Expert Teachers Research Articles

Communicative Competence and the Speaking Performance among Senior High School Students

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between communicative competence and speaking performance among senior high school students. Using a descriptive-correlational research design, thirty (30) Grade 11 STEM students from Padre Garcia Integrated National High School during the academic year 2023-2024 were selected as respondents of the study. Five expert teachers validated the instrument. The test questionnaires were used as the primary instruments to evaluate communicative competence among participants. The questionnaire consisted of a test aimed at gathering data regarding participants' communicative competence and a rubric to test speaking performance. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, and Pearson R were utilized to test the relationship of the independent and dependent variables. Hypotheses were tested and the findings revealed the following information: the hypothesis that there is no significant relationship between communicative competence and the speaking performance of senior high school learners is accepted. Having all those findings, this study recommends diversifying instructional strategies in enhancing sociolinguistic and strategic competence; conducting Focus Group Discussion (FGD); integrating speaking skills development across the curriculum and implementing cross-domain training. Future researchers may conduct a study on communicative competence and speaking performance of senior high school on a large scale such as regional or national level.

Teachers’ Collegiality: A Professional Development Tool for Algerian Novice Teachers

Abstract Introduction: This research aims to discover the role of collegiality, as one of the internationally recognized tools for continuous professional development, in the professional growth journey of both novices and experts to give an insight into how effective, forming and maintaining healthy positive relationships, is to novice teachers per se. Methods: The research used a mixed-method approach to investigate the research questions. It included 18 teachers from the Department of English, Blida2 University; 8 novices, and 10 experts. The research used two questionnaires; one dedicated to novices to discover the role of collegiality in their professional development and the second one to experts to investigate the contribution of collegiality in their journey of professional growth and skill development. Results: In line with the data gathered, the results indicate that teachers’ collegiality is reasonably favorable by novices and highly recommended by expert teachers. Discussion: Novices tend to maintain positive relationships in the workplace as they believe they would expand their knowledge and skills repertoire and help them cope with the exhaustive emotional turmoil of stress and discomfort the new profession’s burden unfolds on them. Expert teachers, despite expressing not having benefitted particularly from collegiality in their professional development journey, tend to support and advocate for it for novice teachers today. They also tend to see themselves as responsible for the various pedagogical and psychological help they provide for novices to facilitate the challenging journey they face. Limitations: Despite its general concern among all teachers from different fields, the research was limited to a convenient sample from the Department of English, Blida2 Lounici Ali University. Conclusions: The research on collegiality adds to the literature on continuous professional development tools and is informative to teachers of all levels to invest in their collegial relationships for the pedagogical and psychological accompaniment of novice teachers per se.

텍스트 마이닝 기법을 활용한 국어교육 평가 연구의 동향 분석

Objectives This study analyzed KCI-registered academic articles using text mining techniques to interpret the trends of research related to language education evaluation. Methods For this purpose, a total of 206 articles from January 1, 2000 to July 15, 2024 were collected from RISS and KCI, and after supplementing the abstracts, data preprocessing was performed, and finally, a total of 1,955 words were targeted for topic modeling and network analysis. Results As a result of the analysis, 10 topics were extracted and themes were extracted by topic. The themes of each topic in the research on Korean language education assessment are: improvement of Korean language teaching through assessment, school-centered Korean language assessment system, theoretical approaches to the content of Korean language assessment, development of Korean language assessment items, domain-specific characteristics and content of Korean language assessment, Korean language writing assessment, process- oriented Korean language assessment, national-level Korean language academic achievement assessment, importance and implementation of Korean language performance assessment, and assessment expertise of Korean language teachers. Conclusions The research on assessment in Korean language education tends to focus on changes in Korean language assessors' perspectives and teaching innovations, the characteristics of assessment in different areas of Korean language, research centered on writing assessment, the expansion of national-level assessment to unit school-level assessment, and theoretical research on assessment in Korean language education based on practicality.

