ICLSL 2017
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/18326
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Item Impact of Collaborative Writing on Learners of English as a Second Language.(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Markandu, P.Teaching English for the learners of English as a second language has undergone many changes in the recent times and numerous novel methods are being introduced to make language learning and writing more effective. Collaborative writing is one among those methods used to enhance the writing proficiency of the learners of English as a second language. The major concern of this study is to identify the impact of collaborative writing on learners of English as a second language. The study has investigated how collaborative writing can improve the critical thinking skills of the learners. The study mainly focuses on the collaborative writing skill, with specific focus on the composition writing skill of the learners of English as a second Language in the University College of Jaffna. The sample of the study included thirty students from the Food Technology course of the University College of Jaffna. The data were collected through written tests where an individual test and a group test on the same topic was given and assessed. Further data were collected through questionnaires and Observer‟s notes. The analysis of the data showed that the group essays were more organized and meaningful with less errors rather than the individual test. Among the thirty samples for the study, the collaborative writing was effective for almost all of them and for nineteen of them it was more useful. The analysis also helped to identify the attitude of learners towards collaborative writing and it revealed a positive impact on their learning and writing proficiency. The writing ability and the writing skill of the students seem to be limited in many parts of Sri Lanka compared to the other three basic language skills. Therefore, there is a pressing need for research on the writing practices of Sri Lanka and to discover suitable remedies to improve the writing skill. Finally, through this research, it is identified that collaborative writing is an effective way to improve the writing skill of learners of English as a Second Language.Item Effectiveness of Pair Work in Teaching Complex Grammar Structures forESL Learners.(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Gunarathne, N. M. A. D. W. C.Using pair work in the ESL classrooms is nowadays one of the approaches that are being practiced under communicative approach in teaching English as a strategy of overcoming the challenges face by the tertiary level teachers. Pair work has been recognized as the most effective technique in the classroom highlighting the importance of active participation of the students in the classroom. Moreover, it leads to practice the teamwork skills. Additionally, it has been found that the students who participate in collaborative learning get better grades, and they are more satisfied with their education. This paper investigates the effectiveness of the pair work when teaching complex grammar structures. A total number of twenty-two second year students who are studying Higher National Diploma in Information Technology were examined using Test Teach Test (T-T-T) method, which comes under qualitative methodology. Structures of Passive voice were taught and activities were given to work on at first individually and then as a pair work. The process was carried out in two separate days with the different activities. Moreover, some teachers were interviewed to examine their perceptions and the experiences on the subject. The data manifest multiple reasons for the success of using pair work. This approach gave the students opportunity to use the target language. Moreover, the students‟ active participation could be observed in practicing new structures through discussions and arguments with their classmates, rather than avoiding by saying that activities were difficult, and they got most of their answers correct. Sometimes the students‟ desire to pair with higher-level student could also be seen. Supporting the view of Moon claims (2000) “pair work valuable in providing more opportunities for more language exposure”, the result of the survey proves pair work has a positive influence in learning complex structures.Item Teaching Strategies to overcome Internal Differenciation (Binnendifferenzierung) in teaching German as a Foreign Language.(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Cooray, B.M.S.The German term “Binnendifferenzierung”, is often referred to as internal differentiation, which signifies all forms of differentiation within a group of learners who are taught jointly, using variety of methods to deal with the differences between learners without permanently dividing the entire group( Klafki & Stöcker, 1991)1. The first year German special Degree student group, in 2016, at the Department of Modern Languages, University of Kelaniya, consisted not only with individuals with different learning styles, such as visual and auditory learners, but also with different learning paces (slow learners and fast learners) and with different language proficiency levels. Therefore, it was questionable, whether it is possible, to achieve a common learning outcome by using common learning materials for the whole class. The assessment marks, teacher‟s remarks about the level of performance of students in classrooms, were taken in to consideration, when preparing learning materials, which are compatible with the different learning styles of students, giving priority for slow learners, but at the same time, without interfering the learning pace of the fast learners. The objective of this research is to identify the pitfalls encountered in teaching German as a foreign language, for an internally differentiated learning group, and to introduce teaching techniques, which were used successfully in teaching German as a Foreign Language, for the selected research sample. This research is based on records of classroom observations, remarks of teachers and evaluation marks of students before and after implementing the suggested teaching methodologies. According to the findings of the research, it proves that there is a possibility for a multilevel classroom, to obtain a common learning outcome, by preparing separate learning materials, targeting different learning styles and paces of individuals while level tasks are assigned using variety of groupings (Sozial Formen) such as partner work, individual work and group work.