C1 Level Research Articles

Using corpora in teaching vocabulary to advanced EFL learners in a higher education context

Abstract This study focuses on the development of lexical competence of tertiary level EFL learners who have reached C1 level according to CEFR during their course of study, but who still have difficulty in recognizing and producing academic words in terms of their correct and appropriate use in various contexts. Following a data-driven learning (DDL) approach within an action research paradigm, this study aims to discover whether corpus investigation makes a difference in students’ vocabulary knowledge and how they react to corpus data in learning vocabulary. To this end, the study was carried out in a listening/speaking course of two C1 level classes in an EFL classroom at an English preparatory school in Higher Education. In one of the classes, conventional lesson materials, and in the other, corpus-based lesson materials were used to teach the selected vocabulary items. The effect of corpus-based lesson materials on vocabulary learning was examined in relation to conventional materials. The data obtained from pre and post-tests showed that although there was a significant increase in students’ scores from pre-test to post-test, corpus use made statistically no significant difference in their scores as compared to the conventional method that had been adopted during the regular course of study based on the contextual guesswork involved in the coursebook. Students’ reactions throughout the implementation of corpus-based materials and the feedback sessions held with the students, shed light on the results and suggested some pedagogical guidelines for using corpora in teaching L2 vocabulary.

Analysis of Quality and Cognitive Levels of Physics Final Assessment Questions of Class X

This study aims to describe the quality and distribution of cognitive levels of physics final assessment questions for class X. This research is a quantitative descriptive study. The research subjects were in the form of student questions and answer sheets at Senior High Schools 4, 8, and 9 Bengkulu City. The results showed that Senior High School 4 had 64% good questions, 12% good enough, 24% bad, and cognitive levels C1 (4%), C2 (20%), C3 (68%), C4 (8%), there is neither C5 nor C6. Senior High School 8 has 21% good questions, 11% good enough, and 68% bad questions, as well as cognitive levels C1 (3%), C2 (13%), C3 (55%), C4 (29%), and not there are C5 and C6. Senior High School 9 has 7% good questions, 29% good enough, 64% bad questions, and cognitive levels C1 (11%), C2 (21%), C3 (68%), and no C4, C5 or C6.

Exploratory examination of the scale structure of the Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale: Application of Rasch Measurement Theory

Objective: Exploratory application of the Rasch Measurement (RM) Model for evidence for reproducibility, conceptual/content validity, and structural validity of the Moorong Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES). Study Design: Secondary RM analysis of data collected in a randomized controlled trial comparing two exercise interventions for persons living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Setting: Community-dwelling persons living with SCI enrolled in an exercise study. Participants: Adults (n = 79) enrolled in the parent study had a traumatic SCI > 3 months prior, injury level C5 to T12. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome measure: The original MSES is a 16-item measure of self-efficacy with a 7-level response scale for un/certainty which was developed for use with persons living with SCI. Results: We addressed item misfit, infrequent category endorsement, and category step disorder by removing two items and reorganizing the rating scale. Rating scale changes removed category 4 (Neutral), combined categories 1–3 (Very Uncertain, Somewhat Uncertain, and Uncertain) for all items, and further combined certainty categories for two items. Principal components analysis of the residuals indicated a possible second dimension with a first-contrast Eigenvalue of 2.4. However, the contrasted item groups had explained variance <10% and a dis-attenuated correlation = 0.92 indicating they measure the same underlying trait. The small sample size precluded examination of differential item functioning. Conclusions: Exploratory RM analysis of MSES produced a 14-item Rasch version which identified structural and content validity evidence concerns inherent in the original MSES. However, results could be biased by a small sample size and further study should examine the item content and rating scale structure with larger, more diverse samples of persons living with SCI.

The role of prevertebral soft tissue swelling in dysphagia after anterior cervical corpectomy fusion: change trends and risk factors

