Fostering Cross-Cultural Understanding among Indonesian EFL Students: Exploring Progress and Challenges

The study was aimed at understanding the EFL Indonesian students’ perspective on the writing process. The pilot study involved two male Indonesian postgraduate students in Universiti Utara Malaysia. The Indonesian students were selected based on the following criteria: (1) had enough knowledge in English writing, indicated by the completion of Academic Writing and Research Methodology courses taken in UUM; (2) had written an unpublished thesis during their undergraduate studies in Indonesia and they are writing their master or doctoral thesis in English; (3) used English extensively in writing their assignments, and in daily activities. Pseudonyms were used to refer to the participants as Sukarno and Suharto. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with the participants. The interview sessions took approximately 15-20 minutes for each participant and were videotaped and audiotaped. Semi-structured interview with 15 questions and probes were used. The results showed that the two participants had positive feelings and attitudes towards writing in English. Although they had a hard time in English writing during their undergraduate in Indonesia, they become fond of writing in English in their postgraduate time due to the exposure to English extensively. In composing, they used brainstorming, drafting, pausing, revising and editing in a recursive manner. Keywords: in-depth interview, pilot study, writing process, English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

In the dynamic field of consecutive interpreting, language choice in note-taking is a critical skill that bridges cognitive processing and ensures the accurate delivery of messages. The present small-scale study investigates the language choice in note-taking for consecutive interpreting practices among Indonesian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students. This aims to determine whether the students prefer to take notes in English or Indonesian when interpreting between these two languages and to reveal the reasons behind their preferences. This study employed a case study design, analyzing 45 note-taking samples, followed by conducting face-to-face interviews with 4 students to gain a deeper understanding. The findings reveal a significant preference for taking notes in English, irrespective of the direction of interpreting. This preference highlights the students’ inclination towards using English as a medium for cognitive processing and information retention in consecutive interpreting tasks. The results suggest that English proficiency plays a crucial role in the note-taking strategies adopted by Indonesian EFL students. These insights can inform teaching methodologies and curriculum design in interpreter training programs, emphasizing the importance of English proficiency in enhancing interpreting skills.

Advancements in technology has affected almost all aspects of life all around the world. The education sector is not an exception. As in many other countries, in Turkey and Indonesia, learning activities have been switched from face-to-face to online mode for several reasons such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the destructive earthquake in Turkey. Online learning has brought some challenges with it. As online learning requires learner autonomy, it is crucial to investigate learners´ perspectives regarding how this shift from traditional face-to-face teaching to online mode has affected the learners. Hence, the current study aims to investigate and compare Turkish and Indonesian English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ learner autonomy level. A quantitative study has been conducted among undergraduate students from Turkey (100) and Indonesia (120). Data was collected through a 30-item questionnaire and distributed online. The analysis was done quantitatively using descriptive statistical computation. The results show that both Indonesian and Turkish EFL students have high learner autonomy levels. However, some differences were identified in terms of their planning of learning ability (PLA), monitoring of learning, and evaluation of learning abilities. In light of this study’s findings, educational institutions are encouraged to promote strategies to assist students to be autonomous learners.

This study investigates the effects of technology integration on the motivation and engagement of Indonesian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students. The research seeks to answer the following questions: (1) What is the impact of technology on student motivation in EFL classrooms? (2) How does technology affect student engagement in learning English as a foreign language? (3) What are the specific challenges associated with integrating technology in EFL settings? A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The survey data were collected from 150 EFL students across various Indonesian schools, while in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 teachers to gain deeper insights into the observed phenomena. The findings reveal that technology integration positively influences student motivation by making learning more interactive and enjoyable. Students reported higher levels of interest and participation when technological tools were used. However, engagement levels varied, with some students feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological advancements. The study also identified several challenges, including insufficient teacher training, limited access to reliable technology, and the digital divide between urban and rural areas. In conclusion, while technology has the potential to enhance motivation and engagement among EFL students, addressing the identified challenges is crucial for maximizing its benefits. Effective training for teachers, improved access to technological resources, and policies aimed at bridging the digital divide are recommended to support the successful integration of technology in EFL education.

This research aimed to investigate the writing strategies applied by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in Indonesia. It also investigated how the writing process undergone by Indonesian EFL students differs from students using English as their first language (L1). The writing strategies questionnaire from Petrić and Czárl (2003) was used to find out the strategies used by the EFL students. In addition, the adult writing process model of Hayes (2012), which was constructed based on the writing process of English as first language students, was used as the framework to investigate the writing process applied by Indonesian students. The participants were 135 English Education department students from two Indonesian universities. Participants’ answers to the questions in the questionnaire over the three stages of writing (pre-writing, drafting, and revising) were analysed using a 5-point Likert scale. The result revealed that the participants applied writing strategies at a moderate level. They only frequently used 15 of the 38 strategies provided in the questionnaire at high frequency. The 15 strategies used at high frequencies described the participants’ writing process which indicated some differences from that of the writing process undergone by the English L1 students. The findings aim to inform theories of second/foreign language writing performance, as well as support the design of teaching writing courses in English Education majors in Indonesia. The data may also be useful for educators in other countries teaching English as a second or foreign language.

