Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory

The availability of X-bar theory to adult second language learners has been discussed since the 1990s. This study attempted to investigate the effectiveness of presenting X-bar parameters in their order of availability in the X-bar tree hierarchy. The research was conducted to study the possible eff...

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Main Author:	Saeipoor, Neda
Format:	Thesis
Language:	English English
Published:	2011
Subjects:	Grammar Comparative and general - Study and teaching English language - Study and teaching - Foreign speakers
Online Access:	http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/30907/2/FPP%202011%2051R.pdf
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id	my-upm-ir.30907
record_format	uketd_dc
spelling	my-upm-ir.309072014-05-06T04:47:31Z Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory 2011-08 Saeipoor, Neda The availability of X-bar theory to adult second language learners has been discussed since the 1990s. This study attempted to investigate the effectiveness of presenting X-bar parameters in their order of availability in the X-bar tree hierarchy. The research was conducted to study the possible effects of presenting the syntax rules to the participants following the order of the X-bar parameters’ availability and triggering the target language parameter resetting by emphasizing on the input. The major objective of this research was to devise and apply an approach for teaching English grammar based on the X-bar theory and to test the efficiency of this approach on improving English grammar proficiency and general language proficiency in UPM non-TESL students speaking Farsi as their first language. This study was based on a mixed method design to develop and test the efficiency of a teaching approach for facilitating syntax acquisition in adult second language learners. It was assumed that the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods,in combination, would provide a better understanding of the research problem and questions. The research was conducted through a course of 20 sessions attended by 25 participants chosen based on the results of the Oxford Placement Test to ensure homogeneous grammar proficiency. Teaching methods, practices and course content were developed during the course by considering the participants’responses with regard to syntax awareness, interests and progress. Each session’s content and activities were chosen based on the previous sessions' qualitative data analysis. The efficiency of this approach was assessed both through quantitative tests (Pretest, Post-test and two grammar tests conducted during the course) and qualitative analysis (following the participants progress during the course based on the class observations, field notes and interview). Both quantitative and qualitative assessments indicated significantly positive improvement in the participants’ general language proficiency and English grammar proficiency. It can be concluded that presenting and practicing the grammatical rules of a second language based on the order of the availability of the X-bar theory parameters positively affects the learners’ language proficiency. Grammar, Comparative and general - Study and teaching English language - Study and teaching - Foreign speakers English language - Grammar, Generative 2011-08 Thesis http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/30907/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/30907/2/FPP%202011%2051R.pdf application/pdf en public phd doctoral Universiti Putra Malaysia Grammar, Comparative and general - Study and teaching English language - Study and teaching - Foreign speakers English language - Grammar, Generative Faculty of Educational Studies English
institution	Universiti Putra Malaysia
collection	PSAS Institutional Repository
language	English English
topic	Grammar Comparative and general - Study and teaching English language - Study and teaching - Foreign speakers Grammar Comparative and general - Study and teaching
spellingShingle	Grammar Comparative and general - Study and teaching English language - Study and teaching - Foreign speakers Grammar Comparative and general - Study and teaching Saeipoor, Neda Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory
description	The availability of X-bar theory to adult second language learners has been discussed since the 1990s. This study attempted to investigate the effectiveness of presenting X-bar parameters in their order of availability in the X-bar tree hierarchy. The research was conducted to study the possible effects of presenting the syntax rules to the participants following the order of the X-bar parameters’ availability and triggering the target language parameter resetting by emphasizing on the input. The major objective of this research was to devise and apply an approach for teaching English grammar based on the X-bar theory and to test the efficiency of this approach on improving English grammar proficiency and general language proficiency in UPM non-TESL students speaking Farsi as their first language. This study was based on a mixed method design to develop and test the efficiency of a teaching approach for facilitating syntax acquisition in adult second language learners. It was assumed that the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods,in combination, would provide a better understanding of the research problem and questions. The research was conducted through a course of 20 sessions attended by 25 participants chosen based on the results of the Oxford Placement Test to ensure homogeneous grammar proficiency. Teaching methods, practices and course content were developed during the course by considering the participants’responses with regard to syntax awareness, interests and progress. Each session’s content and activities were chosen based on the previous sessions' qualitative data analysis. The efficiency of this approach was assessed both through quantitative tests (Pretest, Post-test and two grammar tests conducted during the course) and qualitative analysis (following the participants progress during the course based on the class observations, field notes and interview). Both quantitative and qualitative assessments indicated significantly positive improvement in the participants’ general language proficiency and English grammar proficiency. It can be concluded that presenting and practicing the grammatical rules of a second language based on the order of the availability of the X-bar theory parameters positively affects the learners’ language proficiency.
format	Thesis
qualification_name	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.)
qualification_level	Doctorate
author	Saeipoor, Neda
author_facet	Saeipoor, Neda
author_sort	Saeipoor, Neda
title	Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory
title_short	Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory
title_full	Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory
title_fullStr	Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory
title_full_unstemmed	Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory
title_sort	developing grammar teaching approach based on x-bar theory
granting_institution	Universiti Putra Malaysia
granting_department	Faculty of Educational Studies
publishDate	2011
url	http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/30907/2/FPP%202011%2051R.pdf
_version_	1747811604177616896

Developing grammar teaching approach based on X-bar theory

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