Fernando Peralta-Castro | Universidad de Colima (original) (raw)
Papers by Fernando Peralta-Castro
Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 2023
The scope of this study is to observe features of environmental autonomy support and to identify ... more The scope of this study is to observe features of environmental autonomy support and to identify aspects of autonomy. To this end, a case study was designed and implemented in a state school in the western region of Mexico, with the participation of twelve secondary school pupils, ages 12 to 14, who attended a non-required 40hour course using the autonomous learning approach. A research journal was kept tracking the whole process, gaining knowledge of autonomous learning and examining the phenomenon in a real-life context. The journals were analyzed with the help of Atlas.ti software, and the researcher made inferences from the resulting data, including environmental autonomy support as well as the reactions of the pupils to the autonomous learning process. The analysis of data reveals the language-learning context and its tendency to foster an autonomysupportive atmosphere. Data seems to cast light on two major issues: the importance of fostering an environment that encourages autonomous learning-related behavior, and the necessity of providing appropriate scaffolding strategies to assist students in their development of autonomous learning. The study provides valuable insights into autonomy support and autonomous learning in education, but its limitations include a small sample size and potential challenges in generalizing findings to broader contexts.
CIEX Journal , 2023
The teaching practicum is an essential component of teacher preparation programs. This provides p... more The teaching practicum is an essential component of teacher preparation programs. This provides pre-service teachers with direct knowledge as they develop their vocations as educators. In addition, it promotes the development of pre-service teachers' teaching knowledge and abilities, including academics and mentor teachers. In early 2020, the Covid 19 pandemic broke out. In western Mexico, this pandemic altered the teaching practicum paradigms of a group of pre-service teachers. The paper describes challenges encountered by a group of Mexican language student-teachers as they transitioned from in-person to online instruction. The selected research methodology is predominantly qualitative. Utilized research methodologies included online surveys and interviews. The findings revealed that participants encountered a number of disadvantages, but they also cited a number of advantages of the online language teaching practicum. In conclusion, online teaching presented an entirely new set of challenges, but participants also discovered numerous benefits.
Revista Iberoamericana para la Investigación y el Desarrolo Educativo , 2023
The scope of this study is to investigate which attributes of autonomous learning can be fostered... more The scope of this study is to investigate which attributes of autonomous learning can be fostered during the language teaching and learning process, in a specific context. To this end, a case study was designed and implemented in a state school in Western Mexico, featuring the participation of two teacher trainees and twelve secondary school learners, English language learners of ages 12 to 14 who attended a non-mandatory 40-hour course under the autonomous learning approach. Prior to this experience, pupils had customarily learned in teacher-centered environments. Teacher trainees kept a research journal through which they tracked the whole process and made it possible to both gain knowledge of autonomous learning and to examine the phenomenon in a real-life context. The journals were analyzed with the help of Atlas.ti software, and the researcher made inferences from the resulting data,
including pupils’ reactions to the autonomous learning process. Data analysis shows how pupils’ behavior and response to the English course was, for the most part, passive at the outset, yet grew increasingly closer to autonomous learning, as the course progressed. To sum up, the data seems to shed light on two main issues: the importance of fostering an
environment that encourages autonomous learning-related behavior, and the need to provide appropriate scaffolding strategies to help pupils move towards the development of autonomous learning. This study made it possible to understand that autonomy is a path to be trodden, rather than the natural state of a learner, in this particular educational context.
World Journal of English Language, 2017
This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the ... more This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the context of aWestern University in Mexico. It was an Action Research investigation which involved the participation of a groupof teachers, who played a predominant role during the research, evaluating the original syllabus, producingdescriptions resulting in a detailed characterization of it. They also designed a new syllabus, and finally theyevaluated the process of improving it. Findings of the study demonstrate that language teachers engaged in a processof analysis and reflection are led to make decisions and changes based on local needs. Findings also demonstrate that,even when teachers showed the greatest willingness to participate in the study they also faced serious challenges.