This study aims to analyze the use of idioms in songs as a means to understand their contribution to meaning, mood, and theme, while exploring their emotional, cultural, and narrative dimensions. Utilizing a qualitative research approach with a literature study design, the research collects data from relevant journal articles, books, and other academic sources, focusing on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning among Indonesian students. The instrument used is songs containing idioms, which serve as teaching tools to enhance students' understanding of idiomatic expressions. The findings indicate that although idioms are often overlooked in language instruction, the use of songs as a teaching medium proves effective in improving students' listening skills and memory of idioms. Songs not only provide an engaging and memorable context but also enrich students' cultural understanding. In conclusion, integrating songs into idiom instruction can enhance students' linguistic competence and cultural appreciation, making it an effective strategy for EFL educators to bridge the gap between language learning and cultural appreciation.

Despite its increasing popularity among young adults, TikTok has been very slow in finding its way into the English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching profession. Yet before introducing the application into the EFL classrooms, it is no doubt imperative to discern what is preferable among EFL learners. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the extent to which EFL learners perceive TikTok as facilitating their learning. To this end, the participants (N = 31) were asked to fill out a short, online questionnaire to gather information about (i) whether they utilized TikTok as an affordance for their EFL learning and (ii) whether they perceive its integration into the EFL classrooms as facilitative of their learning. The findings revealed that although they did not explicitly mention that they used TikTok as an affordance for their EFL learning, they held a belief that TikTok is effective in promoting their English proficiency. According to the students, there were three factors of note which contribute to the effectiveness of TikTok, namely abundant authentic input availability, easy-to-grasp information and availability of free tuition related to English language learning. Pedagogically, it implies that TikTok is worth integrating into the EFL classrooms.

Abstract: This article aimed to find the tendencies exhibited by Indonesian students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in writing an academic essay in English. A content analysis method is employed as the method of the study. The data of the study were the final draft of the essays written by EFL students of the English Department of a reputable university in East Java, Indonesia. The essays were analyzed by looking for the shared properties in each part of the essay. The data were analyzed by extracting the most common properties in each essay which are (a) thesis statement, (b) coherency, and (c) concluding remark. The results showed that the students tended to forget to use definite and indefinite articles, misuse the definite and indefinite articles with plural forms, to use of nouns and pronouns inconsistently, to use an English sentence with an Indonesian rhetoric pattern, and to not include a summary of the subtopics discussed in their body paragraphs

This study aimed at investigating the effect of Preview, Question, Read, Summarize (PQRS) Strategy on EFL students’ writing ability by considering their working memory capacity (WMC) levels. It involved Indonesian English as a foreign language (EFL) students of English Department in Universitas Negeri Malang, one of the leading universities in Indonesia. This study applied a quasi-experimental design and compared the writing ability of two intact groups of students. The data were collected by using writing tests and a WMC test. The results of the research revealed that there was a significant difference between the students who were taught by using the PQRS strategy and those who were not taught by using that strategy. However, there was no significant difference in the writing ability of the EFL students across WMC levels. Theoretically, this study supports the important roles of integrated reading-writing instruction in the teaching of writing. Pedagogically, in the teaching of writing, EFL teachers might apply the PQRS strategy as part of integrated reading-writing instruction to EFL students regardless of the difference in their WMC levels.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as machine translation tools, has gained traction in language education, offering potential benefits while raising concerns. This mixed-methods study investigates the perceptions and experiences of Indonesian students learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) regarding the use of DeepL Machine Translation. With advancements in AI and increasing reliance on translation tools, understanding users' perspectives is crucial for effective integration. The research aims to explore EFL students' perceptions of DeepL's utilization, advantages, and disadvantages through a convergent mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 293 participants across various educational levels through a closed-ended questionnaire and open-ended responses. Quantitative analysis revealed a high level of agreement towards DeepL's utilization, particularly for translating written works. Perceived advantages included translation accuracy, time-saving capabilities, and potential for language skill improvement. However, concerns regarding over-reliance and dependency were also expressed. Qualitative insights corroborated the quantitative findings, highlighting DeepL's strengths in context matching, word choice suggestions, and user-friendly features. These findings contribute to the discourse on AI integration in language education, emphasizing the importance of understanding user perceptions and developing balanced implementation strategies. The study concludes with recommendations for educators and curriculum designers to leverage machine translation tools effectively while mitigating potential drawbacks, fostering independent language learning and responsible technology use.

