cummins (1984); Baker (1993); Nakajima (2010). Both in-person and online semi-structured interviews have been conducted focusing on three aspects in the life trajectory of interviewees who, based on self-evaluation, have been divided into two groups: Portuguese-dominant bilinguals, and Japanese-dominant bilinguals: (1) linguistic environment in Japan (2) attitude of interviewees with the study of both L1 and L2; and (3) linguistic environment in Brazil. The study has proved that support both from family and others is key to generate motivation for studies, as well as to foment the overcoming of problems arising from both linguistic and cultural adaptation. It has also been observed that interviewees in both groups had to invest on language learning for a long period of time to develop academic linguistic proficiency ALP (CUMMINS, 2001; 2011) until they were admitted to college. As for the formal support network, the following actions aiming at alleviating problems concerning nonmastering of Japanese language in the context of Japanese immigration in Japan have been taken: admission to a public school in an area with a high concentration of Brazilian people; admission to a Japanese college by means of a program specially designed for returned, and admission to a Brazilian school, being all those actions taken by interviewees in the Portuguese-dominant group. On the other hand, those in the Japanese-dominant group have taken the following measures to facilitate linguistic and school adaptation in Brazil: admission to a private school with Japanese language in the syllabus, admission to a technical school, and admission to a state public school. Attendance to college entrance examination prep courses has been observed in both groups. it has been concluded that the use of those formal support networks has had a positive impact on the development of ALP of interviewees.

Este estudo investiga o sucesso no processo de bilinguismo português/japonês de seis jovens retornados do Japão. Como sucesso no bilinguismo, entendemos pelo caso em que o indivíduo, mesmo após uma longa permanência no Japão e vivência no sistema escolar japonês, tenha conseguido após o seu retorno no Brasil, manter o domínio na lingua japonesa e possuir uma proficiência linguísitica em português suficiente para seu ingresso no ensino superior brasileiro. O referencial teórico sobre bilinguismo foi baseado nos estudos de Skutnabb-Kangas (2008); Cummins (1984); Baker (1993); Nakajima (2010). Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas presenciais e online, sendo analisados os seguintes três domínios na trajetória de vida desses colaboradores que, baseados em uma auto-avaliação, foram divididos em 2 grupos bilíngues dominantes em português e bilingues dominantes em japonês : (1) ambiente linguístico no Japão (2) atitudes dos colaboradores com os estudos da L1 e L2 e (3) ambiente linguístico no Brasil. O estudo comprovou que o apoio de familiares e de terceiros constitui um fator importante na motivação dos estudos, bem como na superação de desafios surgidos na adaptação linguística e cultural. Foi também observado que os colaboradores de ambos os grupos tiveram que investir na aprendizagem da língua por um longo período para o desenvolvimento da proficiência linguística acadêmica ALP (Cummins, 2001; 2011) até o ingresso na faculdade. Em relação à rede de apoio formal, foram verificadas as seguintes ações para minimizar os problemas relacionados ao não domínio da língua japonesa no contexto de imigração no Japão: ingresso em escola pública de região com alta concentração de brasileiros, ingresso em faculdade japonesa por programa especial para retornados e ingresso em escola brasileira ações essas realizadas pelos colaboradores do grupo dominantes em português. Por outro lado, os do grupo dominantes em japonês utilizaram as seguintes medidas para facilitar a adaptação linguística e escolar no Brasil: ingresso em escola privada com curso curricular de japonês, ingresso em escola técnica e ingresso em escola pública estadual. Em ambos os grupos foi observada a frequência em cursos preparatórios pré-vestibular. Concluiu-se que o uso dessas redes de apoio formais infuenciou positivamente no desenvolvimento da ALP dos colaboradores. / The study herein aims to investigate success in the process of Portuguese/Japanese bilingualism of six youngsters returned from Japan. In our view, successful bilingualism happens in those cases in which even after a long stay in Japan along with an experience with the Japanese school system, the individual has managed to keep his mastery of the Japanese language after returning to Brazil, and be proficient enough in Portuguese so as to be admitted to Brazilian higher education. The theoretical framework on bilingualism was based on studies of Skutnabb-Kangas (2008); Cummins (1984); Baker (1993); Nakajima (2010). Both in-person and online semi-structured interviews have been conducted focusing on three aspects in the life trajectory