English As A Foreign Language Research Articles

THE ROLE OF DIGITAL LITERACY OF PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE EFL INSTRUCTORS IN POST PANDEMIC COVID-19

There is a need to pay more attention to the incorporation of digital technologies in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) due to the increased importance of digital technology and digital literacy highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The digital proficiency of teachers is crucial for effective teaching and learning in the 21st century, especially in the context of foreign language education [1]. In this context, this study investigates the role of digital literacy of pre-service and in-service EFL instructors post-pandemic. Participants are N:165 EFL pre-service and in-service instructors. The current study has a quantitative design, the data tool is the Digital Literacy Questionnaire for Language Teachers. The data is analyzed via the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, descriptive analysis for one of the questionnaire items and content documentation for the last open-ended question for of the questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that there are significant differences between Pre-service and In-service EFL Instructors for some of the items. Besides, as the findings suggest lack of skills and knowledge of teachers, lack of training, lack of budget, and lack of interest of teachers are among the factors affecting the use of digital technologies for foreign language teaching. The findings undeniably confirm the vital importance of digital literacy in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in the digital age, highlighting the need for teachers to actively acquire and employ it. Therefore, it is essential for EFL teachers to include digital literacy in their teaching methods by making use of a range of digital technologies, including Web 2 tools that provide several capabilities. The results also indicate the necessity of teacher training programs focused on enhancing the digital literacy skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors.

The Digital Classroom: Systematic Review of Use of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Teaching in Collaborative Online Settings

This study systematically reviews existing literature on the use of collaborative online settings for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). Covering 37 peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2024, the review examines various aspects of online collaborative EFL teaching, including the digital platforms utilized, the educational environments, and the specific language skills targeted. The findings indicate that collaborative online environments can enhance EFL learners' language proficiency through interactive learning, feedback techniques, and personalized learning. Additionally, the review found that such environments primarily improve learners' writing skills, with oral and speaking skills also benefiting. However, challenges such as learner distraction, Internet connectivity issues, lack of resources, and limited technical skills were identified as barriers to adopting collaborative online settings in EFL teaching. Strategies to mitigate these challenges such as the use self-created video materials, training, access to the Internet, among others, were discussed. The implications of these findings suggest that educators should incorporate digital collaborative tools to enhance learning outcomes, policymakers should support technological integration in language education, and researchers should address the identified gaps to develop more effective teaching strategies and educational policies.

Is “The Earlier, The Better” for EFL in Saudi Arabia? Insights from Early Grades EFL Teachers at Saudi Primary Schools

In 2021, Saudi state schools introduced mandatory English language instruction starting in the first grade, marking a significant shift in early education. This study explores the perspectives of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers on the effectiveness of this policy, focusing on students’ overall English proficiency, language acquisition, and cultural skills. It also addresses key challenges teachers face, including the synchronization of learning Standard Arabic with English and adapting curricula for young learners. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires from 86 EFL teachers and follow-up interviews with 14 participants. Through thematic analysis, the study reveals that while teachers generally view early English instruction as beneficial for language development and cultural awareness, challenges such as language interference and age-related learning limitations persist. Teachers emphasized the need for curriculum adjustments, engaging teaching strategies, and enhanced teacher preparation. The findings underscore the need for targeted teacher training and English proficiency reforms to align with broader educational goals.

Exploring the Relationship between Value Belief, Behavioral Engagement, and Academic Achievement in the Chinese EFL Learning Context

Previous research has established a positive link between behavioral engagement and academic achievement. However, the mediating role of behavioral engagement between value belief and academic achievement, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), has received limited attention. This study examined this mediation using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with a sample of 657 secondary EFL students. Results revealed that value beliefs positively influenced behavioral engagement, which in turn enhanced academic achievement. The indirect path from value beliefs to academic achievement through behavioral engagement was statistically significant, indicating partial mediation, alongside a direct effect of value beliefs on academic achievement. Descriptive statistics showed high mean scores for both value beliefs and behavioral engagement, reflecting strong perceptions of the importance of language learning and active class participation. No significant differences in value beliefs were found among participants. Possible explanations behind the observed results, as well as implications, limitations, and proposed directions for future studies are discussed.

