International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC)
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/155
Browse
2 results
Search Results
Item A Study into the Attitude of L2 Learners towards Vocabulary Learning(International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Nirmani, W.A.S.; Maithripala, W.G.S.Vocabulary learning is of paramount importance in the process of second language learning. Learning vocabulary helps the learner to enhance the competence and knowledge in English language. Thus it is very much essential for the teachers as well as the learners to understand the importance of vocabulary learning in the second language classroom in order to develop in their language skills as their attitude towards vocabulary learning will determine the effort the learners put forth to acquire new vocabulary. The present study explores the attitudes of L2 learners in the tertiary level towards the importance of vocabulary in learning English. It investigates the differences of attitude of 52 participants who are in the Basic level of English proficiency in the first year of the Faculty of Arts. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data which consists of two sections: Part A is comprised of 6 questions on the participant’s demographic data when Part B contains 7 close-ended statements on the attitude of the students towards the importance given to vocabulary in learning English. The study used descriptive analysis by using IBM SPSS 20 software. The results of the study revealed that the majority of the students have admitted that they can understand the sentences which are even grammatically wrong as they place importance in the vocabulary rather than in the accuracy of the sentence. Moreover they have placed more importance in expressive vocabulary which includes speaking and writing skills than on the receptive vocabulary that consists of reading and listening skills. In conclusion, the students showed a positive attitude towards the importance of vocabulary in English language learning. The findings of the present study conclude with the pedagogical implications that instructors can design vocabulary activities targeting expressive vocabulary to promote positive attitude in vocabulary acquisition and thus boost learners’ interest in the study of second languageItem Role of Internal Factors in Learning English as a Second Language classroom: A study of Undergraduates(In: Proceedings of the International Postgraduate Research Conference 2017 (IPRC – 2017), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Pathirana, P.P.S.Learning English as a Second Language (ESL) plays a vital role in Sri Lankan society. In ESL context Sri Lankan undergraduates encounter various difficulties in learning English such as getting exposed to an English speaking environment, anxiety that hinders the authentic expression of ideas. Therefore, this observation paved the way to identify the fundamental internal factors which affect English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom of undergraduates. The sample of this research consists of randomly selected 30 First year participants learning English as a Second Language in the faculties of Dance and Drama, Music and Visual Arts, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo 07. For the purpose of clear analysis of data, it was decided to conduct the study quantitively and the collection of data was done via a questionnaire consisting Likert Scale questions, Multiple Choice questions and Open-Ended questions. The study mainly focuses on two major internal variables in learning English, namely motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic and attitude. These can be considered as some of the most determining factors that enhance efficiency of students in language classroom. The results of this research indicate that the majority of the participants belonging to the faculty of Dance and Drama are highly motivated and they have positive attitude towards learning English compared to the participants of other faculties. Moreover, this research reveals the reasons for negative attitude and lack of motivation in ESL classroom. Further, it identifies other internal factors such as anxiety, age and the influence of the first language that affect Second language learning. Based on the findings it is recommended that conducting lessons interestingly while motivating and encouraging students to use English and making them aware of the importance of learning English can result in their enhanced motivation and positive attitude towards learning English. Furthermore, the undergraduates will successfully obtain the ability of English Language Learning.