English Students Research Articles

Exploring emoji use on Twitter among students of English as a foreign language

This study adopted a qualitative ethnographic approach to explore the factors influencing English as a foreign language undergraduate and graduate students’ emoji use in X (previously Twitter). To this end, a convenient sample of fifteen Twitter-using Saudi female undergraduate and graduate students at a Saudi University was recruited. Semi-structured interviews were used as data collection methods. The study revealed that there are some factors influencing emoji use. According to the study results, age impacts both emoji frequency and meaning. Moreover, it was found that different personas were exhibited by some participants, suggesting that they are much less reserved in English, which could influence their emoji use. Additionally, the results showed that different religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds can shape an individual’s perception and interpretation of emojis. The topic of discussion and the gender of the interlocutors were also mentioned as additional factors. The study thus provided insights into a rarely investigated area of research, which is the factors influencing English as a foreign language undergraduate and graduate students’ emoji use in online postings. Additionally, the study highlights the need to make an emoji function taxonomy, one that is adaptable both in versatility and applicability. Finally, the findings invite all academics to reconsider the rigidity of their anti-emoji beliefs, particularly relating to the students’ expected email etiquette practices.

Self-efficacy in communication and employability skills of English language students

The majority of the relevant studies have concentrated on identifying the potential employable abilities of Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) students in general rather than the employability skills of BA English Language graduates. Hence, it is important to know also what are the employable skills of the BAEL graduates in order to determine the areas of workplace they are to be employed in. This study aims to know the self-efficacy of BAEL students in oral, written, computer-mediated communication and the important employability skills of BAEL undergraduate students. The study is quantitative in nature, and a descriptive survey approach was employed to ascertain the respondents' employability skills in the various fields. The researcher used Google Forms for the survey questionnaire. The study revealed that the self-efficacy of the BA English Language fourth year undergraduate students had a positive opinion of their own skill efficacy. The English language students can handle themselves in company especially when interacting in small groups. They can carry out written communication tasks and also electronically assisted tasks. On the other hand, BAEL students have potentials to be employed in various industries. The researcher advised the students to be readily accepted in various fields in the workplace after graduation. Teachers and curriculum/policy makers were suggested to create learning interventions that can enhance the employability of the students in the various areas of English communication.

Digital Comics: Integrating CALL in Enhancing Students' Reading Skill at the High School Level

Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is a learning method that uses computer technology in the language learning process. This includes the use of software, applications, and other digital resources to assist students in learning English. Digital comics are a form of comic presented in digital format, which can be accessed and read via electronic devices such as computers, tablets or smartphones. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of learning CALL with digital comics in improving English reading skills. This research involves a pre-test and post-test comparison between experimental and control groups using narrative text material. There were 60 students from class XI. A and XI. C SMA 2 Muhammadiyah Bandar Lampung in the academic year 2023/2024. The results showed a significant increase in the scores of the experimental group post-intervention, especially in the higher score range (84-100). The findings show that the CALL method with digital comics is an effective tool to improve English reading skill among high school students.

دراسة العوامل التي تؤثر عل المشاركة الاكاديمية لطلبة الجامعة.

This study investigates the factors that affect students' academic engagement and identifies the relevant factor. Using a sampling approach, the study involved 27 seventh-semester English department students from Abu- Issa Faculty of Education who completed questionnaires and five students who conducted interviews. A convergent parallel design was utilized to gather data through both quantitative methods involving questionnaires and interviews. The data analysis involved utilizing values determining deviations, and performing content analysis, for the interview responses. The study findings showed that factors related to teachers play a significant role in predicting students’ academic involvement. Specifically highlighted was the importance of teacher feedback in this aspect. Students also stressed the significance of teacher supportiveness, reliable communication and effective teaching practices. Furthermore, the study noted that peer assistance and parental participation were aspects contributing to engagement. The recommendation for increasing engagement is for educators to concentrate on giving feedback, while families should establish supportive settings for learning. Keywords: Academic Engagement, predicators of engagement, university level