RIDE Revista Iberoamericana para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Educativo, 2022
La investigación acción (IA) se entiende como el proceso reflexivo de búsqueda realizado por los ... more La investigación acción (IA) se entiende como el proceso reflexivo de búsqueda realizado por los integrantes de una comunidad para conocer su práctica y lograr mejorar la lógica y la justicia de sus propias acciones. En tal sentido, este artículo presenta los resultados de una indagación sobre el uso de la IA como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en un programa de formación de docentes de lenguas extranjeras en una universidad del occidente mexicano. El estudio, en su dimensión epistemológica, se realizó desde el posicionamiento constructivista, ya que el investigador se fusionó con el objeto analizado. El trabajo fue cualitativo y contempló la aplicación de un cuestionario abierto con el propósito de obtener información de un grupo de estudiantes, docentes en formación. Los datos se analizaron con el software Atlas.ti, lo que permitió conseguir 31 códigos y cuatro categorías. Los resultados muestran que la IA ayuda al docente en formación a detectar problemas en su práctica...
IE Revista de Investigación Educativa de la REDIECH, 2020
A través de este artículo se presentan los resultados de una investigación sobre la implementació... more A través de este artículo se presentan los resultados de una investigación sobre la implementación de una estrategia didáctica denominada “micro-investigación”, en un programa de formación de docentes de lenguas extranjeras. El estudio es cualitativo y contempló la aplicación de un cuestionario abierto con el propósito de obtener información de un grupo de estudiantes, maestros en formación, en el área de la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras. Los datos se analizaron con el software Atlas.ti, identificando 31 códigos y cuatro categorías. Los resultados muestran que la micro-investigación ayuda al maestro en formación a detectar problemas en la práctica docente, a mejorar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de lenguas, a poner en práctica lo estudiado en clase y a preparar un proyecto de investigación complejo.
Global Research in Higher Education, 2018
This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general Eng... more This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general English syllabus through action research. Action research offers practitioners possibilities to address syllabus issues through thoughtful inquiry. Because the study requires the researcher to comprehend the subject of study, research techniques allowing participants express their beliefs, and opinions about the syllabus are entirely appropriate. Thus, it is unlikely that other research methods allow action researchers understand the contextual reality as qualitative methods do. Interviews are conducted as they are widely used in action research studies and are suitable techniques to gain insights into the practitioners' collective reflective enquiry. The study shows that action research is a valuable tool to improve a language syllabus, an additional element action research offers to the process of syllabus improvement is that teachers can take responsibility for themselves and their actions thus by improving the syllabus they follow, they are able to emancipate themselves from the controlled situation they can find themselves in.
2011 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 2011
The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer scienc... more The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer science. It teaches compulsory English to all learners to help them develop their linguistic abilities to use them in their professional area in order to get a job with transnational companies, to collaborate with professionals of other countries, to participate in study abroad programs or to
International Journal of Linguistics, 2017
Studies have revealed that language learners’ beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008... more Studies have revealed that language learners’ beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008). Mori (1999) found significant correlation between beliefs and achievement in her study of American college students studying Japanese. This study investigates language students with very similar beliefs, but different level of achievement in a language test. Findings reveal that besides the students’ beliefs, other aspects such as students’ language learning background could also affect their achievement.
