OAR@UM Collection:
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/49918
2024-03-28T08:15:05ZExperiences within a pre-bachelor programme for refugees : insights from Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/49951
Title: Experiences within a pre-bachelor programme for refugees : insights from Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Schaeren, Maria Hilda; Van Den Heuvel, Henk
Abstract: The current ‘migration crisis’ in Europe started at the end of 2014, as migrants, primarily from Africa and Syria, and mainly due to war, arrived in Europe in big numbers. Initially, the European Council labelled the situation as tragic (European Council statement 2015, European Commission and its priorities, 2018). With the growing influx of migrants, member states started referring to the situation as a security problem, resulting in a greater reluctance to accept newcomers into their territory. In February 2016, the EU member states imposed a European border, deployed coast guards and implemented a joint Turkey action plan. “Fortress Europe” was gaining momentum. Europe promised aid to Western Balkan countries in handling the massive migration waves. Countries were forced to accept a quota of migrants (Bauerová, 2015).2019-12-01T00:00:00ZLearners’ attitudes and ideologies towards English : implications for the teaching and learning of English in Malta
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/49936
Title: Learners’ attitudes and ideologies towards English : implications for the teaching and learning of English in Malta
Authors: Vella, Lara Ann
Abstract: The study investigates the attitudes and ideologies held by adults and children towards English in Malta. Questionnaires were distributed to parents (N= 202) and children (N=357), coming from three school sectors (state, church and independent schools). Four age groups were targeted: adults, 14- to 15-year-olds, 11- to 12-year-olds and 8- to 9-year-olds. The self- reports of language use illustrate that Maltese is the prevalent language used in the home domain. Five constructs emerged from the exploratory factor analysis of the language attitude questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses revealed that language spoken to mother and at school are the most influential predictor variables across all language attitude constructs. The data showed that school sector and age group have a significant effect on most language attitude constructs. The findings make an important contribution by highlighting the role of the languages spoken at home, particularly by the mother, in the development of language attitudes. It also illustrates ways in which language attitudes are shaped by age and school sector in Malta. Such factors should be considered in the teaching of English in Malta, in a context where learners are in contact with English not only at school, but also in their everyday lives.2019-12-01T00:00:00ZEnglish for all : repositioning English across the curriculum
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/49935
Title: English for all : repositioning English across the curriculum
Authors: Spiteri, Doreen
Abstract: The curricular reform underway is ostensibly aimed at providing an equitable education for all which acknowledges the different pathways learners may take and their different rates of development. Additional contenders for the reasons behind the reform lie in the acknowledgement that schools could be delivering more to improve results on international examinations and to increase the numbers of qualified school leavers as well as the numbers of those continuing into post-secondary and tertiary education. To achieve this, the discourse of teaching and learning is being reframed as one of outcomes of learning. While there are potential benefits in competency-based models of education, it is here argued that a part- solution to the problems that prompted the reform might lie in improving students’ academic literacy skills. In an educational context where several school subjects are mediated through English, where classes are increasingly multilingual, where post-secondary and tertiary education is mediated through English, where mobility is a growing trend, focussing on academic literacy skills is a worthwhile goal.2019-12-01T00:00:00ZPerceptions of assessment among teachers of English in Church schools
https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/49934
Title: Perceptions of assessment among teachers of English in Church schools
Authors: De Giovanni, Janice
Abstract: This research paper attempts to create a snapshot of the perceptions of assessment among teachers of English within Church secondary schools. The aim was to bring forth the teachers’ opinions about assessment as they experience the myriad changes that are affecting education now. It also seeks to give an overview of what assessment procedures were in place before the reform, and if any changes were made, what were they. Data was collected using an online questionnaire made up of multiple-choice items amd items on a 4-point Likert scale. The research found that many teachers still view examinations as being useful in this day and age, but that diversifying continuous assessment is the way forward. However, they do not think that stress will be alleviated with the new proposals being proposed. Teachers in Church schools feel that they are not ready for these changes, nor are their students or their parents. Thus, there is a clear demand for support and professional development sessions to be provided by the Secretariat for Catholic Education (SfCE).2019-12-01T00:00:00Z