Developing multilingual identities through exchange programs: case studies of Taiwanese university students in non-Anglophone countries

This theoretical paper builds on the authors’ existing scholarship exploring the value of incorporating multilingual identity-focused pedagogical practice into language learning at the secondary school level, by establishing the rationale for extending such practices to the tertiary level, both in language learning specifically and in tertiary education more generally. We previously reconceptualised multilingualism as an all-encompassing concept that one can lay claim to, regardless of proficiency levels in multiple languages, dialects, and other communicative modes, and outlined a pedagogical framework for “participative construction of multilingual identity in the language classroom”. In establishing a rationale for applying this framework and its underpinning conceptualisation of multilingual identity to the (increasingly linguistically diverse) tertiary education sector, this current paper critically examines the literature on attitudes towards multilingualism in higher education; and on evidence for the value of identity-focused pedagogies. We outline approaches to embedding awareness-raising of multilingual identities, and related identity-focused pedagogical approaches. At a time when the English language remains powerful at the tertiary level, these proposals are deemed important for challenging the ongoing dominance of monolingual ideals in higher education, especially in Anglophone contexts, where increasing numbers of international students with varied multilingual identities and repertoires are perceived as deficient when judged against monolingual, native-speaker norms. Finally, the next steps in the research agenda are recommended.

Purpose Internationalization strategies that have been issued for a decade affect non-Anglophone higher education institutions (HEIs) in the clash of importance in preserving national language or using international languages. One of the observable objects of this dilemma is the inconsistent language display of universities’ public signages as a linguistic landscape (LL). To address these issues, the presence of language policy is urgent unless the preservation of the national language is no longer the responsibility of HEIs. However, rigorous discussion about language policy in non-Anglophone HEIs remains limited. This study aims to address the gap by providing a critical analysis of the existing language policy documents in an Indonesian higher education institution that has a multilingual environment and its effect on the LL. Design/methodology/approach This case study used document analysis and LL analysis. The setting was an Islamic university in Indonesia that represents the trial importance of building religious identity, preserving the national language and engaging with international demands. The data were collected from National Law Enforcement websites, which provided various national policy documents and the institutional documents that were retrieved from the university website by using the document analysis method by Bowen (2009). The secondary data were 216 visual images of public signage in an Islamic university in Indonesia as the representation of multilingual phenomena. The additional data were gathered from a pilot interview with a lecturer and a student. Findings This study found that both the national government and institutional administration in Indonesia do not have a language policy that regulates LLs or language preferences in public places for HEIs. The university tends to solely refer to international accreditation policy by using either bilingual English-Indonesian or monolingual English in the public signage. However, the limited use of the Arabic language in specific venues such as mosques and musallas shows that Arabic serves neither as symbolic identity nor communicative functions. Research limitations/implications This study sets a single case study in an Islamic university, and the policy documents were limited to the Indonesian Government and institutions as the representation of non-Anglophone countries. Further studies are expected to have a bigger and larger size of data and settings. Practical implications This study implies that non-Anglophone countries’ governments should start to design and enforce a language policy that preserves national language and facilitates major national and international language communities, such as Thai, Arabic, Javanese and Malay, without being absent in international competitive labeling. A practical implication for religion-based and cultural-based universities is that the function of their Holy Book or local languages can be used as communicative functions to strengthen the religious and local identity. Social implications This study implies that non-Anglophone countries’ governments should start to design and enforce a language policy that preserves their national language without being absent in international competitive labeling. Originality/value Given the fact that there is limited awareness to bring the discussion about LL patterns into language policy issues in non-Anglophone countries, this study was originally conducted as a case study to pilot the discussion about the absence of language policy as represented through LLs in Indonesia. This case study was brought up as a pilot discussion to urge non-Anglophone countries lawmakers to issue language policy at the university level. This message is meant to respond to internationalization programs that can potentially jeopardize the existence of the linguistic and cultural diversity of non-Anglophone countries.