The Impact of E-books on Thai EFL Undergraduates' Acquisition of Affixes and their Contentment with This Medium

The learning of affixes (prefixes and suffixes) by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) undergraduates is paramount since it enhances their vocabulary and helps them achieve fluency and proficiency in the English language. This paper aims to evaluate students’ command of affixes by using an electronic book (e-book) as a teaching method and examining students’ level of satisfaction regarding the learning of affixes through the e-book. The study employed a mixed-methods research design and included a sample of 50 first-year English for Communication students from Rajamangala University of Technology, Srivijaya. The research instruments used in this study included the pre-test, post-test, and an e-book satisfaction questionnaire, respectively. An interview was also used as a data-gathering tool in this research work. The findings indicated that the post-test results (26.40) yielded a superior outcome compared to the pre-test results (17.80). Furthermore, the e-book had an overall satisfaction rating of 4.57. In conclusion, the study found that students can significantly enhance their understanding of affixes, specifically prefixes and suffixes, by using unique e-books. For English teachers who encourage the use of e-books, the study's findings will have important implications since they will be able to use e-books for various uses in their respective classes when teaching EFL students.

Pre-Service Teachers' Writing Accuracy and Fluency: The Role of Weekly Reading

The benefits of Extensive Reading (ER) have been extensively explored in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), particularly in how this approach enhances writing skills. In Ecuador, writing represents one of the biggest challenges students face when acquiring language proficiency. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of weekly story reading (WSR) over an eight-week period on improving written accuracy and fluency among twenty-two EFL pre-service teachers at the Faculty of Education, Quevedo State Technical University, Ecuador. This action research employed a pre/post-test design to collect data before and after the pedagogical intervention. Written book reports were used as the pre- and post-test instruments to identify accuracy issues and measure words-per-minute (WPM) rates. The participants´ tokens of accuracy problems and WPM were quantitatively analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed, among the eight types of writing accuracy analyzed, the three most common errors made by students were punctuation, spelling, and syntax. Notably, they increased as more words were produced in writing. The findings indicate that weekly story reading assignments significantly improved writing fluency, with a mean difference of (M=5.24), and moderately reduced written accuracy problems. Extensive reading might magnify writing skills development among pre-service teachers in Ecuador or other contexts.

Teacher support as antecedent of students’ academic achievement in EFL learning: Mediating role of academic buoyancy

Teachers’ academic support has been empirically shown to positively influence academic performance through both case studies and quantitative research. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain inadequately explored. This gap is particularly evident in the domain of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL), where the integration of positive psychology warrants investigation into how teachers’ academic support fosters students’ academic buoyancy, subsequently enhancing academic performance. To address this issue, the present study engaged 610 secondary school English learners (292 females, representing 47.5%) in a questionnaire survey. A structural equation modeling analysis was conducted, controlling for variables such as age, gender, and family resources. The findings reveal two key insights: first, both teachers’ academic support and academic buoyancy exert significant positive effects on academic performance; second, academic buoyancy serves as a partial mediator between classroom academic support and academic performance. These results underscore the importance of understanding the nuanced roles that teacher support and psychological factors play in educational outcomes. Implications, limitations and direction for further research are discussed.

Prescribed pedagogy: An autoethnographic analysis of coursebook constraints, teacher identity, and power dynamics in Iran through Foucault’s lens

This study uses Critical Autoethnographic Narrative (CAN) to explore the influence of standardized coursebooks on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching in Iran. Drawing on over ten years of experience as an English teacher and supervisor, the research highlights how these coursebooks act as tools of control, constraining teacher autonomy and creativity. While existing literature focuses on technical aspects of coursebooks, this study fills a gap by examining their impact on pedagogical flexibility and teacher identity. Through a reflexive analysis guided by Foucault’s theories of power and discipline, key themes such as "pedagogical constraints," "reduced autonomy," and "professional satisfaction" are identified. The findings reveal significant limitations imposed by standardized materials, suggesting a need for more flexible and culturally responsive teaching approaches. This study contributes to understanding the socio-political dimensions of EFL education in Iran and offers insights for enhancing teacher autonomy and curriculum development.

