Effective EFL Research Articles

VARK LEARNING STYLES AND SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE IN EFL CONTEXTS: INSIGHTS FROM TERTIARY-LEVEL STUDENTS

The integration of social media into EFL learning has become increasingly popular, fostering greater student engagement, collaboration, resource innovation, and personalized learning experiences. This study examines the usage patterns of social media and their alignment with VARK (Visual, Auditory, Read/write, Kinesthetic) learning style among tertiary-level EFL students in the English Language Education Study Program at Universitas Brawijaya. Utilizing a quantitative survey design, data were gathered from 100 undergraduate students of the 2023 cohort, all of whom had used social media for EFL learning for over a year. Analysis through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel revealed that audio-based platforms, such as those featuring English songs and podcasts, are particularly favored by auditory, kinesthetic, and auditory-kinesthetic learners. YouTube emerged as the most preferred platform, with the highest mean score (3.64), selected by 31% of respondents. However, the findings indicate that students' social media preferences for EFL learning do not always align with their individual learning styles, suggesting a disconnect between preferred platforms and learning modalities. The study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate social media platforms tailored to diverse learning preferences in EFL education. These findings can guide educators in designing more effective EFL teaching strategies, leveraging the potential of social media to meet varying learner needs.

Challenges in Promoting Learner Autonomy in Blended Learning: Perspectives from English as a Foreign Language Teachers in China

Blended learning is gaining popularity as a prevailing practice in higher education worldwide. This study explores the challenges faced by experienced English as a Foreign Language teachers in promoting learner autonomy within blended learning environments. Drawing from interviews and classroom observations conducted with five EFL teachers at a private university in China, the study identifies four key challenges: technological, pedagogical, cultural, and institutional. Technological challenges revolve around concerns regarding technical support, internet reliability, and hardware availability, highlighting the need for sturdy technical infrastructure and supportive mechanisms. Pedagogical challenges include designing effective blended learning activities that balance teacher-led instruction with opportunities for student autonomy, emphasizing the importance of scaffolding learning tasks, and providing adequate support for independent learning. Cultural challenges underscore the influence of cultural factors on student attitudes towards autonomy and authority in the classroom, emphasizing the necessity for culturally responsive teaching practices. Institutional challenges highlight barriers stemming from rigid curriculum requirements, limited professional development opportunities, and a lack of administrative support, underscoring the importance of systemic support and organizational change. The findings offer valuable guidance for institutions, administrators, and EFL teachers on how to design more effective blended EFL courses. Limitations and suggestions for future studies such as larger sample size, rigorous data collection method, and longitudinal studies are provided to enhance our understanding of promoting learner autonomy in blended learning environments.

Audiovisual Translation as a Media for Teaching EFL Vocabulary to Primary School Students in Indonesia

This research demonstrates the important role of technology in education by highlighting the potential of audiovisual techniques as learning media for primary school students. Previous research studies have shown that appropriate audiovisual presentations can improve comprehension, especially in today's children who are enthusiastic about multimedia technology. A qualitative research method using a classroom action research design was used to carry out the research procedure, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and evaluate the findings. The aim of this study is to evaluate one of the most effective EFL vocabulary teaching methods for primary school students, namely audiovisual translation, and to summarise the students' impressions while learning vocabulary using audiovisual translation. This research contributes to innovative EFL teaching methods by suggesting the widespread use of audiovisual translation in primary schools around the world, especially in Indonesia, based on its proven success and positive responses from students.

Exploring Innovative Neuropedagogical Implications in English as a Foreign Language Teaching

This literature review takes a semi-systematic approach to explore new neuropedagogical insights for teaching English as a Foreign Language. It investigates how integrating neuropedagogy with technology can improve motivation, inspiration, and learning outcomes in language education. The research covers literature from 2000 to 2024, identifying trends, challenges, and advancements in this field within the context of EFL teaching. The review includes studies that demonstrate the positive impact of incorporating principles such as personalized learning, neuroplasticity, and cognitive psychology into language instruction. Results show a strong link between neuropedagogical approaches and increased student motivation, engagement, and language proficiency. Additionally, using technology tools in language learning environments aids adaptive learning methodologies personalized feedback, and interactive experiences. This review emphasizes the importance of implementing innovative neuropedagogical strategies alongside technological advances for dynamic and effective EFL teaching practices. A combination of neuroscience-informed pedagogy along with digital tools shows potential for optimizing language learning environments, fostering student-centered learning, and enhancing linguistic proficiency among EFL learners.

