The Impact of Critical Thinking in Improving Students’ Learning: A case study of students in the English Department, College of Science and Arts, Tanumah, King Khalid University (Published)
This study investigates the impact of critical thinking in improving students’ learning and how it is important to think critically in the learning process. Improving the ability to think critically is an important element for modern education approaches and models. This study aims to provide a framework on the concept of thinking critically while teaching or learning. The world is getting both more technical and more complex day by day life environment, that’s why the necessity for education increases for each growing generation. The skill of thinking critically is generally accepted as a very vital stage in every field of learning, particularly in the last decades. As a study draws a general suggestion on the importance of critical thinking skills. The study found out that: first, Students’ performance was different in the post-test (after experiment) when it is compared with students’ performance in the pre-test (before experiment). Second, the learning motivation of the experimental group and the control group was also different. Third, there was no difference in Critical thinking skills influenced by the interaction of learning models. Forth, Students have developed better critical thinking skills due to their abilities to negotiate and analyze critically. A well, the study recommended that: 1) critical thinking should be given and taught as a main daily activity within learning process. 2) earners should be exposed to intensive tasks that motivate and enhance critical thinking skills.
Keywords: Critical thinking, Learning, thinking
English Language as a Personality Marker among Senior Secondary School Students in Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria (Published)
The state of English language as a personality marker was investigated among senior secondary school students in Owerri zone, Imo State Nigeria. Study data were collected by means of a structured and pre-tested questionnaire based on Likert 5-point ratings. Mann-Whitney method was used to analyse the data by estimating mean scores. Results showed that sampled students felt happier in using English in their communications than their mother language, Igbo (L1). Findings showed that English language use by the sampled students promoted their ego among their peers who find it difficult to communicate in English language. Finally, the study provided high evidence to demonstrate that Senior Secondary School Students learning English in Owerri zone use ability to communicate in English as personality marker. The study recommended that learners’ immediate, short-term interests such as elevating their status through learning English language should be carefully monitored and channeled to their long-term goals so as to avoid possible negative effect on learners’ personality changes
Keywords: Ethnicity, Igbo Language, Learning, Personality, Second Language
Influence of Learning English on Identity Switch among Senior Secondary School Students in Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated the influence of learning English on identity switch among senior secondary school students in Owerri zone, Imo State Nigeria. Data for the study were collected by means of a structured and pre-tested questionnaire based on Likert 5-point ratings. The data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney method of estimating mean scores. Results showed that students are more elated using English in their communications than Igbo, their first language (L1). Findings showed that the influence of English on the cultural identity of the respondents is such that many feel uncomfortable in the midst of their compatriots who do not speak English. Finally, the study demonstrated that Students learning English in Owerri zone switch their identities to suit the target language. The study recommended that productive bilingualism can serve as an educational objective, where teachers may simultaneously cultivate learners’ intrinsic interest, and positive attitudes and beliefs associated with the target language and culture on one hand, and the native language (Igbo) and culture on the other hand.
Keywords: Culture, Ethnicity, Identity, Learning, Second Language
Influence of Learning English on Identity Switch among Senior Secondary School Students in owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated the influence of learning English on identity switch among senior secondary school students in Owerri zone, Imo State Nigeria. Data for the study were collected by means of a structured and pre-tested questionnaire based on Likert 5-point ratings. The data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney method of estimating mean scores. Results showed that students are more elated using English in their communications than Igbo, their first language (L1). Findings showed that the influence of English on the cultural identity of the respondents is such that many feel uncomfortable in the midst of their compatriots who do not speak English. Finally, the study demonstrated that Students learning English in Owerri zone switch their identities to suit the target language. The study recommended that productive bilingualism can serve as an educational objective, where teachers may simultaneously cultivate learners’ intrinsic interest, and positive attitudes and beliefs associated with the target language and culture on one hand, and the native language (Igbo) and culture on the other hand.
Keywords: Culture, Ethnicity, Identity, Learning, Second Language
Teaching English as a Foreign Language: The Case of Saudi Arabia (Published)
This paper aims to describe English language teaching as a foreign language in Saudi Arabia. It highlights the nature of the curriculum, teaching procedures and materials. The paper critically reviews the teaching methods, qualifications in addition to concepts related to culture and society.
Keywords: English, Learning, Method, Saudi Arabia, Teaching
Second Language Learning and Teaching: Literature Review (Published)
English nowadays is becoming a second language in many countries over the world. This paper tries to provide a description of the concept English language teaching and learning. The paper reviews different methodologies of teaching English in the education system.