Abstract: This article aimed to find the tendencies exhibited by Indonesian students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in writing an academic essay in English. A content analysis method is employed as the method of the study. The data of the study were the final draft of the essays written by EFL students of the English Department of a reputable university in East Java, Indonesia. The essays were analyzed by looking for the shared properties in each part of the essay. The data were analyzed by extracting the most common properties in each essay which are (a) thesis statement, (b) coherency, and (c) concluding remark. The results showed that the students tended to forget to use definite and indefinite articles, misuse the definite and indefinite articles with plural forms, to use of nouns and pronouns inconsistently, to use an English sentence with an Indonesian rhetoric pattern, and to not include a summary of the subtopics discussed in their body paragraphs. The result may be use as reference for future writing classes in Indonesia.

The quality of collaborative writing process to some extent depends on the verbal episodes occurring during the collaboration. This study aimed to describe English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ verbal episodes in proficiency pairings. A case study design was used in this study. It involved 40 EFL students of the English department in an Indonesian university. They were divided into two groups based on the types of proficiency pairings: heterogeneous (20 students) and homogenous (20 students). Therefore, this study was also intended to identify which of the two types of proficiency pairings produces more verbal episodes than the other. The verbal processes were audio recorded and then transcribed. The audio transcriptions were analyzed for common themes related to episode categorization. To ensure the reliability of the episode analysis, inter-coder, and intra-coder checks were employed. The results showed that Indonesian EFL students used three major types of verbal episodes: language-related episodes (LREs), text-related episodes (TREs), and scaffolding episodes (SEs). The study also revealed that proficiency levels determined the categories of LREs and SEs most frequently produced by the heterogeneous and homogeneous pairs. Both the heterogeneous and homogeneous pairs were likely to produce almost the same frequencies of categories of TREs more particularly in terms of organization and content. Further research might explore the link between the number of episodes and the learning gains.

Writing, as a fundamental skill in language acquisition, is intrinsically linked with grammar. For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, especially those from linguistically diverse backgrounds like Indonesia, mastering grammar is both crucial and challenging. While the significance of grammar in writing is well-documented, there is a noticeable gap in research focusing on the specific needs and challenges of Indonesian EFL students. This study aimed to investigate the impact of explicit grammar instruction on the academic writing skills of Indonesian EFL students. It sought to identify specific grammatical challenges faced by these students, assess the effectiveness of targeted grammar instruction, and understand the strategies employed by learners to navigate these challenges. A qualitative research approach was employed, with purposive sampling selecting seven active grammar class attendees from the 6th semester of ABA UMI. Data collection instruments included observations, open interviews, writing tests, and documentation review. An interactive model of analysis was used for data interpretation. Preliminary results indicate that while all participants had foundational grammar knowledge, challenges persisted, especially with certain verb tenses. Explicit grammar instruction showed positive impacts on their writing skills, with real-world tasks enhancing the applicability of learned grammar. Participants also showcased diverse strategies to overcome grammatical challenges, underscoring the need for flexible instructional approaches. Explicit grammar instruction plays a pivotal role in enhancing the academic writing skills of Indonesian EFL students. Recognizing specific challenges and aligning instruction with real-world tasks can further optimize learning outcomes. This study offers valuable insights for educators, curriculum designers, and EFL learners, emphasizing the need for targeted, context-specific grammar instruction.

Preparing students to compete and face any challenges of the rapid changes of globalization is a responsibility of any form of education. Students’ success in today’s learning lies on their ability to utilize technology as the heart of globalizationas well as to communicate in English effectively within a variety of purposes. Project-based learning, as one of the technology-based activities, is believed to be an effective method to facilitate the use of technology and oral communication skill in English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. This article investigates whether there is a significant difference in students’ speaking ability between students taught through PBL using e-poster and those taught through conventional method. It also determines whether there is a significant difference in students speaking ability between extrovert and introvert students taught through PBL using e-poster. Sixty-one Indonesian secondary level students from two intact classes were involved and assigned randomly into experimental and control groups. The quantitative data were collected through pre-test and post-test from both groups. Analysis of the first result revealed that students who were taught through PBL using E-poster significantly outperformed those who were taught through a conventional method. Conversely, the second result showed that students’ personality types (extrovert and introvert) did not affect their speaking achievement.

Preparing students to compete and face any challenges of the rapid changes of globalization is a responsibility of any form of education. Students’ success in today’s learning lies on their ability to utilize technology as the heart of globalizationas well as to communicate in English effectively within a variety of purposes. Project-based learning, as one of the technology-based activities, is believed to be an effective method to facilitate the use of technology and oral communication skill in English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. This article investigates whether there is a significant difference in students’ speaking ability between students taught through PBL using e-poster and those taught through conventional method. It also determines whether there is a significant difference in students speaking ability between extrovert and introvert students taught through PBL using e-poster. Sixty-one Indonesian secondary level students from two intact classes were involved and assigned randomly into experimental and control groups. The quantitative data were collected through pre-test and post-test from both groups. Analysis of the first result revealed that students who were taught through PBL using E-poster significantly outperformed those who were taught through a conventional method. Conversely, the second result showed that students’ personality types (extrovert and introvert) did not affect their speaking achievement.