Symposia & Conferences
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Item The Impact of Attitudes on Second Language Learning and Improvement:A Case Study in Peradeniya.(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Karunarathne, P.K.Attitudes are considered as an individual difference, which influence in the process of Second Language learning. The aim of the research is to identify whether there is an impact of attitudes on Second Language learning and improvement of the students. Thus, it identifies the relationship between the attitudes of the students and their English language improvement at the end of the 1st year English course. The mixed method comprised of both the quantitative and qualitative data methods are used in order to conduct the research on 78 1st year students at the Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya. The data; a self- directed questionnaire, unstructured interviews and the marks of the students at the placement test and the final mark for the English subject are analysed. Accordingly, it is possible to identify a positive relationship between attitudes of the students and Second Language improvement. 83.3% of the students with positive attitudes towards learning English depict a positive improvement and the language learning and improvement of the students is higher than that of the students with neutral or negative attitudes. Moreover majority of the students having positive attitudes even with a low competency and proficiency in English, that is 74.07% have improved positively while the students with negative attitudes with an average or a good competency and proficiency in English have not depicted a remarkable improvement in English. On the other hand, 61.90% of the students with negative attitudes depict no improvement or a negative trend in language learning. Moreover, irrespective of the language competency, all the students with neutral attitudes depict only an average improvement. In conclusion, it is possible to identify a positive relationship between attitudes and language improvement and it becomes clear that attitudes affect in the process of language improvement of the students. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the attitudes of the students in the course of the language teaching.Item A Study of Whether Extension Tubes Can Substitute for Macro Photography(Drama & Theatre and Image Arts Unit, Department of Fine Arts, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wimalarathne, A.A.P.M.In macro-photography, some object or being is captured with life size (1:1) magnification. By using a macro lens and full frame camera, an accurate and perfect macro photograph can be captured. However, photographers find macro lenses to be expensive and difficult to afford. This has led to amateur and professional photographers to move away from macro photography. Hence, this study was carried out to find whether the extension tube is a better alternative for taking macro photographs. To examine this, several macro photographs were captured using both the macro lens and an extension tube in under similar conditions. Then the quality of the captured photographs was compared and it was revealed that the photographs that were captured by using an extension tube has produced results that are identical to the photographs, which were captured using a macro, lens. However, there were some differences such as lesser light, lack of sharpness and color reproducing. When zoom lenses were with an extension tube to take macro photographs, such effects were visible more. There are a lot of advantages of using an extension tube for macro photography: saving money, ease of use, not requiring much training from a teacher, and the ability to be used with any kind of lens the photographer already has etc. This study suggests that photographers who are unable to afford the expensive price of macro lenses can substitute them with extension tubes. Amateurs can also use extension tubes to gain experience before using macro lenses.Item Problems Encountered by Students in French in Learning Grammar and the Possibility of a Student Oriented Approach into Teaching of Grammar(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Rajapaksha, U.D.The principal objective of learning a language is to express ideas or sentiments among humans. Whether the communication is oral or written, knowledge of grammar plays an important role when it comes to language learning.The students in French at the University of Kelaniya have been learning French since Grade 12 at school for Advanced Level, sometimes even at a younger age; before entering the university level. Thus, they are expected to demonstrate a high competency in French. The focus is on determining whether the students in French as a Foreign Language at University of Kelaniya, find it difficult to communicate in grammatically correct French. In the case of affirmative, the researcher intends to explore the possible reasons and secondly suggest a possible solution for the situation.The researcher plans to carry out the research by first identifying one grammar area which is considered difficult. Secondly, the researcher will study their reasons for declaring so and thirdly provide suggestions to improve the level of grammar of the students. The primary objective is to identify the presence of a difficulty in expressing oneself in communicating in French. In case of a lack of knowledge or competency in grammar, the researcher intends to evaluate what reasons are behind this communication failure and intends to provide possible suggestions to them. The research is based upon interviews and sample writings collected from students. The lecturers in French at the University of Kelaniya will be interviewed with open and closed questions, thus adding both quantitative and qualitative value to the study. Finally, I hope to present a sample lesson of a selected difficult grammar part in the suggested approach.The findings of the research would serve both students and teachers in French, in improving the quality of Teaching French as a Foreign Language.