La investigación acción como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en la práctica docente de la enseñanza de lenguas, 2022
La investigación acción como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en la práctica docente de l... more La investigación acción como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en la práctica docente de la enseñanza de lenguas Action Research as a strategy for reflection, improvement and change in Language Teaching Practice A pesquisa-ação como estratégia para reflexão, aprimoramento e mudança na prática docente do ensino de línguas
Revista Iberoamericana pata la Investigación y el Desarrollo Educativo, 2021
Improving the relevance of an English syllabus within a top-down teaching context Mejorar la rele... more Improving the relevance of an English syllabus within a top-down teaching context Mejorar la relevancia de un programa de inglés en el contexto de una política institucional vertical Melhorar a relevância de um programa de inglês no contexto de uma política institucional vertical
Revista de investigación educativa de la Rediech, 2020
La micro-investigación como estrategia en la práctica docente de profesores de lenguas extranjera... more La micro-investigación como estrategia en la práctica docente de profesores de lenguas extranjeras en formación Micro-research as a strategy in the teaching practice of teachers of foreign languages in training
CIEX Journal, 2021
In recent years the inclusion of students with special needs in the classroom has become a realit... more In recent years the inclusion of students with special needs in the classroom has become a reality, thus as educators we can find ourselves under prepared to deal with such scenarios. The following paper strives to provide strategies that can aid the educational process of students with hearing impairment. This is achieved through the analysis of different teaching strategies,
revolving around English vocabulary. This project was conducted within a public primary school placed in a Western State of the Mexican Republic. Participant observation was employed to gather data. Findings show the relevance of the strategies and how they worked within the given context. The strategies are to be considered more a steppingstone or provisional aid for the teacher in the education of students with hearing impairment rather than a permanent solution.
The aim of this research is to know the opinion of a group of students about the role that rappor... more The aim of this research is to know the opinion of a group of students about the role that rapport plays in both their personal and professional lives. The study was conducted as a result of the authors' interest in how teachers' interaction with students affects both their motivation, and their opinions toward a class. The research was of a qualitative nature since what is sought to be found are students' opinions. The study employed both personal semi-structured, and focus group interviews as the main methods to collect data. Participants of the study were Mexican and Canadian undergraduate students. The analysis of the interviews revealed four predominant themes: (1) aspects that make students feel interested in a class, (2) building rapport elements, (3) the influence of rapport on pursuing a teaching career and (4) rapport and its influence on students' personal life. Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la opinión de un grupo de estudiantes sobre el papel que juega el "rapport" en su vida profesional y personal. La investigación se llevó a cabo como resultado del interés de los autores sobre cómo la interacción de los maestros afecta su motivación, y sus opiniones respecto a la clase. El estudio fue cualitativo, ya que se enfocó en las opiniones de los estudiantes. Las principales técnicas de recolección de información incluyeron entrevistas personales semiestructuradas, y grupos focales. Los participantes del estudio fueron estudiantes de pregrado de Canadá y México. El análisis de las entrevistas mostró cuatro temas principales: 1) aspectos que hacen sentir a los estudiantes interesados en la clase, 2) elementos que desarrollan "rapport", 3) la influencia de "rapport" en la elección de una profesión, 3) la influencia de "rapport" en la vida personal de los estudiantes.
This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general Eng... more This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general English syllabus through action research. Action research offers practitioners possibilities to address syllabus issues through thoughtful inquiry. Because the study requires the researcher to comprehend the subject of study, research techniques allowing participants express their beliefs, and opinions about the syllabus are entirely appropriate. Thus, it is unlikely that other research methods allow action researchers understand the contextual reality as qualitative methods do. Interviews are conducted as they are widely used in action research studies and are suitable techniques to gain insights into the practitioners' collective reflective enquiry. The study shows that action research is a valuable tool to improve a language syllabus, an additional element action research offers to the process of syllabus improvement is that teachers can take responsibility for themselves and their actions thus by improving the syllabus they follow, they are able to emancipate themselves from the controlled situation they can find themselves in.
Studies have revealed that language learners' beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008... more Studies have revealed that language learners' beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008). Mori (1999) found significant correlation between beliefs and achievement in her study of American college students studying Japanese. This study investigates language students with very similar beliefs, but different level of achievement in a language test. Findings reveal that besides the students' beliefs, other aspects such as students' language learning background could also affect their achievement.
This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the ... more This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the context of a Western University in Mexico. It was an Action Research investigation which involved the participation of a group of teachers, who played a predominant role during the research, evaluating the original syllabus, producing descriptions resulting in a detailed characterization of it. They also designed a new syllabus, and finally they evaluated the process of improving it. Findings of the study demonstrate that language teachers engaged in a process of analysis and reflection are led to make decisions and changes based on local needs. Findings also demonstrate that, even when teachers showed the greatest willingness to participate in the study they also faced serious challenges.
