study skills training for the new millennium learners of esl · study skills training for the new...

LIRJELL ISSN: 2348-1617

Issue I: General Theme January-February 2014

Study Skills Training for the New Millennium Learners of ESL

Dr Varalakshmi Chaudhry

Associate Professor (English), NC College of Engineering, Israna (Panipat)

Abstract: The basic argument of the paper is that training in Study Skills is necessary for the

autonomous learners of the new millennium who are techno addicts. Study Skills trigger cognitive

processes that facilitate text input processing; which in turn promotes second language acquisition. The

study skills that are focused upon are: Skimming, Scanning, Note-taking and Note-making. The subjects

(72 in number) for the study are students of B. Tech first year in an autonomous engineering college in

Israna, Panipat of Haryana. The study skills discussed in this paper are a part of the course,

Communication Skills in English, taught in the first and second semesters of the four-year B. Tech course.

The experimental data are from Study skills Tasks. The Comparative data are from the conventional

tasks. The data are analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The results are discussed in detail. The

theoretical background for the paper is based on Chaudhry (2010; 2013); Narang (2013); Jo Mc

Donough et al (2013); Ellis (2005); Van Patten (2004); and Mesthrie (2000).

1. Introduction

The theme of the conference is to analyze the positive and powerful impact of society on the

status of English in India over the past hundred years. The situation of English language teaching in an

autonomous engineering college in a village Israna of Panipat district, Haryana is presented in this paper.

Haryana has evolved, over a period of ten years, as a very powerful State – with technology centers,

educational institutions, premier research institutes, women empowerment and many more. The change in

the social and mental makeup of the society towards education, globalization, women empowerment,

literacy, industrialization and entrepreneurship – all have contributed directly to an increase in the

importance of communication skills and soft skills in English. The subjects in the present study are from

an engineering college in this setting. The autonomous status of the college allows the design of syllabus

as per the global market demands of the graduates who apply for jobs in the corporate, industry, software

sectors; or even go in for an entrepreneurial venture of their own.

2. The Methodology

The study is focused on the following Study Skills: Skimming, Scanning, Note-taking and Note-

making. The subjects (72 in number) for the study are students of B. Tech first year in an autonomous

engineering college in Israna, Panipat of Haryana. The study skills discussed in this paper are a part of the



course, Communication Skills in English, taught in the first and second semesters of the four-year B.

Tech course.

The experimental task is a written exam (ref Appendix for Question Paper) – Mid Term III (of 90

minute duration and for 40 marks) – towards the end of the semester and covers the syllabus covered in

the last month of teaching before the final exams. The study skills were taught during this month along

with the conventional topics like reading comprehension; vocabulary (Phrasal Verbs & Words often

Confused); and Grammar (Primary and Modal Auxiliary verbs).

The experimental data is from the following tasks (14 of 40 marks) in the written exam paper:

Make notes on the following paragraph; Write the following words in dictionary order using scanning

technique; and Write the central idea stated in the passage. The comparative data is from the following

tasks (26 0f 40 marks): Read the following passage carefully to answer the questions given below it;

Differentiate between the following pair of confusing words by using them in sentences; Use the

following phrasal verbs in sentences; Fill in the following blanks with suitable modal verbs; Fill in the

blanks using primary auxiliaries: (be/have/do and their various forms).

The data are analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The Quantitative analysis involved:

A. Set I - categorization of the 72 (S1 - S72) subjects into four levels based on their performance in the

written exam. The categorization was as follows:

i. High level performers: 31 - 40 marks in the exam – S42 (33) & S54 (31) – 2 subjects

ii. Above average performers: 21 - 30 marks in the exam – 40 subjects

iii. Average performers: 11 - 20 marks in the exam – 25 subjects

iv. Low level performers: 1 – 10 marks in the exam – S27 (10); S31 (10); S32 (6); S67 (10); S70

(6) - 5 subjects

B. Set II - comparison of the scores in the experimental task with those in the conventional task to

understand and highlight the need for study skills training to the new millennium learners

C. Set III - comparison of the scores in the reading comprehension task with the scores of note-

making and skimming in an attempt to substantiate the impact of text input processing on the performance

of the subjects based on the type of task – study skills task versus reading comprehension task.

