To identify effective methods for boosting incidental vocabulary learning, this study examines the impacts of two tools—bimodal presentation (BP) and lexical elaboration (LE)—on vocabulary acquisition through repeated encounters with target words during meaning-focused reading. In a quiet and comfortable place conducive to full concentration on reading comprehension, 80 L2 learners of English were assigned to one of four treatment groups (BP+LE+, BP+LE-, BP-LE+, and BP-LE-) and individually read three reading passages where target words appeared four times. Surprise posttests assessed meaning recognition and meaning recall. The results of this ecologically valid experiment show significant vocabulary learning through reading, with BP notably enhancing meaning recall. Although the main effect of LE was non-significant, LE was also significantly effective for both meaning recognition and meaning recall if it was noticed by participants. These findings suggest that BP and LE can serve as valuable tools for promoting vocabulary acquisition during meaning-centered reading.
Metacognition in L2 listening has garnered attention, but there is limited research on concrete methods to practice it in high school EFL contexts. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of self-annotation interventions in a high school EFL listening classroom. Through the analysis of pre- and post-listening tests, students’ annotations over 10 sessions, and a post-questionnaire, this study reveals that selfannotation interventions improve students’ comprehension, confidence, and motivation. Both higher- and lower-level students demonstrated improved L2 listening test scores compared to the control group, with the former generating more analytical selfannotations and achieving more statistically significant progress. The thematic analysis of students’ self-annotations identified recurring patterns that can inform effective listening instruction, while also enabling students to recognize and correct their mistakes, as well as receive cognitive and affective support. This study emphasizes the importance and feasibility of incorporating self-annotation in high school EFL listening classrooms, making students’ reflection processes observable and actionable, and providing recommendations for effective metacognitive interventions.
Based on the motivation theories, we postulated that interest in learning languages influences the self-efficacy beliefs of students about their capabilities as second/foreign language (L2) English learners. This study examined the longitudinal causal relation between affective interest and cognitive self-efficacy in the L2 motivational context using the Gyeonggi Education Panel Study (GEPS) data from South Korea. A secondary school student sample from 2015–2020 GEPS over six years comprised 6,314 students (3,189 males and 3,125 females). Using a parallel growth model (PPM) with Mplus 8.4, the results indicated that the initial level and growth rate of L2 English interest positively predicted L2 English self-efficacy. Subsequently, the initial level of L2 English interest exhibited a negative cross-effect on the growth rate of L2 English self-efficacy. Finally, the sequential causal effect of L2 English interest on self-efficacy was found across the six-year period. The findings are discussed in terms of the pedagogical implications in English learning and teaching practices and further research.
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of metacognitive methods in college general English classes to improve students’ communication skills and metacognitive awareness. The approach involved structuring learning activities where students adapted movie dialogues, practiced roles, collaborated with peers, and received feedback on problemsolving. The results showed significant improvements in speaking skills, with preassessment scores of 24.79 increasing to 27.17 in the post-assessment (p < .01). These findings indicate notable gains in fluency and accuracy in English communication, as well as improved attitudes towards the language. Although there were improvements in post-assessment scores for metacognitive processes, these changes were not statistically significant. This study highlights the importance of incorporating diverse learning methods into college general English classes, particularly emphasizing the value of metacognitive techniques. These methods help students apply classroom learning to realworld social situations and enhance their communication abilities.
This study explores the integration of ChatGPT, OpenAI’s conversational AI, into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms at Korean universities, focusing on student interactions and language learning strategy preferences. It categorises interactions using the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) and Strategic Self-Regulation (S2R) frameworks to evaluate the pedagogical effectiveness of AIassisted learning. Ninety-nine university students participated in training sessions with ChatGPT prompts tailored to different learning strategies. Data were collected through surveys, chat transcripts, and qualitative feedback. Results indicate frequent student interactions with ChatGPT, averaging 4.49 strategies in initial training chats. Compensatory strategies like error correction and adaptive difficulty received high ratings, while social strategies were rated lowest. Metacognitive strategies, especially planning and summarising, were also well-received. The study concludes that ChatGPT supports diverse learning strategies, enhancing linguistic competence and promoting self-regulated learning. However, limitations such as AI accuracy and authenticity issues highlight the need for continued human interaction in language education.
With technological advancements, Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) has garnered increasing interest in L2 writing research, significantly enhancing our understanding of AWE tools’ practices and efficacy in L2 writing instruction. However, the relationships between feedback types (teacher vs. AWE) and different dimensions of engagement (cognitive and affective) remain largely underexplored. This study investigates the impact of feedback types on learners’ cognitive and affective engagement, as well as their L2 writing development. Seventy-two EFL learners participated as part of their regular English curriculum. Over twelve weeks, students received feedback on their essays from either a teacher or AWE programs. Progress in writing abilities was tracked through measurement tests, and engagement questionnaires were administered. Results indicated that both feedback types improved L2 writing abilities. However, teacher feedback proved more effective in promoting students’ cognitive and affective engagement compared to AWE feedback.
This study examines the challenges faced by native English-speaking professors who teach general English courses in Korean universities, specifically focusing on the issue of social marginalization. Data were collected through online surveys and interviews. The findings indicate that these professors view themselves as a non-mainstream group within university faculties, often experiencing exclusion from decision-making processes and professional development opportunities, primarily due to language barriers. Moreover, cultural differences and structural discrimination exacerbate these challenges. Although the respondents did not report significant difficulties related to student education and exhibited a strong sense of efficacy in teaching English, some lacked sufficient understanding of the institutional curriculum. To address these issues, this study suggests that, for foreign professors to fully demonstrate their expertise in English education and foster a sense of belonging within the university community, they should be granted the authority and responsibility to participate in curriculum improvement research, along with administrative assistance.
This paper evaluates the use of Factor Analysis (FA) in English education research in Korea and suggests improvements in methodology. A detailed coding protocol was used to review 179 FA cases from 12 major English education journals (2014-2023). The review identified several key issues, including small sample sizes and lenient criteria for sample size selection, insufficient reporting on data appropriateness and normality, confusion between principal component analysis and FA, overreliance on the Eigenvalue > 1 criterion for determining the number of factors, inappropriate factor rotation methods, inconsistency between factor rotation and extraction methods, inadequate reporting on factor loadings and cross loadings criteria, and excessive reliance on SPSS as a statistical tool for FA. This study provides specific guidelines for applying FA appropriately and reporting results accurately.