Expert and Novice Teachers’ Cognitive Neural Differences in Understanding Students’ Classroom Action Intentions

Objectives: Teachers’ intention understanding ability reflects their professional insight, which is the basis for effective classroom teaching activities. However, the cognitive process and brain mechanism of how teachers understand students’ action intention in class are still unclear. Methods: This study used event-related potential (ERP) technology to explore the cognitive neural differences in intention understanding ability among teachers with different levels of knowledge and experience. The experiment used the comic strips paradigm to examine the ability of expert and novice teachers to understand students’ normative and non-normative classroom actions under different text prompts (“how” and “why”). Results: The results revealed that in the late time window, expert teachers induced larger P300 and LPC amplitudes when they understood students’ classroom action intentions, while the N250 amplitudes induced by novice teachers in the early time window were significantly larger. In addition, for both types of teachers, when understanding the intentions behind students’ normative actions, the N250 amplitude was the most significant, while the P300 and LPC amplitudes were more significant for non-normative actions. Conclusions: This study found that teachers at varying professional development stages had different time processing processes in intention understanding ability, which supported teachers’ brain electrophysiological activities related to social ability.

Scoring Difficulty in Summary Writing Assessment: Toward the Reconstruction of Analytic Rubric

This study aims to examine whether differences exist in the factors influencing the difficulty of scoring English summaries and determining scores based on the raters’ attributes, and to collect candid opinions, considerations, and tentative suggestions for future improvements to the analytic rubric of summary writing for English learners. In this study, seven trained raters with diverse attribute backgrounds evaluated two kinds of English summaries written by Japanese university students using the analytic rubric with three evaluation items. A questionnaire was used to determine which of the three items were difficult to assess and why the raters perceived such difficulty, as well as what backgrounds and factors influenced their scoring decision-making. Moreover, through the raters’ most recent experience, candid comments were collected for developing future rubrics. The results showed that whether the evaluators’ attributes affected the difficulty of the evaluation was not clear. However, depending on the raters’ experience in teaching English/assessing summary writing, requests for improvements in the descriptors of the evaluation items and in the rubric emerged. This study proposes a tentative analytic rubric for summary writing, providing a foundation for constructing a rubric that can be used more easily by future raters. It also highlights the opinions of expert and novice teachers conducting summary evaluations in education.

The teacher’s role in teaching reading comprehension skills to Grade 9 English Home Language learners

Background: The high number of poor-performing learners in reading comprehension in South African schools is a concerning factor that calls for studies to mitigate this problem. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2021 indicates that about 81% of South African Grade 4 learners who participated, failed to reach the required benchmark in the test. Research indicates that teachers are not conversant with theory and explicit teaching of reading comprehension strategies.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role played by teachers in developing Grade 9 learners’ reading comprehension skills in English Home Language and establishing which reading comprehension skills and strategies are taught to learners.Method: This study used a qualitative approach. Four data sets were utilised to collect data including a document analysis, a questionnaire for learners, interviews with teachers of English and lesson observations.Results: The findings of the study show that there is little guidance on how to teach reading comprehension skills. It also emerged that instead of teaching reading comprehension skills, teachers merely ‘test’ learners’ answering skills.Conclusion: This study suggests that there is a need for re-training and assisting teachers in explicitly teaching reading comprehension skills to learners. Learners may benefit from the enhanced expertise of teachers and become more proficient in reading comprehension.Contribution: The study has provided invaluable insights into the current teaching practice of comprehension skills with actionable insights for teachers, teacher educators, and policymakers to support learners’ academic success and bridge the gap between praxis and theory.

Teacher language awareness for CLIL in multilingual settings: insights from across UK and Dutch primary classrooms

Schools are increasingly using content and language integrated learning (CLIL) approaches to education, whereby the teaching of subject content and an additional language occurs in an integrated manner. While language and learning are inextricably linked and the rewards of CLIL many, integrated teaching requires a specialised professional awareness of how an additional language operates and is acquired within content classrooms. However, research focused on teacher language awareness (TLA) for CLIL is still sparse. Moreover, it has focused solely on CLIL teachers’ awareness of the target language, thereby disregarding the teacher plurilingual awareness (TPLA) required for effective CLIL, which is inherently multilingual and increasingly implemented in linguistically diverse settings. This study brings together the expertise of Dutch primary school teachers using CLIL to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, with the expertise in teaching in multilingual settings of UK teachers supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. Using a CLIL Teaching Wall activity within interviews, it was possible to gain rich insight into the characteristics of the TLA and TPLA underpinning teachers’ ability to recognise and teach to the language demands of multilingual dual-focused classrooms.

