Theses supervised by Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Ahmet Remzi Uluşan
12 theses · Başkent University
The utilization of debate instruction using a learning management system to understand the effects on Turkish EFL learners' L2 speaking anxiety
Speaking has been regarded by many students as the most difficult skill to master yet it is essential for communication and learning a foreign language. Because they cannot prepare their speech beforehand, especially in real-life situations, most language learners are afraid of making mistakes when speaking a foreign language. Although numerous research has attempted to utilize different methods to lower the degree of L2 speaking anxiety, there still has been a heavy emphasis on helping students get past this problem. The researcher of the current study chose debate instruction as one of the efficient methods that can aid students in communicating effectively and encourage them to talk confidently as debating gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of cognitive and linguistic skills. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand the effects of debate instruction on Turkish EFL students regarding their speaking anxiety, speaking performance and willingness to communicate. The study has been conducted at a foreign language school of a foundation university in Turkey. 189 students and 5 instructors participated in the study. As for the quantitative part of the study, the Turkish version of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety questionnaire (T-FLSAQ) has been implemented to students as a pretest and posttest. Additionally, a survey regarding learners' perceptions on the learning management system has been given to students. In order to create the descriptive statistics of the survey results, quantitative data have been analyzed by IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0. Qualitative data, on the other hand, have been analyzed by descriptive content analysis. Results of the study show that there is a statistically significant difference between the foreign language speaking anxiety levels before and after the debate instruction. In other words, the participants' foreign language speaking anxiety levels have decreased after the debate instruction. Moreover, the findings show that the use of LMS increases the motivation and satisfaction with the course. In conclusion, researcher of the study suggests the use of debate instruction with the LMS as a medium of teaching in order to lower the level of speaking anxiety of students and to increase their speaking performance as well as their willingness to communicate in English.
The effects of collaborative learning on the autonomy of university preparatory school students
This study aims to investigate the effects of collaborative learning on the autonomy of prep school students from the teachers' perspective. Mixed-method approach was applied for this study. The participants of this study consisted of 71 instructors who worked at the prep school of a foundation university. They participated in this study by completing the survey online and attending the interview sessions. For the quantitative data, the Likert scale questionnaire was taken by the survey of Borg and Al-Busaidi (2012). The questionnaire has 37 questions and the 5 options of 1=strongly agree, 2=agree, 3=neutral, 4=disagree and 5=strongly disagree. The Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data collected and generate participant scores. For the qualitative data, 10 volunteer instructors were interviewed to obtain more specific, deep and detailed knowledge and perspective about the effects of collaborative learning on the autonomy of prep-school students. For the interview, open-ended questions were asked to understand their consideration for the effects of learner autonomy on prep school students and the effects of collaborative learning on prep school students' autonomy. The results of this study showed that learner autonomy has positive effects for the prep school students and collaborative learning has a huge impact on promoting autonomy for the learners at prep school. The instructors stated that autonomous learners are more likely to be more successful through an English language learning journey. They also indicated that learner autonomy can be promoted and fostered better with collaborative activities such as pair-work, group work and shared tasks. Key Words: learner autonomy, collaborative learning, self-discipline, self-control, self- awareness
The attitudes of English preparatory school students toward cooperative language learning
The main aim of this research is to reveal the perceptions of preparatory class students towards collaborative language learning (CLL). In this context, the study is designed to determine the attitudes of university preparatory class students towards CLL, examine the impact of CLL usage on learning styles, and measure how their participation in CLL activities is shaped. Additionally, within the scope of the research, the goal is to assess the tendencies of female and male students towards collaborative work and determine if there is a difference in these tendencies. Furthermore, the study focuses on understanding the effects of the collaborative learning approach on the perspectives of female and male students and evaluates whether these effects create a significant difference in terms of the school year. In this framework, the research is conducted to deeply understand the perceptions of preparatory class students towards CLL and comprehensively analyze the impact of the collaborative learning approach on student experiences. It is expected that the findings of the research will contribute significantly to understanding the effectiveness of collaborative methods in the language learning process.
