ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Relationship between Social Capitals and English Language Achievement within a Specific Grade and Context
Author: Khodadady, Ebrahim
Date: 2012-05-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Correlation,Social Capital,Parenting Styles,Semantics,Achievement Tests,Schemata (Cognition),Mothers,Religion,Family Characteristics,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,High Achievement,Scores,Comparative Analysis,Foreign Countries,Textbook Content,High School Students,Measures (Individuals),Parent Aspiration,Syntax,Language Tests,Religious Factors

An achievement test based on schema theory (S-Test) was developed on the passages comprising the English textbook taught at grade three in state high schools in Iran and administered concurrently with a validated and reliable Social Capital Scale (SCS) to four hundred seventy seven male and female participants. The Z-scores obtained on the S-Test were utilized to divide the participants into high, middle and low achievers. Among the ten factors underlying the SCS, i.e., &quot;Self Volunteering,&quot; &quot;Receptive Relatives,&quot; &quot;Maternal Supervision,&quot; &quot;Parental Monitoring,&quot; &quot;Teacher Consultation,&quot; &quot;Parental Expectation,&quot; &quot;Parental Rapport,&quot; &quot;Family Religiosity,&quot; &quot;Helpful Others&quot; and &quot;Parent Availability,&quot; high achievers' &quot;Family Religiosity&quot; correlated significantly with their S-Test whereas a significant correlation was found between &quot;Parental Monitoring&quot; and S-Test for middle achievers, indicating that social capitals of these two ability groups function differently. The results also showed while middle achievers' scores on the semantic subtest of S-Test related significantly and &quot;positively&quot; to &quot;Parental Monitoring,&quot; &quot;Teacher Consultation&quot; and &quot;Family Religiosity,&quot; they correlated significantly but &quot;negatively&quot; with &quot;Parental Expectation&quot; and &quot;Helpful Others&quot; on the syntactic subtest. The semantic subtest also revealed the highest significant and negative relationship with low achievers' &quot;Teacher Consultation.&quot; The findings are discussed and suggestions are made for future research.
Perceptions of Parents Towards the Academic Performance of Female Students: The Case of Kutto Sorfella Primary School, Sodo Zuria Woreda, Southern Ethiopia
Author: Regasa, Guta
Date: 2015-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Parent Attitudes,Females,Womens Education,Academic Achievement,Case Studies,Grade 7,Grade 8,Qualitative Research,Statistical Analysis,Questionnaires,Interviews,Semi Structured Interviews,Focus Groups,Data Analysis,Parent Surveys,Parent Aspiration,Self Esteem,Sex Stereotypes,Role Models,Sexual Harassment,School Location,Time Perspective

The objectives of the study were to assess the current status of the academic performance of females in grade seven and eight and to study how perception of parents affect the academic performance of female students in Kutto Sorfella Primary School, Sodo Zuria Woreda, SNNPR, Ethiopia. To achieve the objectives of this research both qualitative and quantitative data were collected during the survey from primary as well as secondary sources. For this study 23 household heads were selected by simple random techniques and interviewed for the purpose of the study. Instruments of data collection included structured survey questionnaire, guided interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. To analysis data qualitative techniques such as summarization, and categorization were used but concerning to quantitative data, the computer software; SPSS-16 version was used. The other specific methods of data analysis such as tabulation and cross-tabulation were also used. Computation of descriptive statistic such as frequency, percentage and mean and were also carried out. From the result the researchers found out perception, attitudes, and opinion of parents towards female education, affected the academic performance of female students negatively so that the academic achievement of female students is very low in the study area. Therefore, in order to overcome these problems some strong commitment and reformation should be done in the study area by parents, students, local leaders, policy makers, GOs and NGOs.
Socio-Politico--Pedagogical Problems of Language Teaching in Nigeria
Author: Omoniyi, Ayeomoni Moses
Date: 2012-05-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Social Influences,Political Influences,Language Planning,Public Policy,Sociolinguistics,Native Language,Official Languages,Language Usage,Second Language Instruction,Indigenous Knowledge,English (Second Language),English Instruction,French,Semitic Languages,Educational Practices