The qualitative analysis was done by comparing the actual processing done, by 1 subject at each

level of performance, in the reading comprehension task with that of:

Set I - Note-Making Task

Set II - Skimming Task

3. Data Analysis and Interpretation

I. Quantitative Analysis



The quantitative data – Set I & II & III: Four types of performers based on written test scores;

and Comparison of scores in Study Skills Task & Conventional Task; Comparison of Reading

Comprehension Task & the Note Making & Skimming

High Level Performers: 2

Subject Note

Mkg (6) Scan

(4) Skim

(4) Study

Skills Task

(14)

Vocab

(8) Gr

(12) RC

(6) Conventional

Task (26) Total

(40)

S42 5 4 3 12 6 12 3 21 33

S54 5 4 3.5 12.5 5.5 9 4 18.5 31

Above Average Performers: 40

Subject Note

Mkg (6) Scan

(4) Skim

(4) Study

Skills Task

(14)

Vocab

(8) Gr

(12) RC

(6) Conventional

Task (26) Total

(40)

S1 4 4 2 10 0 8 3 11 21

S2 6 4 4 14 0 10 3 13 27

S5 5.5 4 3 12.5 2.5 8 2 12.5 25

S7 2.5 4 3 9.5 2.5 10 2 14.5 24

S8 5.5 4 3 12.5 2.5 8 3 13.5 26

S10 4 4 2 10 4 8 1 13 23

S11 5 4 4 13 2 9 3 14 27

S12 4 4 4 12 4 9 4 17 29

S14 3.5 4 3 10.5 4.5 7 3 14.5 25

S15 0 4 3 7 3 9 5 17 24

S19 6 4 3.5 13.5 4.5 7 4 15.5 29

S20 5 4 3 12 3 9 3 15 27

S21 5 4 3 12 3 10 3 16 28

S24 4.5 4 2.5 11 2 9 2 13 24

S25 3 4 4 11 3 7 2 12 23

S26 5 0 3 8 2 10 2 14 22

S29 6 4 3 13 4 5 2 11 24

S30 5 4 3 12 3 7 3 13 25

S34 4 4 2 10 5 10 2 17 27

S35 3 4 3 10 4 5 2 11 21



S36 3 4 2 9 1 9 3 13 22

S37 3 4 2 9 1 7 4 12 21

S39 4 4 1.5 9.5 4.5 10 4 18.5 28

S40 3 4 2.5 9.5 .5 10 2 12.5 22

S43 6 0 3 9 5 9 3 17 26

S44 3.5 4 3 10.5 4.5 6 1 11.5 22

S47 0 4 3 7 5 7 4 16 23

S48 3 4 3 10 0 10 4 14 24

S50 3 4 2 9 4 0 4 18 7

S53 0 4 2 6 5 8 4 17 23

S55 5 4 3 12 2 8 3 13 25

S56 3 4 2 9 2 9 2 13 22

S57 4.5 4 3 11.5 .5 8 2 10.5 22

S60 3 4 2.5 9.5 1.5 8 2 11.5 21

S61 5 4 3 12 1 6 3 10 22

S62 5.5 4 3 12.5 1.5 7 3 11.5 24

S63 5 4 3 12 1 5 3 9 21

S65 3.5 4 2 9.5 1.5 7 3 11.5 21

S66 2 4 3 9 2 7 3 12 21

S72 6 4 2.5 12.5 6.5 5 2 13.5 26

Average Performers: 25

Subject Note

Mkg

(6)

Scan(4) Skim

(4) Study

Skills Task

(14)

Vocab

(8) Gr

(12) RC

(6) Conventional

Task (26) Total

(40)

