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Research addressing the effect of interest on learning has been thoroughly discussed in learning theory (Renninger et al., 2014). From this rich research field, topic interest has been put forward as a relevant variable in learning in general (Hidi, 2001; Renninger, 2009), and in L2 reading comprehension (Brantmeier, 2006; Eidswick, 2009). However, research focusing on the extent of its influence on L2 incidental vocabulary learning has been scarce (Lee & Pulido, 2017). Thus, this study sought to explore the relationship between topic interest and L2 vocabulary learning by asking 55 male EFL learners at a technological university in Chile to read texts in two conditions (high topic interest and low topic interest) and then assessing incidental learning and retention of twenty target words. Results suggest that topic interest influenced the vocabulary gains made by learners, and that the relationship between topic interest and vocabulary learning and retention can be mediated by dictionary look-up behaviour. Findings are discussed with a focus on the pedagogical actions that can increase learner topic interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the use of the mobile learning has an impact in the teaching of a second language since it is incorporating in the processes of learning in order to support the different abilities of the language particularly the oral skills. However, there are few studies that deal with improving writing skills through mobile devices. This article describes a quantitative study to test the effect of using academic and non-academic resources in mobile devices to develop writing skills in English in a group of freshmen university students. The theoretical framework used in this research examines the Systemic Functional Linguistics (Halliday) specifically, the genre theory of Martin & Rose (2007) and the approach of language learning assisted by mobile devices (MALL). The student’s writing skills were evaluated in the texts produced by them according to the generic structure of the text, cohesion, accuracy and mechanics aspects (spelling/capitalization and punctuation) before and after the m-learning experience. The data show a better performance in the student’s writing skills after using the resources; the results correlated significantly with the number of times of academic resources reviewed by students.

Nowadays the use of the mobile learning has an impact in the teaching of a second language since it is incorporating in the processes of learning in order to support the different abilities of the language particularly the oral skills. However, there are few studies that deal with improving writing skills through mobile devices. This article describes a quantitative study to test the effect of using academic and non-academic resources in mobile devices to develop writing skills in English in a group of freshmen university students. The theoretical framework used in this research examines the Systemic Functional Linguistics (Halliday) specifically, the genre theory of Martin & Rose (2007) and the approach of language learning assisted by mobile devices (MALL). The student’s writing skills were evaluated in the texts produced by them according to the generic structure of the text, cohesion, accuracy and mechanics aspects (spelling/capitalization and punctuation) before and after the m-learning experience. The data show a better performance in the student’s writing skills after using the resources; the results correlated significantly with the number of times of academic resources reviewed by students.Hoy en día el uso de tecnología móvil ha impactado en la enseñanza de una segunda lengua ya que en los procesos de aprendizaje se están implementado el uso de dispositivos móviles con el fin de apoyar las diferentes habilidades de la lengua, particularmente la oral. Sin embargo, son pocos los estudios que apuntan a mejorar la habilidad de escribir. Este artículo describe un estudio de corte cuantitativo realizado para determinar el efecto del uso de recursos académicos y no académicos en dispositivos móviles, en el desarrollo de habilidades escriturales en inglés, de un grupo de estudiantes universitarios de primer ingreso. Esta investigación se fundamenta en la perspectiva Sistémico Funcional (Halliday) específicamente en la teoría de géneros de Martin & Rose (2007) y en el enfoque de aprendizaje de lenguas asistido por tecnología móvil. Se evaluaron las habilidades escriturales en los textos producidos por los estudiantes en torno al a la estructura genérica del texto, cohesión, aspectos mecánicos y gramaticales, antes y después de la experiencia con tecnología móvil. Los resultados revelan mejoras en las habilidades escriturales después del uso de los recursos, correlacionándose significativamente con la frecuencia de consulta de los de tipo académico.

Mobile technologies are increasingly finding their way into classroom practice. While these technologies can create opportunities that may facilitate learning, including the learning of a second or foreign language (L2), the full potential of these new media often remains underexploited. A case in point concerns tablet applications for language practice: while tablets allow writing, as in penand- paper exercises, current applications typically offer multiple-choice exercises or fill-in-the-blank exercises that require typing and tapping. This change in medium and practice modality might have an impact on the actual second language learning. Based on the embodied cognition perspective, this study hypothesizes that, for the learning of French L2 vocabulary, writing leads to better memorization, spelling, and use of diacritics in comparison with typing and completing multiple choice exercises. This hypothesis is tested in a quasi-experimental classroom-based study in which learners (n=282) practiced French vocabulary on a tablet in one of three modalities: multiple choice, typing, and writing by means of a stylus. Whereas all three practice modalities aided learning, results show that pupils who had practiced vocabulary by writing or typing obtained higher scores on spelling and use of diacritics than the pupils who had practiced by means of multiple choice. Spending more time on learning vocabulary at a higher processing level leads thus to greater vocabulary gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar si existen diferencias en el rendimiento académico de alumnos de segundo y tercer ciclo de Educación Primaria en función de su asistencia a colegios públicos bilingües o no de la Comunidad de Madrid. Para lograr el objetivo se ha trabajado con un diseño cuasiexperimental con grupo de control no-equivalente. La muestra estuvo formada por 2.153 alumnos de 3º a 6º de Educación Primaria de 12 colegios públicos de la Comunidad de Madrid pertenecientes a la Dirección de Área Territorial Madrid-Este. El rendimiento académico se ha medido mediante calificaciones escolares y pruebas externas (Evaluación de Diagnóstico de 4º de E.P. y Prueba CDI de 6º de E.P). En relación con la prueba CDI, se han hallado diferencias significativas a favor de los colegios bilingües en Lengua y en Matemáticas. En la prueba externa de 4º de E.P. no hay diferencias significativas. Respecto a las calificaciones escolares, se han hallado diferencias significativas a favor de los colegios no bilingües en Conocimiento del Medio e Inglés.

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In this paper, methodological considerations are reviewed regarding the assessment of oral competence in the learning of a second language (L2). The characteristics of the construct and its definition are analyzed, including competence in listening comprehension and oral expression. Furthermore, concepts such as the design of instruments and/or evaluative techniques for the assessment of the competencies are examined as well as issues related to reliability, validity and cut off points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]