English As A Foreign Language Context Research Articles

The Effectiveness of the Incentive Autonomous Learning Strategies (IALS) Module to Improve Chinese Non-English Major Undergraduates’ EFL Speaking Proficiency

Very limited research has examined the application of the Incentive Autonomous Learning Strategies (IALS) module to improve the speaking proficiency of English as a foreign language (EFL) among Chinese non-English major undergraduates at a public university in China. Thus, this study attempted to bridge this gap by incorporating autonomous learning with incentive strategies to enhance Chinese non-English major undergraduates’ EFL oral performance. Utilising a quantitative research approach, this study adopted a quasi-experimental design to carry out a 14-week intervention. The participants were purposively sampled with the experimental group undergoing the IALS speaking intervention, while the control group received conventional in-situ teaching approaches. A pretest and post-test were conducted on both groups to examine any changes in their speaking proficiency before and after the intervention. Results obtained from the paired-sample t-test demonstrate a statistically significant increase in the experimental group’s EFL oral performance, rising from a mean score of 50.52 before the intervention to 71.60 after the intervention. The control group’s mean score also improved from a pretest mean score of 51.08 to a mean score of 54.98 in the posttest. These results suggest that the IALS module has proven to be efficacious in improving Chinese non-English major undergraduates’ EFL speaking proficiency. It is hoped that the results of this study might provide insights into the effective strategies to enhance English speaking skills among Chinese non-English major undergraduates in EFL contexts.

Exploring Writing Anxiety during Writing Process: An Analysis of Perceptions in Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Learners

Writing anxiety has been identified as a significant obstacle for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in China, with previous studies indicating that it can negatively affect writing performance. Despite this, most research on writing anxiety in the Chinese EFL context has focused on the relationship between writing anxiety and writing performance, with limited attention paid to exploring writing anxiety during the writing process and its sources in depth. This study applied a qualitative method to explore Chinese EFL learners’ writing anxiety in the writing process. Thematic analysis was used for analyzing data collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 Chinese EFL learners. The results revealed seven primary themes, including lack of knowledge about the writing topic, inexperience with the genre, challenges with brainstorming or coming up with ideas, trouble with structuring or arranging information, difficulty with integrating sources, linguistic difficulty, and negative or no feedback from instructors. The findings indicated that writing anxiety accompanies throughout the writing process. EFL learners need strategies to alleviate writing anxiety, including clear instructions on how to approach writing tasks, provision of appropriate resources, individualized feedback, and a supportive learning environment.

Challenges in Teaching Literature in an EFL Context (A Case Study of Indonesian Students)

The significance of literature in language learning has grown considerably. This is particularly true in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), where it is recognized as a valuable tool for enhancing English skills. Nonetheless, the focus on teaching English literature for its intrinsic value rather than solely as a means for language acquisition is limited, especially in Indonesia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the teaching of English literature to EFL students in Indonesian high schools. Specifically, the study aims to investigate the criteria employed by English literature teachers in selecting literary works, identify challenges faced by teachers when instructing EFL students in English literature, and examine the strategies they employ to overcome these challenges. The research entails a case study involving a teacher instructing two distinct English lessons at a senior high school in Indonesia. The findings reveal the following: Firstly, the primary considerations for selecting literary texts include factors such as length, language complexity, canonical status, and the author's cultural background. Secondly, challenges encountered encompass reading habits, English proficiency, and the availability of resources. Consequently, this research underscores the potential for further exploration within the realm of teaching English literature to EFL students in Indonesia, with the pursuit of effective instructional models being a noteworthy avenue for future investigation.