S3 3 3 3 9 2 5 3 10 19

S4 1 0 3 4 2 6 4 12 16

S6 3 4 1 8 1 7 3 11 19

S9 2 4 1.5 7.5 .5 8 3 11.5 19

S13 3 4 1 8 1 8 1 10 18

S16 2 4 2 8 0 5 2 7 15

S17 4.5 4 1.5 10 0 7 3 10 20

S18 4 4 2 10 0 1 2 3 13

S 22 0 4 0 4 1 6 3 10 14



S23 0 4 3 7 1 7 4 12 19

S28 4.5 4 2 10.5 1.5 6 0 7.5 18

S33 1.5 4 1.5 7 0 3 1 4 11

S38 3 4 2 9 2 4 3 9 18

S41 4 4 3 11 0 4 3 7 18

S45 2 4 0 6 1 7 2 10 16

S46 3 4 2.5 9.5 .5 5 2 7.5 17

S49 0 4 2 6 2 8 2 12 18

S51 2 4 2.5 8.5 1 6.5 3 10.5 19

S52 3 3.5 2 8.5 2.5 4 1 7.5 16

S58 3.5 4 0 7.5 .5 5 2 7.5 15

S59 2 4 3 9 1 7 3 11 20

S64 0 4 0 4 0 6 1 7 11

S68 2.5 0 0 2.5 .5 7 3 10.5 13

S69 0 0 1 1 1 6 5 12 13

S71 4 4 0 8 0 6 4 10 18

Low Level Performers: 5

Subject Note

Mkg (6) Scan

(4) Skim

(4) Study

Skills Task

(14)

Vocab

(8) Gr

(12) RC

(6) Conventional

Task (26) Total

(40)

S27 3 0 2 5 0 2 3 5 10

S31 0 0 0 0 3 6 1 10 10

S32 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 6 6

S67 4 0 0 4 1 3 2 6 10

S70 2.5 0 0 2.5 .5 3 0 3.5 6

Interpretation of the Quantitative data

High Level Performers: The scores were 33 & 31 out of 40 in the written test. These two scores

are the highest among the 72 subjects. The scores in the Study Skill task were higher than those in the

Conventional Skills task. The scores in the note-making, scanning and skimming were higher than those

of the reading comprehension task.

Above Average Performers: There were 28 subjects who got scores between 21 and 25. The

scores of 12 subjects were between 26 and 30. There were 36 subjects had higher scores in Study Skill



Task than those in the Conventional Task. There was only 1 subject whose RC score was more than that

of the Study Skill.

Average Performer: There were 17 subjects with scores between 16 and 20. 8 got scores between

11 and 15. The scores in the Study Skills were lower than those of Conventional task in 15 of 25 subjects.

7 had higher scores in Study Skills; and 3 had equal scores. Even though RC scores were lower than those

of Study Skill in 19 subjects, 4 had high scores in RC and 2 had equal scores.

Low Level Performers: There were 3 subjects with a score of 10 and 2 with a score of 6. The

score of 4 subjects in the Study Skill were lower than those of Conventional Task; and 1 subject had equal

scores. There were 2 subjects whose RC score was high; 2 whose RC score was low; and 1 with equal

score.

II. Qualitative Analysis

High Level Performer: S42

Note- Making:

Title: Television

1) Introduction:-

(i) same with most of invt of science

2) Television – a bane or boon:-

(i) Real Problem:-

(a) problem is the att of man to his crt.

(ii) If used jud., becomes boon

(iii) irrationally, becomes bane

3) As per survey and Research:-

(i) It is more a boon than bane

(ii) several aspects of dependence on it, would be harmful

(iii) Benefits can’t be overlooked

Abbreviation used:-

Invt -> inventions

Att -> attitude

Crt -> creations

Jud -> judicially



Skimming:

Overeating is mostly done by those who can afford it, who can get as much as they desire. Hence

they overeat to their disadvantages. Dinner should not be taken shortly before retiring. It should not be

heavy. It should be light and taken three or four hours before retiring. This prevents overeating and

reduces lost of food.

