American Journal of Educational Research
ISSN (Print): 2327-6126 ISSN (Online): 2327-6150 Website: https://www.sciepub.com/journal/education Editor-in-chief: Ratko Pavlović
Open Access
Journal Browser
Go
American Journal of Educational Research. 2016, 4(3), 234-247
DOI: 10.12691/education-4-3-3
Open AccessArticle

The Role of a Learner Engagement Manual in the Dynamics of the Language Classroom

Randa Abdou Soliman1,

1Teaching English as a Foreign Language Department, Ajman University of Science and Technology, PO Box 346, Ajman / UAE

Pub. Date: March 12, 2016

Cite this paper:
Randa Abdou Soliman. The Role of a Learner Engagement Manual in the Dynamics of the Language Classroom. American Journal of Educational Research. 2016; 4(3):234-247. doi: 10.12691/education-4-3-3

Abstract

This study addresses the pressing need of engaging learners of English as a foreign language at basic education level in meaningful learning experiences. It investigates the role of a learner engagement manual on classroom dynamics. The researcher designed a learner engagement manual and trained twenty pre-service teachers at the College of Education and Basic Sciences at Ajman University of Science and Technology on using it at practical training schools. An observation sheet was applied before the training on the manual. It was later applied to the same classrooms after the training. Descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviation and Wilcoxcon equation using the SPSS Version 20 were used to measure the effectiveness of the manual. Results show that the learner engagement manual helps both teachers and learners create an entertaining, dynamic and engaging classroom. These results have an implication for curriculum developers, teachers and test developers for involving learners as active participants in all aspects of the teaching-learning process.

Keywords:
engagement classroom dynamics teaching strategies language interactive teaching

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References:

[1]  Beard, C. & Wilson, J.: Experiential Learning: A Handbook of Best Practice for Educators and Trainers. London, GBR: Kogan Page LTD. 2006, 81.
 
[2]  Brophy, J.E & Good, T.L. Looking in Classrooms (10th edition). Boston: Pearson Education INC., 2008, 338.
 
[3]  Cefai, C. & Cooper, P.: Promoting Resilience in the Classroom: A Guide to Developing Pupils' Emotional and Cognitive Skills. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008, 84-93.
 
[4]  Fredricks, J. & McColskey. Through High School: A Description of 21 Instruments. REL Southeast. No. 098. National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, 2011, 1.
 
[5]  Halsey, V.: Brilliance by Design: Creating Learning Experiences That Connect, Inspire, and Engage. US: Berrett-Koehler, 2011, 67.
 
[6]  Jensen, E.: Super Teaching (3rd. edition). USA: The Brain Store, INC., 1998, 261.
 
[7]  Jensen, R. A. & Kiley, T. J.: Teaching, Leading and Learning – Becoming caring professionals. USA: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2000, 286-291.
 
[8]  MacGilchrist,B. & Buttress, M.: Transforming Learning and Teaching: “We Can If …”. London, GBR: SAGE. Publications Inc., 2004. Retrieved at http://site.ebrary.com/id/10257888
 
[9]  Millers, J.: Education for the Twenty-first century: Issues and Prospects. France: UNESCO, 1998, 55.
 
[10]  Moore, K.: Effective Instructional Strategies- From theory to practice. USA: Sage Publications, Inc. 2005, 11.
 
[11]  November, A.: Who owns the Learning?: Preparing Students for Success in the Digital Age. Bloomington, IN. U.S.: Solution Tree Press, 2012. Retrieved at http://site.ebrary.com/id/10743987.
 
[12]  Pardoe, D.: Towards Successful Learning. Second Edition. Continuum International Publishing, 2009. Retrieved at http://site.ebrary.com/id/10427670.
 
[13]  Quinn, C.N.: Engaging Learning: Designing e-learning simulation games. USA: Pfeiffer, 2005, 12.
 
[14]  Rosebrough, R.: Transformational Teaching in the Information Age: Making Why and How We Teach Relevant to Students. Alexandria, USA: ASCD. 2010, 103. Retrieved at http://site.ebrary.com/id/10446312.
 
[15]  Scherer, M.: Challenging the Whole Child: Reflections on Best Practices in Learning, Teaching, and Leadership: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (ASCD), 2009.
 
[16]  Scherer, M.: Engaging the Whole Child: Reflections on Best Practices in Learning, Teaching, and Leadership. US: ASCD, 2009. Retrieved at http://site.ebrary.com/id/10327052.
 
[17]  Sin, S., & Reid, A.. Developing generic skills in accounting: resourcing and reflecting on trans-disciplinary research and insights. . 2006 Retrieved at: http://www.aare.edu.au/05pap/sin05143.pdf (January 14, 2011).
 
[18]  Soliman, R.: The Effectiveness of Creative-Interactive Teaching Strategies on Developing Competent English Language Learners at Basic Education Level. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Alexandria University, Egypt, 2011.
 
[19]  Spiegel, D.: Classroom discussion. Strategies for engaging all students, building higher level thinking skills, and strengthening reading and writing across the curriculum. USA: Scholastic Inc., 2005, 9.
 
[20]  Tudor, I.: The dynamics of the language classroom. UK: Cambridge University Press, 2001, 34-35.