Instructional Techniques Research Articles

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.

Blending Tradition and Innovation: Student Opinions on Modern Anatomy Education

Anatomy education has evolved significantly with the introduction of diverse instructional techniques. This review evaluates these methods, including traditional cadaver dissection, three-dimensional (3D) model printing, virtual dissection using tools like the Anatomage table, problem-based learning (PBL), and the use of wax and plastinated models. Each approach presents unique benefits and challenges. Cadaver dissection remains invaluable for providing hands-on experience and a deep understanding of anatomical structures, although it faces ethical, logistical, and financial constraints. Wax and plastinated models offer durable, precise representations of anatomical structures without the ethical concerns associated with cadavers. Additionally, 3D printing and virtual dissection have emerged as effective supplementary tools, enhancing spatial understanding and allowing repeated practice. PBL integrates anatomical knowledge with clinical reasoning, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The main aim of this study was to gather and analyze students’ opinions on various anatomy teaching methods, while a secondary objective was to review the literature on novel and traditional approaches in anatomy education. This review emphasizes the importance of incorporating a variety of teaching methods to create a dynamic and engaging anatomy curriculum, preparing students for clinical practice.

The Direct Method in Language Teaching: A Literature Review of Its Effectiveness

The Direct Method in language teaching, which emphasizes teaching language through immersion and avoiding the use of the learner’s native language, has been widely used in educational settings for over a century. Its focus on oral communication, everyday vocabulary, and inductive grammar teaching has made it a popular approach. However, debates about its effectiveness compared to more modern teaching methods have persisted, particularly in terms of long-term language acquisition and proficiency. This literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Direct Method by analyzing studies conducted across various educational contexts. The review examines how this method impacts learners’ speaking, listening, and overall communicative competence. By synthesizing both qualitative and quantitative research, the study provides a comprehensive view of the strengths and limitations of the Direct Method. The findings indicate that while the Direct Method improves oral proficiency and listening skills in the short term, it may not be as effective for developing reading and writing skills. Studies show that the method fosters greater student engagement and motivation but may not adequately address the complexities of advanced grammar and academic language. Furthermore, the method’s effectiveness depends heavily on the teacher’s skill in creating immersive language environments. In conclusion, the Direct Method offers valuable benefits for beginner and intermediate learners, especially in communicative aspects of language. However, it requires supplementation with other approaches to develop comprehensive language proficiency. Future research should explore ways to integrate the Direct Method with more advanced instructional techniques for a balanced approach to language teaching.

The role of modelling during instruction in collaborative creativity

This research examines how modelling, a common instructional technique where a teacher or expert demonstrates a task or skill, impacts students' creative expression in artistic disciplines like music, dance, and visual arts. The study specifically focuses on elementary students engaged in creative collaboration activities, generating movements to music and altering lyrics to a folk song. Through audio and video recordings of student activity, the study observed how students interacted with both the teacher's and their peers' modelled examples. The findings indicate that students often imitated the teacher's examples and adhere closely to the model, creating some confusion for students during idea generation and the rejection of certain ideas.Findings show that in lessons where creative activities are designed to elicit a variety of ideas and make connections, how students interpret modelling can be complex. This highlights the need for clear communication about the intended use of modelling. Despite the small sample size, the study provides initial insights into the challenges and complexities of using modelling in creative educational tasks, emphasising the balance between imitation and creativity.

The pedagogical insights of mathematics teachers integrating artificial intelligence in rural upper primary schools of Namibia

This paper presents a qualitative intervention study that explores the pedagogical experiences of mathematics teachers integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into teaching mathematics in rural upper primary schools in Namibia. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, which intersects teachers’ understanding of technology integration with pedagogical techniques and subject matter knowledge, was adopted for the study. The research involved 13 mathematics teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data collection included two sharing circle discussions, lesson observations, and semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis approach was employed to interpret the collected data. The findings reveal a diverse range of AI tools used by the selected teachers, such as Geogebra, Khan Academy, Virtual Tutors, and various problem-solving mobile applications, including Photomath, Mathway, and Microsoft Math Solver. These AI resources were noted for enhancing the visualisation of mathematical concepts, providing adaptive learning experiences, and promoting independent, paced learning that supports learners' learning styles. Teachers reported a marked improvement in learners’ comprehension and problem-solving abilities attributable to AI integration. Despite the benefits of AI in education, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas. Key issues include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to devices, and the need for ongoing teacher training in technological pedagogical content knowledge. Additionally, the lack of culturally relevant AI technologies hinders effective AI-supported learning in diverse contexts. Greater investment in localised AI educational tools is needed to achieve equitable and effective learning outcomes.