Above Average Performer: S11

Note- Making:

Television

Great invention: - (a) one of the great, finest and creative invention

(b) Refresh us about current affairs

As a boon:- (a) Many TV programmes helps us to know what is going on in our world.

(b) Several T.V programmes helps students to enhance and enrich their creativity

and thinking skills

As a bane:- (a) Our modern generation is dependent on TV

(b) it cause weakness of eye sight

(c) It cause various heart diseases and problems

Conclusion:- We have no substitute for the role that T.V is playing in our life. It might be a

blessing or a curse

Skimming:

In this passage the author want to warn us about the harmful effect of overeating. As nowdays

overeating is increasing which cause deposition of excess fat in body which leads to development of

various diseases and heart problems.

Average Performers: S17

Note- Making:

Title: ``Role of tv in human life’’

(1) Invention of TV

(a) It is most wonderfull or beautiful invention of science

(b) It’s invention is last two centuries

(II) Use of TV

(a) when use TV judiciously it become a boon

(b) when use TV irrationally it become a bane



(III) role of television in life

(a) TV is more a boon than bane to mankind

(b) we can know about world by TV

(IV) Bad effect of TV

(a) TV become a bane

(b) It can effect in human eyes

Skimming:

"Importance of food in human life’’

Eating is must in our life. A hevy meal at night called dinner. Three to five hour are needed to

digest food. Good meal improve our health.

Low Level performers: S67

Note- Making:

(A) Television

(1) it means both a boon and a bane

(2) inventions of science during the last two centuries

(B) uses of television

(1) the research or surveys done on this debate regarding television’s role

(2) There are several aspects of this modern dependence on TV

(3) it might be a mixed bessing

(C) benefits of television

(1) TV cannot be overlooked simply

(2) they outnumber the negative point

(3) it might be a mixed blessing, but a blessing it is

Skimming:

Central idea:- About overeating or save a great more food

Interpretation of the Qualitative Data

The processing of the text input for Note-Making; Skimming; and Scanning are clearly visible

when one compares the output text in the answers to the input text of the questions. An interesting

observation is that subjects at all the levels tried to process the text input in their own way – either

partially or completely. Some even went beyond the text while writing their answers. This is a proof of

the cognitive processes that are triggered while they tried to tackle the text input for a written task.



4. Conclusion and Implications for Classroom teaching

The study clearly supports the hypothesis that study skills - rather than reading comprehension

and other conventional tasks - trigger cognitive processes that force a learner to do cognitive as well as

linguistic processing of the text input for better performance.

References

Chaudhry, Varalakshmi (2010) Role of Input-Processing in SLA: A Study of Engineering Undergraduates

Learning ESL Unpublished Ph. D thesis JNU, New Delhi

Chaudhry, Varalakshmi (2013) `` Professional Challenges of Teaching: Learner Perspective’’

International Journal of English Literature Language and Skills 2(1): 75-78 ISSN No: 2278-0742

Ellis, R. (2005) Analyzing Learner Language London: OUP.

Mc Donough, C. Shaw, H. Masuhara (2013) Materials and Methods in ELT: A Teachers’ Guide (Third

Edition) UK: Wiley Blackwell

Mesthrie, R, J. Swann, A. Deumert, W. L. Leap (2000) Introducing Sociolinguistics Edinburgh: Edinburgh

Univ

Narang, V. ed (2013), Contemporary Issues in Learning Theories and Pedagogical Practices Vol I & Vol II

Hyderabad: Orient Black Swan

Van Patten, B. (2004), Input Processing in SLA. In B. Van Patten (ed), Processing Instruction: Theory,

Research and Commentary. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum



Appendix

N.C. College of Engineering, Israna (Panipat)

IIIrd Mid-Term (B.Tech 1ST yr.)

COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN ENGLISH

NC-HUM-105

Time: 90min. M.M.: 40

NOTE:

All questions are compulsory.

