Muhammad Akram

Bio: Muhammad Akram is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Language acquisition & Foreign language. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 5 publications receiving 50 citations.

Gender and language learning motivation

Abstract: Motivation is an important factor in learning a foreign language. Gender is also an important element in learning as the females tend to demonstrate a more positive attitude and motivation towards learning a language. The present study highlights the importance of gender and motivation in language learning. The data have been collected from intermediate level students and analysed with statistical measures. The results have revealed interesting findings.

The Relationship of Socioeconomic Status with Language Learning Motivation

Abstract: Language learning motivation is an important factor in language achievement. The study of socioeconomic status with other individual differences is a neglected area in language learning motivation rese arch in Pakistan. The Socioeconomic status (SES) is also an important ele ment in learning as the students with high SES tend to demonstrate a more positive aand motivation towards learning a language as compared to the students wit h low SES in Pakistan. The present study highlights the importance of SES and motivation in language learning. The data have been collected from different interme diate level students and analyzed with SPSS XIV. The results have produced some inter esting findings.

Essay Writing and Its Problems: A Study of ESL Students at Secondary Level

Abstract: Writing is the most important genre of all four modules of language. In Pakistan, English is taught as a second language and developing English writing competence is essential for successful communication at all levels of the education system. However, students face challenges in mastering English essay writing skills. The main objective of this study is to investigate the challenges faced in English essay writing by Secondary school students in District Rahim Yar Khan. However, the specific objectives were to determine strategies employed by teachers for teaching essay writing skills, problems faced and strategies employed by students for learning these skills. Finally, methods were proposed for teachers and students for enhancing English essay writing skills among students. A descriptive survey research methodology was adopted. The target population was teachers and students of public secondary schools of District Rahim Yar Khan except for schools of Tehsil Liaquatpur. The sample consisted of 170 students and 27 teachers from 17 sampled schools. Questionnaire from teachers and students and an essay writing test from students were conducted to collect data. The descriptive statistical technique was used to analyze quantitative data in the form of percentages and frequencies. It was evaluated that most common teaching methods used are demonstrations, lectures and question and answers. However, effective teaching methods like oral presentations, peer teaching, group discussions, and role play are not widely used. Moreover, teachers do face problems like low salaries and high workload which effects teaching. Based on the study, recommendations were made for students, teachers, and government to address the challenges students face in English essay writing at secondary level.

Effect of Self-Organized Learning Environment on the Comprehension of ESL Learners at Primary Level in Pakistan

Abstract: The research is designed to study the effect of self-organized learning environment (SOLE) on the comprehension of the learners of English as Second Language at primary level in Pakistan. This study is conducted under the influence of Mitra (1999) experiments in child driven education. By using convenient sampling, two groups of thirty two ESL learners of grade 5th from one government school are selected randomly for the research. To find out whether SOLE is effective for learning comprehension, the researchers have used quasi experiment. The tools used for this experiment are pretest and posttest. One group of thirty two students is taken as controlled group and is taught how to have ESL comprehension by traditional method. The other group is experimental group and the researchers leave the learners in IT lab to learn ESL comprehension independently. The researchers assign some tasks to the learners and they complete these tasks by using computer on their own. After the experiment of 20 days it has been found from the comparison of the results gained through posttest from both the groups that the effect of self-organized learning environment on the comprehension of ESL learners is more than the traditional learning environment. The aim of this study is to enable the learners to learn English comprehension by the use of computer under self-organized learning environment.

Language Shift and Maintenance: A Case Study of Pakistani-American Family

Abstract: This article investigated the language shifting and maintenance in daily life conversation of family resided in USA. The sources of data involved the participation of three generations, 7 members total in number, including 4 adults and 3 children. The observation was of observer participant type. The family was observed through video call, continually 10 hours a day in natural environment during 5 days period. Moreover, the interview was continued for 20 minutes, from 4 members of the family, 2 members from 1st generation and 2 members from 2nd. The collected data revealed that the second generation preferred to talk in L2-English but they switched to LI -Punjabi/Urdu when needed. First generation, the older ones talk in LI Punjabi /Urdu. They rarely switched to L2 to facilitate their younger generation mostly they tried to maintain their LI by code switching when interacting with each other even with their young family members. It was a pure qualitative study. Findings suggest that the preference to L2 was to succeed their younger generation in their academic and social life. They consider their social and economic benefits more important than their ethnic linguistic identity.

Research methods in the social sciences

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第二语言习得研究 = The study of second language acquisition

Abstract: Acknowledgements Introduction PART ONE - BACKGROUND Introduction 1. Second language acquisition research: an overview PART TWO - THE DESCRIPTION OF LEARNER LANGUAGE Introduction 2. Learner errors and error analysis 3. Developmental patterns: order and sequence in second language acquisition 4. Variability in learner language 5. Pragmatic aspects of learner language PART THREE - EXPLAINING SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: EXTERNAL FACTORS Introduction 6. Social factors and second language acquisition 7. Input and interaction and second language acquisition PART FOUR - EXPLAINING SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: INTERNAL FACTORS Introduction 8. Language transfer 9. Cognitive accounts of second language acquisition 10. Linguistic universals and second language acquisition PART FIVE - EXPLAINING INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Introduction 11. Individual learner differences 12. Learning strategies PART SIX - CLASSROOM SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Introduction 13. Classroom interaction and second language acquisition 14. Formal instruction and second language acquisition PART SEVEN - CONCLUSION Introduction 15. Data, theory, and applications in second language acquisition research Glossary Bibliography Author index Subject index

Motivation and second language acquisition

Abstract: This chapter examines past research on the role motivation plays in the success of learning a second language. We begin by providing a comprehensive overview of the key conceptual models that have applied the construct of motivation to second language acquisition, namely Gardner and Lambert’s seminal Socio-educational Model of Motivation on Second Language Acquisition. Next, we present an overview of more contemporary conceptual models, which are more inclusive and integrative in nature, and examine how different aspects of the learner and the learning situation might influence motivation and learning outcomes. Then, we turn to the operationalisation and measurement of second language motivation and present an overview of recent empirical work on integrative motivation and second language learning. In our final section, we discuss group differences in motivation and second language acquisition, with an emphasis on the influence of gender, age and culture/ethnicity.

Why Do Students Choose English as a Medium of Instruction? A Bourdieusian Perspective on the Study Strategies of Non-Native English Speakers

Abstract: Taking a Bourdieusian perspective, we analyze the relevance of social background and capital for choosing English as a medium of instruction (EMI). Our work focuses on students with a non-native En...