This paper explores some aspects of the relations between English literacy learning and the social situations in which it occurs. My aim is to illustrate the theoretical concepts of the New Literacy Studies (NLS) and Vygotskian approaches to language, and apply them to the field of English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The focus is on one EFL undergraduate student who studied English in the School of Continuing Education at a university in Taiwan. In terms of methodology, I use interview transcripts, questionnaires, and field notes on observing student learning as the database. In consequence, the results reveal that for this student, learning as well as teaching is inevitably situated in the institutional contexts in Taiwan. The results also reveal that learning contexts and social networks appear to have a strong influence on the student’s EFL literacy learning. This in turn illuminates the importance of juxtaposing the theoretical concepts of the NLS and Vygotskian approaches to language and considering English literacy learning as a socially situated practice. Furthermore, the results suggest the importance of using multiple methods and the link between research and pedagogy. Finally, based upon the research findings, this paper makes some recommendations for EFL literacy pedagogy.
목차
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND The New Literacy Studies (NLS): Literacy as Social Practice Vygotskian Approaches to Language: Learning as Situated Practice A CASE STUDY Methodology The Case of Verna2 Issues from the Case Study CONCLUSION THE AUTHOR REFERENCES APPENDIX
The goals of Asia TEFL are to promote scholarship, disseminate information, and facilitate cross-cultural understanding among persons concerned with the teaching and learning of English in Asia. In order to accomplish this, Asia TEFL will pursue the following goals:
1. To link ELT professionals in joint research on issues and concerns regarding English teaching and learning in the Asian context.
2. To publish an academic journal, The Asia TEFL Journal, as an internationally recognized journal in the field of English language teaching.
3. To host conferences and seminars addressing important issues concerning ELT in Asia.
4. To develop proficiency guidelines and assessment methods designed for the needs of the Asian context.
5. To develop programs for Asian learners and teachers of English to build their English language proficiency and cultural understanding and provide them with the skills required to be efficient English teaching professionals.