This paper presents the conventional approach to design and develop an ELT curriculum in Mexican ... more This paper presents the conventional approach to design and develop an ELT curriculum in Mexican Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). The approach is described and critiqued using a range of empirical studies, which serve to illustrate the evaluation. The school-based curriculum development (SBCD) is suggested as an alternative model to design and develop the ELT curriculum in Mexican HEIs. Various limitations and challenges of SBCD are also presented. Resumen Este artículo explica el enfoque tradicional de diseño y desarrollo de un currículo para la enseñanza del inglés como segunda lengua en instituciones de educación superior (IES) en México. Se describe y critica el enfoque utilizando varios estudios empíricos que sirven para ilustrar la evaluación. Se presenta un modelo alterno –el desarrollo curricular basado en la escuela (DCBE)-para diseñar y desarrollar el currículo para la enseñanza del inglés en las IES mexicanas. Se presentan además las limitaciones y los desafíos del DCBE.
The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer scienc... more The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer science. It teaches compulsory English to all learners to help them develop their linguistic abilities to use them in their professional area in order to get a job with transnational companies, to collaborate with professionals of other countries, to participate in study abroad programs or to continue study postgraduate programs. Besides the teaching of the language, it is necessary to facilitate students foster other sort of competencies included in the curriculum of the school, such as collaborative work, critical thinking, learning to learn skills and so on. Motivation to study the language differs from one student to another, which has encouraged us to innovate and to design a teaching methodology able to meet different computer students' needs. It incorporates different elements that make it flexible and adaptable to diverse requirements. With such a program, not only do the English language classes contribute with the teaching of the language, but also with the promotion of other competencies that may enhance the development, and improvement of academic data, professional knowledge and long life skills in computer science students. In this paper, we present a language teaching methodology that combines different ingredients that encourage the development of varied abilities demanded by computer science students.
Talks by Fernando Peralta-Castro
La Escuela de Lenguas tiene su origen en un acuerdo de creación expedido por Humberto Silva Ochoa... more La Escuela de Lenguas tiene su origen en un acuerdo de creación expedido por Humberto Silva Ochoa en Septiembre de 1985. El entonces Rector, me había encomendado un primer proyecto para la creación de un centro de enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras, "como el CELE", me dijo, "Piensa en grande". Yo diseñé un proyecto de investigación aplicada a la enseñanza de lenguas, que, bajo el título de CELIA: Centro de Estudios de Lingüística Aplicada, fue aprobado, pero nunca financiado por las autoridades federales correspondientes. Entonces, el Rector, con la audacia que lo caracterizaba, me mandó instrucciones para una licenciatura que le entregaría a las autoridades como ya fundada para que ellos tuvieran que financiarla o negarse a financiarla. Así fue como -según creo yo-Humberto hizo crecer cuantitativamente la entonces minúscula Universidad de Colima, y así fue como se estableció la ELE, sin presupuesto, pero con agallas.
Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 2023
The scope of this study is to observe features of environmental autonomy support and to identify ... more The scope of this study is to observe features of environmental autonomy support and to identify aspects of autonomy. To this end, a case study was designed and implemented in a state school in the western region of Mexico, with the participation of twelve secondary school pupils, ages 12 to 14, who attended a non-required 40hour course using the autonomous learning approach. A research journal was kept tracking the whole process, gaining knowledge of autonomous learning and examining the phenomenon in a real-life context. The journals were analyzed with the help of Atlas.ti software, and the researcher made inferences from the resulting data, including environmental autonomy support as well as the reactions of the pupils to the autonomous learning process. The analysis of data reveals the language-learning context and its tendency to foster an autonomysupportive atmosphere. Data seems to cast light on two major issues: the importance of fostering an environment that encourages autonomous learning-related behavior, and the necessity of providing appropriate scaffolding strategies to assist students in their development of autonomous learning. The study provides valuable insights into autonomy support and autonomous learning in education, but its limitations include a small sample size and potential challenges in generalizing findings to broader contexts.