Exploring the Landscape of Challenges and Opportunities in Teaching Speaking Skills

Speaking skills are defined as the skills which involve guiding learners to articulate thoughts coherently, express ideas fluently, and communicate effectively in spoken language through various interactive and engaging activities. As communication has become increasingly pivotal in the globalized landscape, the demand for effective speaking proficiency is more prominent than ever. The prime objective of writing this review article is to explore major challenges, and opportunities in teaching speaking skills in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). In pursuit of this objective, extensive reviews and analyses of related materials from books, journal articles, and online resources have been undertaken. This article concludes that pronunciation, vocabulary building, fluency, grammar and syntax, listening skills and interactive activities are the aspects of teaching speaking skills, and learners’ anxiety and shyness, large class sizes, lack of teacher expertise, limited exposure and sources, lack of practice opportunities, diverse student needs, inadequate pronunciation correction, etc. are major challenges. Concurrently, authentic communication tasks, technology integration, peer interaction and collaborative activities, self-assessment and reflection, enhanced communication skills, real-life application, increased language proficiency, critical thinking and problem-solving, building confidence, career advancement, global communication, student engagement, etc. are prominent opportunities within the teaching of speaking skills. The findings of this study have implications for EFL teachers, teachers and curriculum designers who aim to enhance the quality of speaking skills in EFL contexts.

Using Adobe Connect application in an EFL context: Does it have an effect on learners' speaking skills

The main aim of the present study was to explore the impact of Adobe Connect on Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' speaking skills. Furthermore, the study investigated whether the learners' attitudes to language learning changed after using Adobe Connect. For that purpose, 100 upper-intermediate EFL students were chosen through the convenience sampling method. The selected students were randomly assigned to two classes. The experimental group applied the Adobe Connect application; however, the conventional teacher-fronted instruction was used for the control group. The results showed that the Adobe Connect class considerably outperformed in speaking skills in comparison to the control group. This demonstrated that the Adobe Connect application is effective in improving learners' speaking skills. The findings suggest that Adobe Connect has a positive impact on enhancing learners' speaking skills. The platform's interactive features promote engagement and collaboration, leading to improvements in fluency, accuracy, pronunciation, and confidence. The results also revealed that there was a difference in attitude change between the participants in experimental and control classes. Adobe Connect has enhanced EFL learners' attitudes toward language learning as well as speaking skills. Thus, it can be suggested that the Adobe Connect application is an effective online instrument that can be used by EFL teachers.

An Investigation into Iranian English Language Learners’ Investment in Imagined Communities

Unlike communities of practice, previous studies on imagined communities of practice are scarce, yet enlightening. The present research was conducted in an English as a foreign language (EFL) context in order to provide more insight into how language learners perceive their imagined communities (ICs). It was based on Norton’s (2000; 2001) conceptualization of ICs which connected the notions of imagination and imagined community to second language (L2) learning and classroom practice. To this end, 945 male and female EFL learners from different cities in Iran belonging to different age groups and language proficiency levels were recruited for this study. The instrument for data collection was a validated 57-item questionnaire. The findings of the study showed that the participants possessed a moderate level of investment in their ICs. Moreover, t-test results indicated that there was a significant difference between male and female learners in the extent of investment in their ICs. Furthermore, the significant differences in the extent of investment in ICs were shown between teenagers and adults and between learners in low proficiency (LP) and high proficiency (HP) groups. These findings contribute to more in-depth understanding of language learners' ICs in an EFL context. Pedagogical implications of the study are discussed and some suggestions are made for future research.

Intelligibility of English Vocabulary for Young Learners in EFL Context: Digital Book Vs Printed Book on Listening and Pronunciation Skills

This study explores young learners’ intelligibility of English vocabulary for young learners in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) context using Digital Books vs Printed Books which focus on listening and pronunciation skills. The intelligibility was measured from listening tests. The research is an experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group design. Sixty-one out of 156 elementary level from grade 4th were taken randomly thirty students belonged to the control group while another thirty belonged to the experimental group. This study applied the Mann-Whitney Test. The result showed that young learners with digital books outperformed listening and pronunciation for young learners in the EFL context. In short, digital books with listening and pronunciation are very beneficial for young learners in acquiring EFL vocabulary.