TPACK Framework Into TEFL for Meaningful-Effective EFL Learning and Teaching at Indonesian Context

This literature review study was conducted to reviewing and exploring more thoroughly how the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) is implemented in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to achieve meaningful and effective EFL teaching-learning. Employing a qualitative approach, we the present researchers gather various types of relevant literatures dealing with the discussed issue and then the information or data obtained are analyzed by utilizing thematic analysis where the data are classified according to the theme, rigorously interpreted, and then qualitatively described as well as concluded comprehensively. The findings of this review study hopefully strengthen the authors’ belief that the implementation of English language teaching integrated with TPACK leads to a meaningful and affective EFL teaching and learning. In addition to that, these reviews of related literatures will be fruitful references for other researchers to conduct any correlated studies.

Good and effective EFL English teachers: the exploration of male and female students' perceptions

This study aims to find out how male and female students perceive the characteristics of good and effective English teachers in Bali. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method developed by Miles and Huberman (1994). The sample comprises 70 female students and 77 male students. The data were collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGD). The findings from the questionnaire show that both male and female students consider that a teacher who is a good friend for students is the most important characteristic of a good English teacher, and one who prepares lessons well and controls class time wisely as the most important characteristic of an effective English teacher. However, based on the data for good English teachers from the open-ended questionnaire and FGD, it seems male students are more realistic in giving their perceptions and tend to like learning that involves active discussions in class, while female students are more likely to like learning that requires them to only listen to teacher explanations in class. Both male and female students perceive an effective English teacher in the same way; they prefer teachers who can prepare lessons well, control class time wisely, and use interesting learning media such as pictures and videos to teach because it can maintain students motivation to learn English.

Handmade Flashcards for Developing English Comprehension of Rural EFL Young Learners

This research investigates the effectiveness of handmade flashcards as a teaching tool to improve English comprehension among rural EFL young learners. It aims at enhancing vocabulary retention and overall language comprehension by providing a hands-on, visually appealing learning experience. The research also addresses the lack of resources and engagement in rural EFL classrooms, bridging the gap through innovative approaches. It has implications for EFL teaching practices in rural settings, highlighting handmade flashcards as practical and accessible resources to address resource limitations. The qualitative method as research design involves data collection, classroom observations, and interviews. The sample comprises rural EFL young learners aged 12-13 from diverse backgrounds, ensuring representation of various factors affecting English comprehension. The research findings show that handmade flashcards had positive impact on the students. They exhibited increasing engagement, vocabulary retention, and better understanding of sentence structures and context. Peer interactions, fostering collaboration, and communication skills are also encouraged. These ideas can facilitate vocabulary acquisition, active learning, and language development among young learners. Further exploration and implementation of such innovative materials to support effective EFL instruction in developing English comprehension of rural areas should be conducted, ultimately for empowering both teachers and Young Learners.

Perceptions of Saudi EFL Teachers on the Adequacy of Textbooks

This study evaluated elementary school EFL textbooks (We Can Series) from the perspectives of male and female teachers in Saudi Arabia. A quantitative approach was used, with data collected through a questionnaire. The questionnaire, adopted from Alharbi (2017), consisted of 49 items arranged into five textbook evaluation criteria: layout and design, textbook objectives, language methods and activities, language skills, and general evaluation. The questionnaire was administered online using Google Forms to 51 primary school teachers. The results of the study revealed that the primary-stage textbooks are efficient in terms of layout and design. The objectives are stated and highlighted in each section, all language skills are included, there are an appropriate number of activities and exercises, and there are instructions beside each part of the content. However, the study also found that the book's objectives, exercises, skills, and teaching methods are inappropriate for learners' needs at these levels; the number of lessons allocated each week is insufficient for the book's content; there is no logical progression between topics; and supplemental materials such as test models are not available. Additionally, there was a lack of cohesion and sequencing between textbooks in the "We Can Series." In light of these results, the researcher suggested some recommendations for addressing the drawbacks of the EFL primary school textbooks. These recommendations include: revising the objectives and exercises to better align with learners' needs; increasing the number of lessons allocated each week; providing a logical progression between topics; and developing supplemental materials such as test models. The study concludes that the We Can Series has the potential to be an effective EFL textbook series, but that some revisions are necessary to address the identified drawbacks. The recommendations made by the researcher should be considered by the publishers of the We Can Series in order to improve the textbooks and make them more suitable for use in Saudi Arabian elementary schools.