The Use of Incidental Vocabulary Learning Strategies Among High and Low Proficiency Year 6 ESL Learners

Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs) are widely implemented in the learning of English as a second language (ESL). Hence, VLSs are helpful in aiding learners to develop their vocabulary effectively, not only in the classroom but also out-of-classroom, according to the learners' needs. This study aims to investigate the use of vocabulary learning strategies in incidental learning among high and low proficiency Year 6 ESL learners. The sample of this study are 30 Year 6 ESL learners from a primary government school in Bandar Baru Bangi. A mixed method was employed, and purposive sampling was used for this study. Data was collected through a 26-item questionnaire based on Schmitt’s Taxonomy of Vocabulary Learning Strategies Questionnaire (VLSQ) and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that high proficiency learners “watch English media” the most and the “use of flashcards” as the least favoured. In contrast, low proficiency learners prefer “asking parents or family members for the meaning of words” and “reading English newspaper, magazines and books” the least. Although no significant differences were found in overall strategy use between high and low proficiency groups, metacognitive strategies were employed significantly more by high proficiency learners. Both high and low proficiency Year 6 ESL learners also perceive technology tools and multimedia as effective for incidental learning by using YouTube, social media platform, online games, use of sub-titles and digital dictionaries. Further research on a larger scale among primary school learners is recommended to inform teachers about the application of vocabulary learning strategies, particularly in incidental learning.

Ethiopian EFL Students’ Willingness to Communicate (WTC) and the Factors Associated With It in Oral Communicative English Classes

Communication, particularly verbal communication, is central to the development of a desired competence in a second or foreign language. Approaches such as communicative language teaching (CLT) in second language acquisition emphasize practical use of the target language for effective learning/acquisition. However, despite the necessity of using a target language to learn it, it has been a common phenomenon to observe most learners exhibiting passiveness, reticence, and unwillingness to participate in oral communicative opportunities in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes. This study therefore explored EFL students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in oral communicative English classes together with the factors underlying with it in the Ethiopian higher education context. To this end, primary quantitative data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 450 EFL students taking oral communicative English courses followed by qualitative data from a sample of fifteen students selected again randomly to triangulate the results from the quantitative data. The results revealed that the target students had in general a low level of WTC in oral communicative English classes, and their WTC was affected by both psychological and contextual factors such as self-confidence, motivation, personality, language learning orientation and classroom environments. The findings indicate that EFL students’ WTC is a crucial component to increase students’ participation in oral communicative English classes by raising their self-confidence, motivation and awareness of language learning orientations, coupled with facilitating the language learning environment. It is therefore suggested that WTC needs to be given special consideration while designing and preparing ELT materials, and during instructions as well.

The Effects of Flipped Classroom on EFL Students’ Autonomy and Motivation

This study examined the effects of teaching English using the Flipped Classroom Model (FCM) on EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students' autonomy and motivation. The students' perceptions of flipped language instruction were explored to conduct a detailed analysis of the implementation. A mixed-method research design, an explanatory sequential design, was used with 50 EFL students at a Turkish state university during the spring term of the 2022-2023 academic year. A quasi-experimental design was used to create a control (n = 25) and an experimental (n = 25) group. To collect quantitative data, both groups were pre-tested with two scales at the start of the term (the Attitude/ Motivation Test Battery and the Autonomy Perception Scale). The FCM was used to teach main course lessons to the experimental group in a preparatory school while the control group was trained using a traditional learning approach. At the end of the term, both groups were post-tested after eight weeks of implementation in the experimental group. The qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews conducted at the end of the implementation to assess the participants' perceptions and perspectives on the impact of the flipped classroom. SPSS 25.00 was used to analyze quantitative data. To assess the effects of the intervention paired sample t-tests and independent sample t-tests were used. Descriptive content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The findings of this study indicate that the FCM, if properly implemented in L2 main course classes, has the potential to significantly increase autonomous learning and motivation. In comparison to the traditional model, flipped learning offers benefits such as making learning more enjoyable, increasing students' self-confidence, and decreasing their fear of making mistakes.

Retelling of Stories with Common Phrasal Expressions by High-Proficiency Learners: Implications for Learning and High-Stakes Testing

The goal of this research was to investigate how well L2 English speakers of different proficiency levels were able to perform on a test of auditory memory like that used in the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). In this test, participants must retell heard stories. While the validity of elicited imitation tests is well established in second-language acquisition research, the effectiveness of using retelling as a neuropsychological measurement when a language other than the test taker’s L1 is used is unclear. Further, due to their importance in memory function, this study also analyzed the role of common phrasal expressions in how well participants retold stories in three groups of different proficiency. The results indicated that the increase in scores in the retelling of stories aligned with the proficiency level of the non-native participants. Higher-proficiency NNSs were also able to use more of the commonly used spoken phrases in their retelling. Further, there was no difference in this measure between the higher-proficiency Second-Language English and First-Language English participants. While the effectiveness of this test method as a neuropsychological tool when a language other than the test taker’s L1 is used is unclear, these results indicate significant progress by the higher-proficiency participants. Nevertheless, given that this test is often used in this context with immigrants and minority language patients, doubts remain about its suitability for less proficient individuals.