Background: Learning style refers to the way an individual prefers to perceive and process information in a learning situation. The culture of reticence and respect for authority may pose challenges for Asian students during problem-based learning (PBL) that requires students' active engagement. It was unclear how a PBL experience would shape learning styles of Asian students. This study identifies the preferred learning styles of Taiwanese physical therapist students, and reports on changes in students' learning styles following a PBL course. Methods: Thirty-six 3rd-year undergraduate physical therapist students (92% of the total cohort) completed the Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (version 3.1) before and after a PBL course. Results: The most and least preferred learning styles were the assimilator and converger styles, respectively. Twelve (33%) students changed their preferred learning styles after the PBL course, however no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.76). Conclusion: The majority of Taiwanese physiotherapy students, different from their Western peers, demonstrate a preference for the assimilator learning style before and after a PBL course. Possible factors contributing to the difference of learning styles between Western and Taiwanese students and the significance of observed changes in learning style following a PBL experience were discussed.

Adapting to Diversity: Pedagogy for Taiwanese students in mainstream Australian secondary school classes

ABSTRACTThe discourse on English-medium teaching in higher education uses several terms and concepts to describe practices, very often synonymously. This contribution aims to fill the research gap of a conceptualisation of English-medium teaching in higher education. It will identify relevant approaches and their corresponding terminology, as well as clarify which approaches are most suitable for higher education. Given that the past decades have seen a substantial rise in the use of English as a teaching language in European compulsory schooling [Dalton-Puffer, C. 2011. “Content and Language Integrated Learning: From Practice to Principles?” Annual Review of Applied Linguistics 31: 182–183], the paper will also draw parallels between the secondary and the tertiary levels of education. At the same time, it will also be shown why insights drawn from research conducted in secondary education cannot simply be transferred to the tertiary level of education.The main focus of the paper is on the ‘English-medium Paradigm,’ a framework created to identify prevalent instructional types in English-taught programmes at universities in non-Anglophone countries [Unterberger, B. 2014. “English-medium Degree Programmes in Austrian Tertiary Business Studies: Policies and Programme Design.” Dissertation, University of Vienna, 45–52]. The paradigm is based on terminological and conceptual considerations gained from the critical discussion of English for specific purposes, English for academic purposes, Content and language integrated learning and English-medium instruction literature [e.g. Bhatia, V. K. 1993. Analysing Genre: Language use in Professional Settings. London: Longman; Hyland, K. 2006. English for Academic Purposes: An Advanced Resource Book. London: Routledge; Dalton-Puffer, C. 2007. “Academic Language Functions in a CLIL Environment.” In Diverse Contexts - Converging Goals: CLIL in Europe, edited by D. Marsh, 201–209. Mehrsprachigkeit in Schule und Unterricht 6. Frankfurt am Main: Lang; Dafouz, E., and U. Smit. 2014. “Towards a Dynamic Conceptual Framework for English-medium Education in Multilingual University Settings.” Applied Linguistics. doi:10.1093/applin/amu034]. The paper therefore provides a timely conceptualisation of the varieties of English-medium teaching in higher education which also takes into account pedagogical considerations as well as implications for curriculum design.

Among inequities faced by multilingual learners, engagement in science education is one of the most persistent. Research suggests leveraging students’ full multilingual repertoires in science education can help address this gap. However, pervasive monolingual norms in schooling may impede multilingual engagement, impacting students’ multilingual identities and self-perceptions as science learners. Using observations and classroom artifacts from four seventh-grade life science classes in a linguistically diverse school district in the Southeastern United States, we documented one teacher’s attempts to engage students’ multilingual repertoires in science education during a four-week instructional unit. Our findings indicated student hesitancy to participate multilingually in science discourse. Using critical language awareness (CLA) as a lens, we draw connections between this reluctance and monolingual schooling norms that impact students’ multilingual identities and present challenges to implementing linguistically sustaining pedagogies in English-medium instructional environments. By focusing on engaging students’ multilingual repertoires in science education, these findings have the potential to advance research on teacher CLA—including its affordances and contextual limitations—in science education and beyond.