THE VOICE OF ELT STUDENTS AT ISLAMIC COLLEGE ON ACADEMIC LIFE

Research shows that student voice might be an influencing factor in the future transformation and innovation of English language teaching (ELT). The voice has long been believed to be an instrument that could provide ELT practitioners and policymakers with meaningful feedback for the betterment of curricula, materials, and classroom practices. However, there are limited discussions exploring ELT student voice in such particular educational contexts as Islamic colleges. This article aims to contribute to our understanding of that rarely discussed voice with a particular focus on: (a) the students‟ best experience as English education students at an Islamic college; (b) the students‟ perceptions related to dress code and exams; and (3) the students‟ self- assessment of English language skills. This study presents a survey study on 278 students in the English language education department at an Islamic college in Lampung province, Indonesia. The data are drawn from a survey consisting of open-ended questions distributed to the respondents at the end of the semester. Data analysis was conducted qualitatively, ranging from preparing and organizing the data to interpreting the meaning of the data in line with the research questions and theoretical review. The findings reveal that among the students' best experiences were the Islamic atmosphere, affordable tuition fees, religious education, professional lecturers, and scholarship availability. The majority of students agreed with the dress code regulation and had problems with cheating on the final examinations. The findings also show that more than half of the respondents are not sure about their English competency. This study offers important implications for English teacher education in Islamic educational contexts.

Faculty Members’ Perspective on Employing YouTube in Teaching English for ESL Undergraduate Students

The study investigated the use of YouTube videos for teaching English as a foreign language to English major students at universities and explored teachers' perspectives on implementing this method. It also aimed to identify potential issues that teachers and students might encounter. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection was employed. A Five-Likert scale questionnaire assessed teachers' perspectives on using YouTube to teach various English language skills. The study involved 42 English language faculty members from private and public universities, and their responses were analyzed statistically and analytically. The findings indicated that teachers have a positive attitude as they successfully utilize YouTube videos to improve students' English language skills. Faculty members observed that the monotony of teaching decreased while students' motivation to engage with the English language increased. The study also revealed some challenges students face in developing their English language skills, such as a lack of self-confidence and an inability to express their thoughts adequately.

“I Can Know More Vocabularies and Their Meanings”: EFL Students’ Perceptions on the Impact of English Translation of Islamic Verses on Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition in English Lessons about Nature

<p>There is a paucity of knowledge on the use of Islamic holy references in English on learners’ Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition (IVA). This study aimed to investigate English students’ perceptions regarding the use of English translations of Islamic verses related to nature on students’ IVA. The study involved 77 senior high school students, consisting of 48 females and 29 males, from three schools in Surabaya and Pemalang, Indonesia. A case study design was employed, incorporating quantitative and qualitative data. Closed and open-ended questionnaires were the instruments, and the data were analyzed through descriptive methods and content analysis. The integrated findings showed that students viewed the potential effectiveness of English verses from the Qur’an and Sunnah in developing their understanding of IVA, Islam, and nature. Moreover, they expressed satisfaction with this approach to learning. In conclusion, students perceive that English verses from Islamic references offer significant benefits for their IVA.</p>

Implementing Extensive Reading with Wattpad to Improve English Students Reading Comprehension at Senior High School Level

Reading comprehension is important, but low interest among middle school students has led to further research. Using the extensive reading method with Wattpad can improve students' reading skills significantly. This research aims to improve middle school students' reading comprehension by integrating Wattpad as a learning medium, offering an alternative method in English language education. This research uses statistical analyzes such as normality, homogeneity, Howell game post hoc, and Welch's test. This research used a quasi-experimental design with the experimental group using Wattpad and the control group using traditional methods. A quasi-experimental design was chosen because there are external variables that are beyond the researcher's control. The research subjects consisted of two groups: the experimental group received extensive reading treatment with Wattpad, and the control group used traditional methods. . Analysis of this research data confirms the effectiveness of extensive reading with Wattpad. Statistical tests show normality, homogeneity, and significant differences between the experimental group and the control group. These findings are in line with previous research which shows that extensive reading significantly improves students' comprehension skills. In conclusion, this research provides strong evidence that extensive reading with Wattpad has a positive impact on comprehension student reading.