Abstract 13625: Laboratory Markers of Effective Endogenous Fibrinolysis in Intermediate-High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

Introduction: Unselected therapy with fibrinolysis in intermediate risk-pulmonary embolism (iPE) is associated with an unacceptable risk of bleeding. Early identification of iPE patients on anticoagulant therapy with ineffective endogenous fibrinolysis (eFL) could optimize treatment-strategy. Aims: The study aims to determine markers of (in)effective eFL in intermediate-risk PE initially on anticoagulant therapy with UFH. Methods: In course of 24 months, iPE patients were enrolled in the prospective study. At admission, and every 24 hours until day 5, levels of 6 selected markers of eFL (i.e., PAI-1 and tPA active assay and total antigen, TAFI, and PAP) were determined. Upon arrival and following a span of 36 hours,defined i) Clinical (heart rate >100 bpm and spontaneous oxygen saturation <90%), ii) Echo (D-shape, RVd/LVd from PLAX>0.7, RV/RA >30mmHg), and iii) CT (RV/LV>0.9) variables were obtained. An (un)successful therapy was assessed by one point for each clinical, Echo and CT criteria, as at least one parameter from initially altered has adjusted at 36 hours. We performed correlation of laboratory markers with the dynamics of clinical and imaging characteristics. Results: Study population consists of 44 patients, 22 men, mean (SD) age 60 (18.3) yr., first (38), repeat (6) PE. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) active assay showed the most promising results. The cut-off for unsuccessful therapy from AUC for PAI-1 was ≥65 U/ml. Mean (IQR) levels of PAI-1 on day 1 were 119 U/ml (27.1 - 155.8) and were significantly higher on day 1 (p=0.019) and day 2 (p=0.055) in those with/without adjustment of initial pathological findings. PAI-1 elevation was associated with unsuccessful restoration of clinical, Echo and CT parameters at 36 hours (Table1). Overall Tx failure was associated with elevated PAI-1 (p=0.011). Conclusions: PAI-1 active assay could help us in identifying patients who would benefit from early indicated therapeutic fibrinolysis.

Strategies Used in EFL Reading Comprehension: The Case Study of Seven Chinese High School Students

Reading skill plays an important role in the English education in China especially when English reading is tested on an exam paper. Using a delayed retrospective questionnaire, this paper aims at eliciting EFL reading strategies from seven Chinese high school students. The results show that most of the students are able to adopt cognitive strategies, in their reading progress, such as memorizing, using background knowledge, underlining the key information, and finding clues from the context. However, low-proficiency students tend to use fewer strategies than high-proficiency students due to either limited English competence or a lack of self-confidence. In addition, all of them also adopt testing strategies such as skimming and scanning, but very few have an awareness of meta-cognitive strategy that refers to self-reflection on effective EFL learning method. Pedagogical implications are discussed, and possible suggestions are proposed for this EFL community.

Exploring native and non-native English speaker teachers' perceptions of English teacher qualities and their students' responses.

