ERIC Number: EJ955194
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Apr
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1533-242X
EISSN: N/A
We Will Learn Better Only If Some Things Were Different: Arab Student Voices about Their Performance in IELTS
Aboudan, Rima
Reading Matrix: An International Online Journal, v11 n2 p171-176 Apr 2011
Although quantitative studies of educational research usually suggest some links between conditions of learning and student learning outcome, behavior and performance, the idea of engaging students in discussions on teaching and learning has not had as much attention in the United Arab Emirates as in some other countries. This paper presents student feedback on existing conditions of learning the English skills required for IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, in the United Arab Emirates University, and examines possible reasons causing the poor performance of Arab college students in the test. Students' perspectives on IELTS exam were collected by means of a self-report feedback instrument. This was supported by open Blackboard discussion forums where participants discussed their feedback and argued for various suggested patterns of reform. Students' feedback is presented here to illustrate the important insights that can be gained through listening to the student voice. Such feedback can give valuable information for the process of improving student IELTS test performance.
Descriptors: Feedback (Response), Student Attitudes, Educational Research, Language Tests, Arabs, Educational Change, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Statistical Analysis, Foreign Countries, Language Skills, College Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Arab Emirates
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A