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All Journal Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Learning
Ramirez-Avila, Maria Rossana
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Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

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Journal : journal of foreign language teaching and learning

 1 
The Effect of Summarizing Narrative Texts to Improve Reading Comprehension Ramirez-Avila, Maria Rossana; Barreiro, Jahaira Paola
Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Learning Vol 6, No 2 (2021): July
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.18196/ftl.v6i2.11707

Abstract

This study demonstrates the effect of summaries of narrative texts to improve reading comprehension. This study consisted of sixty elementary school students who had evident reading comprehension deficiencies, especially in narrative texts. This study is a pre-experimental study with a mixed design. Qualitative and quantitative instruments were applied to meet the purpose of this study. The instruments included pretest and post-test, rubric, learning log, survey, a checklist to measure the students’ development and progress, and their perspectives towards this innovation. Results indicated an improvement in students’ reading comprehension. Post-test means increased from 5.96 in the pretest to 9.10. The checklist also proved that students included the required elements in their summaries. Students indicated in the learning logs that they would extend this strategy to other subjects, and they had to reread and identify the most crucial information to summarize.  The study has implications for teachers and learners since it can bring positive considerations about the importance of using summaries to improve reading comprehension.
Word Recognition and Reading Skills to Improve Reading Comprehension Chamba, Mayra Yadira; Ramirez-Avila, Maria Rossana
Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Learning Vol 6, No 1 (2021): January
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.18196/ftl.v6i1.10174

Abstract

This research aimed at showing the influence of word recognition, and using skimming and scanning skills to improve reading comprehension. Participants were a group of 15 students whose ages ranged from 14 to 16. They had problems in reading comprehension and vocabulary.  This action research was conducted at a private language institute. The instruments to collect data were pre- and post-surveys, pre- post-tests, learning logs, skimming and scanning forms, and an interview. They provided quantitative and qualitative information. Results showed that there was a statistically significant improvement in parts of speech knowledge from the pre- to the post-test. The result was an average improvement of 28.2% in student performance. Cohen’s d was calculated with a result of 1.09 which means there is impact in learning. There was also a steady improvement in skimming and scanning which was exemplified by the ability to correctly complete a form after reading texts. Lastly, students’ perspectives were positive to this innovation. Therefore, it is advisable to apply the same innovation with other learners in order to compare results of improvement of reading comprehension and overall proficiency.
Storytelling through Picture Description to Enhance Very Young EFL Learners' Oral Production Arguello San Martin, Diana Elizabeth; Ramirez-Avila, Maria Rossana; Guzman, Irma
Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Learning Vol 5, No 2 (2020): July
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.18196/ftl.5250

Abstract

This study aimed at improving oral development in the primary school of Ecuador, where teaching English at an early age focuses mainly on expanding reading and writing as productive skills. The purpose of this action research was to individually examine how the use of storytelling through picture description as visual support could benefit communicative skills among a group of second-grade students from a private school in Guayaquil. The study considered vocabulary, organization, and fluency as the basis of oral development using quantitative and qualitative instruments. A pre and post-A1 level speaking assessment measured the improvement of vocabulary and fluency. Results showed that there was an improvement of four points in the descriptive statistics (minimum, maximum and mean). The paired T-samples test revealed the study was highly reliable with a score of p = 0.000. There are few studies related to teaching English as a foreign language in early education worldwide and South America. In Ecuador, no studies were found. Therefore, the implications of this study are addressed to school authorities and other EFL teachers to upgrade the proficiency of their students from early grades.
EFL Speaking Fluency through Authentic Oral Production Lopez, Jairo Israel; Becerra, Andres Paredes; Ramirez-Avila, Maria Rossana
Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Learning Vol 6, No 1 (2021): January
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.18196/ftl.v6i1.10175

Abstract

This article describes the development of speaking fluency through authentic oral production in a six-week action research study of a public high school in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The methodology included a pre-test and a post-test that measured quantitative aspects of student’s spoken fluency (speed, pauses, repetitions, and corrections), a survey with closed-ended questions that collected learners’ perspectives towards their own speaking fluency, and an interview that addressed students’ opinions towards the elements of this action research. Twenty-four students’ audio recordings were analyzed and the results indicated that there was a significant increase of students’ speaking fluency. Results also showed that student’s perspectives on the innovation were positive since it raised awareness of their mistakes, helped them feel more confident, and let them practice the target language with autonomy outside the school boundaries. However, some considered that time and the lack of equipment and technological skills were issues that made the activity look less pleasant. This paper affirms that authentic oral production, facilitated by vlogging, helps students develop speaking fluency. Other EFL teachers and professionals in this field who would like to improve the fluency of their students in their oral production may consider reading this paper.
Task-Based Activities to Improve Oral Communication Skills in Adult Learners Detken, María Belén; Ramirez-Avila, Maria Rossana; Chancay, Carlos Humberto
Journal of Foreign Language Teaching and Learning Vol. 9 No. 1 (2024): January
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.18196/ftl.v9i1.19381

Abstract

In-service teachers in an online course had problems interacting in English. They experienced negative feelings when they had to perform orally. Thus, this action research study with qualitative and quantitative data analysis aimed to apply task-based activities to improve spoken interaction. The sample was twenty-five in-service teachers. Their level of English was A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference. Their ages ranged between thirty and fifty. The participants were teachers from different public schools on the Coast of Ecuador. Pre and post-tests were applied to compare participants' performance from the beginning and after the intervention. Findings disclosed that the mean raised from 17.72 to 19.12, and p<0.000 is interpreted as the results are statistically significant and task-based activities improve students’ speaking performance. In-service teachers showed that as their confidence increased in their oral performance, their frustration and anxiety were reduced. Lastly, participants commented that they replicated some task-based activities in their classes. The implications of this study involve other English teachers, EFL researchers, and students who want to apply the same strategy in their teaching and learning process. 
Co-Authors Arguello San Martin, Diana Elizabeth Barreiro, Jahaira Paola Becerra, Andres Paredes Chamba, Mayra Yadira Chancay, Carlos Humberto Detken, María Belén Guzman, Irma Lopez, Jairo Israel