University EFL Students’ Perspectives on Educators’ Digital Competence at Qassim University

Personal and professional success in the digital age requires digital abilities. Increased expectations that graduates be adept in digitisation while joining the job need higher education institutions to successfully incorporate digital aspects. This study evaluates university EFL students' digital integrative attitudes and instructors' digital proficiency. Digital tools are emphasised for collaborative learning. Researchers seek to address two key questions: What are EFL students’ perspectives on digital learning? How do they assess teachers' IT skills? It appears through the end result not all instructos have the same digital competency and it is strictly field dependent. This variance in the digital capalities and field orientation decideis the choice of their preferredd pedagogical tools. Digital collaborative learning was used by both categories of students: engineering students and non-engineering EFL students to variable degrees. This suggests that punishing students may affect preferences and behaviours in this area. EFL students were confident in their digital tool usage, although they didn't comprehend all the features. This study's results may improve instructional techniques, institutional standards, and professional development programmes to improve educators' digital abilities. As digital technology integration evolves, global higher education consequences are enormous.

Transformative impacts of explicit morphological instruction on irregular inflectional acquisition in Saudi EFL learners

The study aimed to investigate the transformative effect of overt instruction on the acquisition of irregular inflectional morphemes by Saudi EFL learners. A mixed-method approach consisting of quantitative data and complemented with a qualitative descriptive analysis was adopted for this study to measure the transformative effect of explicit instruction through pretest and posttest procedures. Input Processing Theory and Processability Theory were used in this study to see the transformative effect of overt instruction between the control and experimental groups. The study employed visual aids and metalinguistic discussion instructional techniques to treat the experimental group with a one-hour session once a week, other than the normal classroom instruction sessions. In total, it continued for seven consecutive weeks. The results demonstrated that a p-value less than 0.001 for all three hypotheses developed in the study posited in favour of the alternative hypothesis and rejected the null hypothesis. Hence, the two groups significantly differed in their vocabulary knowledge: morpheme recognition and morpheme use in writing. The results support the hypotheses developed initially in this study that overt instruction of inflectional irregular morphological knowledge transfers to the EFL learners’ writing skills and facilitates L2 acquisition. The study has significant implications for foreign language learners, L2 teachers, and researchers.

TEACHING ENGLISH AS A PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE: STRATEGIES AND METHODOLOGIES IN ESP EDUCATION

The rise of globalization has amplified the necessity for professionals across diverse fields to acquire proficiency in English, not only as a general communicative language but also as a specialized tool within their respective professions. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) has emerged as a crucial subset of English Language Teaching (ELT), focusing on the tailored needs of learners in specific fields, such as business, engineering, healthcare, and law. This paper explores effective strategies and methodologies in ESP education, highlighting best practices for teaching English as a professional language. The article discusses key theoretical approaches, pedagogical techniques, and the role of technology in enhancing ESP instruction.

Big Data Analysis and Digital Sharing Research on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education in the Digital Economy Era

Within the rapidly evolving panorama of the virtual financial system, the function of training in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship has become more and more vital. This study aims to explore how big records analysis and digital sharing techniques can be leveraged to complement innovation and entrepreneurship schooling. The observation is grounded within the context of the virtual economy generation, characterised with the aid of the proliferation of virtual technologies and the exponential boom of facts. The middle objective is to research how instructional techniques can be more desirable thru the utility of large records analytics and digital sharing, thereby preparing college students extra effectively for entrepreneurial roles inside the digital age. The studies employ a deep learning technique, combining quantitative information evaluation with qualitative insights. Primary statistics could be accumulated through surveys and interviews with educators and marketers, even as secondary statistics will be sourced from existing educational literature and case research. The observe will awareness on key regions which includes the effect of huge facts on expertise marketplace developments and client conduct, the function of virtual sharing in fostering collaborative learning and innovation, and the integration of these technologies into curriculum design and pedagogical practices. Anticipated results include a set of recommendations for academic institutions on integrating large statistics and digital sharing tools into entrepreneurship training. The study targets to offer insights into how this technology can enhance college students’ analytical and innovative skills, put together them for the challenges of the digital economic system, and foster a tradition of innovation and entrepreneurial attitude.