English Study Program Students’ Perception on Using Grammarly as an Online Grammar Checker in Academic Writing

Grammarly as an online grammar checker is a new experience for English students. Based on the interviewed results of information to students, it is found that Grammarly useful in academic writing. The research in this paper aims to find out English study program students’ perception on using grammarly as an online grammar checker in academic writing. The research design is mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative). Technique of data validation through a questionnaire and interview. Purposive sampling was used to select the research sample, which involved 37 students. Ten students were interviewed for the qualitative data. The findings indicate that the students had a high perception on using Grammarly as an online grammar checker in academic writing. In accordance with that, the results of the qualitative data also show positive responses that Grammarly can be useful, efficient, and comfortable as an online grammar checker for students in academic writing.

Grammarly Through the Lens of Student Perception

<p>Grammarly serves as an online grammar checker that allows users to identify and rectify errors in grammar, pronunciation, punctuation, and plagiarism. This study aims to explore students' perceptions regarding the use of Grammarly as a writing assistant in essay classes. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through questionnaires and structured interviews. The participants were English major students at Universitas PGRI Jombang enrolled in essay writing classes, with 23 students responding to the questionnaires and 4 participating in interviews. The findings indicate a positive perception among students towards Grammarly as a helpful tool for writing English essays. They appreciate its user-friendly interface, helpful advice, clear explanations, accurate grammar checks, and prompt corrections. Moreover, they find it beneficial for enhancing writing skills and boosting self-confidence, particularly in essay writing. The study also highlights Grammarly's role in facilitating learning about English grammar rules. Despite utilizing only the free version, nearly all students highly recommend Grammarly for supporting English students in essay writing. They value its straightforward feedback, which aids in understanding complex grammar issues and enables them to refine their writing while reducing common errors. In conclusion, students consider Grammarly a valuable tool for enhancing their essay writing skills. Not only does it assist in correcting grammatical errors, but it also serves as an educational resource that enriches students' understanding of English grammar. Therefore, integrating Grammarly into the essay writing curriculum can greatly benefit English students, providing them with an accessible and effective resource to improve their writing proficiency.</p>

THE CHALLENGES FACED BY ENGLISH STUDENTS IN ACADEMIC WRITING (A CASE STUDY AT UIN SULTHAN THAHA SAIFUDDIN JAMBI)

This study aimed to investigate the difficulties encountered by students of English in academic writing at the Islamic University State Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, focusing on previous academic year 2022/2023. Employing a qualitative approach through a case study design, the research gathered data via interviews and document analysis. Findings revealed that students face several challenges in academic writing, including plagiarism, lexical complexities, grammatical errors, topic selection, inadequate planning, lack of motivation, and punctuation issues.

Tourism Students’ Perception of Using TikTok in Learning English Vocabulary Mastery

This research aimed to analyze the students’ perception toward TikTok in learning English vocabulary. The objective of the research is (1) to investigate students’ perception of using TikTok in learning English vocabulary, (2) to figure out the implications of TikTok in learning English vocabulary mastery. This research was conducted online for English tourism students of university in Bali. The data was collected from the questionnaire through google form and was shared online. the result of the study showed that the quantitative data revealed that participants had positive perceptions toward TikTok in learning English vocabulary. For instance, most of them agree that TikTok is fruitful tool for learning vocabulary, majority of participants agree that they found new words on TikTok. These finding suggest that students can use TikTok for learning vocabulary and increasing their language skills to be better.