The languages spoken in Nigeria do not only play significant roles in the socio-political life of the country, but also help in no small measure to unify or integrate the country that is so much diverse in all spheres of life. In realizing these multiplicity of roles the languages play in the country, the Government instituted and enacted a policy called language policy to control and plan the use, teaching and learning of the various languages that we have in the country. The languages are of three categories: the indigenous ones that are about 450, the official one used for official purposes, which is English, and those that enjoy Foreign Language status, that is, Arabic and French. All these languages co-exist in the country. However, the Government policy on the use, teaching and learning of these languages is bedeviled with a lot of problems which range from inadequate materials and personnel to handle the teaching of the recommended ones in the policy to socio-political problems initiated and propagated by the various groups in the country. It is thus recommended that the Government of the Federation should revisit the policy on languages in the country, rework it to accommodate the socio/politico-cultural differences and realities of the nation in order that the country may tap and enjoy the intent benefits of the multiplicity of languages and cultures that the nation is endowed with.
The English Language of the Nigeria Police
Author: Chinwe, Udo Victoria
Date: 2015-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Police Education,English (Second Language),English Language Learners,Language Proficiency,Language Usage,Organizational Communication,Official Languages,Speech Communication,Law Enforcement,English for Special Purposes

In the present day Nigeria, the quality of the English language spoken by Nigerians, is perceived to have been deteriorating and needs urgent attention. The proliferation of books and articles in the recent years can be seen as the native outcrop of its received attention and recognition as a matter of discourse. Evidently, every profession, occupation or trade has its own variety of language for effective communication. In view of this, the Nigeria police force a law enforcement agency under the Federal Republic of Nigeria adopts the English Language as its official language, the degree of their proficiency is dependent on the level of education of each police officer. This work tries to evaluate their use of the English language; how effectively it is been used in the light if the analysis conclusion were made on the English language usage of the Nigerian Police Force. Also this community would be looked at as a speech community because it has its own language apart from the English Language which is intelligible to its members.
Syntactical and Punctuation Errors: An Analysis of Technical Writing of University Students Science College, Taif University, KSA
Author: Alamin, Abdulamir
Date: 2012-05-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Technical Writing,College Students,Error Patterns,Error Analysis (Language),English (Second Language),Grammar,Communicative Competence (Languages),English for Special Purposes,Interlanguage,Interference (Language),Homework,Writing Assignments,Syntax,Punctuation,Foreign Countries

Analyzing errors committed by second language learners during their first year of study at the University of Taif, can offer insights and knowledge of the learners' difficulties in acquiring technical English communication. With reference to the errors analyzed, the researcher found that the learners' failure to understand basic English grammar could be ascribed to intralingual interference which is associated with the developmental sequence of learning English for technical communication in the form of speaking, listening, reading and writing, rather than to interference of the mother tongue. The results will be of benefit for material development, especially in the provision of materials in the Language Learning Centre.
Improving Students' Participation in Active Learning Methods: Group Discussions, Presentations and Demonstrations: A Case of Madda Walabu University Second Year Tourism Management Students of 2014
Author: Tesfaye, Sewnet
Date: 2015-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Student Participation,Active Learning,Group Discussion,Demonstrations (Educational),Student Projects,Public Speaking,Tourism,College Students,Longitudinal Studies,Questionnaires,Statistical Distributions,Computer Software,College Faculty,Mixed Methods Research,Focus Groups

Education is a means by which people develop and acquire knowledge, skills, values and attitudes. It paves the way for development and plays a vital role (serves as a catalyst) in bringing socio-cultural, economical, technological, political and environmental advancements. The general objective of this study was to improve Second Year Tourism Management Students' participation in active learning methods (especially in group discussions, presentations and demonstrations) and identify challenges that hamper students not to participate actively in class and off class learning sessions. Descriptive research design was devised and longitudinal research design was employed. Questionnaires were distributed for all 42 second year tourism management students, and of which 35, were returned (properly filled) and valid for analysis. Secondary and primary sources of data had been used to interpret the results. To analyze quantitative data, descriptive statistical analyses of mean and standard deviation were computed using SPSS version 20.0. The findings of the study revealed that 75% of the students assured that group discussion gives them more chance to participate freely in the class than demonstrations and presentations. The study also indicated that the major challenges that hinder learners not to participate actively in group discussions, presentations and demonstrations were shortage of time, poor academic background, shyness, poor communication skills, requirements for presentations and demonstrations (formal attires, materials) and lack of preparation. The researchers have provided solutions such as to improve the student's attendance, contribution and responsibility for their learning, the first step is to motivate them by calling their name and teachers had better be friendly, sociable and approachable to learners. It is also helpful that asking students to present material to their peers (with their peers involved in the assessment) would alert all the students to be best presenter or demonstrator of the day which in return increases their subject-specific knowledge; and reinforces their immediate and the wider group's identity.
Primary School Environment Trend, Class-Ratio and Head Teachers Overcrowded Classrooms Management Strategies in Northern Senatorial District of Ondo State, Nigeria
Author: Babatunde, Ehinola Gabriel
Date: 2015-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Elementary Schools,Enrollment Trends,Teacher Student Ratio,Principals,Classroom Techniques,Crowding,Public Schools,Questionnaires

