Exploring EFL Teachers' and Learners' Perception of L2 Humor: A Case Study of Iranian English Language Institutes

Humorous communication is extremely complex in both its forms and functions (e.g. Norrick, 1993; 2003). Much of the previous work that has put forth suggestions for incorporating humor into the language classroom (e.g. Trachtenberg, 1979; Deneire, 1995; Schmitz, 2002) has not examined these complexities in the detail necessary for the target audience (i.e. classroom language teachers) to be able to make informed judgments concerning its possible role in their classrooms. In addition, these researchers have not made use of naturally occurring interaction in making their recommendations. This article draws on data (interviews, participant observation and discourse analysis of audiotaped or videotaped interaction) collected from three research projects involving the use and understanding of humor by second language (L2) speakers in both classroom and non-classroom situations to illuminate what has so far been a largely theoretical discussion. I critique recommendations for pedagogical applications of humor in the L2 classroom, using examples to demonstrate how these are inadequate for determining what might be taught and learned and to whom. I then present arguments as to why it is appropriate to address L2 humor in the classroom and close with suggestions for incorporating humor into the language classroom.

In the light of globalization and cross cultural interaction and exchange, supporting foreign language teachers and learners with intercultural awareness is the base for effective language learning and communication as well. The aim of the current study was to investigate EFL teachers' perceptions towards culture teaching and examine the impact of incorporating intercultural knowledge in EFL teaching on developing students reading attitude. It was predicted that university students receiving EFL training program based on incorporating cultural knowledge would develop positive reading attitude. Questions verbalized to accomplish the purpose of the study focused on: (1) exploring EFL teachers' perceptions towards incorporating cultural knowledge in classrooms. (2) exploring EFL teachers' perceptions towards the impact of culture teaching on students' language skills and attitude (3) Finding out differences regarding pre- and post-reading attitude scale of experimental group. A reading attitude scale for measuring students' reading attitude was used for data collection in addition to a questionnaire that investigated teachers' perceptions towards culture teaching. Results revealed that EFL teachers support incorporating culture teaching. Moreover, the statistical analysis of the results proved that incorporating intercultural knowledge in teaching positively impacts students reading attitude.

The sheer growth of information and communication technologies (ICT) has reshaped teaching and learning practices tremendously in the learning environments all over the globe. Research reveals that teachers are the key agents in the integration of ICT in particular in language teaching and learning. However, some of the many factors, this ICT integration are associated with teachers’ personal characteristics such as gender. Therefore, the current study investigates the Moroccan male and female teachers’ level of ICT integration in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in the public secondary school EFL classrooms. This study aims to explore whether gender influences the way EFL teachers’ ICT use in the classroom. It is a survey which adopts a mixed-method approach of investigation, and two instruments are used to collect data: a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Eighty full-time teachers (45 male and 35 female teachers) belonging to different public secondary schools in the area of Agadir Idaoutanane and Inzegane Ait-Meloul participated in the study by answering a questionnaire, and eight teachers out of this sample (4 male and 4 female teachers) are interviewed. The results of data analysis reveal that although female teachers employed ICT in their teaching less than their male counterparts, there is no significant difference in using ICT in language teaching between the two groups. A number of propositions are presented as to how to incorporate ICT in language learning in the Moroccan secondary schools EFL contexts.

The sheer growth of information and communication technologies (ICT) has reshaped teaching and learning practices tremendously in the learning environments all over the globe. Research reveals that teachers are the key agents in the integration of ICT in particular in language teaching and learning. However, some of the many factors, this ICT integration are associated with teachers’ personal characteristics such as gender. Therefore, the current study investigates the Moroccan male and female teachers’ level of ICT integration in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in the public secondary school EFL classrooms. This study aims to explore whether gender influences the way EFL teachers’ ICT use in the classroom. It is a survey which adopts a mixed-method approach of investigation, and two instruments are used to collect data: a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Eighty full-time teachers (45 male and 35 female teachers) belonging to different public secondary schools in the area of Agadir Idaoutanane and Inzegane Ait-Meloul participated in the study by answering a questionnaire, and eight teachers out of this sample (4 male and 4 female teachers) are interviewed. The results of data analysis reveal that although female teachers employed ICT in their teaching less than their male counterparts, there is no significant difference in using ICT in language teaching between the two groups. A number of propositions are presented as to how to incorporate ICT in language learning in the Moroccan secondary schools EFL contexts.