Task-Based Supplementary Materials Design for English Learners’ Reading Skills

This study aims to design and develop supplementary materials using the Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) approach to improve students’ reading skills. The study focuses on the students’ needs analysis of the reading skills in the Comprehensive English (CE) course at one university in China. Then, the supplementary materials are designed and developed based on students’ needs. Following the ADDIE model, this study utilized Design and Development Research (DDR). The research was carried out in three phases: needs analysis, design and development, and implementation and evaluation. Sixteen first-year English education students were selected through a purposive sampling technique. By employing a qualitative approach, the research involves the design of the TBLT supplementary materials, followed by data collection through focus group interviews, classroom observations, and students’ feedback. Preliminary findings suggest that using the TBLT supplementary materials positively meets the students’ needs for reading skills, including learning objectives, teaching procedures, teaching activities, and supporting resources to the textbooks they use. However, they are unsatisfied with the formative assessment in reading instruction. This study underscores the importance of developing supplementary materials aligned with TBLT principles to promote effective English reading teaching at a university in China. Future research is needed to explore the long-term effects of TBLT implementation on students’ language development that supports successful language learning in various educational contexts.

Cohesion and Coherence Problems Among Non-Native English Students’ Writing Essays

In order to properly organize ideas and express significant information, non-native students sometimes struggle with cohesion and coherence in their essays. This study examines the body of literature to pinpoint frequent problems non-native writers have while trying to make their writing coherent and cohesive. This study aims to assess the literature on cohesion and coherence issues in essays written by non-native students, with a particular focus on a number of components, including referential and relational coherence, theme and rheme, and grammatical and lexical cohesion. The literature study looks at papers that address problems with coherence and cohesiveness in student writing. It groups the results according to several coherence and cohesion criteria, such as referential and relational coherence, theme and rheme, and grammatical and lexical cohesion. An analysis of the essays shows common problems that non-native students face. Accompanying difficulties with collocation and diction are lexical cohesion faults, like as repetition and restricted vocabulary utilization. Issues with conjunction usage and text arrangement are examples of grammatical cohesion issues. Coherence is an issue that students struggle with; they have trouble coming up with thesis statements, topic sentences, introductions, and conclusion that are all coherent. Recognizing these difficulties emphasizes the necessity of focused interventions to improve non-native students' writing abilities. The development of instruments such as Tool for Automatic Cohesion Analysis (TAACO) presents encouraging paths for methodically evaluating and resolving cohesion concerns. These insights can be used by educators to create coherence and cohesiveness-enhancing tactics for non-native essay writers, which will ultimately result in clearer, more coherent writing.

Exploring Factors that Influence Learners’ Interest in Writing-Based Activities in an EFL Classroom

Exploring Factors that Influence Learners’ Interest in Writing-Based Activities in an EFL Classroom 1-Maria Bhutto BS English Linguistic student, Department of Linguistics & Social Sciences, Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur maria3.20en006@bnbwu.edu.pk Rafique Ahmed Lakhan, Lecturer Department of Linguistics & Social Sciences, Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur rafique.ahned@bnbwu.edu.pk 3 Asadullah Balouch Designation: Lecturer, Department of English, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Nawabshah Email ID: asadullahbalouch@sbbusba.edu.pk Corresponding Author: Rafique Ahmed Lakhan Abstract: This study aims to identify the factors that influence learners’ interest in writing-based activities in an EFL classroom. Learners’ interest level varies; this research also aims to investigate the attitudes, preferences, and perceptions of learners in various writing tasks in an EFL classroom. And to what extent do these attitudes impact their performance in EFL writing activities. This research has explored attitudes of BS English students of Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur. The qualitative research method was used to find the data. 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted. After analyzing the data, research found factors that influence learners’ interest are the types of writing activity, they are engaged in; the relevance and clarity of a topic; teachers’ support, constructive feedback and appreciation; and the learning environment in which the activities are incorporated. English is not a native language of interviewees, learners found writing activities beneficial as well as challengeable. This research is limited in an EFL context. Furthermore, it can also be conducted on a variety of tasks in various contexts in order to find out the variation in learners and for an effective learning environment.

