3 research outputs found
A study in some aspects of foreign language learning at Kuwait University with special reference to computer assisted language learning.
This thesis is concerned with foreign language learning and teaching. The
initial aim of the thesis is to examine Gardner's (1985) model to find out whether this
model is applicable to English foreign language learning (EFL) in Kuwait. The
purpose is to determine the extent to which previous research findings can be
generalised to a sample of University students in EFL courses in Kuwait. The thesis
comprises three integrated background literature reviews: approaches to foreign
language teaching and their implication for TEFL in Kuwait; 'CALL': (Computer
Assisted Language Learning); and the role of the attitude, motivation and anxiety in
foreign language learning.
Two pieces of research are reported with two contrasting methodologies: a
survey questionnaire, and an ethnographic approach examining the effectiveness of
CALL. The research was conducted on Kuwait University undergraduates enrolled in
English courses offered by the English Language Centre at Kuwait University during
the 1992-1993 academic year.
First, the research focuses on the inter-relationships between attitude,
motivation, anxiety and achievement in the English language. Second, the research
identifies the methods of teaching, instructional materials, class activities and
appropriate teacher roles that students most prefer. Third, the research introduces
new instructional materials via the use of computer programs in an EFL class. The
effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning on students' motivation toward
learning English as a foreign language, students' feeling of anxiety in the English
class and their achievement in the foreign language are each examined by classroom
observation and interviews.
The results of the research show that: (1) in general, students appear to have a
strong motivation to learn English; express a definite degree of preference toward
English and native speakers of English, and lack feelings of anxiety. (2) The more a
student is exposed to the English language through being in an English medium
College, visiting and staying in an English speaking country and watching English
programmes on T.V., the more a student needs the English language either for present
studies or for future career, the more motivated to learning English and more positive
attitudes towards the language are apparent. (3) Students' ability in English has a
significant relationship with a variety of factors investigated: the higher the student's
ability in English, the greater the motivation to learn English, the more favourable is the
student's attitudes toward the English language and the less anxiety the student's
experiences in the English class. (4) 'CALL' enhances students' motivation to learn
the foreign language, lowers their anxieties and improves their achievement in the
English language.
The thesis concludes with an integration of theory and research, and makes a
series of recommendations about developments in EFL in Kuwait University