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the change trends of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) for anterior cervical corpectomy fusion(ACCF) and to evaluate the risk factors of PSTS for postoperative dysphagia.MethodsThere were 309 patients with degenerative cervical diseases who were treated with ACCF from November 2015 and September 2019 in our hospital. According to the symptom of swallowing function after ACCF, those were divided into the dysphagia group and the normal-swallowing function group. Cervical computed tomography(CT) was analyzed, and radiological evaluation of the prevertebral soft tissue was measured between the antero-inferior corner of each vertebral body and the air shadow of the airway through CT mid-sagittal slice images before operation and after operation(one week, one month, eight months and twelve months).ResultsThe incidence of dysphagia after ACCF was 41.1%. 120 of 127(94.5%) patients had dysphagia disappeared at the 8 months after ACCF, and all disappeared at the 12 months. In both groups, PSTS would be biggest at 1 week postoperatively comparing to the preoperative, and then get smaller from 1 week to 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). After 12 months of operation, the PSTS of all cervical spinal levels would get equal to the preoperative size in the normal-swallowing function group, while the PSTS in dysphagia group would get equal only in C5-7 levels. The PSTS of preoperative C6 level and postoperative C2 level were more closely related to the present of postoperative dysphagia (OR: 9.403, 95%CI: 2.344–37.719, OR: 3.187, 95%CI: 1.78-5.705). It was more important to predict postoperative dysphagia using the value of PSTS at preoperative C6 level and postoperative C2 level, with the cutoff threshold for the PSTS of preoperative C6 level ≦1.51 cm and postoperative C2 level ≦1.3915 cm, which could get sensitivity & specificity 66.929% and 61.54%, 77.17% and 64.29%, respectively.ConclusionOur study showed that the increasing of the PSTS after ACCF should be considered as a risk factor of dysphagia after surgery. With the recovery of PSTS over time, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia decreases. The PSTS of preoperative C6 level and and postoperative C2 level should play an important part in predicting the risk of postoperative dysphagia.

Risk factors for failure to achieve minimal clinically important difference following cervical disc replacement

BACKGROUND CONTEXTWhile cervical disc replacement (CDR) has been emerging as a reliable and efficacious treatment option for degenerative cervical spine pathology, not all patients undergoing CDR will achieve minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) postoperatively—risk factors for failure to achieve MCID in PROMs following CDR have not been established. PURPOSETo identify risk factors for failure to achieve MCID in Neck Disability Index (NDI, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) neck and arm following primary 1- or 2-level CDRs in the early and late postoperative periods. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective review of prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLEPatients who had undergone primary 1- or 2-level CDR for the treatment of degenerative cervical pathology at a single institution with a minimum follow-up of 6 weeks between 2017 and 2022. OUTCOME MEASURESPatient-reported outcomes: Neck disability index (NDI), Visual analog scale (VAS) neck and arm, MCID. METHODSMinimal clinically important difference achievement rates for NDI, VAS-Neck, and VAS-Arm within early (within 3 months) and late (6 months to 2 years) postoperative periods were assessed based on previously established thresholds. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed for each PROM and evaluation period, with failure to achieve MCID assigned as the outcome variable, to establish models to identify risk factors for failure to achieve MCID and predictors for achievement of MCID. Predictor variables included in the analyses featured demographics, comorbidities, diagnoses/symptoms, and perioperative characteristics. RESULTSA total of 154 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients achieved MCID for NDI, VAS-Neck, and VAS-Arm for both early and late postoperative periods—79% achieved MCID for at least one of the PROMs in the early postoperative period, while 80% achieved MCID for at least one of the PROMs in the late postoperative period. Predominant neck pain was identified as a risk factor for failure to achieve MCID for NDI in the early (OR: 3.13 [1.10–8.87], p-value: .032) and late (OR: 5.01 [1.31–19.12], p-value: .018) postoperative periods, and VAS-Arm for the late postoperative period (OR: 36.63 [3.78–354.56], p-value: .002). Myelopathy was identified as a risk factor for failure to achieve MCID for VAS-Neck in the early postoperative period (OR: 3.40 [1.08–10.66], p-value: .036). Anxiety was identified as a risk factor for failure to achieve MCID for VAS-Neck in the late postoperative period (OR: 6.51 [1.91–22.18], p-value: .003). CDR at levels C5C7 was identified as a risk factor for failure to achieve MCID in NDI for the late postoperative period (OR: 9.74 [1.43–66.34], p-value: .020). CONCLUSIONSOur study identified several risk factors for failure to achieve MCID in common PROMs following CDR including predominant neck pain, myelopathy, anxiety, and CDR at levels C5−C7. These findings may help inform the approach to counseling patients on outcomes of CDR as the evidence suggests that those with the risk factors above may not improve as reliably after CDR.