This study aimed at exploring the perceptions of learner autonomy of 265 students and 89 EFL teachers in technical secondary schools in Egypt. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through student questionnaire, teacher questionnaire, and teacher interviews. The findings revealed that the participants; students and teachers, have positive views about learner autonomy in language learning. Students were generally aware of the autonomy-boosting practices and teachers’ roles in fostering autonomy. Students were neutral about their ability to choose course materials and use appropriate strategies to learn English. The results also showed that EFL teachers had clear understanding of the concept of learner autonomy and were mostly aware of its importance in EFL classes. However, they perceived their students as non-autonomous due to individual and institutional challenges. Both students and teachers were unsure about the relation between cultural backgrounds and autonomy in language learning. Based on the results, some pedagogical implications and recommendations for future research for promoting learner autonomy in secondary technical schools have been provided.

The use of humor has been a controversial research topic in language classrooms. Humor is pervasive; however, the functions of humor in primary English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) classrooms is under-investigated. To analyze the distinct features of humor, this study explores the specific functions of humor in primary English teaching classrooms in South Korea. The data set included thirty 40-minute English lessons videotaped in 2019 and semi-structured interviews with three teachers. Data were analyzed by identifying humor sequences, transcribing these classroom sessions and interviews, coding recurrent themes, and sorting representative excerpts. As a result, psychological, social, and behavioral functions of humor were conceptualized. The findings showed that humor (i) mitigated learners’ anxiety and aroused interest in language learning, (ii) reinforced constructive teacher-learner relationships and enabled camaraderie between learners, and (iii) regulated student behavior or rationalized learners’ listening incomprehension. Pedagogical implications are also discussed regarding ways to use and respond to humor in language classrooms.

This mixed-method study explores Saudi EFL teachers’ perspectives on students’ writing competencies and their concerns regarding the writing challenges, particularly in relation to EFL teachers, learners, and textbooks. The study sample consisted of 139 female EFL teachers working in Saudi Arabia. Data was gathered using a questionnaire composed of three sections: demographic information, 15 close-ended items, and three open-ended questions. The findings revealed that Saudi students’ writing skills are poor and fall below expectations. The results mainly showed their lack of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, transition words, legible handwriting, logical paragraph arrangement, concept flow, and genuine and supportive examples. The first open-ended question results revealed that these EFL teachers highlighted ten issues as negatively impacting the quality of students’ writing. The second open-ended question results showed eleven potential sources of these challenges related to learners. Finally, the results of the third open-ended question revealed six factors focusing on problems associated with textbooks potentially exerting a negative influence on the quality of students’ writing. The study concludes with some practical recommendations and suggestions for further research.

The ability to think critically is an important and necessary skill that language learners need to develop for their academic and social success. Therefore, providing an active learning environment that is conductive to creativity and in which different activities ask learners to think critically is considered as one of the foreign language teachers’ tasks. This study aims at exploring EFL teachers’ attitude toward critical thinking (CT) instruction. The participants were 30 EFL teachers who taught English at different language institutes in Tonekabon, Iran. They were surveyed on their beliefs about the concept of CT and its place in their career. Result indicated that most of them have a clear idea toward the concept of CT and believed that it is an im-portant part of their job as a teacher to increase learners’ critical thought. On the other hand, most of them conveyed a strong desire for more training in how to teach these skills. Therefore, to increase teachers’ ability in teaching CT, special training courses must be included in teacher training courses.

The use of learners’ first language in EFL classrooms has long received attention in the literature. Despite, the focus has often been on its implementations as well as advantages and disadvantages. Unfortunately, less research has been conducted regarding students’ perceptions on its use. Hence, the purpose of the study was exploring EFL teachers’ practices and learners’ perceptions about use of Amharic in English language classrooms at four selected secondary schools at Wolaita zone, Ethiopia. To achieve the intended objectives, the researcher employed descriptive research design with mixed methods of data collections. Totally, 178 students and three English language teachers were direct participants of the study as sources of data. The results obtained through questionnaire, interview and classroom observation were analyzed by using mixed methods of data analysis. It was found out that Most of the EFL teachers used Amharic for different purposes while teaching English. Based on findings of the study, it was concluded that Amharic is commonly used by EFL teachers in classes because most of their students felt more comfortable while using Amharic in actual classroom teaching-learning process.

