English proficiency is valued in Japan for its facilitation of participation in the international community. However, average proficiency remains low despite strategic efforts of Japan's Ministry of Education. Based on research indicating that culture may impact learning, this quantitative study investigated the impact of culture on English…

Reports a study of academic and non-academic demands as perceived by a group of Australian non- native English speaking students in the first semester of postgraduate studies. Relates relevant research to participants' responses to a questionnaire and in follow-up interviews about academic difficulties, such as the use of first language and the…

Students in the English Language Teaching Department at Cukurova University (Turkey) were asked about their preferences for learning English. Teachers working with these students were asked about the extent of their awareness of their students' learning preferences. Data suggest the need for closer cooperation between students and teachers in how…