ENSURING INCLUSIVITY THROUGH CRITICAL THINKING IN EFL CONTEXTS

This paper examines the extent to which students in a supervised undergraduate research project course felt equipped to work independently using a range of critical thinking skills developed within the course. As critical thinking is an important but challenging component in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) context, empowering students to engage in process-driven reading and writing can be seen to be inclusive. In this sense, inclusivity embraces the quality of embracing diverse skills, interests, competency levels and corresponding outcomes. Based on a qualitative study of student questionnaires and focus group interviews, this study concludes that students are able to comprehend, analyze and apply ideas and theories when given training and practice in these areas. Findings from an extensive questionnaire and student interviews show that EFL learners in the Arab world are capable of thinking critically, particularly when they research areas of significance to themselves and their society. Critical thinking should thus be seen as a series of teachable skills which enable the EFL student to create an individual piece of work which successfully incorporates academic writing skills and enables them to find their own voice. Providing opportunities for independent learning thus ensures inclusivity, equipping students with required skills.

A scoping review of willingness to communicate in language education: premises to doubt, lessons to learn, and future research questions to examine

The assessment encompasses essential concepts and their related measures about the information gathered. The conceptualization within a study becomes imperative to ascertain the corresponding variables and establish appropriate methodologies for their measurement. The willingness to communicate (WTC) concept, an individual’s engagement in communication when given the opportunity, has become a crucial point in second language (L2) learning due to language use and communication. While studies have rendered valuable insights into the differing presentations of L1 WTC and L2 WTC, the subject remains largely unexplored concerning the conceptualization and assessment of L2 WTC in the digital settings and English as a foreign language (EFL) context. The scoping review can aid in advancing our knowledge in this area of investigation by exploring the scope of available research literature on a topic by identifying key concepts and sources of evidence as well as identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the research that inform practice in the field, deepen assessors’ knowledge in the field, and highlight areas that require further inquiry. This study conducted a five-stage scoping review, including (1) establishing the scoping review questions, (2) identifying the related research, (3) determining the inclusion criteria of studies, (4) outlining the data, and (5) analyzing and reporting the results. Six databases, ERIC (ProQuest), APA PsycINFO, JSTORE, Elsevier (Scopus), Web of Science Core Collection, and Semantic Scholar, were used for scoping data. Forty-seven studies were included in the final analysis. The results discuss the WTC conceptualizations and their directions in L1, L2, and EFL contexts. Furthermore, the results discuss the conceptualization of classroom-centered and context-bounded WTC, operationalization of WTC in digital and EFL contexts, methodological approaches applied for evaluating WTC, the evaluation of teachers’ status in WTC conceptualization, and future directions. The discussions would prove useful in expanding our understanding of how to act toward L2 WTC and the assessment knowledge. Moreover, they would have significant implications for teachers, researchers, assessors, and practitioners in this field. Further, we hope this paper sparks renewed interest in L2 WTC by generating new ideas for researchers to conduct further research.

A Thorough Investigation into Foreign Language Writing Anxiety in a Turkish EFL Context

This study sought to investigate foreign language (L2) writing anxiety of Turkish students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) by focusing on the L2 writing anxiety levels; the prevailing types, perceived causes and effects of L2 writing anxiety; and the strategies that students employed to alleviate L2 writing anxiety. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-methods design consisting of a quantitative survey and qualitative open-ended interviews with the students studying at English Language and Literature undergraduate program at a state university in Türkiye. A total of 138 students responded to the questionnaire and eight volunteers among them were interviewed face to face. The survey data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics while interview records were analysed through thematic analysis. The findings converged on the point that the students displayed high levels of L2 writing anxiety and that time constraints and assessment orientation were the prominent factors leading to anxiety. The students’ L2 writing anxiety varied significantly across perceived L2 proficiency levels, demonstrating higher-level anxiety for the students reporting themselves as less proficient L2 users. Based on the interview reports, the student-perceived causes and effects of writing anxiety as well as the factors and relieving strategies were identified. Finally, recommendations for more effective strategies for alleviating English language learners’ L2 writing anxiety were discussed.