Demotivation among middle school students in English classes and teacher strategies to overcome it
To help students succeed in English classes, it is important to know and overcome the factors that reduce students' motivation. Therefore, this study investigated the factors that demotivate middle school students in English classes as well as teacher strategies to overcome demotivational factors. To achieve this goal, the study was carried out across four distinct schools situated in different cities in Turkiye—Ankara, Istanbul, Samsun, and Erzurum—during the spring semester of 2022-2023. A mixed-method design was employed to ensure a comprehensive acquisition of data. In the quantitative part of the study, data was collected from 632 middle school students in grades 5th to 8th using the Foreign Language Demotivation Scale (FLDS) developed by Acarol (2020). This scale featured 32 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale and encompassed five sub-dimensions: Teaching Material, Teaching Methods, Teacher Attitudes, Negative Experiences, and Failure Experience. Results indicated that Teaching Materials ranked as the most demotivating factor, while Teacher Attitude emerged as the least demotivating. Notably, these factors varied across several variables such as gender, grade level, city, academic performance, and learning experiences. Additionally, in the qualitative part of the study, 10 EFL teachers were interviewed to gain valuable insights into their strategies for identifying and overcoming demotivation factors. Teachers stressed the importance of using authentic and technological materials to motivate students, along with student-centered approaches featuring interactive elements such as using games. Positive teacher attitudes, clear rules, and personalized interventions were identified as crucial for re-motivating students based on their interests and learning paths. This study offers valuable insights into student motivation by examining four schools, though its limited scope suggests opportunities for further exploration. Future research could delve deeper into students' perspectives on demotivation, the role of cultural influences, and external factors. This expanded research would enrich our understanding and enable the development of targeted strategies for boosting student motivation in English classes, ultimately leading to more effective and engaging learning environments.
An investigation of young adolescent students' foreign language anxiety levels and their causes
This thesis endeavors to delve into the foreign language anxiety experienced by young adolescent students and explore its underlying causes. The ultimate goal of this research is to provide valuable insights that can aid teachers in comprehending and effectively managing the foreign language anxiety of their young learners, thereby mitigating negative emotional impacts. The study was conducted across both private and public schools in Ankara during the spring semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. A mixed method was used in the research methodology to obtain more in-depth and comprehensive results. Quantitative data collection utilized the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) developed by Horwitz et al., (1996) and translated into Turkish by Aydın (1991) and involved 414 students from 5th to 8th grades. Simultaneously, qualitative data were acquired through semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 students exhibiting high levels of anxiety according to FLCAS results. After analyzing the results, it was evident that young adolescents exhibited a moderate level of foreign language anxiety, which was influenced by factors such as age, parental expectations, gender, learning experiences, school type, and academic achievement. The effects of these variables on foreign language anxiety were thoroughly discussed and analyzed. Following semi-structured interviews with 12 anxious students, the causes of their anxiety were identified as speaking activities, teacher manners, peer reactions, parental pressure, and fear of receiving low grades in exams. Consequently, all the findings were comprehensively discussed and summarized, and potential suggestions were offered for teachers and future studies. It is important to note that while this study offers valuable insights, its scope is limited to 226 students from a single public school and 188 students from a private school in Ankara. Therefore, caution must be exercised in generalizing the findings beyond this specific context. Future research endeavors may benefit from diversifying data collection tools, including input from teachers to enrich the understanding of foreign language anxiety, and exploring additional perspectives to develop comprehensive strategies for addressing student anxiety in language learning environments.