9급 공무원 영어시험 (2019~2023 국가직)의 독해지문 난이도 분석

The purpose of this study was to assess the difficulty level of reading comprehension passages in the Grade 9 National Civil Service English Exam (CSEE) from 2019 to 2023, focusing on AI-based CEFR levels and readability levels. The overall results of the study are as follows: Firstly, in terms of CEFR levels derived from vocabulary, verb forms, and sentence structures, a high proportion of passages were included at the C1 level and above. Secondly, considering that CEFR levels are most influenced by vocabulary, the Grade 9 CSEE still contained a significant number of difficult words. Thirdly, in terms of readability, a considerable proportion of passages were analyzed at or above the college level, indicating high difficulty not only in terms of vocabulary but also at the sentence level. These findings suggest that the Grade 9 CSEE remains challenging. Based on the results of this study, it provides suggestions that could aid in adjusting the difficulty level of future Grade 9 CSEE and improving its validity and authenticity. Moreover, it presents the potential utilization of AI-based programs in the field of English assessment.

RESEARCH ON DETERIORATION DIAGNOSIS SYSTEM FOR BUILDING EXTERIOR WALL USING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

The exterior walls of buildings in Taiwan often use tiles as external wall materials. When the deterioration occurs behind the tile, it is not easy to judge the problem from the surface. Infrared thermal imaging technology is a non-destructive testing, which can quickly and widely confirm the damage of the external wall tiles of the whole building, so it is often used in the deterioration diagnosis for old buildings. In this study, the risk levels were classified as A, B, and C from the information of thermal image temperature differences (2.01℃, 2.25℃, 2.65℃) experiment. If the temperature difference is greater than 5°C, the degradation grade is C2, and the hollowing rate behind the tile is 75%. First floor on the east side of the chemical hall, the actual building in National Taipei University of Technology, was taken as the research object. Build a Revit building information model, input basic building information, upload thermal images and actual photos, and judge the degree of building deterioration. There are 7 pieces in C1 level, accounting for 0.29%, 2 pieces in C2 level, accounting for 0.08%. The results will be visualized with a building information model for deteriorating exterior walls to provide university effective maintenance information.

Using DeepL translator in learning English as an applied foreign language – An empirical pilot study

With the advent of new emerging technologies, machine translation, especially natural machine translation (NMT) and its tools, is being increasingly applied in second language (L2) acquisition. The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness of machine translation, specifically DeepL Translator, in the second language acquisition process, since it has a great potential to transform foreign language education. The present empirical pilot study describes an experiment dealing with the use of neural machine translation in the process of formal writing (i.e., writing a summary) in a foreign language. Altogether 16 university students learning English as an applied foreign language with C1 level of English proficiency participated in the experiment. The results show differences between pre-test and post-test, and a significant improvement in students' language skills due to the use of DeepL Translator. The questionnaire survey, among other things, reveals positive perceptions of this tool and awareness of improved language skills by the research participants. The findings indicate that purposefully guided working with a NMT tool can contribute to the perceived usefulness of its use in learning English as an applied foreign language.

Telaah dimensi proses kognitif pada soal pengayaan buku teks bahasa Korea untuk penutur asing

This study aims to assess the application of cognitive processing dimensions to the enrichment questions in the Korean book entitled 아하 한국어 2/Aha Hanguko 2 which contains 141 questions in 12 chapters. The cognitive process dimension is divided into six levels with two categories, namely lower order thinking skills and higher order thinking skills. The method used in this research is qualitative by using textual analysis. The results of the research in the book are that the enrichment questions do not yet contain all levels of cognitive process dimensions because there are no questions at the C5 - Evaluation level. However, there are still questions with other higher order thinking skills categories, namely levels C4 - Analysis and C6 - Creating. The enrichment questions are still dominated by the level C2 - Understanding which is a category of lower order thinking skills. Based on the results of the research, it can be seen that the book does not contain enrichment questions with the level of dimensions of cognitive processes that are included in the category of higher order thinking skills optimally. This can have an impact on the lack of sharpening of students' critical thinking skills.

ANALYSIS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN THE SUBJECTS OF NATURAL SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES

The ability to think critically is a skill that students need to cope with the challenges of today's world. The aim of this study is to analyze the critical thinking skills of fourth-grade students in science materials at SD Islam Ummina and SDN 1 Tunjungan for the 2022/2023 academic year. This research employs a quantitative descriptive method, with data collected by providing High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) questions with critical thinking indicators related to science material to 52 students of grade IV SD. The results of the PAP analysis on the final test showed that 7 students (13%) had high critical thinking skills, 5 students (10%) had good critical thinking skills, 18 students (35%) had sufficient critical thinking skills, and 22 students (42%) had low critical thinking skills. Furthermore, in the distribution of student answers, the minimum score was 110 with a percentage of 21% for question number 7, which utilized type C5 questions with complex multiple-choice formats. Thus, the students' ability to solve questions at levels C4, C5, and C6 is still low. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the critical thinking skills of fourth-grade students at SD Islam Ummina and SDN 1 Tunjungan are still low.