Measuring secondary school students’ L2 writing self‐regulated strategies in the Korean EFL context

AbstractThis study examined the evidence for the reliability and validity of the Self‐Regulatory Writing Strategy Questionnaire (SRWSQ) and its suitability for the Korean English as a foreign language (EFL) context. The results indicated that the six dimensions of self‐regulated learning (SRL) strategies (writing planning, goal‐oriented monitoring, goal‐oriented evaluation, emotional control, metacognitive judgment, and memorization strategies) were closely but independently related to each other, falling under the overarching construct of self‐regulation. However, certain items require revision to ensure a more culturally sensitive measurement of SRL strategies in the Korean EFL context. The study observed differences in the use of SRL strategies based on gender and grade level. Furthermore, the use of SRL strategies significantly influenced students’ writing achievement. The study underscores the importance of SRL writing strategies in EFL contexts and discusses implications for teachers and future research.

EFL Teachers' and Learners' Perceptions of Code-switching: The Role of Learners' L2 Proficiency Levels

Code-switching (CS) is a complex linguistic phenomenon in bilingual environments, such as English as a second language (ESL) and English as a foreign language (EFL). In recent years, CS has been viewed as a meaningful linguistic phenomenon in ESL and EFL contexts. This research investigates EFL teachers' and learners' perceptions of the use of CS in Saudi universities. Also, this research aims to investigate the relationship between learners' perceptions of CS and their L2 proficiency levels. A quantitative approach is utilised in this research to collect data from 40 Saudi EFL teachers and 50 Saudi undergraduate EFL learners to investigate their perceptions of CS used in their EFL classrooms. Further, the researcher uses two modified Likert-type questionnaires adopted from Alkhudair (2019) to elicit teachers' and learners' perceptions of CS used in their EFL classrooms. In addition, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to determine the frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. The learners took Oxford Online Placement Tests to investigate the role of L1 in EFL classrooms. Also, SPSS was used to calculate the Pearson Correlation Coefficient to investigate a correlation between learners' L2 proficiency levels and their perceptions of using L1 in EFL classrooms. As a result, both teachers and learners showed positive attitudes towards CS in EFL classrooms. Moreover, upon investigating the relationship between learners' English language proficiency level and their perceptions of L1 use, the results suggest positive and negative correlations.

Arab EFL Students’ and Instructors’ Perceptions of Errors in Mechanics in Second Language Paragraph Writing

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners face various challenges when writing, including mechanics such as spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. If the mechanics are incorrect, understanding a text can be difficult, and the meaning can be distorted. Moreover, understanding how EFL students and instructors perceive these errors is vital for enhancing language instruction and providing targeted feedback. This study explored the perceptions of EFL students and instructors regarding mechanical errors in paragraph writing employing a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative surveys. According to the findings, instructors and students had different opinions about mechanical errors. Male and female EFL learners also differed in their perceptions. Their perspectives on spelling and punctuation diverged. Students thought their spelling issues were the most severe, but their instructors believed that punctuation was the biggest problem, including commas and full stops. Furthermore, EFL instructors provided potential reasons and suggested strategies to address these issues. The results offer practical implications for curriculum development, instructional design, and instructor training in EFL contexts .