It is a widespread and strongly supported assumption in the educational arena that the integration of technology into language classrooms can lead to improved teaching and learning with a positive impact on language learners’ proficiency level. The current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic has provided language teachers with great many potential opportunities to implement online applications and instruments to develop learners’ language proficiency. In contrast to the previous norms of EFL classrooms, where technology integration used to be an important albeit a subsidiary component, the current COVID-19 state has put online teaching on the foreground as it is purely a techno-led teaching scenario. However, with the integration of technology-based learning strategies, challenges faced by EFL teachers have also increased. The current study aims to study technology-integrated classrooms and address the challenges before EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. To have a clear instrument development of data and research findings, the Exploratory Sequential Mixed Method Design was selected by the researcher after using a blend of questionnaires and online interview techniques. For data collection, 50 language instructors at the English Language Institute (King Abdulaziz University) participated in the research. Due to the pandemic control lockdown state, these teachers were teaching an online Module from March-May 2020. The research design was focused on obtaining data based on two aspects: 1. Investigating the positive impact of technology integration in online EFL classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Addressing the challenges faced by the teachers in techno-led online classes during the COVID-19 era. The research findings indicated that despite having access to various techno-led applications and techniques including the blackboard ultra, podcasting, vodcasting etc., still there were many challenges faced by Saudi language instructors. The most common challenges included, but were not limited to, the inability to have access to the modern equipment, interrupted or weak internet connection, learners’ low motivation level and attention deficit. Despite these issues, however, many language instructors reported a positive inclination towards the use of technology in EFL online classes. The findings of the study shed light on the productive use of techno-led online EFL classrooms, focusing on strategic skill-based learning taking place and establishing a strong virtual link between the instructors and learners. Furthermore, the results of this study would help policymakers, trainers, EFL teachers and professional development experts with the current aspects of COVID-19 and the pending issues determining technology integration in EFL online classrooms, thus enabling them to make better-informed decisions.

The spread of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in L2 pedagogy has asked for training professional teachers who can integrate CALL in L2 pedagogy. Hence, the current study investigated the role of a CALL teacher preparation program in developing EFL teachers’ professional identity. To that end, two EFL teachers participated in a blended CALL teacher preparation program in which the approaches, syllabi, and process of actual CALL teacher education programs were implemented. Through project-based instruction, EFL teachers learned how to bridge the theory and practice of CALL in their classes for eight months. The data sources were the teachers’ interactionally-oriented narratives and the reports of CALL practices in their classrooms. To examine EFL teachers’ professional identity development after participating in the program, the researchers analyzed the narratives based on the 3ATIF framework (Werbińska, 2016), including three components: affiliation, attachment, and autonomy. Teachers’ professional identity comprises these components. Teachers’ narratives were analyzed using a dialogic and performance analysis. The findings showed that CALL teacher preparation programs might have a constructive role in developing EFL teachers’ professional identity. The findings also indicated that EFL teachers’ willingness to become CALL-oriented teachers developed after participating in CALL teacher preparation programs. Moreover, their tendency toward integrating CALL in L2 pedagogy was enhanced while participating in the CALL teacher preparation program. Furthermore, they recognized CALL as a platform to develop their autonomy. It can be concluded through the findings of this study that CALL teacher preparation programs can motivate the EFL teachers to integrate what they obtain from the programs in their teaching.