Embodiment Consciousness in Music Performance Pedagogy

The acquisition of expertise in music performance and its pedagogy, depends on, beyond specific musical skills, employing resources from other fields of knowledge and considering sensory, motor, and affective capacities at each step of the music learning process. We studied the teaching practices of three expert clarinet teachers to investigate their didactic procedures, evaluating how those practices could be related to their students’ high levels of performance. The method gathered data from a “protocol joint analysis” and semi-structured interviews with teachers and their students. Data analysis revealed a particular set of pedagogical skills observed in the didactic procedures of these expert teachers. These teaching strategies were common to all three case studies and revealed themselves as a last didactic resource to overcome complex problems at the highest level of proficiency in musical interpretation. We call that pedagogical expertise field Embodiment Consciousness in Music Performance. This field of competence describes the systematic didactic use of metaphor to access performers’ sensorimotor and affective memories, whose semantic contents can thereby be accessed to support performance actions.

Metaphor in Music Pedagogy and Its Connection to Embodiment Consciousness

This paper provides a commentary on “Embodiment Consciousness in Music Performance Pedagogy” by Alves and Nogueira, developing the notion that metaphorical language and extra-musical information can allow expert teachers to convey various teaching strategies. I expand upon some of the themes that are addressed in the article and the concept of metaphor in particular. This opens up some interesting ideas around how metaphors are culturally understood phenomena, ones that expert teachers can use to their advantage. The authors provide a framework in which this can be understood in terms of embodiment consciousness. However, there is room for more nuance as it relates to process.

Commentary on “Embodiment Consciousness in Music Performance Pedagogy” by Alves and Nogueira

This commentary on Alves and Nogueira (2024) proposes a potential approach to compare expert and non-expert music teachers’ use of embodied teaching strategies in one-to-one lessons with advanced performance students. The approach is hypothesis-driven, and builds on Alves and Nogueira’s theoretical framework of expert competency domains, as well as empirical studies of musical communication and one-to-one teaching strategies. It is argued that a comprehensive definition of embodied teaching strategies should be conceptualized in terms of the quality of teacher–student interactions and the measurable outcomes of those interactions, and that it should account for the wide range of verbal and non-verbal forms of embodied musical communication that arise.

Language teacher expertise research: A theoretical case and research agenda

Abstract Expertise exists among all communities of educational practitioners at all levels and in all national contexts. By identifying expert practitioners, learning from them and valuing their professional competence, researchers can support, promote and build upon sustainable, embodied, holistic models of quality in ways that have direct relevance for the classroom, the curriculum and wider educational goals. Yet, despite its potential as a field of research, there have been relatively few studies involving expert language teachers to date. After a brief historical background, this article makes the case for language teacher expertise research, noting its high ecological validity, its great practical utility, its ability to bridge the research–practice divide and its potentially positive impact on teaching communities. Key methodological considerations are also discussed, including defining expertise, identifying expert teachers and looking beyond the limits of subject-specific pedagogy to understand the whole practitioner in their sociocultural context. The article then proposes a framework for future teacher expertise research that spans diverse methodologies. Six example research tasks from within this framework are proposed, each justified and exemplified, incorporating suggestions for research design that are intended to encourage both experienced and novice researchers to engage with teacher expertise as a promising domain for future investigation.