INTEGRATING AI-BASED SPEECH RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE READING ASSESSMENTS WITHIN MOROCCO’S TaRL PROGRAM

This study examined the integration of artificial intelligence-powered speech recognition technology within early reading assessments in Morocco’s Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) program. The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of an automated speech recognition tool compared to traditional paper- based assessments in improving reading skills among 100 Moroccan first to third-graders. The mixed- method approach combined pre-post standardized reading tests with qualitative feedback. Results showed students receiving the AI-enabled speech recognition assessments demonstrated significant gains in reading achievement compared to peers assessed via traditional methods. Qualitative findings revealed benefits of instant feedback and enhanced engagement provided by the speech recognition tool. This study contributes timely empirical evidence on adopting learning technologies, specifically AI-driven automated speech assessment instruments, to enhance foundational literacy development within under-resourced education systems implementing student-centered pedagogical techniques like TaRL. It provides valuable insights and guidance for integrating innovative speech analysis tools within localized teaching and learning frameworks to strengthen early reading instruction and monitoring.

Developing Positive Design with Innovative Thinking Framework: A design Pedagogical Approach to Enhance Subjective Well-being

Design thinking is the foundation of professional design education, and the shift from zero to professional design skill involves the completion of the transition from single-mindedness to independent and innovative thinking. In this exploratory study on design teaching, we build a novel teaching model by drawing on the connection between students' self-transcendent knowledge and formal knowledge in design thinking. Based on the Design for Happiness framework (DfH), this study uses Positive Emotional Granularity cards (PEG) to stimulate students to identify and categorize various positive emotions. We matched 15 furniture-related positive emotion keywords, summarized the corresponding design strategies, and subsequently generated Design for Happy Furniture cards (DfHF). We looked at new structural reorganizations of design teaching resources and effective teaching models and examples that might be used in course delivery. This study used the USE scale for quantitative analysis and triangulation for qualitative data analysis. The results indicate that this method is crucial for making it easier to convert design ideas into practice and for enhancing the efficiency of instructional techniques in a specific design procedure. The bottom-up approach is beneficial for creating sets of cards and design strategies, as well as for utilizing the cards in innovative ways to enhance students' creativity, engagement, and self-efficacy. DfHF cards are a valuable tool for promoting motivation and facilitating the constructive learning of creative skills. They not only improve students' creative thinking abilities but also expedite the design decision-making process and prioritize emotional integration and user well-being.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Microteaching and School Environmental Introduction (PLP 2) in Developing Teaching Skills for Biology Education Students

The research presented a comparison analysis of the effectiveness of microteaching and PLP 2 in developing teaching skills for biology education students. Microteaching, a commonly used method in higher education, involves simulated teaching sessions where students receive feedback from peers and instructors. On the other hand, PLP 2 offers practical teaching experience in a school environment, providing real challenges and interaction with students in the classroom. This research evaluates and compares how both methods contribute to improving teaching competencies. The main findings indicate that while microteaching focuses on pedagogical techniques and classroom management, PLP 2 emphasizes adaptability to various learning environments and student engagement strategies. The study concludes that integrating both approaches into teacher education programs can better prepare aspiring educators with the comprehensive skills to teach in diverse educational contexts

Language Attitudes and Educational Implications A Study of Code-Switching Among College-Level Bilingual Students in Karachi

The prime objective is to explore the language attitudes of students in Karachi, Pakistan, in the context of bilingual education using Urdu and English as mediums of instruction; particularly, the study delves into how code-switching phenomenon between Urdu and English influences students' attitudes during English-based subject classes at the college level. Additionally, the study examines how these language attitudes impact students' academic performance. To gather inclusive insights, a mixed-method approach was employed for data collection. The gathered data underwent analysis to distinguish the variations in students' language attitudes towards each medium of instruction. Furthermore, the study assesses how these attitudes potentially affect the learning of English-based subjects at the college level. The findings reflect that learners strongly preferred code-switching because they felt it helped them better comprehend difficult subjects and they could perform better academically. Although students appreciated being able to communicate in English, they thought bilingual education was more beneficial to learning. To improve student engagement and learning outcomes, the study recommends that educational institutions implement controlled code-switching as a component of their instructional technique, maintaining a balance between English and Urdu.

Investigation of Effective Teaching According to Pre-Service Teachers’ Views and Their Teaching Methods

The study examined how prospective teachers defined effective teaching; the methods and techniques used by pre-service teachers during their teaching practicum and their reasons to use; and how these instructional techniques fit specific teaching principles. The participants in this study were 18 university seniors registered in the Elementary Education Department at a state-university. The data were obtained from an Information Form completed by participating pre-service teachers, their prepared lesson plans, video recordings of practicum teaching experiences, and observation notes. Collected data were analysed through descriptive analysis. Findings showed that pre-service teachers often mentioned following a student-centred approach. They emphasized the roles of an effective teacher as using different teaching methods, techniques and materials as well as guiding students, making learners more active and paying attention to students’ individual differences. In terms of students’ roles in effective teaching, they mentioned students should actively participate in class, take responsibility for learning, think critically, and transfer their learning to new situations. It was determined that pre-service teachers had sufficient knowledge in the selection of methods and techniques. Pre-service teachers frequently included the 5E learning cycle model, question-answer and drama methods in their lessons. Suggestions were provided based on research findings.

AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH TO TESTING THE TECHNIQUE OF CREATIVE WRITING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING AT A UNIVERSITY

This article delves into the investigation of the effectiveness of integrating creative writing activities within the context of foreign language classrooms at the university level. The primary objective is to scrutinize the conditions and outcomes associated with the implementation of creative writing techniques in foreign language instruction and its impact on language acquisition processes. Drawing inspiration from the theories of Noam Chomsky on first language acquisition and Stephen Krashen on second language acquisition, this study adopts an experimental approach to explore the influence of creative writing on language learning.Employing methods such as contrastive analysis, descriptive analysis, and comparison, the study unveils the pivotal role of creative writing across different proficiency levels, ranging from intermediate to advanced fluency stages. It is observed that students, particularly during these stages, exhibit a heightened need for linguistic expression, transcending conventional academic written outputs.Furthermore, the article categorizes and reviews various types of activities involving creative writing, shedding light on their potential outcomes. The experimental aspect of this research involves the implementation of creative writing techniques in university foreign language classes, yielding promising results. Through this experimental endeavor, students demonstrated enhanced engagement, improved language proficiency, and heightened creativity in linguistic expression.The scientific novelty of this article lies in its unique exploration of the intersections between foreign language acquisition and creative writing, a topic relatively underexplored in local pedagogical inquiries. Theoretical significance is derived from the comprehensive analysis and systematization of a technique that is not yet widely integrated into foreign language teaching practices in Kazakhstan's higher education institutions. The practical implications of the study extend to pedagogical and academic contexts, providing valuable insights for educators and researchers alike.

Investigating the effectiveness of input-based techniques on the acquisition of English passive: A comparative study of explicit instruction and input-based techniques

This study investigates the efficacy of various grammar instruction techniques, namely focus-on-form (FonF) and focus-on-forms (FonFs), on the acquisition and production of the English passive voice. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design was employed across four treatment groups without a control group, involving 62 Turkish learners of English, enrolled in preparatory classes at a public university in Turkey, with a B1 (intermediate) proficiency level. The study assessed the effectiveness of input flood (IF), input flood coupled with textual enhancement (IF + TE), input flood with explicit grammar teaching (IF + EGT), and rule-based instruction (RBI). Authentic texts on global warming and climate change were used as materials, with passive sentences underlined for the IF + TE group and explicit grammar explanations provided to the IF + EGT group. Findings point to a clear superiority of RBI in the learners’ grammatical acquisition and production, supporting the idea that explicit instruction, followed by controlled practice, significantly enhances learning outcomes. Contrary to RBI's success, the IF only approach did not yield a substantial impact, questioning the effectiveness of implicit teaching methods for complex grammatical structures. The study also examined the relationship between explicit knowledge and communicative practice, finding that explicit instruction is critical even within communicative frameworks. These outcomes align with the Noticing Hypothesis, emphasizing that conscious recognition of grammatical forms is necessary for effective language acquisition. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on the efficacy of explicit grammar instruction versus implicit learning, suggesting that a combination of instruction focusing on form within a communicative context can be beneficial for EFL learners.

Portfolio Assessment in Enhancing the Grammatical Competencies in Writing

This study determined the role of the portfolio assessment as a learner-centered assessment in enhancing learners’ grammatical competencies of students in writing during the third quarter of School Year 2023-2024. The researcher used descriptive rubrics to determine the gain scores in writing through portfolio assessment. This study utilized quantitative research design that draws statistical conclusion from quantitative data. The students' performances in writing have been described in terms of portfolio assessment highlighting the grammatical competencies of the students in terms of Lexis and Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation, Cohesion and Coherence. As a result from the statistical analysis, there is a significant difference in the mean pre-writing and post-writing test scores of the students in the portfolio-assessed reflective learning activities across all three grammatical competencies although the study concludes Grade 8 students need to further enhance their level of grammatical competence in cohesion and coherence compared to lexis and spelling and grammar and vocabulary. The merits and essentials of the findings were drawn and treated as inputs in the development of portfolio assessment in enhancing the grammatical competencies in writing. Recommendations are offered to improve strategies and techniques in instruction and in the development of this strategy will complement the goal to develop the relevant competencies of students in the field of English language learning.

