Relationship between Reported Out-of-Class English Use and Proficiency Gains in English

This study investigated the relationship between out-of-class L2 use and proficiency gains in learners of English as a second language (ESL) in an intensive English language program. In contrast to previous studies on this topic, which have found weak, non-existent or even inverse relationships betw...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied language learning 2012, Vol.22 (1-2), p.21-45
Main Authors: Baker-Smemoe, Wendy, Cundick, Denisa K, Evans, Norman, Henrichsen, Lynn, Dewey, Dan P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
College Students
Correlation
English (Second Language)
Intensive Language Courses
Language Enrichment
Language Proficiency
Language Tests
Language Usage
Learning Activities
Measures (Individuals)
Pretests Posttests
Profiles
Questionnaires
Second Language Instruction
Second Language Learning
Semi Structured Interviews
Utah
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Summary:This study investigated the relationship between out-of-class L2 use and proficiency gains in learners of English as a second language (ESL) in an intensive English language program. In contrast to previous studies on this topic, which have found weak, non-existent or even inverse relationships between out-of-class language experience and L2 proficiency gains, this study took place over a longer period of time (31 weeks), involved a larger number of participants (61 ESL learners from 12 different language backgrounds at four proficiency levels), and found a statistically significant connection between out-of-class language use and proficiency gains. Participants took a proficiency pre-test and post-test and responded to a questionnaire designed to elicit information about out-of-class language use. In addition, six learners participated in semi-structured interviews. Data obtained from the questionnaire and interviews were compared to gains in proficiency between the pre-test and post-test. The results corroborate the "common sense" connection between L2 out-of-class use and proficiency development. They also identify the types of out-of-class language use that are most strongly connected with L2 proficiency gains. (Contains 3 tables and 1 note.)
ISSN:1041-679X