Primary school Enrolment Trend, Class-Ratio and Head Teachers overcrowded classrooms management strategies in Northern Senatorial District of Ondo State, Nigeria was investigated. The purpose of the study is to examine the current enrolment trend in public primary schools in northern senatorial District of Ondo State. Also, is to ascertain the class-ratio of primary school pupils in 2013-2014 academic session and to find out the management strategies adopted by the head teachers in solving overcrowded classrooms problems. Increase in pupils enrolment in some of the public primary schools in the state is a major concern to all stakeholders to education and it needs urgent attention. It is doubtful if the facilities available have been matched with the pupils enrolment especially in areas of classrooms availability. This study was considered using descriptive survey research design. A proportionate random sampling method was used to select 50 primary schools in the Senatorial District with total enrolment of 18,320 pupils and head teacher of each school in the district for the finding. An instrument titled Enrolment, Class-Ratio and Management Strategies Questionnaire (ECRMS) designed by the researcher was used. Frequency counts and simple percentage were used to answer the research questions. Among several findings, it was revealed that actual number of classrooms available were not sufficient in the district and that 127 additional classrooms were urgently needed. It was also revealed that 41 primary schools out of the 50 sampled schools operate above normal class-ratio of 25/30 pupils recommended by UNESCO. It was indicated that 90% of the head teachers used negotiation strategy and 60% of them used reduction strategy in solving overcrowded classrooms problems. Based on the findings recommendations are made which include; Government should increase education budgetary allocation from 85% in 2014 to 20% in 2015. Apart from government, other stake holder to education should be encouraged to fund education. Seminars and lectures on family planning and birth control should be legalized by government.
Causes, Effects and Strategies for Eradicating Cultism among Students in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria--A Case Study of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State, Nigeria
Author: Chinwe, Udoh Victoria
Date: 2015-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Universities,College Students,College Faculty,Questionnaires,Validity,Reliability,Parents,Student Subcultures,Violence

The issue of cultism has in spite of many efforts at reducing it, soared up in the Nigeria's tertiary institutions. Cultism has cast gloom over the educational sector. It is repeatedly said that the youths are the future leaders but it is a little wonder what the future holds for the youth of this country which has a good proportion of her youth as secret cult member. It therefore became imperative to carefully redress the issue of cultism in our tertiary institution where reason should rule over emotion. Undoubtedly, the issue has assumed horrifying proportion as cultic violence thrives even more. The main purpose of this study was to find out the causes, effects and strategies to stop cultism in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It was discovered from the study that cultism among the students of tertiary institutions is real and urgent solutions is needed by government and institution at large to curb it. The parents must work closely with the institutions authority to arrive at a lasting solution.
Impact of Birth Order on Procrastination among College Students in Eldoret Town
Author: Gabriel, Chege Kimani
Date: 2015-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Birth Order,College Students,Student Behavior,Time Management,Age Differences,Correlation,Gender Differences,Student Surveys,Hypothesis Testing,Questionnaires,Student Motivation,Personality Traits,Incidence

The study sought to investigate the impact of birth order on procrastination among college students in Eldoret town. The study sought to achieve the following objectives: (1) to find out the prevalence of procrastination among college students in Eldoret town, (2) to find out the relationship between birth order on procrastination among college students in Eldoret town, (3) to investigate the relationship between age and procrastination among college students in Eldoret town and, (4) to investigate the relationship between gender and procrastination among college students in Eldoret town. The study adopted the ex post facto design. This single-survey study purposively recruited 20 firstborns, 20 middle children, and 20 last-borns, from the KIM school of management, Eldoret campus. The sample comprised 30 male and 30 female respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Hypothesis testing was done using the chi-square test. The findings showed that a total of 33 (55%) felt that birth order did affect their motivation for doing things while 27 (45%) felt that it did not affect them. , it is apparent that those who procrastinated were 28 (46.7%) while those who did not procrastinate were 32 (53.3%). Out of the 28 who postponed things that they could do at that moment, 21 said they always did so while 7 postponed sometimes. A total of 35 respondents indicated that they often gave up on a task whenever it got difficult while 25 (41.7%) opined that they never did so. The study concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between procrastination and the respondents' birth position. An examination of the cross-tabulation above shows that most of those who procrastinated were last borns and a few middle borns. Hypothesis testing result confirmed that there was a statistically significant association between procrastination and age of the respondents. Of the 28 respondents who procrastinated, 16 (57.1%) were female while 12 (42.9%) were males.
The Physical and Technical Characteristics of English Language Teaching Courseware in Malaysia
Author: Mukundan, Jayakaran
Date: 2012-06-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Second Language Instruction,Second Language Learning,Language Teachers,Teacher Surveys,Statistical Analysis,Computer Software,Courseware,Educational Technology,Usability,Secondary School Teachers,Likert Scales,Measures (Individuals),Secondary School Students,Teacher Attitudes

