Improving Non-Majored Freshmen's Speaking Fluency in the E-learning Environment through the MS-Teams

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.222116

Keywords:

non-English majored, freshmen, online learning difficulties, EFL, interaction

Abstract

Although online learning is a must in EFL teaching contexts nowadays, not all freshmen can make progress from it, especially in the English speaking skill. Therefore, this study aims to explore freshmen's online learning difficulties in English speaking skills and find out the solutions. The study involved about 120 non-English majors at some universities, including Nong Lam University, Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnamese National University - School of Medicine, International University, and Van Lang University in answering a questionnaire.

The results showed that learning online does not bring more progress in English speaking skills than the offline learning mode. The results further indicated that although the students are familiar with the online learning mode, they still have problems during their learning, especially with their concentration and interaction. Findings are hoped to contribute to a better understanding of non-English majors' difficulties in the online environment.

Then, a solution of adopting Miro integrated into Microsoft Teams is suggested to partly help enhance the students- students' interaction to increase the students' progress in speaking skills when learning online.

Author Biographies

  • Phan Thi Ngoc Thach, Language Institute, Van Lang University, Viet Nam

    Ms. Phan Thi Ngoc Thach has been teaching English for nearly ten years at The Language Institute, Van Lang University, Vietnam. During that time, she has been interested in ELT, especially developing students' proficiency in Speaking and writing skills.

  • Ho Dinh Van, Language Institute, Van Lang University, Viet Nam

    Mr. Ho Dinh Van is currently a lecturer at The Language Institute, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh city. He got his MA degree in Applied Linguistics from Curtin University 2014. He specializes in teaching General English to non-English major students. He is interested in applying technology in foreign language teaching and learning.

  • Nguyen Thi Huynh Loc, Language Institute, Van Lang University, Viet Nam

    Ms. Nguyen Thi Huynh Loc has been teaching English at The Language Institute, Van Lang University, Vietnam for about 10 years. She has taught general English for communication, IELTS, TOEIC. She is interested in how to increase students’ interests in learning English and improve their English skills.

References

Adedoyin, O. B., & Soykan, E. (2020). Covid-19 pandemic and online learning: the challenges and opportunities. Interactive Learning Environments, 1-13. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10494820.2020.1813180

Arkorful, V., & Abaidoo, N. (2015). The role of e-learning, advantages and disadvantages of its adoption in higher education. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 12(1), 29-42. Retrieved from https://www.itdl.org/Journal/Jan_15/Jan15.pdf#page=33

Bailly, S. (2010). Chapter five supporting autonomy development in online learning environments: What knowledge and skills do teachers need. Digital Genres, New Literacies and Autonomy in Language Learning, 81-99.

Baru, M., Tenggara, W. N., & Mataram, M. U. (2020). Promoting Students" Autonomy through Online Learning Media in EFL Class. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(4), 320-331. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1263288.pdf

Boling, E. C., Hough, M., Krinsky, H., Saleem, H., & Stevens, M. (2012). Cutting the distance in distance education: Perspectives on what promotes positive, online learning experiences. The Internet and Higher Education, 15(2), 118-126.

Chen, K. C., & Jang, S. J. (2010). Motivation in online learning: Testing a model of self-determination theory. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(4), 741-752.

Croxton, R. A. (2014). The role of interactivity in student satisfaction and persistence in online learning. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 10(2), 314. Retrieved from https://jolt.merlot.org/vol10no2/croxton_0614.pdf

Dafei, D. (2007). An exploration of the relationship between learner autonomy and English proficiency. Retrieved from https://www.asian-efl-journal.com/pta_Nov_07_dd.pdf?origin=publication_deta

Espasa, A., & Meneses, J. (2010). Analyzing feedback processes in an online teaching and learning environment: an exploratory study. Higher education, 59(3), 277-292. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10734-009-9247-4.pdf

Fedynich, L. V. (2013). Teaching beyond the classroom walls: The pros and cons of cyberlearning. Journal of Instructional Pedagogies, 13. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1060090.pdf

Garrison, D. R., & Cleveland-Innes, M. (2005). Facilitating cognitive presence in online learning: Interaction is not enough. The American journal of distance education, 19(3), 133-148.

Goh, C. C. M. (2007). Teaching speaking in the language classroom. Singapore: SEAMEO Regional Language Center.

Hermanto, Y. B., & Srimulyani, V. A. (2021). The challenges of online learning during the covid-19 pandemic. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 54(1), 46-57. Retrieved from http://repositori.ukdc.ac.id/833/1/29703-77638-1-PB.pdf

Huang, S. C., & Tsai, R. R. (2003). A Comparison between High and Low English Proficiency Learners' Beliefs. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED482579.pdf

Hulse, R. (2021). Online Learning and the Future of Higher Education in ESL. Retrieved from http://repository.fukujo.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/11470/896/1/journal_P031-040.pdf

Kuama, S. (2016). Is Online Learning Suitable for All English Language Students?. PASAA: Journal of Language Teaching and Learning in Thailand, 52, 53-82. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1134684.pdf

Kunasaraphan, K. (2015). English learning strategy and proficiency level of the first year students. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 197, 1853-1858.

Lear, J. L., Ansorge, C., & Steckelberg, A. (2010). Interactivity/community process model for the online education environment. Journal of online learning and teaching, 6(1), 71-77.

Le, T. T. M. (2021). A Case Study of Students’ Views on Effective Online Learning. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(5), 24-33. Retrieved from https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/73.