TEXTBOOK REVIEW: SVITLANA ROMANIUK, LARYSA KОLIBABA, UKRAINIAN LANGUAGE IN BUSINESS, LEVEL C2. WARSZAWA 2023. 208 Р.

The review is devoted to the analysis of the textbook: Svitlana Romaniuk, Larysa Kоlibaba, Ukrainian language in business, level C2 [Українська мова в бізнесі, рівень С2], Warszawa 2023. 208 р. The purpose of the textbook is to acquaint students with the practical and theoretical aspects of the Ukrainian language in the field of professional communication at the present stage of its functioning, to form stable competent communication skills. The content corpus consists of 13 topics, in which a range of issues is embedded – quite wide and capacious, covers both linguistic and non-linguistic factors of functioning, creation / perception of texts in business industry, as well as their translation and editing. The practical component will contribute to the organic implementation of acquired knowledge and skills in this area. We certify the high level of peer-reviewed work and state: the content (created in accordance with the specialization) corresponds to the declared coursework, modern scientific and methodological principles. In the structure and content, speech, linguistic, sociocultural, activity lines are consistently observed. This is reflected in the methodological organization of theoretical and practical material. The manual is performed at the proper level. It is methodically justified and deepens the basic information about the phonetic, lexical, phraseological, stylistic, grammatical systems of the modern Ukrainian language in the field of professional communication, forms studentsʼ stable skills of competent writing and oral speech, analytical processing of material, modeling of speech communication, promotes a creative approach to work, encourages to give phenomena their own assessment, analyze, predict. It is commendable that the didactic materials have been tested among students of Warsaw Ukrainian Studies for several years, which provides an increase in their practical and methodological value. Key words: Textbook, didactics of Ukrainian as a foreign language, language of business, level C2.

A second-order and slice-specific linear shimming technique to improve spinal cord fMRI

PurposeTo develop a second-order and slice-specific linear shimming technique and investigate its efficiency in the mitigation of signal loss and distortions, and the increase of temporal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR) within the spinal cord during functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of the human cervical spinal cord. MethodsAll scans were performed on a General Electric Discovery MR750 3 T scanner, using a head, neck and spine coil and a neurovascular array. To improve B0 homogeneity, a field map was acquired, and second-order shims (SOS) were optimized over manually defined regions of interest (ROIs). Signal loss from dephasing by susceptibility-induced gradients was reduced by optimizing slice-specific x-, y- and z-shims to maximize signal within the spinal cord. Spectral-spatial excitation pulses were used in both the slice-specific linear shimming calibration scan and fMRI acquisitions. The shimming technique's efficiency was initially tested on eight healthy volunteers by comparing tSNR between images acquired with the manufacturer's standard linear shimming and with our SOS and xyz-shimming technique. Subsequently, using an increased spatial resolution as needed for fMRI of the spinal cord, tSNR measurements were performed on resting-state fMRI images from 14 healthy participants. ResultsSpinal fMRI images acquired with only the standard linear shimming suffered from severe signal loss below the C5 vertebral level. The developed shimming technique compensated for this loss especially at levels C6 and C7, while tSNR was significantly higher at all vertebral levels with SOS and xyz-shimming than without it. ConclusionA comprehensive shimming approach which includes the use of spectral-spatial excitation pulses along with both second-order and slice-specific linear shim optimization reduces regional signal loss and increases tSNR along the c-spine (C3-C7), improving the ability to record functional signals from the human spinal cord.

Intertextual Relations in Reading Texts of Turkish Language Teaching for Foreigners (Case of C1 Level)