The purpose of this work is to study the relevance of the phenomenon of authenticity in the expanding context of English as an International Language (EIL). Based on the data of modern science on this issue, as well as on the results obtained during the generalization and analysis of existing experience, we concluded that authenticity should be considered within the framework of English as an international language, taking into account the inevitable need to adapt extralinguistic elements to the situation of international communication, while paying due attention to the need to comply with the norms of native speakers in phonology and grammar. Authenticity within the paradigm of English as an International language presupposes pragmatic conformity: these are correctly, methodically selected materials included in a language learning course, correspondence of the materials to the needs of students, their language level, presentation of the material by the developers taking into account an international factor. One cannot fail to note a unique role of an English teacher and his irreplaceable contribution to communicative capabilities and authenticating abilities. Thus, authenticity within the framework of English as an International language requires interaction of language itself, dynamically developing and subject to various kinds of changes, students, teachers, authors of textbooks of a new rank, who take into account the needs of international communication and contextual factors as well. We shouldn`t not forget about native speakers who undoubtedly contribute to the development of English as an International language. But we need to note that, standards of native speakers are not primary for authentication process, but auxiliary. We are profoundly convinced that this cooperation will surely result in the so-called "strong" students - these are students with a high level of English proficiency, who will easily challenge international communication environment with mutual understanding at the intercultural level.

To contest monolingualism, which oppresses language diversity in U.S. classrooms, Horner et al. (2011) called for a translingual approach to language differences. As much of the literature on translingualism has remained at a theoretical level, writing teachers have been seeking to enact this disposition in their classrooms pedagogically. As a response to this, code-meshing (Young, 2004, 2013; Canagarajah, 2006, 2011) can be used as a pedagogical application of the translingual approach. This paper conceptualizes code-meshing as translingual pedagogy and explores how it can be used in K-12 contexts by examining documented K-12 classroom examples of code-meshing projects in the studies of Zapata and Laman (2016) and Pacheco et al. (2017). Despite the concerns that critics have voiced, the examples show that code-meshing can be used as an effective pedagogical tool for developing the translingual disposition, supporting students’ multilingual identity, and discussing social and linguistic equity in K-12 settings. While the structural limitations for translingual pedagogy are not unforeseen, teachers and researchers should be encouraged to collaborate and keep developing translingual pedagogy for linguistic and social equity.

Higher education spaces are embedded within the larger ecosystem of societies, and they simultaneously endorse, question, critique, and transform societal norms. Exploring gender equity in higher education curriculum and pedagogy involves examining the systemic, social, and cultural dynamics that influence gender disparities within academic spaces and society. Examining gender mainstreaming in higher education pedagogy is essential to address systemic biases, promote inclusive teaching practices, and ensure that all students, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to succeed. A co-constructed comparative case study of Kazakhstan and India provides a unique lens to understand these disparities and devise strategies to address them. In this study, we analyzed data collected from two universities to understand the challenges and curriculum and pedagogic practices that can create more equitable spaces. By adopting a collaborative research approach, this comparative study reveals common challenges, successful strategies, and practices that can help create gender equity and inclusivity in higher education. Findings indicate that while gender awareness and sensitivity are in the minds of the stakeholders, they are not embedded in the curriculum. Data analysis further demonstrates the need to incorporate more representative voices from different genders across the curriculum, both as textual material and as more diverse faculty. We argue that deep-rooted patriarchal norms and systemic barriers that continue to hinder gender inclusivity can be addressed not by creating specific courses or programs but by a holistic, inclusive curriculum that embeds gender equity in every aspect of higher education.

