Training, Language and Culture (Sep 2021)
Mixed method in language teaching: Concepts and model’s evaluation
Abstract
In the present research, the authors have studied direct and indirect cross-cultural contact as well as motivated behaviour and language attitude in a study-abroad context in Russia. For research purposes, the mixed method combining quantitative and qualitative research methodologies was applied in order to demonstrate contact, behavioural and motivational variables throughout one academic year of the foundation programme. The participants were given a questionnaire containing 50 items aimed at evaluating direct spoken and written contact, media contact, and the importance of contact perceived. Also, the participants were involved in interviews covering seven principal themes that enabled the authors to gain insights into the changes occurring during the educational process and their possible reasons. The authors identified the main factors affecting the language learning motivation of international students studying in Russian international programmes, to define the type and frequency of the contact with the maximum impact on students’ perception of language acquisition. The results of encounter experiences were registered at three discrete points throughout the academic year. The detailed analysis showed that written and media use contacts had become more frequent throughout the year while direct spoken contacts had exhibited the opposite tendency. The authors give some recommendations that would encourage contact opportunities and reduce inter-group anxiety among foreign students. The implemented analysis of the research results has demonstrated that the self-confidence of international students had suffered immensely as the result of negative encounter experiences. These types of experiences could be fully eliminated or reduced to a minimum if the hosts were aware of the expectations, attitudes, feelings, and possible forms of the international students’ behaviour. The study proved the need for potential students to prepare for the study-abroad programmes before their arrival in the host country. They are supposed to develop communication skills and strategies as well as their linguistic ability. A necessary precondition for students upon their arrival is the provision of institutional support, which allows them to get used to a new cultural and social environment and to bond with native speakers.
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