CIEX Journal , 2023
The teaching practicum is an essential component of teacher preparation programs. This provides p... more The teaching practicum is an essential component of teacher preparation programs. This provides pre-service teachers with direct knowledge as they develop their vocations as educators. In addition, it promotes the development of pre-service teachers' teaching knowledge and abilities, including academics and mentor teachers. In early 2020, the Covid 19 pandemic broke out. In western Mexico, this pandemic altered the teaching practicum paradigms of a group of pre-service teachers. The paper describes challenges encountered by a group of Mexican language student-teachers as they transitioned from in-person to online instruction. The selected research methodology is predominantly qualitative. Utilized research methodologies included online surveys and interviews. The findings revealed that participants encountered a number of disadvantages, but they also cited a number of advantages of the online language teaching practicum. In conclusion, online teaching presented an entirely new set of challenges, but participants also discovered numerous benefits.
Revista Iberoamericana para la Investigación y el Desarrolo Educativo , 2023
The scope of this study is to investigate which attributes of autonomous learning can be fostered... more The scope of this study is to investigate which attributes of autonomous learning can be fostered during the language teaching and learning process, in a specific context. To this end, a case study was designed and implemented in a state school in Western Mexico, featuring the participation of two teacher trainees and twelve secondary school learners, English language learners of ages 12 to 14 who attended a non-mandatory 40-hour course under the autonomous learning approach. Prior to this experience, pupils had customarily learned in teacher-centered environments. Teacher trainees kept a research journal through which they tracked the whole process and made it possible to both gain knowledge of autonomous learning and to examine the phenomenon in a real-life context. The journals were analyzed with the help of Atlas.ti software, and the researcher made inferences from the resulting data,
including pupils’ reactions to the autonomous learning process. Data analysis shows how pupils’ behavior and response to the English course was, for the most part, passive at the outset, yet grew increasingly closer to autonomous learning, as the course progressed. To sum up, the data seems to shed light on two main issues: the importance of fostering an
environment that encourages autonomous learning-related behavior, and the need to provide appropriate scaffolding strategies to help pupils move towards the development of autonomous learning. This study made it possible to understand that autonomy is a path to be trodden, rather than the natural state of a learner, in this particular educational context.
World Journal of English Language, 2017
This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the ... more This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the context of aWestern University in Mexico. It was an Action Research investigation which involved the participation of a groupof teachers, who played a predominant role during the research, evaluating the original syllabus, producingdescriptions resulting in a detailed characterization of it. They also designed a new syllabus, and finally theyevaluated the process of improving it. Findings of the study demonstrate that language teachers engaged in a processof analysis and reflection are led to make decisions and changes based on local needs. Findings also demonstrate that,even when teachers showed the greatest willingness to participate in the study they also faced serious challenges.
RIDE Revista Iberoamericana para la Investigación y el Desarrollo Educativo, 2022
La investigación acción (IA) se entiende como el proceso reflexivo de búsqueda realizado por los ... more La investigación acción (IA) se entiende como el proceso reflexivo de búsqueda realizado por los integrantes de una comunidad para conocer su práctica y lograr mejorar la lógica y la justicia de sus propias acciones. En tal sentido, este artículo presenta los resultados de una indagación sobre el uso de la IA como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en un programa de formación de docentes de lenguas extranjeras en una universidad del occidente mexicano. El estudio, en su dimensión epistemológica, se realizó desde el posicionamiento constructivista, ya que el investigador se fusionó con el objeto analizado. El trabajo fue cualitativo y contempló la aplicación de un cuestionario abierto con el propósito de obtener información de un grupo de estudiantes, docentes en formación. Los datos se analizaron con el software Atlas.ti, lo que permitió conseguir 31 códigos y cuatro categorías. Los resultados muestran que la IA ayuda al docente en formación a detectar problemas en su práctica...
