Mahendran Maniam
Faculty of Languages and Communication, Sultan Idris Education University

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A CASE STUDY OF SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING USING MOVIE TO PROMOTE ORAL COMMUNICATION Mohammad Amro, Mohammad Suleiman; Maniam, Mahendran
Journal of English Teaching, Applied Linguistics and Literatures (JETALL) Vol 2, No 1 (2019): JETALL Volume 2 Number 1 2019
Publisher : Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

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Abstract

The main aim of this study is to help EFL students’ improve their oral communication proficiency out-of-class. To achieve that, video-movie was chosen as a medium for improving the subjects' oral communication proficiency. It was hoped that movie could function as a pseudo-immersion for the students, an accessible and easy alternative to being in the English native countries. Based on that, this study aim has been transformed into this research question ‘what effect does self-directed learning using movies has on the students' perceived oral communication proficiency?’. To answer that, six first year students at the faculty of English language and literature, Ajloun University in Jordan, were selected based on purposive sampling and divided equally into two groups, treatment and control, based on random assignment. The subjects in both groups were asked to take the self-assessment language test twice, once before the beginning of the case study scheme and another after. Likewise, to be interviewed twice, and to fill in the study notes during the case study scheme. Only the treatment group were given eight movies with its guides and asked to self-study with it over eight weeks. The results from the case study indicated that movie could help improve the students' oral communication proficiency with higher post-test scores than pre-test scores. Methodological triangulation from both the interviews and study notes also supports the assertion that movie improved the subjects’ oral communication proficiency. The subjects in the treatment group revealed in the post-interview that movies helped improve their listening skills and two subjects suggested that it could possibly have helped improve their speaking skills as well. Their perception in their study notes also supports the results. In conclusion, it is very likely that self-directed learning using movies has improved the students’ oral communication proficiency. This study has implications for practical applications in language teaching and learning which suggests that movie can be effective out of class. In addition, the results suggest that further larger scale investigations into students' language improvement out of class will be worth carrying out.
CORRELATION BETWEEN EFL STUDENTS’ PERCEIVED LINGUISTIC PROFICIENCY AND THEIR LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE IN USING ENGLISH Amro, Mohammad Suleiman Mohammad; Maniam, Mahendran
LET: Linguistics, Literature and English Teaching Journal Vol 9, No 1 (2019)
Publisher : English Department of Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (595.36 KB) | DOI: 10.18592/let.v9i1.3080

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to find out the correlation between EFL students? perceived linguistic proficiency and their level of confidence in using English. To achieve that, sixty first year students at the faculty of English language and literature, Ajloun University in Jordan, were selected based on convenience sampling. The subjects were asked to self-assess their linguistic proficiency using five-point Likert scale and to respond to the survey questionnaire. To test the statistical associations between the two variables, ANOVA was used to confirm if there were any statistically significant differences in self- assessment scores among the groups of students having different levels of confidence. To confirm where the differences lie, Post Hoc tests (Turkey HSD and Homogeneous Subsets) were used. NOVA gives an F value of 44.131 with 2 and 57 degrees of freedom (p < 0.01), showing that there are differences in self-assessment means among groups. The multiple comparisons among mean differences by the Post Hoc tests (Turkey HSD and Fisher?s LSD) show that the group of students who are 'hardly confident' are significantly different from the other two groups of students. The group of students who are 'a little confident' are significantly different from 'hardly confident' students and 'confident' students. Finally, the group of students who are 'confident' differ significantly from the two groups of students who are 'hardly confident' and ?a little confident?. Therefore, all groups differ from one another. The results of the Kendall's tau-b and Spearman's rho indicate that there is a statistically significant correlation between the students' confidence level and the means of self-assessment scores. In conclusion, the subjects having high self-assessment scores are more likely to have high confidence in using English and vice versa.
Measuring Malaysian lower secondary learners' reading ability on a CEFR-aligned text Gopal, Revathi; Maniam, Mahendran; Nallaluthan, Kesavan
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 10, No 2 (2023)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v10i2.28013

Abstract

To capture learners interest in reading and help them understand the content of their reading, it is important to write at a level that aligns with their reading abilities. This will motivate learners to read and comprehend the material. A CEFR-aligned textbook is a valuable tool for improving the English language skills of lower secondary learners in English Language classrooms. Therefore, it is significant to assess learners reading competence in text comprehension using a reading text from a CEFR-aligned textbook. These assessments were conducted based on a narrative text from the CEFR-aligned textbook using two different techniques: miscue analysis and retelling. The sample comprised 20 C grade learners randomly selected from Malaysian lower secondary schools. The data on miscues were analysed quantitatively, following Goodman, Watson, and Burkes In-Depth Procedure (2005). The quality of retelling was evaluated based on the criteria set by Irwin and Mitchells (1983) 5-point scoring method. The findings revealed that all 20 learners achieved the target descriptor scale B1, indicating that they can read simple texts on topics relevant to their field and interests with sufficient comprehension. This study implies that CEFR-aligned reading texts are appropriate for lower secondary learners to read and understand. Furthermore, miscue analysis and retelling can effectively monitor learners reading comprehension levels and help enhance reading skills among low intermediate-level learners. Based on learners reading habits that require assistance, teachers can plan upcoming reading lessons.