Analysis of primary school students' attitudes towards reading skills supported by in-class and extracurricular resources
This case study investigates elementary students' attitudes toward reading skills in a private primary school setting in Northern Eastern Arabia, considering gender differences. It examines whether their performance improves over a 20-week period, using a sample of a personalized e-learning tool— a tailored and interactive learning program—recognized for its innovative approach. A mixed-method design was employed for the research methodology. The participants include 125 second-grade students and 5 teachers. Data were collected through a 20-question survey known as 'Elementary Reading Attitudes' (ERAS) by McKenna and Kear (1990). Additionally, structured interviews with teachers, utilizing the ERAS framework, captured educators' perspectives. T-tests were used to determine significant differences between the mean scores of male and female groups. SPSS was employed for data analysis. The study revealed statistically significant variations in total scores, recreational reading, and academic reading sub-dimensions based on classroom variables. Furthermore, female students demonstrated a higher degree of positive attitude compared to their male counterparts. Further research is recommended to examine general reading attitudes among elementary students, explore potential gender-based discrepancies with larger groups, and assess the effectiveness of IXL in phonics instruction to enhance early reading abilities. Keywords: teaching phonics, reading skill, foundations of early teaching literacy, ERAS
The perceptions of English language lecturers toward the effectiveness of the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in teaching grammar at Zawiya University in Libya
This study explores the perceptions of English language lecturers toward the effectiveness of using the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in teaching grammar at Zawiya University in Libya. A quantitative research design particularly the descriptive survey design is adopted and to collect the required data, a questionnaire from Bani Taha (2016) was used and distributed to participants (n=203) to reveal their perceptions toward the effectiveness of using CLT in teaching grammar. The results showed that the majority of English language lecturers at Zawiya University were positive toward using CLT to teach grammar (mean= 4.04). The results also unveiled that they preferred using a variety of communicative activities in grammar classes (mean= 3.52). Further, the current research investigated the challenges that hinder the effective use of CLT to teach grammar and found that large classes, difficulty in assessing grammar communicatively, and students' low English proficiency are the most common challenges. The findings also indicated that most participants recognize the Communicative Language Teaching as an effective way to teach grammar, but due to several challenges, the teaching process becomes more difficult. Therefore, this study aims to provide education authorities like stakeholders and syllabus designers with the information needed regarding the effectiveness of CLT in teaching grammar at tertiary level in order to develop an effective syllabus for better English grammar teaching.
A case study: Exploration of Generation Z students' EFL learning environment in tertiary education
As of 2019-2020 academic year, there are almost 8 million students at tertiary education in Turkey including vocational, undergraduate, and graduate students (Yükseköğretim Bilgi Yönetim Sistemi, 2020). Hence it is crucial to acknowledge the existence of Generation Z students (born between 1996-2010) in higher education. The fact that different cohorts; Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y and Gen Z are working and studying together necessitated this study, which aimed to explore Gen Z students' EFL learning environments. The study was conducted at a foundation university's School of Foreign Languages in Turkey. Data were collected during 2020-2021 academic year employing focus group meetings, semi-structured individual interviews and field notes. The data were examined through qualitative inquiry methods and data analysis software. The findings revealed that although there was no change in teaching philosophies of instructors, they had to go through a process of adaptation with Gen Z students. It was also found out that different instructors belonging to different generations had dissimilar attitudes and practices towards Gen Z students. Although the essence of teaching and learning still stayed the same, Gen Z students were noted to have more elevated interest in the language learning due to their close contact with technology and internet. Therefore, traditional methods of teaching are no longer suitable for Gen Z, and along with instructors, institutions and publishing houses have to share their parts in establishing an effective learning environment for Gen Z students. Keywords: Gen Z EFL learning environment, Gen Z learning preferences, Gen Z student characteristics, technology incorporated lessons, cohorts of instructors, Gen Z teaching philosophies, infrastructure in establishing Gen Z learning environment
Problems faced by English language instructors while teaching English online during the COVID-19 pandemic
With the unexpected Covid -19 Pandemic, the educational institutions shut down and started distance education without any preparation made previously. Like many teachers, English language instructors also had difficulties while teaching online. The aim of this study was to explore the problems faced by English language instructors while teaching English online during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was conducted in three universities in Ankara. Data were collected in 2020-2021 spring term. An online questionnaire was prepared by the researcher. The data were examined through SPSS. It was concluded from the findings that there were some problems, such as lack of standardization and lack of student-teacher interaction. Moreover, other results showed that the videoconferencing systems used were not suitable for activities and tasks. Online class management was difficult. Students could not ask questions easily in an online lesson. Trainings about technical issues were missing. The student-teacher interaction did not affect students or instructors positively. Instructors thought that online lessons did not attract students more than traditional face-to-face lessons due to lack of interest and motivation.
A case study: Bilingual children's code-switching mechanisms
The present study is a case study that discussed the code-switching mechanisms of four Libyan bilingual children. It attempted to figure out the reasons that lie behind this linguistic behavior, in addition to highlighting the techniques and mechanisms that the children applied during code-switching. It is a case study that lasted for two years through which the researcher observed the daily conversations of the four children under study. The children were divided into two groups: simultaneous and successive, depending on the stage of their exposure to both languages. Discourse analysis and Hymes' functions of code-switching were used to analyze the children's switched utterances. The results showed that the bilingual children after a considerable time of exposure to both languages, form spontaneous bond with the two languages and they switch languages for various reasons following certain techniques to make the utmost utilization of the two languages in their daily communication with others.