IE Revista de Investigación Educativa de la REDIECH, 2020
A través de este artículo se presentan los resultados de una investigación sobre la implementació... more A través de este artículo se presentan los resultados de una investigación sobre la implementación de una estrategia didáctica denominada “micro-investigación”, en un programa de formación de docentes de lenguas extranjeras. El estudio es cualitativo y contempló la aplicación de un cuestionario abierto con el propósito de obtener información de un grupo de estudiantes, maestros en formación, en el área de la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras. Los datos se analizaron con el software Atlas.ti, identificando 31 códigos y cuatro categorías. Los resultados muestran que la micro-investigación ayuda al maestro en formación a detectar problemas en la práctica docente, a mejorar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de lenguas, a poner en práctica lo estudiado en clase y a preparar un proyecto de investigación complejo.
Global Research in Higher Education, 2018
This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general Eng... more This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general English syllabus through action research. Action research offers practitioners possibilities to address syllabus issues through thoughtful inquiry. Because the study requires the researcher to comprehend the subject of study, research techniques allowing participants express their beliefs, and opinions about the syllabus are entirely appropriate. Thus, it is unlikely that other research methods allow action researchers understand the contextual reality as qualitative methods do. Interviews are conducted as they are widely used in action research studies and are suitable techniques to gain insights into the practitioners' collective reflective enquiry. The study shows that action research is a valuable tool to improve a language syllabus, an additional element action research offers to the process of syllabus improvement is that teachers can take responsibility for themselves and their actions thus by improving the syllabus they follow, they are able to emancipate themselves from the controlled situation they can find themselves in.
2011 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 2011
The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer scienc... more The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer science. It teaches compulsory English to all learners to help them develop their linguistic abilities to use them in their professional area in order to get a job with transnational companies, to collaborate with professionals of other countries, to participate in study abroad programs or to
International Journal of Linguistics, 2017
Studies have revealed that language learners’ beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008... more Studies have revealed that language learners’ beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008). Mori (1999) found significant correlation between beliefs and achievement in her study of American college students studying Japanese. This study investigates language students with very similar beliefs, but different level of achievement in a language test. Findings reveal that besides the students’ beliefs, other aspects such as students’ language learning background could also affect their achievement.
La investigación acción como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en la práctica docente de la enseñanza de lenguas, 2022
La investigación acción como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en la práctica docente de l... more La investigación acción como estrategia de reflexión, mejora y cambio en la práctica docente de la enseñanza de lenguas Action Research as a strategy for reflection, improvement and change in Language Teaching Practice A pesquisa-ação como estratégia para reflexão, aprimoramento e mudança na prática docente do ensino de línguas
Revista Iberoamericana pata la Investigación y el Desarrollo Educativo, 2021
Improving the relevance of an English syllabus within a top-down teaching context Mejorar la rele... more Improving the relevance of an English syllabus within a top-down teaching context Mejorar la relevancia de un programa de inglés en el contexto de una política institucional vertical Melhorar a relevância de um programa de inglês no contexto de uma política institucional vertical
Revista de investigación educativa de la Rediech, 2020
La micro-investigación como estrategia en la práctica docente de profesores de lenguas extranjera... more La micro-investigación como estrategia en la práctica docente de profesores de lenguas extranjeras en formación Micro-research as a strategy in the teaching practice of teachers of foreign languages in training
CIEX Journal, 2021
In recent years the inclusion of students with special needs in the classroom has become a realit... more In recent years the inclusion of students with special needs in the classroom has become a reality, thus as educators we can find ourselves under prepared to deal with such scenarios. The following paper strives to provide strategies that can aid the educational process of students with hearing impairment. This is achieved through the analysis of different teaching strategies,
revolving around English vocabulary. This project was conducted within a public primary school placed in a Western State of the Mexican Republic. Participant observation was employed to gather data. Findings show the relevance of the strategies and how they worked within the given context. The strategies are to be considered more a steppingstone or provisional aid for the teacher in the education of students with hearing impairment rather than a permanent solution.