Bu çalışmada, yabacılara Türkçe öğretimi okuma metinlerinde yer alan metinler arası ilişkilerin ortaya konulması ve değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada örneklem olarak Yunus Emre Enstitüsü tarafından hazırlanan Yedi İklim Türkçe Öğretim Seti C1 seviyesi ders kitabı okuma metinleri belirlenmiştir. C1 seviyesi, dil yeterlilik düzeyini sağlamada son aşamaya yaklaşmış olma ve bu seviyenin Türkçenin Yabancı Dil Olarak Öğretimi Programı okuma kazanımları arasında “Metin içi ve/veya metinler arası karşılaştırmalar yapar.” hedefinin yer alması nedeni ile tercih edilmiştir. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden doküman incelemesine yer verilerek veriler toplanmış, içerik analizi ile veriler çözümlenmiştir. Metinler arası ilişkilerin belirlenmesinde ortakbirliktelik ilişkileri ölçüt alınmıştır. Her bir ilişki için başlıklar oluşturulmuş ve belirlenen metinler birden fazla kez okunarak alanyazındaki benzer çalışmaların yardımı ile metinler arası ilişkiler saptanmıştır. Güvenilirliği sağlamak adına bulgular bir Türkçe öğretmeni ve bir Türkçe eğitim uzmanı tarafından incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, açık ilişkilerden en çok alıntıya yer verildiği tespit edilmiş kapalı ilişkilerden ise gizli alıntıya yer verilmediği bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır. Bunun yanında 3 metinde hiçbir metinler arası ilişki tespit edilmemiştir. En çok metinler arası ilişkinin ise Lambada Titreyen Alev Üşüyor, Kültürümüzde Sayılar ve Türk-Boşnak Halk Kültürünün Ortak Unsurları başlıklı metinlerde kurulduğu saptanmıştır.

ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH SISWA DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL MATEMATIKA TIPE HOTS PADA MATERI POKOK PERBANDINGAN

This study aims to find out the description of the ability of students in solving mathematical questions type Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) comparative material in class VII. This research uses descriptive research using a qualitative approach. The subjects selected in this study were 3 students, the selection technique is based on each 1 student from a high-capability student group, 1 students from a medium-capable group and 1 student of a low-capacity group. Students with high cognitive abilities at C4 (analysing), C5 (evaluating), and C6 (creating) level are able to solve HOTS issues, as well as meet all phases of problem solving. But at the cognitive level C5 (evaluating) is not able to complete the entire phase of problem solving (3) Students with low cognitiveness at the level C4 (analysing), C 5 (assessing), and C 6 (creating) are unable to solve the HOTS issue and are only able to meet the stage of solving the problem of information compilation alone.

The Analysis of Students' Concept Mastery Levels on Hydrostatic Pressure at SMAN VII Mataram: an Introduction Study

Prior knowledge is one of the important factors that can affect the effectiveness of absorbing new information or concepts that students will learn. This research aims to know the mastery profile of students' concepts (prior knowledge) on hydrostatic pressure material. Descriptive research is applied in this study to realize these goals. This research was conducted at SMAN VII Mataram with a total sample of 44 students spread over four classes. Samples were taken using a simple random sampling technique. The data collection tool in this study was a concept mastery test instrument consisting of 14 questions. This test instrument measures students' mastery of concepts from cognitive level C1 (remembering) to cognitive level C4 (analyzing). Data on test results were analyzed by calculating the average percentage of students who could answer questions correctly according to the cognitive level being tested. This percentage is used as an indicator to measure the student's mastery of concepts on hydrostatic pressure material. Based on the results of data analysis, it was found that the level of student's mastery of concepts for cognitive level C1 (remembering) was 70.45%, cognitive level C2 (understanding) was 31.36%, cognitive level C3 (applying) was 27.73%, and cognitive level C4 (analyzing) was 18.94%. It can be concluded that students' mastery of concepts, especially at cognitive levels C2-C4, is still very low.

Mechanical Response of Trapezoidal Cage on Cervical 6–Cervical 7 Level

Abstract The human cervical spine is the most essential support system of the whole body. It consists of vertebras, tissues, facet joints, intervertebral disks and ligaments. The problems in the cervical spine is more frequent, it can be due to accident or increase with the age. The objective of this study is to develop the interbody fusion cage with different porosity size and study the behavior of the cage for the compression loads. The bone graft introduced in the cage will provide osteointegration with the adjacent vertebra. For the biomechanical analysis we created the cervical level C6–C7 and inserted the cage in the functional spine unit and analyzed using finite element analysis for compression loadings. In this study, by introducing the semispherical shape porosity in the inferior and superior surface of the cage will reduce the cage stress and in the same porosity we introduced the bone graft for the better osteointegration. So, the reduced stress in the cage structure will reduce the occurrence of the subsidence and migration of the cage.

