A Study Of The Discourse Right Between Teachers And Students In College English Listening And Speaking Classes

With the globalization of the world, English, as a universal language, plays a vital role in many fields, which sets higher standards for learners’ English listening and speaking ability in China. The teaching and studies of College English Listening and Speaking Class has been the important aspects of College English education reform. Nevertheless, there are relatively few empirical studies of the discourse right between teachers and students in College English Listening and Speaking Class. How to properly treat and balance the allocation of discourse right in College English Listening and Speaking Class has been a focus of concern of the English teachers.This study intends to explore the current situation, problems and influencing factors, and solutions of discourse right between teachers and students in College English Listening and Speaking Class on the basis of Cognitive Learning Theory and Conversation Analysis Theory. It employs both qualitative and quantitative research methods including questionnaires, interviews and classroom observations. The subjects in this research are 175 students and 10 teachers from two universities. Research results are as follows:Firstly, the current situation of discourse right between teachers and students in College English Listening and Speaking Class can be summarized as follows:teachers have the domination and control over classes; the discourse right of teachers is more than the discourse right of students; students are enormously lack of discourse right in class. When teachers want to give discourse right to students, students always refuse to express themselves and answer questions due to various reasons and finally choose to keep silent.Secondly, there are two major factors that influence the discourse right in class:one is of teachers, namely, their class design and the way of interaction with students give rise to their dominance in class; the other is of students, namely, their poor oral English, shyness and self-doubt lead to the loss of their discourse right in class.Thirdly, measures to increase students’ discourse right and participation in class will be taken from two aspects:one is the modification and improvement on teaching methods as well as the strategies and skills that teachers employ to initiate and yield discourse; and the other is the development of awareness in students that they are the main participants of the class, so as to increase students’involvement in classes activities.In a word, the study of discourse right between teachers and students in College English Listening and Speaking Classes not only can help teachers have a better understanding of the class and students, but also can assist students to realize their own problems and encourage them to enhance their discourse right through interaction and participation, and finally improve their communication abilities.