The aim of this research is to know the opinion of a group of students about the role that rappor... more The aim of this research is to know the opinion of a group of students about the role that rapport plays in both their personal and professional lives. The study was conducted as a result of the authors' interest in how teachers' interaction with students affects both their motivation, and their opinions toward a class. The research was of a qualitative nature since what is sought to be found are students' opinions. The study employed both personal semi-structured, and focus group interviews as the main methods to collect data. Participants of the study were Mexican and Canadian undergraduate students. The analysis of the interviews revealed four predominant themes: (1) aspects that make students feel interested in a class, (2) building rapport elements, (3) the influence of rapport on pursuing a teaching career and (4) rapport and its influence on students' personal life. Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la opinión de un grupo de estudiantes sobre el papel que juega el "rapport" en su vida profesional y personal. La investigación se llevó a cabo como resultado del interés de los autores sobre cómo la interacción de los maestros afecta su motivación, y sus opiniones respecto a la clase. El estudio fue cualitativo, ya que se enfocó en las opiniones de los estudiantes. Las principales técnicas de recolección de información incluyeron entrevistas personales semiestructuradas, y grupos focales. Los participantes del estudio fueron estudiantes de pregrado de Canadá y México. El análisis de las entrevistas mostró cuatro temas principales: 1) aspectos que hacen sentir a los estudiantes interesados en la clase, 2) elementos que desarrollan "rapport", 3) la influencia de "rapport" en la elección de una profesión, 3) la influencia de "rapport" en la vida personal de los estudiantes.
This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general Eng... more This study aims to investigate a group of language teachers who seek to improve their general English syllabus through action research. Action research offers practitioners possibilities to address syllabus issues through thoughtful inquiry. Because the study requires the researcher to comprehend the subject of study, research techniques allowing participants express their beliefs, and opinions about the syllabus are entirely appropriate. Thus, it is unlikely that other research methods allow action researchers understand the contextual reality as qualitative methods do. Interviews are conducted as they are widely used in action research studies and are suitable techniques to gain insights into the practitioners' collective reflective enquiry. The study shows that action research is a valuable tool to improve a language syllabus, an additional element action research offers to the process of syllabus improvement is that teachers can take responsibility for themselves and their actions thus by improving the syllabus they follow, they are able to emancipate themselves from the controlled situation they can find themselves in.
Studies have revealed that language learners' beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008... more Studies have revealed that language learners' beliefs affect their language learning (White, 2008). Mori (1999) found significant correlation between beliefs and achievement in her study of American college students studying Japanese. This study investigates language students with very similar beliefs, but different level of achievement in a language test. Findings reveal that besides the students' beliefs, other aspects such as students' language learning background could also affect their achievement.
This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the ... more This study aims to investigate the process of improving the English language syllabus within the context of a Western University in Mexico. It was an Action Research investigation which involved the participation of a group of teachers, who played a predominant role during the research, evaluating the original syllabus, producing descriptions resulting in a detailed characterization of it. They also designed a new syllabus, and finally they evaluated the process of improving it. Findings of the study demonstrate that language teachers engaged in a process of analysis and reflection are led to make decisions and changes based on local needs. Findings also demonstrate that, even when teachers showed the greatest willingness to participate in the study they also faced serious challenges.
This paper presents the conventional approach to design and develop an ELT curriculum in Mexican ... more This paper presents the conventional approach to design and develop an ELT curriculum in Mexican Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). The approach is described and critiqued using a range of empirical studies, which serve to illustrate the evaluation. The school-based curriculum development (SBCD) is suggested as an alternative model to design and develop the ELT curriculum in Mexican HEIs. Various limitations and challenges of SBCD are also presented. Resumen Este artículo explica el enfoque tradicional de diseño y desarrollo de un currículo para la enseñanza del inglés como segunda lengua en instituciones de educación superior (IES) en México. Se describe y critica el enfoque utilizando varios estudios empíricos que sirven para ilustrar la evaluación. Se presenta un modelo alterno –el desarrollo curricular basado en la escuela (DCBE)-para diseñar y desarrollar el currículo para la enseñanza del inglés en las IES mexicanas. Se presentan además las limitaciones y los desafíos del DCBE.
