The siLang Simulation Tool for Business Secondary Technical Education E.S.P. Students

Abstract

Abstract-The purpose of the paper is to detect Technical Secondary Education learners' views on the siLang software. Particularly the aim is to investigate its effectiveness on learners' reading and listening English language skills competence. A number of 64 learners and their four teachers participated in the research, conducted with quantitative and qualitative research methods. According to the results of students' questionnaire answers, focus group discussions and teachers' interviews the particular software is considered to be an authentic-like tool for business purposes, relevant to learners' future working needs, and capable of promoting learner motivation and participation in the lesson. The software was also found to improve learners' reading and listening skills in English.

Using Simulation in International Business Correspondence Courses for China’s English-Major Undergraduates

“…In the context of Russia, another study has found that the computer-based business simulation had positive impact of soft skills cultivation such as “interpersonal communications, teamwork and leadership” with master’s-degree students taking economics and management courses (Gulk & Gavrilov, 2020, p. 662). In the context of business secondary technical education ESP students, Tsihouridis and Batsila (2016) have found empirical evidence of improvement in English reading and listening skills after using siLang simulation tool based on students’ questionnaire, focus group discussions, and teachers’ interviews. It can be seen that most of the studies focused on nonlanguage majors, and there were limited international studies focusing on using simulation in international correspondence teaching with language majors.…”