THE IMPACT OF TEACHER-STUDENTS RELATIONSHIP ON ENGLISH STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION (A SURVEY ON THE FIRST YEAR ENGLISH DEPARTMENT STUDENTS)

The impact of teacher-student relationships on the motivation of English language learners (ELLs) is a crucial topic in the field of language education, particularly in a multilingual and culturally diverse country such as Indonesia. This study aims to provide an evidence of the link between teacher and student relationships and the motivation among ELLs in Indonesia. The researcher collected, analyzed, and compared the data obtained for this study by using a survey study design. Moreover, the researcher conducted structured interviews with ELL first-year English students to gather additional data. The findings of this study show that teachers at the university investigated, as perceived by students, exhibit a wide range of positive attitudes that positively influence student motivation. The most preferred attitudes among students were Academic Support, Responsible, and Moral Support, which emerged as the most preferred attitude among students. The results of this research show that a supportive classroom environment can enhance learners' motivation throughout their language learning journey, ultimately enhancing their language acquisition and overall success in language learning. This study provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to create an inclusive, supportive learning environment for their students. The study suggests that further studies could broaden the scope to include students from other faculties or universities. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of lecturer attitudes and their impact on student motivation across different academic settings.

Garden Ecological Quality Evaluation Based on Green Landscape Image Semantic Segmentation Model

This work suggests predicting student performance using a Gaussian process model classification in order to address the issue that the prediction approach is too complex and the data set involved is too huge in the process of predicting students’ performance. In order to prevent overfitting, a sample set consisting of the three typical test outcomes from 465 undergraduate College English students is divided into training and test sets. The cross-validation technique is used in this study. According to the findings, Gaussian process model classification can accurately predict 92% of the test set with a prediction model, and it can also forecast students’ final exam marks based on their typical quiz scores. Furthermore, it is discovered that the prediction accuracy increases with the sample set’s distance from the normal distribution; this prediction accuracy rises to 96% when test scores with less than 60 points are taken out of the analysis.

Language Learning Strategy Usage among BS English Students at University of Sindh Jamshoro: A Quantitative Analysis of Strategy Preference and Education Level of ESL Learners

Language Learning Strategy Usage among BS English Students at University of Sindh Jamshoro: A Quantitative Analysis of Strategy Preference and Education Level of ESL Learners

Cultural capital as a predictor of school success: evidence and gender differences in Chinese middle schools

Cultural capital is vital for equitable educational development. This paper studies the effect of family cultural capital on the performance of middle school students with regard to gender, using a multiple linear regression model. Participants from four representative middle schools, totalling 1036 students, were selected during the online learning period. The study found that institutionalised and objectified cultural capital had a pronounced positive effect on students’ school outcomes, but cultural capital that was embodied had both positive and negative effects. Significant differences in the effects of cultural capital on school success were found between male and female students. The educational level of a mother has a significant impact on the school attainment of female students in Chinese, English, math and overall achievement, whereas a father’s education level has a significant effect on male students’ English achievement and overall achievement. The results of the study showed that cultural capital contributed to the academic success of middle school students in different ways. The results presented above contribute to a better comprehension of the mechanisms of the influence of cultural capital on the school performance of middle school students, which has important implications for students’ educational equity. This study recommends improving the mechanism of collaborative education among schools, families and society, by paying attention to vulnerable groups that lack cultural capital, improving the methods of educational evaluation and providing tailor-made education for all types of students.

Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Usage as Translation Medium among English Literature Student of UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in translation services has transformed the landscape of linguistic studies. This study assesses the effectiveness of AI-driven translation tools among English Literature students at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, focusing on translation accuracy, usability, and impact on language learning. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research collected quantitative data through questionnaires and supported it with a literature review. Findings indicate that 96.6% of students regularly use AI translation tools, with a majority finding them helpful. However, concerns about over-reliance on these tools and their potential negative impact on language skill development were noted. The study highlights the dual role of AI tools in enhancing learning while requiring human oversight for accuracy and contextual relevance. Recommendations for improving AI tools include ensuring contextually accurate translations, enhancing vocabulary databases, and integrating human input. Overall, while AI translation tools significantly aid students' academic activities, a balanced approach is crucial to avoid dependency and ensure the development of independent language skills