i-manager's Journal on English Language Teaching (JELT)


Volume 10 Issue 4 October - December 2020

Research Paper

The Quality Identification of English Proficiency Tests in Turkey

Seda Sivaci*
Department of Translation and Interpreting, Kahramanmaras Istiklal University, Turkey.
Sivaci, S. (2020). The Quality Identification of English Proficiency Tests in Turkey. i-manager's Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(4), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.4.17039

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate proficiency tests of the universities in Turkey in line with the ALTE Quality Assurance Checklists in terms of four dimensions: a. Test construction, b. Administration & Logistics c. Grading, Marking Results and d. Test Analysis & Post-examination Review. The study took place in four different universities; thus, four participants took part in the study. Three of the institutions have testing offices, while one of them does not have a testing office. The data collected through ALTE Quality Assurance Checklists was analyzed descriptively. From the outcome of the present investigation, it is possible to conclude that the proficiency tests of the four participating universities are found to have deficiencies regarding test construction, administration and logistics, marking, grading and results as well as test analysis and post examination review. Moreover, the findings are of direct practical relevance for institutions who prepare proficiency tests in that they show the necessity of ALTE Quality Assurance Checklist (2001) for identifying quality in the institutions.

Research Paper

Challenges Faced by Some English Language Teachers in the First High School of Iran

Reza Taghivand*
Koosha International Center of Applied Science & Technology, Tehran.
Taghivand, R. (2020). Challenges Faced by Some English Language Teachers in the First High School of Iran. i-manager's Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(4), 17-27. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.4.16630

Abstract

Students with different language backgrounds may cause certain challenges to some teachers. The purpose of this article is to analyze the problems some teachers may face while teaching the English language at First-grade elementary-high schools in Iran. The impact of this challenge was surveyed by means of a questionnaire to 171 students. The results have been surveyed by SPSS 24 and Cronbach's alpha value. This research suggests that teaching staff in high schools have to solve this problem by evaluating their students' knowledge and presenting extra classes for the needed ones before the start of the new school year. The new language teachers should have a short period of learning course to encounter it wisely.

Research Paper

Exploring Polysemy through Prototypical Theory for Teaching Legal English in Contracts

Suman Luhach* , Garima Tiwari**
*-** School of Law, Bennett University, India.
Luhach, S., and Tiwari, G. (2020). Exploring Polysemy through Prototypical Theory for Teaching Legal English in Contracts. i-manager's Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(4), 28-35. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.4.17081

Abstract

Young law students often get confused over the appropriateness and logic of using different terms in contracts and contractual clauses. This improper understanding of the right usage in the initial years usually sustains in their profession as well. Consequently, vague terms and ambiguities often become the root causes of contract interpretation disputes. Contract drafting skills and a strong hold on legal English are valued highly in the legal profession. Therefore, a systematic exposure to legal English is required in the formative years. The present working paper explores Prototypical theory of Polysemy by Cognitive Linguists in teaching legal English to the students of law. An introduction to the concept of 'Polysemes' and a discourse analysis of already existing contracts for polysemes is planned for the students. This is done to make students read some authentic legal contracts, understand and analyze them through discourse analysis for learning contract drafting. The study includes references to different types of contracts and clauses like those in the contract for sale of goods, contract for performance of services, memorandum of understanding, non-disclosure agreements, international contracts and other commercial contracts like memorandum and articles of association among others. The study is done to help students understand how appropriate selection of words is crucial in contracts and to help them learn contract drafting.

Research Paper

Investigating Multiple Intelligence Theory in Children and Young Adult EFL Learners and Course Books

Sajad Sabzevari* , Saman Ebadi**
*-** Department of Applied Linguistics, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
Sabzevari, S., and Ebadi, S. (2020). Investigating Multiple Intelligence Theory in Children and Young Adult EFL Learners and Course Books. i-manager's Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(4), 36-54. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.4.17243

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating children and young adult EFL learners of Iran Language Institute(ILI) and their course books in the light of Multiple Intelligence (MI) Theory. To achieve this aim, 240 EFL learners participated in this study. First, the students' intelligence profiles were identified by adapting and using Lazear's (1994) children's questionnaire and Christion's (1996, 1998) young adults' MI survey. Secondly, all the nine children's course books along with seven young adults' taught in Iran Language Institute (ILI) were evaluated through the MI checklist to determine the extent to which MI theory is reflected in these course books. The analysis of the course books' activities revealed that both series of course books mostly catered to verbal/linguistic and visual/spatial intelligences. The least dominant intelligences were intrapersonal and naturalist intelligence types, and no example of the naturalist intelligence was found in the young adult coursebooks' activities. The results of the study also showed the discrepancies between students' and course books' MI profiles. As opposed to the course books' MI profile, a balanced distribution of intelligence types were observed among both children and young adult students; i.e., students preferred all types of intelligences in varying approximate degrees. The findings of the study have some pedagogical implications for teachers, coursebook designers, teacher educators and material developers to consider MI theory and language learners' MI profile in designing course books and using classroom activities.

Research Paper

EFL Teachers’ Perceptions about the Effect of Quizlet on Vocabulary Teaching

Fatih Toy* , Kagan Buyukkarci **
*-** Department of Foreign Language Education, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
Toy, F., and Buyukkarci, K. (2020). EFL Teachers' Perceptions about the Effect of Quizlet on Vocabulary Teaching. i-manager's Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(4), 55-70. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.4.17229

Abstract

This study intends to indicate the perceptions of Turkish EFL teachers' on the use of Quizlet for vocabulary teaching and students' vocabulary learning process. The study involved a mixed design of Qualitative and Quantitative research. The study involved Turkish EFL teachers (n=50) as participants. The implementation period took 10 weeks and 50 teachers used quizlet vocabulary sets in their classes. These sets were prepared by the researchers. After this period, the teachers were asked to fill in a survey of perceptions developed by the researchers. Additionally, ten volunteers among the teachers volunteered to take part in focus group interviews for detailed discussion about their responses in the survey. The survey and focal interviews have yielded positive perceptions by teachers regarding the use of quizlet for vocabulary teaching, students' learning regarding the motivation of students, students' developing learner autonomy and empowerment of language skills at different degrees.

Research Paper

Factors Contributing to Poor Communication Skill among Low Level Learners

Suprabha K.* , G. Subramonian **
* NSS Training College, Ottapalam, Palakkad, Kerala, India.
** Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Education (Autonomous), Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
Suprabha, K., and Subramonian, G. (2020). Factors Contributing to Poor Communication Skill among Low Level Learners. i-manager's Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(4), 71-79. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.4.17046

Abstract

Children of educated parents coming from better home environment are found to perform well in English language compared to students of low socio-economic status. A healthy family environment is essential for a child's proper language development. It should be taken into consideration that without good communication skill, one cannot attain mastery in English language. A good communication skill makes the learners more creative in using English language. The objective of the study was to find out the relationship between socio-familial conditions and communication skill in English language among secondary school students. The study employs descriptive survey method with a sample of 600 secondary school students taken for collecting the data. The result of the study found that socio-familial conditions have a significant influence on communication skill in English language among secondary school students of Palakkad district. The teachers should take necessary steps to enquire and understand about the socio-familial background of the learners.