ERIC Number: EJ1000095
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1041-679X
EISSN: N/A
Relationship between Reported Out-of-Class English Use and Proficiency Gains in English
Baker-Smemoe, Wendy; Cundick, Denisa K.; Evans, Norman; Henrichsen, Lynn; Dewey, Dan P.
Applied Language Learning, v22 n1-2 p21-45 2012
This study investigated the relationship between out-of-class L2 use and proficiency gains in learners of English as a second language (ESL) in an intensive English language program. In contrast to previous studies on this topic, which have found weak, non-existent or even inverse relationships between out-of-class language experience and L2 proficiency gains, this study took place over a longer period of time (31 weeks), involved a larger number of participants (61 ESL learners from 12 different language backgrounds at four proficiency levels), and found a statistically significant connection between out-of-class language use and proficiency gains. Participants took a proficiency pre-test and post-test and responded to a questionnaire designed to elicit information about out-of-class language use. In addition, six learners participated in semi-structured interviews. Data obtained from the questionnaire and interviews were compared to gains in proficiency between the pre-test and post-test. The results corroborate the "common sense" connection between L2 out-of-class use and proficiency development. They also identify the types of out-of-class language use that are most strongly connected with L2 proficiency gains. (Contains 3 tables and 1 note.)
Descriptors: Measures (Individuals), English (Second Language), Language Enrichment, Semi Structured Interviews, Language Usage, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Language Proficiency, Intensive Language Courses, Pretests Posttests, Language Tests, Questionnaires, Correlation, Profiles, Learning Activities, College Students
Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center. Academic Journals, 1759 Lewis Road Suite 142, Presidio of Monterey, Monterey, CA 93944-5006. Tel: 831-242-5638; Fax: 831-242-5850; e-mail: aj@pom-emh1.army.mil; Website: http://www.dliflc.edu/publications.aspx
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Utah
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A