Speakers
Description
Krashen, in his work in the 1980s, emphasized the significance of positive attitudes in language acquisition, suggesting that learners with a positive attitude towards the learning process are more likely to succeed in mastering a foreign language. Clapham (1996) highlighted the role of assessment in shaping learners’ attitudes towards language learning, indicating that well-designed assessments can positively influence students’ atttitudes and engagement. Assessment in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ attitudes and performance. This research delved into the formative and summative assessment factors influencing students’ attitudes at a university in Vietnam. Based on Gardner (1972) and Macnamara (2014)’s theories, a theoretical framework of assessment and attitudes was used in this descriptive study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilized a questionnaire to collect data from 525 students at this university. The research explored students’ experiences and perceptions regarding formative and summative assessment. Preliminary findings indicated students’ appreciation of the importance of assessment and a positive correlation between assessment and students’ attitudes. This assessment fostered active learning, self-regulation, and continuous improvement. Moreover, classroom activities, feedback, and assessment fairness had the strongest impacts on students’ learning attitudes. The study also offered some recommendations on assessment to enhance a positive attitude towards English learning among students at the university.
Keywords: assessment, learning, students’ attitudes.
Biography
M.A Nguyen Thi My Lien is a senior researcher, lecturer of English and French in the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot City, Vietnam. Her favorite fields of study are the development of innovative approaches to teaching EFL as well as applied linguistics. Her research interests include pragmatic issues of politeness, discourse analysis to issues in EFL learning. Should you need any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact her at ntmlien@ttn.edu.vn
Ha Le Hong Hoa is a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Tay Nguyen University, Vietnam. Her primary interest is Applied Linguistics research and the development of innovative approaches to teaching English as a Second Language and English as a Foreign Language.
Pham Van Phuoc is a lecturer & researcher at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Tay Nguyen University, Vietnam. His research and teaching interests include linguistics, first and second language acquisition, and language education.
Ms. Doan Thi Dung is a lecturer of English at Tay Nguyen University for 12 years. She received her Master Degree in Applied Linguistics from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia and is currently doing her PhD in Theory and Methodology in English Language Teaching at Hue University.