Preliminary Data on the Use of Juncture as Marker for Phonetic Recall in an EFL Context

The study of juncture in the perspective of the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context is limited, particularly to the one associated with the recalling process. This research aims to describe a glimpse of the juncture phenomenon by indicating the phonetic recalling process. An experimental method was applied to conduct the research. An experiment involving stimuli to phonetic knowledge was given to participants in the EFL context. There were twenty students involved in this experimental study. Analysed acoustically, the result of the preliminary data shows that junctures may occur during speech production of the stimuli with the indication of the phonetic recalling process at the syllabic level. This indication might refer to the participants’ attempt to re-access the phonetic knowledge stored in the brain. The pause duration might mark the occurrence of junctures, indicating phonetic recalling. It was also revealed that the participants’ attitudes towards the English might influence the occurrence of junctures. The study showed that junctures happened before pronouncing the words in monosyllabic words. In contrast, juncture might occur in the first, middle, and last syllable in multisyllabic words. The locations of junctures might relate to the most unfamiliar syllable of the words from the participants’ perspective. From this perspective, juncture may also occur in other speakers, not only Sundanese but also other foreign languages, not only English. This preliminary research may serve as a foundation to conduct a relevant study on the other local or regional languages in Indonesia.

Exploring the Design Thinking Orientation in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for Learners: An Instrument Development Study

Design thinking has transformed many areas but is still under-researched in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. The research aims to develop an instrument for assessing design thinking in the EFL context. The study engaged 107 undergraduate students aged between 18 and 25 years from English-centric programs, ensuring a diverse sample with a balanced gender representation. Participants were briefed about the study’s objectives and voluntarily contributed during class hours. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the instrument’s factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity and Cronbach’s alpha-gauged internal consistency. Data analysis was executed using AMOS software, focusing on model fit, reliability, and validity. Findings reveal a structured guide to enhance students’ understanding of design thinking, emphasizing empathy’s central role in innovation. The study exhibits solid reliability and construct validity, with subtle deviations in model alignment. Limitations include sample size, geographical scope, and potential overlook of design thinking dimensions. Future research should explore cross-cultural validations and additional design thinking aspects to enrich understanding.
 Keywords: design thinking, instrument development, evaluation

The Historical Development of Writing Instruction in an EFL Context: The Effect of Culture, Religion, Experience, and Globalization

Due to the growing importance of English as a foreign language (EFL) writing and its teaching, this study aims to understand how EFL writing instruction has developed in Saudi Arabia. Aside from its historical development, this study also aims to investigate features and practices associated with teaching EFL writing over time using two qualitative methods: 1) semi-structured interviews with 11 expert educators from Saudi Arabia, and 2) Qualitative Content Analysis of the pre-existing body of content related to teaching EFL writing in Saudi Arabia. Clarke and Braun’s reflexive thematic analysis using MAXQDA software was used to analyse the interviews, while Roller and Lavrakas’ Total Quality Framework using Excel Worksheets was used to analyse the qualitative content. It was found that teaching EFL writing in Saudi Arabia has undergone three periods of historical development, each with their own various features and practices. The study can contribute to existing research on EFL writing instruction in general, and in Saudi Arabia in particular. Moreover, the study provides a focus for evaluating the difference between actual teaching and learning practices, and the outcomes expected from the EFL textbooks. This can help teachers and policy makers in implementing and designing more useful EFL learning approaches.

Using Rap Songs in EFL Classrooms

The use of rap songs in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to young adult learners through different approaches is noteworthy to investigate due to their popularity and rich authentic language. Although the use of rap songs is exemplified and used in ESL (English as a second language) contexts, teaching English through rap songs is a topic that has not been investigated thoroughly within the Turkish EFL context yet. This may be due to the fact that rap songs also contain negative use of language and themes that are not suitable for educational use. Therefore, as a defense for the educational value of rap songs for EFL teaching, this review study focuses on reasons for using rap songs in teaching EFL contexts based on the literature. Besides, to provide practical ideas for the effective use of rap songs in teaching English to adult EFL learners, the following issues are addressed: (1) Selection criteria for finding suitable rap songs for language teaching purposes, (2) Practical suggestions to design engaging rap song-based lessons for different proficiency levels, (3) Samples of extracurricular activities that can be applied in English language preparatory programs. Keywords: Rap songs, songs in ELT, teaching young adults.