The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer scienc... more The school of Telematics at the University of Colima, Mexico educates students in computer science. It teaches compulsory English to all learners to help them develop their linguistic abilities to use them in their professional area in order to get a job with transnational companies, to collaborate with professionals of other countries, to participate in study abroad programs or to continue study postgraduate programs. Besides the teaching of the language, it is necessary to facilitate students foster other sort of competencies included in the curriculum of the school, such as collaborative work, critical thinking, learning to learn skills and so on. Motivation to study the language differs from one student to another, which has encouraged us to innovate and to design a teaching methodology able to meet different computer students' needs. It incorporates different elements that make it flexible and adaptable to diverse requirements. With such a program, not only do the English language classes contribute with the teaching of the language, but also with the promotion of other competencies that may enhance the development, and improvement of academic data, professional knowledge and long life skills in computer science students. In this paper, we present a language teaching methodology that combines different ingredients that encourage the development of varied abilities demanded by computer science students.
La Escuela de Lenguas tiene su origen en un acuerdo de creación expedido por Humberto Silva Ochoa... more La Escuela de Lenguas tiene su origen en un acuerdo de creación expedido por Humberto Silva Ochoa en Septiembre de 1985. El entonces Rector, me había encomendado un primer proyecto para la creación de un centro de enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras, "como el CELE", me dijo, "Piensa en grande". Yo diseñé un proyecto de investigación aplicada a la enseñanza de lenguas, que, bajo el título de CELIA: Centro de Estudios de Lingüística Aplicada, fue aprobado, pero nunca financiado por las autoridades federales correspondientes. Entonces, el Rector, con la audacia que lo caracterizaba, me mandó instrucciones para una licenciatura que le entregaría a las autoridades como ya fundada para que ellos tuvieran que financiarla o negarse a financiarla. Así fue como -según creo yo-Humberto hizo crecer cuantitativamente la entonces minúscula Universidad de Colima, y así fue como se estableció la ELE, sin presupuesto, pero con agallas.
21st Century Abilities for Language Classroom: Challenges and Opportunities, 2021
This book is a space for the dissemination of knowledge. It offers the members of recale and oth... more This book is a space for the dissemination of knowledge. It
offers the members of recale and other scholars the opportunity to
disseminate the findings of their research. The present work aims
to spread the state-of-the-art in the area of Language Teaching in
Mexico and thus contribute to the construction of knowledge in
the field
Este capítulo explora de manera cualitativa las fortalezas y áreas de oportunidad del programa de... more Este capítulo explora de manera cualitativa las fortalezas y áreas de oportunidad del programa de practicum PROMETE desde la perspectiva de profesores nóveles en servicio que participaron en dicho programa durante su educación inicial docente en la Universidad de Colima. Se encontró que los profesores nóveles participantes se encuentran mayormente satisfechos de su experiencia en PROMETE y del "equipamiento" con el que egresaron después de su participación en este programa de practicum. Entre las principales fortalezas de PROMETE los participantes identificaron el desarrollo de conocimientos y habilidades específicos como el manejo del aula y la planeación, y la confianza para enfrentarse a diversas situaciones reales del salón de clase. Por otro lado, las áreas de oportunidad resaltadas por los profesores nóveles fueron limitaciones de tiempo, la falta de exposición a situaciones como el trato con los padres y tratamiento de necesidades especiales, y la incursión en otros niveles educativos. Los resultados de esta investigación a pequeña escala, si bien no pueden ser generalizables a otros docentes participantes de PROMETE u otros programas de practicum, aportan de manera significativa al entendimiento de la realidad contextual del practicum en la Facultad de Lenguas Extranjeras.