This study investigates the effects of linguistic knowledge (vocabulary knowledge) and cognitive abilities (metacognitive knowledge and cognitive styles) on the second language (L2) listening comprehension at different proficiency levels. The study has also sought to investigate whether or not cognitive abilities and L2 linguistic knowledge are…

Classroom climate in seven Confucian Asian countries/systems was examined with respect to three dimensions: teachers' affective qualities, behavioural-classroom management style and cognitive-pedagogical approaches. The results based on PISA 2012 data showed that there were substantial variations in classroom climate across the seven Confucian…

It is well documented that exercise plays a critical role in maintaining physical health. More recently, a growing body of research has begun to focus on the mental benefits of exercise ranging from reducing depression to enhancing various cognitive abilities like memory and attention. These abilities are paramount for learning to occur, and thus,…

Flipping classrooms is a popular teaching method in universities to increase active learning and retention as the popularity of traditional lectures decline. Although many studies discuss the process for flipping courses and the student reaction to such courses, much fewer studies examine the effect on student performance. This study conducts a…

The study reported in this article investigated the use of quest-based learning (QBL) in a gamified English as a foreign language (EFL) course at a Japanese university. A mixed methods research design was utilised to explore the effect purposely designed quests can have on EFL students' foreign language (FL) motivation. The study was conducted…

Purpose: This study aimed to explore whether a match between learning style and teaching style in English as a foreign language (EFL) class affects two student variables: proficiency and motivation to learn English. Design/methodology/approach: Participants consisted of nine EFL teachers and 331 Japanese undergraduate students who were required to…

One of the major issues in L2 learning and cognitive styles is the ambiguity of these concepts. A solution to this issue should involve the following two aspects. First, studies of factorial validity should be conducted with empirical data, and with an appropriate analysis using a theoretically well-developed scale. Second, such studies should…

This project addressed the role of foreign language (FL) classes in a successful first-year student experience at one Japanese university. I assessed six dimensions of this experience: Match between high school FL classes and university FL classes, role of first-year FL course grades for academic progress, role of first-year FL classes in later…

In 2017, I developed a computer application entitled "Sanka Play," which enables audience members to participate in improvisational performances by making real-time requests to performers. In most cases of free improvisation, the audience atmosphere influences performers. While audience--performer interaction is generally nonverbal,…

Research suggests that testing (or retrieval) has the potential to enhance second language (L2) vocabulary learning. Given the positive effects of testing, how L2 vocabulary learning from tests can be optimized is an important question. One way to increase the benefits of testing may be to use cumulative tests, where not only recently studied but…

This study examined the relationships between achievement goals, motivation instability, and learning persistence in asynchronous distance classes by focusing on mastery goals and performance-avoidance goals. A longitudinal online survey was conducted among university students in Japan at two time points. The first survey had 171 respondents. Out…

The present study aims to verify the impact of dynamic aids on learning L2 prepositions in relation to individual learner variables. Situated within the cognitive linguistics (CL) framework and differing from previous research, the present study hypothesizes that dynamic (animated) aids are not equally effective for all learners; rather, their…

Purpose: Although cognitive apprenticeship has been widely used in various educational fields, few empirical studies have examined its effectiveness in a workplace context. This study aims to investigate the effects of cognitive apprenticeship on junior doctors' perceived professional growth in hospitals. Design/methodology/approach: A…

This study explored effects of question generation instructions on students' attitudes towards question generation and strategy use. Three hundred seventy-four Japanese college students in two psychology classes participated in lectures after a pre-lecture preparation time and completed questionnaires on attitudes towards question generation and…

This study examined the effect of anxiety reduction sessions conducted in English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms. EFL anxiety reduction sessions were developed based on two assumptions derived from a rational emotive therapy approach. The sessions consisted of three methods: (a) cognitive-affective talk, (b) reflective self-talk, and (c)…