M Short

English Language Teaching in Nepal: An Investigation of Issues and Challenges

The research question that is being asked in this chapter is ‘what is an appropriate structure for reporting this study on English language teaching in Nepal?’ The study itself is an investigation of issues and challenges explored using a mixed methods approach.

Computer assisted language learning (CALL) for international students: An Australian perspective

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is a widely used pedagogical tool for advancing language learning and teaching. The most dominant use of CALL is to aid language learning. The purpose of this research was to gain insights into the advantages and challenges of using CALL in English language teaching and learning from the perspective of Asian learners, and to explore the connection between students’ different languages, cultures and learning backgrounds and the way they utilize CALL when learning English. An on line anonymous questionnaire was used to obtain qualitative data from twenty participants who were recruited from level 7 and six students in the English Language Centre (ELC) of a regional Australian University. Open coding was the primary method of analysis. The findings indicated Asian students held a positive attitude toward CALL as it was thought to offer convenience and flexibility for their study. However, there were some challenges for Asian students who utilized CALL, especially to improve their writing and speaking skills. From the learners’ perspectives, the opportunities for communication and in time feedback and assistance were inadequate in their CALL experience. Learners found it hard to motivate themselves to engage with CALL. The Asian students’ cultural and educational backgrounds may have triggered these difficulties. The students may also have had insufficient computer skills, low independent learning skills and potentially have lack intrinsic motivation. All of these learning skills are critical in employing CALL. These findings suggested that for the Asian students who were in the process of transition from a traditional teacher centered approach to a student centered approach, more assistance and guidelines were needed for them to gradually develop their computer skills, independent learning skills, and self-motivational skills to benefit from using CALL.

Issues in English language teaching in Nepal

The use and importance of English language teaching (ELT) is increasing worldwide, in developed as well as developing countries. Regardless, the quality of teaching and learning has decreased considerably in most countries; significant efforts have been made and applied to improve English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching and learning processes (Fareh, 2010).

Early French Immersion in British Columbia

Early French Immersion (EFI) is a popular optional education program offered in most of the 60 school districts in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Though districts have varying policies, the model generally involves entry into the program in Kindergarten-Grade 1 where French is the language of instruction for all subjects.