Relationship between primary school EFL teachers' emotional intelligence and their classroom management
One of the things that instructors struggle with the most is trying to control a classroom. The management of a teacher's classroom can be influenced by a variety of things. Along with many other aspects, a teacher's personality may have an impact on their management skills. One personality feature that may set apart instructors in terms of their performances in the classroom is their emotional intelligence (EQ). This study investigates the relationship between EFL teachers' emotional intelligence (EQ) and their classroom management. The quantitative research method was used in this study. Participants of this study are 93 EFL teachers who work in private primary schools in Cankaya, Ankara, Turkey. Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) and Behavior and Instructional Management Scale (BIMS) have been used to collect data. The findings show a statistically significant correlation between EFL teachers' emotional intelligence and classroom management. At the conclusion of this investigation, recommendations for additional research were made.
Evaluation of the reading texts in teenwise 9: A textbook written in accordance with the new elt program of Turkish National Education
This study aimed to investigate the appropriateness of the reading texts in Teenwise 9 according to students' perspectives based on content, exploitability, readability, and authenticity through a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. In addition, students' attitudes towards English classes and their perceptions towards four language skills were investigated. The sample of this study consisted of 9th-grade high school students from a total of three high schools in Ankara, including Mehmet Emin Resulzade Anatolian High School, Ayrancı Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, and Eryaman Şehit Okan Koç Anatolian Religious Vocational High School. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design which includes both quantitative and qualitative methods. In this context, the opinions of 300 students studying in three different schools were received through a questionnaire. In addition, a total of 30 students, 10 from each school, were interviewed. To analyze the quantitative data, the data set was examined and the answers of 300 students were transferred to SPSS 23.0 program. First, the frequency and percentage values were calculated. Then, the chi square statistic was calculated to determine whether the students' views show a significant difference according to their school type, gender and age. The analysis of the responds of the students to the interview form was conducted with content analysis. First, the main categories for the views were formed, then the sub-categories were determined, and frequency and percentage values were calculated. In addition, the answers of the students were evaluated according to the type of school they study. Some of the results were as follows: 1. In total, 40% (n=12) of the participating students like English classes, 33,3% (n=10) do not like them while 26,7% (n=8) partially like the classes. 2. Among the four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), participants think the productive skills (speaking and writing) are the most difficult. 76,7 % (n=23) of the students find speaking difficult and 73,7% (n=22) state that writing is difficult. As for the receptive skills (reading and listening), 40% (n=12) think reading is difficult, and finally 26,7 % (n=8) think listening is a difficult skill. 3. Regarding the students' opinions about the content of the reading texts, more than 52% of the students agree that they enjoy reading them, but only 27,7 % say the texts make them want to read to find out more about the topics. 4. Participating students tend to agree with the statements regarding the exploitability of the reading texts. Most of them agree that the reading texts allow them to identify meaning of unknown words from context and without the help of a dictionary, and new words are repeated in the subsequent chapters. However, results also indicate that there are significant differences between the school types. 5. According to questionnaire results, Anatolian High School students tend to think that the reading texts were easy and did not include many new words or complex sentences. They also wish to learn more new words at this stage. The interview results supported the quantitative data. Anatolian Religious Vocational High School students have the most negative opinions about the readability of the texts. They think the texts are difficult, include too many new words and long sentences. Finally, according to the quantitative data, Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School students seem to have no problem with the readability of the texts, however during the interviews, most of them did not state any opinions about it. 6. Both the quantitative and qualitative data collected from Anatolian High School students reflect that they generally do not find Teenwise 9 texts authentic. Anatolian Religious Vocational High School students, on the other hand, tend to agree with the statements related to authenticity. The findings of the interviews supported those of the quantitative. According to the questionnaire results, Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School students thought the text were authentic the most. However, the qualitative data did not support the quantitative data, as most students stated that the reading texts were unrelated to real life. Keywords: textbook evaluation, reading text evaluation