Interconnected factors in EFL engagement: classroom climate, growth mindset, and achievement goals.

This study explores the relationships among classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and student engagement in the context of English as a foreign language (EFL) education in China. The study aims to understand how these factors interact to influence student engagement and motivation in EFL learning. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 587 Chinese undergraduate EFL students. The questionnaire assessed students' perceptions of classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and engagement. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the relationships among these variables. The SEM analysis revealed significant positive correlations among classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and student engagement. Both classroom climate and growth mindset were found to directly and positively predict student engagement. Additionally, achievement goal orientation mediated the relationships between both classroom climate and student engagement, and between growth mindset and student engagement. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of classroom climate, growth mindset, and achievement goal orientation in shaping student engagement in EFL education. These results suggest that fostering a positive classroom climate and promoting mastery-oriented goals can enhance student motivation and contribute to more effective language acquisition. Practical implications for EFL educators are also discussed.

Informal digital learning of English in teachers: development and validation of a scale

Abstract Informal digital learning of English (IDLE) is a promising way of learning English that has received growing attention in recent years. It has positive effects on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners and also creates valuable opportunities for EFL teachers to improve their teaching skills. However, there has been a lack of a valid and reliable scale to measure IDLE among teachers in EFL contexts. To address this lacuna, this study aims to develop and validate a scale to measure IDLE for EFL teachers in Iran. For this purpose, a nine-step rigorous validation procedure was undertaken: administering pilot interviews; creating the first item pool; running expert judgment; running interviews and think-aloud protocol; running the pilot study; performing exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and confirmatory factor analysis; creating the second item pool; conducting expert reviews; and performing translation and translation quality check. Findings yielded a 41-item scale with six subscales: IDLE-enhanced benefits (12 items), IDLE practice (five items), support from others (nine items), authentic L2 experience (three items), resources and cognition (four items), and frequency and device (eight items). The scale demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties such that it can be used for research and educational purposes in future.

Investigating the effectiveness of practicing English conversation with ChatGPT in improving non-English majored students’ English speaking skills at Nguyen Tat Thanh University

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of practicing English conversations with ChatGPT to enhance speaking skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, specifically focusing on four key criteria: conversational fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary use, and grammatical accuracy. In this study, 60 students were divided into six groups for a quasi-experimental design with a combination between non-equivalent groups design and pretest-posttest design. Four groups were trained with ChatGPT for eight weeks, while two control groups were not. Speaking abilities were measured through pretest, mid-test, and posttest assessments. The findings revealed significant improvements in conversational fluency, vocabulary, and grammar for the ChatGPT-trained groups, while pronunciation showed minimal progress. These results suggest that integrating ChatGPT into English teaching curricula could help non-English majored students at Nguyen Tat Thanh University enhance their English communication skills.

To be with artificial intelligence in oral test or not to be: a probe into the traces of success in speaking skill, psychological well-being, autonomy, and academic buoyancy

There has been a surge in employing artificial intelligence (AI) in all areas of language pedagogy, not the least among them language testing and assessment. This study investigated the effects of AI-powered tools on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ speaking skills, psychological well-being, autonomy, and academic buoyancy. Using a concurrent mixed-methods design, the study included 28 upper-intermediate EFL students from an Ethiopian university. We gave the Michigan Language Proficiency Test to evaluate degrees of proficiency before the TOEFL iBT speaking section, which used ChatGPT for scoring and feedback. Speaking abilities were assessed using pretests, immediate posttests, and delayed posttests. Furthermore, we evaluated the impacts on psychological well-being, autonomy, and academic buoyancy using narrative frames. We used one-way repeated measurements to examine the quantitative data and thematically evaluated the qualitative data. According to the results, speaking abilities, psychological well-being, learner autonomy, and academic buoyancy showed notable increases. The results suggest that by improving skill development, offering individualized feedback, and meeting students' emotional and psychological needs, AI systems like ChatGPT have the capacity to transform language assessment and pedagogy. Encouraging the incorporation of AI technologies to enhance educational outcomes and provide a more flexible and adaptable learning environment, the study presents important implications for various stakeholders.

