INFLUENCE OF PRESTUDY ON FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING ATTITUDE


Mirici I. H.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND PERSONALITY, vol.38, no.2, pp.187-196, 2010 (SSCI, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 38 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.2224/sbp.2010.38.2.187
  • Journal Name: SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND PERSONALITY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.187-196
  • Keywords: prestudy, language learning attitude, dictionary use, handout use, self-study, foreign language learning, UNFAMILIAR WORDS
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In this experimental study, based on qualitative and quantitative data collection from an experimental and a control group, the influence of 2 different ways of prestudy on foreign language learning attitude of the upper-intermediate level of English language learners was investigated. One prestudy program was based on specially designed familiarization handout-materials comprising topic-related reading activities, the other program entailed using a dictionary focusing on the words used in the target unit. Students who worked with the handout were significantly more motivated, active, and interactive than those who worked with a dictionary. In addition, teachers felt that students who did prestudy using handouts found the unit more meaningful and developed a better attitude towards learning a foreign language than did those who relied on a dictionary.