In defense of expertise—Teachers, teaching, and teaching design

In defense of expertise—Teachers, teaching, and teaching design

한 교사교육자의 교육청 협약 기반 교육대학원 전공 설치 및 운영에서의 성장 경험

The aim of this paper is to explore a teacher educator's experience of educational growth in establishing and operating a graduate school of education major based on an agreement with the Office of Education. The research results are briefly presented as follows. Firstly, as a teacher educator, I established and operated a new graduate school major in education while responding to the education system and teacher policy. Secondly, as the head professor of the major, I utilized human and material resources to quickly establish and run the graduate school major. Thirdly, as a teacher educator, I improved the curriculum and classes to manage the quality and sustainability of graduate school major. In the end, this educational experience was an extension of establishing collaborative governance for quality management and sustainable development of graduate school major. The results of this paper will be useful in understanding the reality and issues of continuing education centered on graduate school of education by illuminating the experience of establishing and operating graduate school of education major based on agreements with the office of education in the context of professor. In addition, this paper will serve as a research example for the graduate school of education to strengthen the teacher re-education function of the graduate school of education based on government-academic governance and to promote the development of educational expertise of in-service teachers in graduate school of education.

Pupils’ reading comprehension: Basis for the development of reading instructional material

This study was conducted to assess the reading comprehension among the grade 4 pupils in an integrated school in the District of Tangalan, Philippines. The result of the study was the basis on the development of an instructional reading material during the School Year 2023-2024. The design based research was used in this study using IPO model. The participants were the 66 grade 4 pupils and 10 teacher experts. Reading Comprehension Test and Learning Material Evaluation Tool were the data gathering instruments. The data were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential data analysis. The reading comprehension in English of grade 4 pupils is “low”. Based on the result of the study, an instructional material was developed offering a variety of engaging activities, including word boxes, missing letter challenges, collaborative group activities, reading experiences, interactive games, and visual aids for descriptive analysis. The level of acceptability of the developed instructional material for grade 4 was “very highly acceptable” as to content, instructional quality, prints, design and layouts. The level of reading comprehension of grade 4 pupils before the intervention were “low” and after using the developed instructional material, it became “moderate”. Hence, there is a significant difference on the reading comprehension of grade 4 pupils before and after using the instructional material.

Incorporating Social and Emotional Learning in the English Classes at Military Academies

Abstract As military students navigate the demanding transition to the post-pandemic learning environment, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing social and emotional learning (SEL) needs. Drawing on existing literature as well as on empirical evidence, the present paper focuses on the unique benefits that this type of learning has for cadets and on the potential that foreign language classes can have as a platform for promoting Social and Emotional Learning competencies such as more involvement in the English classes, an increased resilience level, better relationship skills, or increased academic performance. The article also presents some potential challenges for the implementation of SEL in English classes at military academies, including alignment with existing curriculum standards, faculty training and support, and assessment of SEL outcomes. Furthermore, the paper suggests modalities in which SEL can be incorporated in the English classes by means of projects, role-plays, problem solving, etc. and pinpoints the role that educators play in facilitating SEL integration. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on the expertise of teachers and military leaders, academies can create inspirational learning environments that promote the social, emotional, and academic growth of their cadets, preparing them for the 21st century.

Development of Teaching Materials Based on Social Values of Banjar Community to Improve Students' Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is an essential skill to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage finances. The gap in understanding financial literacy among junior secondary level students reflects the urgent need to introduce innovative and effective learning teaching materials. This research was conducted with the aim of increasing students' financial literacy through the application of the Project Based Learning model. This research method is Research and Development (R&D) which adopted the 4D model of Thiagarajan, Semmel & Semmel in 1974. Validation of the teaching module was carried out by two expert lecturers and teacher response data was validated by two class IX junior high school teachers. Data analysis involves qualitative descriptive analysis techniques and descriptive statistics, including evaluation of validation results by experts and analysis of teacher responses. The results of the research show that teaching materials from the material aspect have an average Aiken's V value of 0.90 (Very Valid). In the language aspect of teaching materials, the average Aiken's V value is 0.89 (Very Valid). Teacher responses to teaching materials reached an average percentage of 85.25% (Very Good). Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that this research has succeeded in developing teaching materials based on the social values ofthe Banjar community to increase students' financial literacy.