Digital Storytelling in Listening EYL Context: Students’ Responses

In the contemporary educational landscape, digital storytelling (DST) has surfaced as a promising pedagogical paradigm for facilitating the instruction of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Nonetheless, its implementation in educational settings has yielded divergent student responses, influencing the efficacy of educational DST as an English language instructional instrument (Baehaki Wahyuni, 2023). This study aims to scrutinize the responses of kindergarten pupils engaged in the DST learning process, with a particular emphasis on nurturing students' listening proficiencies. The investigation was conducted at TK Labschool UPI establishments in Bandung, encompassing a cohort of 10 students aged 5-6 years, employing a qualitative inquiry approach and adopting a case study framework. Data accrual entails classroom observations, while thematic analysis is the methodological scaffold for discerning patterns and discrepancies within the gathered data corpus. The overarching aspiration of this research endeavor is to furnish nuanced insights into the efficacy of DST as a multimodal language acquisition tool in the milieu of kindergarten education. The findings endeavor to elucidate educational practices and enrich the ongoing dialogue of innovative language pedagogical methodologies by augmenting the extant reservoir of knowledge concerning early childhood English language assimilation. The research findings are considered favorable when students exhibit an 80% success rate in behavior and answering questions, indicating a significant response toward achieving the educational objectives.

Assessing interactional metadiscourse in EFL writing through intelligent data-driven learning: the Microsoft Copilot in the spotlight

The purpose of the current study was twofold: examining the efficacy of data-driven learning (DDL) (hands-on and hands-off approaches) in the realization of interactional metadiscourse markers (IMMs) among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners and analyzing the learners’ perceptions of DDL. The participants consisted of 93 male and female advanced language learners randomly assigned to one of the three groups: hands-on, hands-off, and control. Throughout the duration of treatment lasting for 10 sessions, the hands-on group employed the use of Microsoft Copilot, artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, on a computer screen to discuss and explore IMMs, but the hands-off group was exposed to IMMs through written texts that were physically printed on paper and articles to be examined through AntConc concordancing program. The control group received conventional instructional techniques including reading assigned course materials. The findings from a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) procedure indicated that both experimental groups outperformed the control group in the posttest of realizing and identifying IMMs. However, the post hoc comparisons showed statistically significant differences between the hands-on and hands-off groups, with the hands-on group performing more successfully in identifying IMMs. The results of the questionnaire data revealed that all the learners had positive perception of DDL. The results of the current study suggest using both hands-on and hands-off DDL methods helps learners develop their writing performance through metadiscourse realization.

NLP Applications in Vocabulary Acquisition

This paper examines the transformative role of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in vocabulary acquisition for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. With advancements in NLP technologies, innovative applications have emerged that foster effective vocabulary learning through personalized and context-rich experiences. The study explores various NLP-driven tools, such as context-aware learning systems, personalized vocabulary lists, and interactive games, that enhance engagement and retention. By analyzing the effectiveness of these tools, this research underscores the limitations of traditional vocabulary teaching methods and illustrates how NLP can provide dynamic, tailored support to meet individual learners’ needs. Furthermore, the paper highlights the significance of real-time feedback mechanisms, such as speech recognition, in promoting accurate pronunciation. Ultimately, this investigation aims to demonstrate that NLP technologies offer a more engaging, efficient, and effective approach to vocabulary acquisition, significantly improving ESL learners’ language proficiency and overall communicative competence.

Exploring the Effects of Artificial Intelligence Application on EFL Students' Academic Engagement and Emotional Experiences: A Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACTAs artificial intelligence (AI) gains prominence, its integration into second language (L2) /foreign language (FL) instruction has become a significant trend. Despite the considerable promise of AI for L2/FL learning, more research is still needed on its effects on student academic engagement in literature classes and the corresponding emotional experiences. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the effects of AI use on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' academic engagement, and the emotional experience was also qualitatively explored. Students were allocated to the experimental group (N = 48), who received instruction integrated with AI, and the control group (N = 48), who received traditional instruction without AI assistance. Quantitative data were collected using an FL engagement scale, supplemented by individual semi‐structured interviews in the qualitative phase. The results indicated that integrating AI into EFL instruction has a positive effect on students' cognitive, emotional and social engagement. Moreover, the learners' emotional experiences were found to be abundant and dynamic, exerting influence on their academic engagement. This study provides valuable insights for language educators and researchers regarding integrating AI into EFL instruction.