Due to globalization, English has gradually become a lingua franca, leading to a rising demand for proficient English teachers all over the globe. In China, more EFL teachers are being recruited, particularly at the tertiary level, with a greater preference for so-called "native English speaking teachers (NESTs)" over "non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs)" due to the impacts of native-speakerism. Research has shown NESTs, NNESTs, and students are often misaligned in terms of beliefs about language learning and teaching which affect teaching effectiveness as well as student achievement. Recognizing this issue, this study investigated NESTs', NNESTs', and Chinese English-major students' perceptions of characteristics of effective EFL teachers at four mid-tier universities across China. Findings from semi-structured interviews with 16 students suggest that NNESTs and Chinese English-major students had similar views on language learning and teaching. Both groups valued prerequisite qualities such as having expert knowledge, language skills, teaching skills, and professionalism. NESTs, however, valued qualities such as caring, patience, flexibility, engagement, and awareness of students' learning needs. These differences are likely the result of these two groups of teachers' linguistic, cultural, and educational background differences. The highly uniform views of the two groups of teachers suggest that they tended to emphasize certain qualities while disregarding others. These findings suggest the need to raise teachers' and students' awareness of the benefits of different types of teacher qualities so that curriculum design and lesson planning can be implemented for better instructional alignment to ultimately improve teaching effectiveness.

Secondary School Teachers’ Perceptions of the Qualities of Effective EFL Teachers in Saudi Arabia

This study examined the perceptions of 138 Saudi secondary school male English teachers in Riyadh regarding the qualities of an effective EFL teacher. It aimed to investigate these qualities and explore the relationship between teachers’ experiences and perceptions. A survey research design was used, with data collected through a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and an independent t-test were conducted. The findings revealed that effective EFL teachers possess various qualities in personal quality, attitude, pedagogical knowledge, subject matter knowledge, and classroom practice. Teachers considered all these qualities essential. However, no significant relationship was found between teachers’ experience and their perceptions of effective EFL teacher characteristics.

Students’ Perceptions on Characteristics of Attributes of an Effective EFL Teacher (A Survey Study at a Multimedia Class of a Vocational High School in Ciamis)

This study revealed students’ perceptions on characteristics of attributes of an effective EFL teacher at a multimedia class of a vocational high school in Ciamis/ Indonesia in academic year of 2020-2021. The purposes were to figure out the students’ perceptions on characteristics among attributes of an effective EFL teacher at a vocational high school and to figure out the dominant characteristics among attributes of an effective EFL teacher at a vocational high school based on students’ perceptions. A survey study was used as a research design; and thus 25 students at class XI- Multimedia were selected as the participants. The questionnaires and the interview were used to collect the data. Triangulation analysis was used by the writer to triangulate the results of the questionnaires and the interview. The findings showed that the students perceived their teacher had five attributes of characteristics on effective EFL teacher. Those five attributes of characteristics were rapport, delivery, fairness, knowledge and credibility, as well as organization and preparation. The findings also showed that those attributes were the dominant characteristics among attributes of an effective EFL teacher at a vocational high school based on students’ perceptions. However, there was not dominant attribute of effective EFL teacher on organization and preparation characteristics. The conclusion indicated that an effective EFL teacher must have five attributes of characteristics. It also pointed out that those five attributes of characteristics were dominant characteristics of effective EFL teacher at vocational high school emerged based on students’ perceptions. It is suggested for the next researchers to apply performance assessment to measure the students’ improvements on English abilities, achievement, and academic performance.

Teaching Basic English in Higher Education: Effective EFL teaching through students’ lens.

This study is quantitative-descriptive that applying a questionnaire to explore undergraduate students’ expectations and preferences in EFL teaching-learning activities. A convenience sample of 120 first-year university undergraduates at the start of their university life was used. They were enrolled in an Economic students degree course at an Indonesian university. The questionnaire focused on students' experiences and perceptions concerning teaching and learning strategies, students’ growth skills, the quality of English lecturers, and the students’ suggestions toward the Teaching-Learning Process. The data collected were calculated as percentages and discussed. The majority of the students preferred projects as effective teaching-learning strategies. Grammar was considered the most growth skill. Furthermore, good teaching skills and knowledgeable were reckoned as the most favorable qualities of an English teacher. They recommended more fun activities, fewer assignments, seek for other fun activities, and using online applications.