A Study on the Variables Affecting the Expertise of Korean Language Teachers in Essay-type Assessments

A Study on the Variables Affecting the Expertise of Korean Language Teachers in Essay-type Assessments

Triadic mentoring through the lens of positioning theory and frame analysis

ABSTRACT This paper explores the relational dynamics in 10 triads from one university-based teacher education programme in England. Positioning theory and frame analysis are integrated to understand how teacher educators, mentors, and student teachers make sense of the placement experience and distribute mutual rights and duties. Data were derived from observations of debriefs and in-depth interviews with all actors involved. Results reveal four different frames: the quality assurance frame, the school-university partnership frame, the socialisation frame, and the expert teacher frame, each opening up particular positions but also closing off others. This study challenges the uncritical acceptance of the benefits of triadic mentoring, while also offering a novel theoretical perspective for the study of its complexities.

Enhancing Malay Language Education: Usability Evaluation of the Kia ArPoly Kit for Malay Figurative Compound Nouns

The creation and evaluation of instructional tools are vital for improving the quality of education. This research assesses the usability of a newly developed instructional aid called the "Kia ArPoly Kit" for teaching Malay figurative compound nouns. Despite the availability of various instructional aids, their usability is often overlooked, leading to inefficiencies and decreased user satisfaction. The main objective of this study is to gauge the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction of the instructional aid and provide insights for further enhancements. The study comprises three phases: needs analysis, design and development, and usability evaluation. Usability testing, conducted through questionnaires with eight Malay Language Expert Teachers, formed the basis of the third phase. The evaluation focused on four key constructs: usefulness, ease of use, ease of learning, and user satisfaction. The results of the usability assessment demonstrate the high effectiveness and efficiency of the instructional aid kit. Specifically, 87.5% of respondents acknowledged the kit's contribution to helping teachers achieve teaching objectives more efficiently, while 90% found it easy to use and 88.3% expressed overall satisfaction. Furthermore, the kit was found to facilitate effective classroom activity management (90%), save preparation time (87.5%), and align with existing curriculum standards (92.5%). The research's key findings suggest that the instructional aid kit significantly enhances the teaching and learning process of Malay figurative compound nouns. The feedback obtained emphasizes the kit's strengths, including its user-friendliness and practical application in classroom settings. Moreover, the study offers valuable suggestions for further improvement, ensuring that the kit meets the evolving needs of both educators and students. These findings highlight the potential for broader applications of similar instructional aids in language education.

Development of Etno-STEM Integrated Bioentrepreneur Electronic LKPD PjBL on Technology Innovation Material to Improve Creative Thinking Abilities and Entrepreneurial Interests of High School Students

This development research aims to produce an ethno-STEM integrated PjBL bioentrepreneur electronic worksheet that is feasible, practical and effective for use in improving creative thinking abilities and entrepreneurial interest. This type of research is Research and Development R&D with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implement, and Evaluate). The subjects in this research were expert lecturers, teachers and students. The instruments in this research are interview instruments, needs questionnaires, feasibility questionnaires, practicality questionnaires, learning implementation sheets, teaching module validation questionnaires, test instruments, and entrepreneurial interest questionnaires. The instrument will be validated by experts and then tested. Data analysis using Manova and N-gain score tests. The results of this research show that the ethno-STEM integrated bioentrepreneur PjBL electronic worksheet is very feasible with a feasibility score for material experts of 84% and media experts of 94%, very practical with a practicality score for teachers of 100% and students of 89%, and effective as seen from The N-gain test value for creative thinking ability for the experimental class was 0.57 and the control class was 0.47 in the medium category and the N-gain test for entrepreneurial interest in the experimental class was 0.40 and the control class was 0.30 in the medium category. The Manova test obtained sig. hotteling's trace 0.00 < 0.05. The results of the Manova and N-gain tests show that the ethno-STEM integrated bioentrepreneur PjBL electronic LKPD is effective in increasing creative thinking abilities and entrepreneurial interest