Academic English Writing Challenges in a Blended EFL and ESL Learning Environment: Insights from Chinese International High School Students

In the wake of China's educational internationalization policy and the technological shifts post-COVID-19, the mode of educational globalization has undergone significant transformations. In this context, this study investigates the academic English writing challenges of Chinese international high school students (CIHSSs) in a blended English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL) learning environment. Drawing on Vygotsky's sociocultural theory and prior research, the study examines the specific hurdles CIHSSs face in academic writing. Previous research has highlighted various difficulties in academic English writing for international students; however, a significant research gap exists concerning high school students, especially in blended learning context settings. To fill this gap, this qualitative case study explores CIHSSs’ English language learning experiences, focusing particularly on their academic writing challenges in a blended EFL and ESL context. Through semi-structured individual interviews with three CIHSSs, the study conducts a thematic analysis to identify key challenges across five areas: cultural differences, unfamiliarity with academic norms, language proficiency limitations, communication barriers, and technological adaptation issues. The findings emphasize the importance of communication, especially peer support and collaborative learning, underlining the need for effective English language learning strategies (ELLSs). These insights are vital for educators and learners to navigate the complexities of blended EFL and ESL learning environments effectively.

AI-Driven Digital Storytelling: A Strategy for Creating English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Materials

This study aimed to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and digital storytelling in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education among pre-service teachers. Conducted with third-year college students enrolled in a teacher training program, the study focuses on three main objectives: assessing the participants' prior knowledge of AI tools for EFL material creation, examining their attitudes towards the use of AI in language education, and evaluating the impact of collaborative digital storytelling projects on their perspectives towards integrating AI tools in educational settings. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study engaged a convenience sample of 115 pre-service teachers, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research instruments such as a pre-post-test based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and class discussion. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative insights were derived through QDA Miner to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the participants' experiences and viewpoints. The findings reveal a notable gap in the pre-service teachers' prior knowledge of AI tools designed for educational purposes, indicating a limited exposure to or engagement with such technologies in their training. Despite this low level of familiarity, the study uncovers a predominantly positive attitude towards the adoption and integration of AI tools in language education. This positive disposition suggests an openness among future educators to explore and incorporate innovative technologies that can enhance teaching and learning experiences in EFL contexts. The research highlights how the practical experience of creating collaborative digital storytelling narratives using AI tools can positively influence pre-service teachers' attitudes towards technology integration. This shift in perspective underscores the potential of hands-on, project-based learning experiences to enrich teacher training programs by fostering a more receptive and adaptive mindset towards the use of emerging technologies in educational settings. The study underscores the importance of integrating AI and digital storytelling into teacher education curricula to better prepare pre-service teachers for the evolving demands of the digital age, advocating for a more informed, and innovative approach to EFL material development and teaching strategies.

Integrating Business Analytics in Educational Decision-Making: A Multifaceted Approach to Enhance Learning Outcomes in EFL Contexts

This study introduces a framework that integrates business analytics into educational decision-making to improve learner engagement and performance in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), focusing on learning environments in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). By examining three specific research questions, this paper delineates patterns in learner engagement, evaluates factors that affect these patterns, and examines the relationship between these factors and educational outcomes. The study provides an empirical analysis that elucidates the connection between learner behaviors and learning outcomes by employing machine learning, process mining, and statistical methods such as hierarchical clustering, process discovery, and the Mann–Kendall test. The analysis determines that learning patterns, characterized as single-phase or multi-phase, repetitive or non-repetitive, and sequential or self-regulated, are more closely associated with the nature of the educational content—such as books, series, or reading levels—than learner characteristics. Furthermore, it has been observed that learners exhibiting self-regulated learning patterns tend to achieve superior academic outcomes. The findings advocate for integrating analytics in educational practices, offer strategic insights for educational enhancements, and propose a new perspective on the connection between learner behavior and educational success.