The effective English language teacher from the perspective of Ecuadorian university students

Studying EFL teacher effectiveness has been a constant issue in the last decade. These investigations focused on teachers’ and education administrators’ perceptions. Most of them were conducted in countries different from Latin America. This research aimed to create a profile of university students’ perceptions concerning the qualities of an effective EFL teacher. For doing so, a quantitative approach was used involving the application of the Effective English Language Teacher (EELT) questionnaire of Roya Zamani & Ahangari (2016) to learners from a public university (N=324). The findings revealed that the participants value pedagogical knowledge as the most relevant dimension of an effective EFL university teacher above organization and communication skills, socio-affective skills, and English proficiency. According to the surveyed student population, the three main relevant features of an effective EFL university teacher are being flexible with grading (1.70), having a good sense of humor (1.65), and avoiding direct criticism of students when they make errors (1.61). The article concludes by outlining some recommendations.

Teachers’ Perceptions of Promoting Student-Centred Learning Environment: An Exploratory Study of Teachers’ Behaviours in the Saudi EFL Context

Background. Although the constructivist and humanistic theories advocate for a more student-centred learning approach, the contemporary practice of English teachers is more oriented towards the behavioural approach in the Saudi EFL context.
 Purpose. This study aimed to explore teachers’ perceptions of promoting student-centred learning in the Saudi EFL context. It initially amplifies elements of effective student-centred EFL teaching and merges the elements with teachers’ behaviours, resulting in four measurable categories: assessment strategy, communicative approach to learning, teachers’ qualifications, and group activities in teaching EFL.
 Methods. Following the quantitative approach, a questionnaire on teachers’ observable behaviours, comprising 47 items and categorised under four constructs, with a three-point Likert scale, was carried out on a group of 302 English teachers. The instrument was devised through an online survey. To analyse data, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was used. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the study’s instrument.
 Results. The interpretation of data primarily showed teachers’ self-reported practices were more oriented toward a teacher-centred approach, specifically in teaching grammar. Other findings showed teachers’ positive attitude towards student-centred learning in lesson preparation, using ICT to prepare interactive teaching materials and giving constructive feedback. Teachers had a mediocre attitude towards their professional qualifications, indicating that the teachers might need more effective English language training workshops based on their needs. Additional data also proved that there was no significant difference in teachers’ perception in terms of their gender, location and status of the school, and classroom size.
 Implications. This study provides an overview of the teachers’ position on integrating student-centred learning in their English classroom and thus accentuates the need for potential opportunities for the teachers’ professional development and demands less content overload so that the teachers can ample their teaching process appropriately.

Google Classroom in TEFL for Basic School Students amid the COVID 19 Pandemic: Teachers’ Reflections

This paper exposed TEFL basic schoolteachers’ reflections on the use of Google Classroom amid the COVID 19 pandemic. It is a qualitative descriptive field research that tackled 82 TEFL teachers who responded to a reflection instrument which includes four questions tackled: (1) demographic general information, (2) uses of google classroom, (3) challenges teachers faced and ways they use to address these challenges, and (4) suggestions for best uses. The participants’ responses were qualitatively collected and analyzed. The findings showed that most TEFL teachers used Google Classroom for three purposes: evaluating students’ work using various assignments and tests, assigning useful homework and determining the participants in the course. The most common challenges that faced TEFL teachers were the weak e-learning skills they possess and the lack of suitable infrastructure, the huge number of students, thick textbooks and the negative psychological impact of the COVID 19. Several suggestions for the best uses related to lesson presentation, practice stage, follow-up and giving feedback on students’ work, and synchronous meetings were presented by TEFL teachers. The researcher recommended the officials in the Ministry of Education conduct specialized training courses for TEFL teachers to help them use Google Classroom for developing EFL students’ skills. Besides, it is essential to present general standards that guide EFL teachers to construct effective EFL courses.