I.. a) Differentiate between the following pair of confusing words by using them in sentences :

Verses-Versus, Metal-Mettle, Counsel-Council, Canvas-Canvass (4)

b) Use the following phrasal verbs in sentences:

run through, cut down, keep back, rake in (4)

II. a) Read the following passage carefully to answer the questions given below it: (6)

Speech is great blessing but it can also be great curse, for while it helps us to make our intentions

and desires known to our fellows, it can also if we use it carelessly, make our attitude completely

misunderstood. A slip of the tongue, the use of unusual word, or of an ambiguous word, and so on, may

create an enemy where we had hoped to win a friend. Again, different classes of people use different

vocabularies, and the ordinary speech of an educated may strike an uneducated listener as pompous.

Unwittingly, we may use a word which bears a different meaning to our listener from what it does to men

of our own class. Thus speech is not a gift to use lightly without thought, but one which demands careful

handling. Only a fool will express himself alike to all kinds and conditions to men.

i. The best way to win a friend is to avoid

(A) irony in speech (B) verbosity in speech

(C) pomposity in speech (D) ambiguity in speech

ii. While talking to an uneducated person, we should use

(A) ordinary speech (B) his vocabulary

(C) simple words (D) polite language

iii. If one used the same style of language with everyone, one would sound

(A) flat (B) boring

(C) foolish (D) democratic

iv. A 'slip of the tongue' means something said:

(A) wrongly by choice (B) unintentionally



(C) without giving proper thought (D) to hurt another person

v. Antonym of the term “ambiguous”

(A)clear (B)doubtful

(C)puzzling (D)vague

Vi. Synonym of “pompous”

A) modest (B) simple

(C) dull (D) grand

Make notes on the following paragraph: (6)

Television has meant both, a boon and a bane, to mankind. It is the same with most of the

inventions of science during the last two centuries. Perhaps the real problem is the attitude of man to his

own creations. The main question to ponder over is should we use them or should we be used by them?

When used judiciously, television becomes a boon; whereas when used irrationally, television becomes a

bane. However, as per the research or surveys done on this debate regarding television’s role , it can be

safely asserted that television is more a boon than bane to mankind. As has been pointed out above, there

are several aspects of this modern dependence on TV, which would be categorized as harmful. But the

benefits of T.V. cannot be overlooked simply because they outnumber the negative points. Moreover we

have no substitute for the role that T.V. is playing in our life today. It might be a mixed blessing, but a

blessing it is.

III. a) Do write the following words in dictionary order using scanning technique: (4)

insipid, allegiance, pensive, sporadic, ascetic, boisterous, lewd, rebuke.

Write the central idea stated in the passage: (4)

Over-eating is one of the most wonderful practices among those who think that they can afford it .

In fact, authorities say that nearly all who can get as much as they desire, over-eat to their disadvantage.

This class of people could save a great more food than they can save by missing one meal per week and at

the same time they could improve their health. A heavy meal at night, the so called “dinner”, is the

fashion with many and often it is taken shortly before retiring. It is unnecessary and could be forgone, not

only once a week but daily without loss of strength. From three to five hours are needed to digest food.

While sleeping, this food not being required to give energy for work, is in many cases converted into

excess fat, giving rise to over-weight. The evening meal should be light, taken three or four hours before

retiring. This prevents over eating, conserves energy and reduces the cost of food.



IV. a) Fill in the following blanks with suitable modal verbs: (6)

He______ not pay unless he is compelled.(shall/will/dare)

You ______ be punctual.(should, would, ought)

______you please help me with this?(shall /should/would)

I was afraid that if I asked him again, he____ refuse.(can/ may/ might)

You_____ light a match-stick; the room is full of gas.(needn't/mustn't/daren’t)

He___ come, but I should not be surprised. (will, can, might)

b) Fill in the blanks using primary auxiliaries: (be/have/do and their various forms) (6)

Oh, ___ come! It’s going to be such fun.

I ____to see him tomorrow.

He ____two daughters and one son.

He ___ speak English fluently.

____courteous to your elders.

Is there a radio station in your city? Yes, there___.

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