Female Saudi Learners’ Perceptions of Learning English in the USA
Affiliation
University of South Florida
Department or Program
TESLA Program
Start Date
15-4-2017 10:55 AM
End Date
15-4-2017 11:25 AM
Presentation Keywords/Areas
Emerging trends in Qualitative Research
Abstract
In this qualitative interview study, I explored the six female Saudi international graduate students’ perceptions of their educational experiences and English language learning in the U.S. I conducted individual interviews to answer the following research questions:
1- What are female Saudi students’ perceptions and opinions toward the collaborative and learner-centered approach of the educational system in the United States?
2- What are the female Saudi students’ perceptions and opinions of learning English in the U.S.?
3- What is the impact on female Saudi students’ social lives when socializing with native English speakers to improve their English language skills?
4- How does learning English in the U.S. compare to learning English in Saudi?
In order to analyze the data, I used constant comparative methods. I read students’ transcribed interview responses carefully and used them to create a general overview about students’ experiences. Then, I analyzed the common themes using the open, axial and selective coding data analysis.
The results demonstrate female Saudi graduate students’ positive perceptions and opinions toward learning English in the United States. Regarding the impact of social lives with native English speakers to improve their English language skills, the results show different perspectives based on females’ marital status. Female Saudi learners conclude this study by encouraging students in Saudi Arabia who wish to learn English and do not have the chance to travel overseas for school life to learn English by creating their own English language environment.
Female Saudi Learners’ Perceptions of Learning English in the USA
In this qualitative interview study, I explored the six female Saudi international graduate students’ perceptions of their educational experiences and English language learning in the U.S. I conducted individual interviews to answer the following research questions:
1- What are female Saudi students’ perceptions and opinions toward the collaborative and learner-centered approach of the educational system in the United States?
2- What are the female Saudi students’ perceptions and opinions of learning English in the U.S.?
3- What is the impact on female Saudi students’ social lives when socializing with native English speakers to improve their English language skills?
4- How does learning English in the U.S. compare to learning English in Saudi?
In order to analyze the data, I used constant comparative methods. I read students’ transcribed interview responses carefully and used them to create a general overview about students’ experiences. Then, I analyzed the common themes using the open, axial and selective coding data analysis.
The results demonstrate female Saudi graduate students’ positive perceptions and opinions toward learning English in the United States. Regarding the impact of social lives with native English speakers to improve their English language skills, the results show different perspectives based on females’ marital status. Female Saudi learners conclude this study by encouraging students in Saudi Arabia who wish to learn English and do not have the chance to travel overseas for school life to learn English by creating their own English language environment.
Presentation Type and Comments
20- minutes paper presentation