Psychology of Efl Learners in Saudi Universities: A Literature Review

With a view to gathering insights for EFL proficiency development amongst Saudi EFL learners, this study reviews the empirical literature on the influence of four key psychological factors on learning English as a foreign language. Specifically, the study addressed the following question: In what ways do the psychological factors of attitude, self-efficacy, anxiety and motivation influence the development of English proficiency amongst university learners in EFL settings?. To this end, 49 research articles published between 1990 and 2021 were selected for a systematic review of the selected factors. The selected studies were conducted in diverse university EFL learning contexts spanning 18 countries. Of this number, the highest numbers of studies (in descending order) falling within the criteria of the review were conducted within the Iranian (9), Chinese (8), Turkish (6) and Saudi (5) contexts. The study found that the psychology of EFL learners at the university level is complex and that there are multiple factors linked to the reviewed factors which need to be taken into account by policymakers, curriculum designers, teacher trainers and teachers to ensure effective EFL learning. The findings of most of the reviewed studies suggest that EFL learning is positively perceived by learners, although obstacles to effective EFL learning do exist and attitudes towards learning English seem to be influenced by a wide range of factors including parental support, gender, level of study, community support and motivation. The reviewed research also suggests a link between strategy-use and EFL learners’ self-efficacy and anxiety management. A key implication of these findings for improving the EFL learning experience in the Saudi context is the need to carry out more qualitative and in-depth studies that can help to map and address the actual issues affecting EFL learners. Further, intervention-based, rather than purely survey-based, research can enable Saudi EFL education providers to understand what pedagogical interventions and strategies can work most effectively in the local settings. Longitudinal studies would also enable researchers to understand whether attitudes, self-efficacy, anxiety and motivation evolve over time, and if they do, then what are the factors influencing such development, whether positive or negative. These understandings are key to creating a transformative EFL learning experience for Saudi university students which in turn determines their prospects of success in the academic setting and future employability.

Attributes of effective EFL teachers in Vietnamese context as perceived by students and teachers

Identifying characteristics of effective teachers has always been a topic of paramount importance. Accordingly, an extensive volume of theoretical endeavours and empirical research has been devoted to the investigation of typical attributes that effective teachers possess in diverse contexts. Yet, current understanding of the issue in Vietnamese setting remains limited. Given that perceptions about effective teachers’ qualities have been typically found to be highly context-bounded, gaining an insight into these attributes in this under-researched context is expected to provide a solid foundation for further attempts to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The present study responds to this pressing need by exploring the perceptions held by 200 learners and 22 teachers in a language school in Vietnam, employing questionnaires for collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. A theoretical framework adapted from Shulman’s (1986, 1987) model of teachers’ knowledge base was employed. Findings from the study revealed both convergence and mismatches in the perceptions held by the teacher and learner groups. As a whole, teachers, and learners convergently prioritised teachers’ subject matter content knowledge as most important, compared to pedagogical content knowledge and teachers’ identity and interactions with learners. Both groups also voted teachers’ ability to provide clear instructions and explanations as the most important pedagogical feature of effective teachers and uniformly downplayed the role of sociocultural knowledge and the ability to effectively use technology. More in-depth analyses, however, showed that teachers placed more importance over the pedagogical aspects of subject matter knowledge, language proficiency, and teaching methodology, whereas learners more appreciated the psychological and motivational aspects. In particular, the teacher participants highly valued the teachers’ ability of classroom management, material adaptation, and facilitating students’ engagement in learning activities. In contrast, qualities most desired by learners included a positive attitude towards the teaching career and teachers’ willingness to care, understand learners’ problems, encourage, and treat all students on a fair basis.

Exploring the effect of corpus-informed and conventional homework materials on fostering EFL students’ grammatical construction learning

Much research has been conducted on whether and to what extent corpus-based materials support more effective EFL learning in comparison to traditional materials. Little is known, however, about the effectiveness of different types of homework materials on students’ grammatical performance. This classroom-based study addressed this gap by examining what effect two types of published materials—corpus-informed (CI) and non-corpus informed (NCI) grammar textbooks—have on the learning of one grammatical construction (post-predicate –ing and infinitive clauses controlled by verbs) in a group of 89 EFL learners in Colombia. The learners were randomly assigned to two treatments: CI and NCI material for homework. The results from pretest, post-test, and delayed test showed that both groups displayed significant gains in terms of their knowledge of the target construction. The effect was larger for the CI group than the NCI group, providing evidence for the potential advantage of CI material use for homework as a supplement for instruction. We suggest that CI textbooks be considered by teachers and learners who want to benefit from innovative commercial teaching materials (i.e., corpus-informed textbooks), especially in locations where innovative teaching practices (computer-based or data-driven learning) are restricted due to infrastructure limitations.