A Model to Train English Language Teachers at Mexican Universities (Published)
This work evaluates the preparation of English language teachers at Mexican universities. In order to develop a model for training future English language teachers, curricular, operational, and contextual factors are analysed. Extensive professional teaching of English in Mexican universities is necessary given the extensive social, economic and cultural exchanges within North America that require workers to speak English with a certain level of proficiency. The preparation of English language teachers in Mexico has not been adequately researched and there is little objective data on its status. Therefore, there is a need for systematic empirical information to fully understand the status quo of English teacher training in Mexican universities. A case study of a typical university English teacher training programme provides curricular considerations and information from faculty, students and administrators. As a result, this work proposes a model for English teacher training at the university level and discusses its implications for curriculum development.
Keywords: English Language, English language proficiency, English language teaching programmes
Research Learning style preferences and English Language Proficiency of first year Economics students at University of Economics – Technology for Industries, Vietnam (Published)
This research involves investigating the learning style preferences and English language proficiency of Economics students as basis for language learning enhancement program. This has been done by descriptive-correlational research method. 162 students at UNETI, Vietnam selected through the use of stratified random sampling answered the Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire and a 50-item English proficiency test. Frequency counts and percentages, central tendency, T-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation were used to analyze the gathered data. Finding revealed that group learning style dominates among the students, followed by other learning styles. In term of English language proficiency, most of the respondents are moderately proficient. There exists a significant relationship between their learning styles and their English language proficiency. On differences in the English language proficiency of the students, significant differences exist in tests. Finally, significant relationship exists between visual, tactile, group, and individual learning styles of the respondents and their English language proficiency.
Keywords: Economics, English language proficiency, Industries, Technology, University, Vietnam, first year Economics students, learning styles, preferences