of interviewees who, based on self-evaluation, have been divided into two groups: Portuguese-dominant bilinguals, and Japanese-dominant bilinguals: (1) linguistic environment in Japan (2) attitude of interviewees with the study of both L1 and L2; and (3) linguistic environment in Brazil. The study has proved that support both from family and others is key to generate motivation for studies, as well as to foment the overcoming of problems arising from both linguistic and cultural adaptation. It has also been observed that interviewees in both groups had to invest on language learning for a long period of time to develop academic linguistic proficiency ALP (CUMMINS, 2001; 2011) until they were admitted to college. As for the formal support network, the following actions aiming at alleviating problems concerning nonmastering of Japanese language in the context of Japanese immigration in Japan have been taken: admission to a public school in an area with a high concentration of Brazilian people; admission to a Japanese college by means of a program specially designed for returned, and admission to a Brazilian school, being all those actions taken by interviewees in the Portuguese-dominant group. On the other hand, those in the Japanese-dominant group have taken the following measures to facilitate linguistic and school adaptation in Brazil: admission to a private school with Japanese language in the syllabus, admission to a technical school, and admission to a state public school. Attendance to college entrance examination prep courses has been observed in both groups. it has been concluded that the use of those formal support networks has had a positive impact on the development of ALP of interviewees.

La présente recherche questionne l’évaluation de la compréhension de textes et s’intéresse aux indicateurs linguistiques observables dans des réponses à des questions de compréhension de textes posées après la lecture silencieuse de textes narratifs courts à des élèves du cycle 3 (8-11 ans). Elle s’inscrit dans un contexte de vives préoccupations à l’égard des difficultés de compréhension des élèves entrant au collège et de l’intégration des nouvelles technologies dans les pratiques scolaires. Cette recherche propose de s’appuyer sur une approche linguistique de l’acquisition du langage écrit appliquée à l’acte d’évaluation de la compréhension de textes. Pour cela, elle propose un dispositif d’évaluation sur support papier et ordinateur contenant deux textes narratifs courts et des questions de compréhension de ces textes. Les textes ont été analysés pour dégager des indicateurs de complexité qui ont ensuite permis d’effectuer des analyses linguistiques des données écrites recueillies auprès de trois classes d’élèves du cycle 3. De manière générale, les résultats ont permis d’identifier des indicateurs linguistiques de compréhension ainsi que des procédés d’élaboration des réponses formulées par les élèves pour montrer ce qu’ils ont compris et comment ils se servent des textes pour répondre aux questions. Une étude longitudinale plus détaillée des réponses de trois élèves permet de proposer une méthodologie d’évaluation linguistique de la compréhension de textes. Ce travail offre des pistes de réflexion sur l’apport d’une conception linguistique de l’évaluation de la lecture et offre un modeste éclairage sur l’apport des TIC pour une évaluation formative. / The present research deals with the assessment of the comprehension of short narrative written texts by 8 to 11 year old pupils and endeavours to analyse linguistic indicators which can be identified in their written answers to questions after silent reading of those texts. The context is one of anxiety over reading comprehension difficulties of pupils entering 6th grade and also of the integration of new information technologies in school practices. This research argues for a linguistic approach of written language acquisition applied to the assessment of reading comprehension. In this context an assessment device is proposed both on paper and on computer, including two short narrative texts as well as comprehension questions about those texts. The texts were analysed to identify linguistic complexity indicators which helped analysing the written data collected from three classes. Overall, the results enabled us to identify linguistic comprehension indicators as well as ways of formulating answers by which the pupils showed what they understood and the ways they used the texts to answer the questions. A close longitudinal study of three pupils’ answers enable us to propose a linguistic method for assessing text comprehension. This work invites reflection on a linguistic conception of comprehension assessment and offers a modest contribution to understanding the role Computer resources may play in formative evaluation. Key-words : reading comprehension, formative evaluation, linguistic comprehension indicators, software, teaching and learning of reading, 8 to 11 year old pupils.