‘Teaching should always be a little bit interesting for the teachers, too’: Preceptor experiences of co-teaching ultrasound in a clinical skills course

Purpose Medical schools increasingly incorporate ultrasound into preclinical curricula but face barriers including financial constraints, shortages of qualified instructors, and limited curricular space. This study explored how integrating ultrasound co-teaching into an existing first-year clinical skills course influenced preceptors’ teaching experiences and characterized areas for curricular improvement. Methods Ultrasound instructors rotated through classrooms during small-group physical examination skills sessions with 110 medical students, joining physical examination preceptors who taught remaining session content. Twelve ultrasound and traditional preceptors’ experiences were characterized through focus group interviews paired with inductive thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified. First, the shared classroom fostered vicarious learning and novel instruction techniques but could feel disruptive to teaching. Second, ultrasound integration prompted physical examination preceptors to adopt a learner role. Third, students appeared to associate ultrasound with anatomy and physiology more than physical examination. Finally, ultrasound integration carries multiple logistical considerations. Conclusions Co-teaching ultrasound within clinical skills courses can promote learning and was associated with multiple effects on faculty preceptors and the teaching process. Those planning similar initiatives should consider strategies to optimize preceptor experiences, minimize disruptive potential, and promote connections between ultrasound and physical examination content.

Integrative Neuro-social cognitive Strategy Programme for Instilling REcovery (INSPIRE): a community-based cognitive remediation trial-study procotol

BackgroundAdults with schizophrenia experience a range of neurocognitive problems that affect their daily functioning. Evidence for the efficacy of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia has been established, but its implementation in under-resourced community-based settings is less well-studied. In recent years, interventions have also focused on the strategy-learning approach in favor of drill-and-practice. Moreover, there is an increasing recognition to address social cognition and negative symptoms alongside neurocognition.This study attempts to carry out cognitive remediation in a community mental health setting. The Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to Remediation (NEAR) is used as the cognitive remediation intervention. Neurocognitive and social cognitive games will be introduced during the computer-assisted cognitive exercises sessions. In addition, the instructional technique will foster the use of metacognition and cognitive strategies. Moreover, metamotivation training will be the focus of some bridging sessions to enhance motivation to engage in goal-directed learning behaviors.The aims of the study are to 1) investigate the effects of cognitive remediation on neurocognition, social cognition and functional outcomes of participants with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders in community mental health settings; and 2) explore the mediators for change (eg: metamotivation, metacognition and negative symptoms) in cognitive performance and functional outcomes.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial will be conducted in three Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) centers, where standard psychiatric rehabilitation is delivered. Participants who are randomized to the experimental arm will receive cognitive remediation and psychiatric rehabilitation, while those randomized to the control arm will receive standard psychiatric rehabilitation only. Cognitive remediation is carried out three times a week for 12 weeks. It consists of computer-assisted cognitive exercises, as well as bridging groups to aid transfer of learning to daily living. Baseline, post-intervention and eight-week follow-up measurements will be collected. Group by time differences in cognitive performance, negative symptoms, metamotivation, metacognition, functioning and recovery will be analyzed across the three time points. Mediators for improvement in cognitive performance and functioning will also be explored.DiscussionFindings of this research will add to the body of knowledge about the key therapeutic ingredients within a strategy-based cognitive remediation program and improve its implementation within under-resourced community settings.Trial registrationThis study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06286202). Date of registration: 29 February 2024. Date of last update: 21 May 2024.

‘I thought, I believed, and I did it’: a case study about the successful implementation of twenty-first-century skills in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT Despite multiple challenges, some teachers in Trinidad and Tobago are able to develop twenty-first-century thinking and skills among their students. Using a single-subject case design, this study investigated the challenges faced and the strategies employed by one such case (a female, elementary teacher) for this purpose. Data were collected through observations and multiple semi-structured interviews. Traditional mindset and pedagogical techniques, lack of support and access to modern tools, and infrastructural issues were mentioned as the key challenges. However, she successfully overcame them by engaging the students through constant questioning, fun-filled and participatory classes, emphasising higher-order thinking, real-life and contextual problem-solving skills, and mixing multiple instructional techniques. Most importantly, it was found that her actions (investigated through observations) and words (found through interviews) were aligned. The study suggests that despite all the challenges, if the teachers are determined, willing to learn, and innovate; they can still make a difference.