Automated essay grading or scoring systems are not more a myth they are reality.As on today, the human written (not hand written) essays are corrected not only by examiners / teachers also by machines.The TOEFL exam is one of the best examples of this application.The students' essays are evaluated both by human & web based automated essay grading system.Then the average is taken.Many researchers consider essays as the most useful tool to assess learning outcomes, implying the ability to recall, organize and integrate ideas, the ability to supply merely than identify interpretation and application of data.Automated Writing Evaluation Systems, also known as Automated Essay Assessors, might provide precisely the platform we need to explicate many of the features those characterize good and bad writing and many of the linguistic, cognitive and other skills those underline the human capability for both reading and writing.They can also provide time-totime feedback to the writers/students by using that the people can improve their writing skill.A meticulous research of last couple of years has helped us to understand the existing systems which are based on AI & Machine Learning techniques, NLP (Natural Language Processing) techniques and finding the loopholes and at the end to propose a system, which will work under Indian context, presently for English language influenced by local languages.Currently most of the essay grading systems is used for grading pure English essays or essays written in pure European languages.In India we have almost 21 recognized languages and influence of these local languages, in English, is very much here.Newspapers in Hyderabad sometimes print like --Now the time has come to say ‗albida' (good bye) to monsoon‖.Due to the influence of local languages and English written by nonnative English speakers (ie.Indians) the result of TOEFL exams has shown lower scores against Indian students (also Asian students).This paper focuses on the existing automated essay grading systems, basic technologies behind them and proposes a new framework to over come the problems of influence of local Indian languages in English essays while correcting and by providing proper feedback to the writers.

Automated Essay Grading (AEG) or scoring systems are not more a myth they are reality. These AI systems are blessings to the educational community where teachers normally face lots of problem while correcting studentspsila essays. Valuation of huge amount of student essays within stipulated time frame, with feed back is a real challenge. But today, the human written (not hand written) essays easily evaluated by AEG systems easily. The TOEFL exam is one of the best examples of this application. The studentspsila essays are evaluated both by human and automated essay grading system. Then the average is taken. AEG might provide precisely the platform we need to explicate many of the features those characterize good and bad writing and many of the linguistic, cognitive and other skills those underline the human capability for both reading and writing. They can also provide time-to-time feedback to the writers/students by using that the people can improve their writing skill. A meticulous research of last couple of years has helped us to understand the existing systems which are based on AI & Machine Learning techniques and finding the loopholes and at the end to propose a system, which will work under Indian context, presently for English language influenced by local languages. Currently most of the essay grading systems is used for grading pure English essays or essays written in pure European languages. In India we have almost 21 recognized languages and influence of these local languages, in English, is very much here. Due to the influence of local languages and English written by nonnative English speakers (ie. Indians) the result of TOEFL exams has shown lower scores against Indian students (also Asian students). This paper focuses on the existing automated essay grading systems, basic technologies behind them and proposes a new framework to over come the problems of influence of local Indian languages in English essays while correcting and by providing proper feedback to the writers.

Research on the intersections between multilingual learning and identity has provided pedagogical insights as to how knowledge of multiple languages bolsters student motivation to learn, open-mindedness, and persistence. However, there is little empirical work that explores multilingual identity development from the perspective of first language (L1) English speakers in Anglophone contexts. This research offers a perspective on the construction of multilingual identity with adolescent L3+ learners in an England secondary school. Conducted via a complexity perspective, the use of Q methodology and interviews, findings highlight the temporally dynamic nature of multilingual identity and the significant role of positive psycho-emotional appraisals in shaping students’ language-using selves. Additionally, the research reveals that the English self-concept, while their L1, holds a unique position within the broader “supra”—multilingual identity. These insights underscore the need for a time-oriented approach to understanding multilingual identity and the influence of L1 in shaping the multilingual self.

Tunnel, teapot, mermaid, ghost: Creative-critical practice as critical language awareness

15. Variation in Attitudes toward Immigrants Measured among Latino, African American, Asian, and Euro-American Students was published in Asian and Latino Immigrants in a Restructuring Economy on page 353.

This article analyses the study-abroad identity of Central Asian undergraduate students in a Hong Kong university. It draws on the narrative data to explore the intercultural tensions and challenges they faced in the higher education context, as well as the impact of their study-abroad experiences on their identity-making when integrating into the receiving society. Drawing on Herzfeld’s (2005) concept of cultural intimacy, this article explains the students’ limited participation in local Hong Kong communities and their strong connection to the small, diasporic Central Asian network. It also reveals the co-existence of post-Soviet national identities and a cohesive Central Asian identity in the participants’ identity-making processes.