The present study examined the manifestations of Iranian male and female EFL teachers’ use of humor in the classroom environment. To this end, a qualitative study with 30 participants was implemented in two English language institutes in Iran. Equally, 15 male and female EFL teachers were selected by convenience sampling and their classes were audio-recorded and later transcribed for the examination of the types of humor they used and their frequency. Wanzer, Frymier, Wojtaszcyk, and Smith’s (2006) method of humor analysis and categorization of appropriateness was exploited for the analysis of the types of humor collected from the participants of the study. The results suggested that the use of humor by male teachers was more frequent than that of female teachers. It was revealed that 57% of the humor production was by male EFL teachers and 43% was produced by female EFL teachers. The results revealed that the most frequent humor type in male teachers’ classrooms was “funny comments” (27%), with “teasing students” (3%) being the least frequent one. In the case of appropriate humor use, similarly, female teachers used “funny comments” (52%) as the most frequent one, while there was no instance of “providing humorous examples”. Considering inappropriate humor use, both male and female teachers used “funny comments” (45%) as the most frequent type. The findings of the present study can be of use to EFL teachers and suggests the need for workshops and training courses on the integration of humor into EFL classes.

This study examines EFL teacher interpersonal communication of gender differences in classroom interactions at Muhammadiyah High School in the composition of three different class models: (a) composition of sex-mixed learning group (male and female students in a classroom); (b) composition of singled – learning group specifically for women (only female students in a classroom); and (c) singled-learning group special particularly for men (only male students in a classroom). The pattern of classroom interaction from male and female teachers and students is largely influenced by culture or tradition and by the composition of the class gender. For example, male and female EFL teachers initiated a comparable number of interactions across all learning group composition models, but female teachers started more interactions for all learning group compositions and male teachers started fewer interactions in sex-mixed-type classrooms and specifically for female students singled learning group (student – women’s classroom) while in student – male specific classroom, male teachers had a lot of open-minded interaction. Also, in mixed gender classrooms, both groups of female and male students indicated opened interactions with female teachers and male teachers, while female students learning group interact with female teachers smoothly and openly while male teachers, they maintained excessive interaction, and for male class students, they were very active and opened to interacting both with female teachers and male teachers.

Humor has often been seen as an important element in the learning process, facilitating both teaching and learning. Nevertheless, the utilization of humor in the educational setting has had its opponents. In recent years, many attempts have been made to conceptualize the various forms of humor implemented in the practice of education. Despite a myriad of studies aimed at linking humor with personality traits, there seem a dearth number of research studies addressing the multifaceted humor styles of EFL instructors while interacting with the students in the classroom. There have been a number of scales thought-up in order to best assess the humor styles of the individual. However, the one identified by Martin et al . (2003) attempts to deal with the functions of humor, rather than particular personalities it may or may not represent. The four specific humor styles identified in this scale encompass two benign (affiliative and self-enhancing), and two injurious (aggressive and self-defeating) humor styles. The present study seeks to examine the humor styles adopted by English language instructors in Turkey by investigating (1) whether there is a difference between male and female instructors with regard to employing humor, (2) whether the educational level of the participants influences their tendency to use humor while interacting with the students in the classroom, and (3) whether the age of the instructors is an influential factor in adopting various styles of humor. A total of 64 English language instructors working at private and state universities in Turkey completed a standardized form of the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) online. Results indicated no significant difference between male and female instructors with regard to adopting humor styles in the classroom. Nor were there any differences between instructors of varying educational level in terms of the use of humor styles. In addition, no differences were seen according to age.

Humor is probably one of the few features applicable to virtually all people in the world, but the perception and appreciation of humor can be circumstantial and culture-dependent. Although the potential role of humor in language classrooms has been the topic of research over the last years, limited research has been conducted on cross-cultural variability in humor perception and appreciation. The current study, seeking to address this gap, was conducted with a multicultural group of English language learners (ELLs). One hundred and six ELLs consisting of three main groups (i.e., Turkish, Asian and European) took part in this study. After completing a language background questionnaire, participants rated 6 humorous scenarios and then completed a 25-item humor perception questionnaire. Further, participants answered three open-ended questions at the end of the questionnaire. The results indicated that learners generally assigned more positive scores to universal jokes when compared to linguistic and cultural jokes. As for the perception of humor use in English classrooms, Asian group held slightly less positive attitudes towards the use of humor whereas Turkish group was the one most interested in the employment of humor. In addition, the results indicated that humor was linked to several benefits such as lowering affective barriers to English language learning, increasing ELLs’ attentiveness in the classroom and improving teacher-student rapport.