The present paper reports the findings of a study that investigated the physical and technical characteristics of the English language teaching courseware in Malaysia. A randomly selected group of English language teachers in Malaysia (n = 200) were surveyed to evaluate the courseware. SPSS (18.0) was applied to analyze the data. The results showed that the teachers consider the technical and physical characteristics of the courseware (its technological sophistication and user-friendliness among others) to be of a moderate level. The findings can be useful for educational software developers as well as English language teachers and researchers. More research is needed to find how teachers evaluate the courseware in reference to its pedagogical appropriateness and learner attributes.
Evaluation of Two ESP Textbooks
Author: Al Fraidan, Abdullah
Date: 2012-06-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: English for Special Purposes,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Textbook Evaluation,Business Administration Education,Telecommunications,Business English,Foreign Countries,Majors (Students),Job Applicants,Language Proficiency,Student Needs,Teacher Attitudes,College Faculty,Instructional Materials

This paper evaluated two ESP textbooks using the evaluation of McDonough and Shaw (2003) based on external and internal evaluation. The first textbook is &quot;Business Objectives&quot; (1996) by Vicki Hollett, and the second textbook is &quot;Business Studies, Second Edition&quot; (2002) by Alain Anderton. To avoid repetition, I will use BO and BS, respectively, to abbreviate the names of these books. The paper briefly discusses the external evaluation and then concludes with the results of a detailed evaluation of one chapter from each textbook for a course that I am teaching. The course is for business major students who wish to apply for jobs at The Saudi Telecommunication Company (STC), which requires a strong command of English. The evaluation indicated that both books would be appropriate if we merge them together and add some additional materials, as a textbook that can accommodate the needs of all learners does not exist.
Effects of Negotiated Interaction on Mongolian-Nationality EFL Learners' Spoken Output
Author: Li, Xueping
Date: 2012-06-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,English (Second Language),Second Language Instruction,Second Language Learning,Languages,Teacher Student Relationship,Story Telling,Statistical Analysis,Language Fluency,Accuracy,Language Processing,Oral Language,Pretests Posttests,College Students,Interference (Language),Qualitative Research

The present study examines the effect of negotiated interaction on Mongolian-nationality EFL learners' spoken production, focusing on the teacher-learner interaction in a story-telling task. The study supports the hypothesis that interaction plays a facilitating role in language development for learners. Quantitative analysis shows that Mongolian learners gained significant improvement on language accuracy and fluency. The interaction offered occasions for phonological, syntactical as well as semantic language development for individual learners. However, how far these occasions may serve as a facilitating tool for language development depended on the learners' response in the interaction and their uptake in subsequent language production. The analysis also shows that Mongolian learners drew their attention to meaning prior to language forms in dealing with input and output. Their performance was not so much determined by their present language proficiency level, but rather by their L1 background (Mongolian), L2 (Chinese) and negotiation types they engaged in.
The Effects of Pre-Task, On-Line, and Both Pre-Task and On-Line Planning on Fluency, Complexity, and Accuracy--The Case of Iranian EFL Learners' Written Production
Author: Piri, Faramarz
Date: 2012-06-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Accuracy,Teaching Methods,Language Fluency,Statistical Analysis,Writing Processes,Writing Instruction,Narration,Pictorial Stimuli,Translation,English Literature,College Students,Prewriting,Writing Strategies,Instructional Effectiveness,Metacognition,Student Attitudes,Questionnaires

Previous studies on the effect of planning on language production have revealed that planning does have a positive effect on language performance in terms of fluency, complexity, and accuracy. The present study was an attempt to investigate the effects of pre-task, on-line, and both pre-task and on-line planning on fluency, accuracy, and complexity of Iranian EFL learners' written production. Forty five Iranian learners of English performed a narrative task based on a series of six pictures. The narratives, then, were coded to measure the fluency, accuracy, and complexity of the participants' production. The results of one-way ANOVA revealed that on-line planning (OLP) and pre-task plus on-line planning (PTP+OLP) had no effect on the fluency, complexity, and accuracy of the Iranian EFL learners' written narratives. However, pre-task planning (PTP) had a significant effect on one variable of fluency (i.e. syllables per minute) but it had no effect on the complexity and accuracy of the written narratives. Findings have pedagogical implications for language teachers and syllabus designers in EFL context.