Inovasi Pembelajaran Tari: Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) dan Kearifan Lokal

This study aims to describe the results of the analysis of SBdP subject matter in the field of dance for high school grades on Higer Order Thinking Skills and material innovation based on local wisdom. The research method used is a literature study with data sources thematic books of teachers and elementary school students SBdP material in the field of high-class Dance in accordance with the 2013 Curriculum. The data collection technique is document analysis with a descriptive method. The results showed that the operational verbs used in learning were dominant at levels C1 to C3, cognitive level C4 appeared 3 times and C6 once. Local wisdom-based learning innovations are very supportive to be applied to Basic Competence in understanding the basics of movement, floor patterns, and regional dance properties. The conclusion of this study is that HOTS-based operational verbs and the development of local wisdom-based materials are needed.

The longitudinal progression of MRI changes in pre-ataxic carriers of SCA3/MJD.

The natural history of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pre-ataxic stages of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is not well known. We report cross-sectional and longitudinal data obtained at this stage. Baseline (follow-up) observations included 32 (17) pre-ataxic carriers (SARA < 3) and 20 (12) related controls. The mutation length was used to estimate the time to onset (TimeTo) of gait ataxia. Clinical scales and MRIs were performed at baseline and after a median (IQR) of 30 (7) months. Cerebellar volumetries (ACAPULCO), deep gray-matter (T1-Multiatlas), cortical thickness (FreeSurfer), cervical spinal cord area (SCT) and white matter (DTI-Multiatlas) were assessed. Baseline differences between groups were described; variables that presented a p < 0.1 after Bonferroni correction were assessed longitudinally, using TimeTo and study time. For TimeTo strategy, corrections for age, sex and intracranial volume were done with Z-score progression. A significance level of 5% was adopted. SCT at C1 level distinguished pre-ataxic carriers from controls. DTI measures of the right inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP), bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles (MCP) and bilateral medial lemniscus (ML), also distinguished pre-ataxic carriers from controls, and progressed over TimeTo, with effect sizes varying from 0.11 to 0.20, larger than those of the clinical scales. No MRI variable showed progression over study time. DTI parameters of the right ICP, left MCP and right ML were the best biomarkers for the pre-ataxic stage of SCA3/MJD. TimeTo is an interesting timescale, since it captured the longitudinal worsening of these structures.

Development and in-depth investigation of pre-service teachers' digital competencies based on DigCompEdu: a case study.

The purpose of this study is twofold: (a) Todevelop digital competencies of pre-service teachers in an educational process; (b) Todescribing their digital competences by examining artefacts designed by pre-service teachersbased on DigCompEdu framework. Holistic single case study was employed in this study and the course was examined as a single unit. The study group consisted of 40 pre-service teachers. A 14-week course has been designed to develop the digital competencies of pre-service teachers based on the DigCompEdu framework. The e-portfolios and reflection reportsof 40 pre-service teachers who participated in the study were examined and evaluated according to the indicators presented for each competence within the framework of DigCompEdu. Pre-service teachers' digital competenceswere assessed as folows: mostly C2 levelin digital resources;mostly C1 level in teaching and learning, and mostly B2 level in assessment and empowering learning. An education process that blends theoretical and practical assignments for the pre-service teachers' digital competencies to be improved was conductedin this study. It is expected that the steps that were followed in the study in the process of training pre-service teachers be directive towards researchers who wish to study this subject. It is important that contextual and cultural qualities are taken into consideration in the interpretation of the findings in the study. This study contributes to the literature in terms of evaluating the digital skills of pre-service teachers based on reflection reports and e-portfolios, instead of self-report surveys.

“I would like to complain”: A study of the moves and strategies employed by Spanish EFL learners in formal complaint e-mails

Abstract Complaining constitutes a face-threatening and intricate speech act for native and non-native speakers of a language. Complaining implies reacting with discontentment to an act performed by the complainee, who is often urged to redress the predicament. In this context, pragmatic skills are vital because, unless endowed with an appropriate pragmatic repertoire and the corresponding language adequacy, speakers may jeopardize the communication process. Written complaints by non-native students have attracted scholarly attention in different contexts. However, written complaints by Spanish EFL students have been mostly neglected to date. Likewise, the influence of the writer’s gender on how complaints are performed has rendered some remarkable albeit scant studies. This study addresses the moves, strategies and substrategies deployed by Spanish EFL students in their emails of complaint, specifically looking into how the variable of gender influences their formulation of emails of complaint. For this purpose, emails of complaint of 90 L2 Spanish students with a certified C1 level were analyzed. Results show that students often transfer substrategies from their L1 and tend to delay the statement of the complaint in favor of lengthy openers, in contrast to native speakers. Furthermore, this preference for over-mitigation and over-politeness is especially employed by female students.