Lee, E., Pate, J. A., & Cozart, D. (2015). Autonomy support for online students. TechTrends, 59(4), 54-61.

Long, M. H. (1981). Input, interaction, and second-language acquisition. Annals of the New York Academy of sciences, 379(1), 259-278.

Luu, T. M. V. (2022). Readiness for Online Learning: Learners’ Comfort and Self-Directed Learning Ability. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 2(1), 213–224. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.222113

Maleki, A., & Zangani, E. (2007). A survey on the relationship between English language proficiency and the academic achievement of Iranian EFL students. Asian EFL Journal, 9(1), 86-96.

Moorhouse, B. L., & Kohnke, L. (2020). Using Mentimeter to elicit student responses in the EAP/ESP classroom. RELC Journal, 51(1), 198-204.

Octaberlina, L. R., & Afif, I. M. (2021). Online learning: Students’ autonomy and attitudes. International Journal of Higher Education, 14(1), 49-61. Retrieved from http://www.xlinguae.eu/files/XLinguae1_2021_4.pdf

Razali, A. B., Xuan, L. Y., & Samad, A. A. (2018). Self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among foundation students from high and low proficiency levels to learn English language. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 15(2), 55-81. Retrieved from http://www.e-journal.uum.edu.my/index.php/mjli/article/view/mjli2018.15.2.3/877

Ribbe, E., & Bezanilla, M. J. (2013). Scaffolding learner autonomy in online university courses. Digital Education Review, (24), 98-112. Retrieved from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/39131169.pdf

Rivers, W. M. (1987). Interaction as the key to teaching language for communication. Interactive language teaching, 3-16.

Serdyukova, N., & Serdyukov, P. (2013, May). Student Autonomy in Online Learning. In CSEDU (pp. 229-233). Retrieved from https://www.scitepress.org/Papers/2013/43531/43531.pdf

Song, L., Singleton, E. S., Hill, J. R., & Koh, M. H. (2004). Improving online learning: Student perceptions of useful and challenging characteristics. The internet and higher education, 7(1), 59-70

Shaari, A. S., Yusoff, N. M., Ghazali, I. M., Osman, R. H., & Dzahir, N. F. M. (2014). The relationship between lecturers’ teaching style and students’ academic engagement. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 118, 10-20. Retrieved from https://core.ac.uk/reader/81188290

Stapa, S. H., & Majid, A. H. A. (2017). The use of the first language in limited English proficiency classes: good, bad or ugly?. e-Bangi, 3(1). Retrieved from https://ejournal.ukm.my/ebangi/article/viewFile/22069/6876

Szpunar, K. K., Moulton, S. T., & Schacter, D. L. (2013). Mind-wandering and education: from the classroom to online learning. Frontiers in psychology, 4, 495. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00495/full

Thurmond, V. A. (2003). Examination of interaction variables as predictors of students satisfaction and willingness to enrol in future web-based courses while controlling for student characteristics. Retrieved from http://www.bookpump.com/dps/pdf-b/1121814b.pdf

Thurmond, V. & Wambach, K. (2004-2006). Understanding Interaction in Distance Education: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved from www.itdl.org/journal/jan04/article02.htm

Tilfarlioğlu, F. T., & Cğnkara, E. (2009). Self-efficacy in efl: differences among proficiency groups and relationship with success. Novitas-Royal, 3(2), 129-142.

Tran, V. M. Y., & Nguyen, T. Y. N.. (2021). The Practice of Online English Teaching and Learning with Microsoft Teams: From Students’ View. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(2), 51-57. Retrieved from https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/41

Twyman, J. S., & Heward, W. L. (2018). How to improve student learning in every classroom now. International Journal of Educational Research, 87, 78-90.

Ullah, H. Muhammad, & Bakhsh, HP (2020). Online Oriented Classes: Merits and Demerits of the Point of View of Ghazians at Ghazi University Dera Ghazi Khan. Global Educational Studies Review, 3, 175-190. Retrieved from https://gesrjournal.com/papers/uKlbFDHKku.pdf

Unnisa, S. T. (2014). E-learning in Saudi Arabia's higher education. Kuwait Chapter of the Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review, 4(2), 152-157. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300374330_E-Learning_in_Saudi_Arabia' s_Higher_Education

Wang, Q., & Castro, C. D. (2010). Classroom interaction and language output. English Language Teaching, 3(2), 175-186.

Wagner, E.D. (1994). In Support of a Functional Definition of Interaction: The American Journal of Distance Education 8(2) 6-26.

Wu, Y. L. (2008). Language learning strategies used by students at different proficiency levels. Asian EFL Journal, 10(4), 75-95. Retrieved from http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/December_2008_EBook.pdf?q=2008-journal-of-proceedings#page=75

Yuhanna, I., Alexander, A., & Kachik, A. (2020). Advantages and disadvantages of Online Learning. Journal Educational Verkenning, 1(2), 13-19. Retrieved from http://www.hdpublication.com/index.php/jev/article/view/54/72

Downloads

Published

15-02-2022

Issue

Section

Research Article

How to Cite

Phan, T. N. T., Ho, D. V., & Nguyen , T. H. L. (2022). Improving Non-Majored Freshmen’s Speaking Fluency in the E-learning Environment through the MS-Teams. International Journal of TESOL & Education, 2(1), 251-271. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.222116

Similar Articles

131-140 of 156

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.