Iranian English As A Foreign Language Learners Research Articles

Disclosing the Correlation Between Using ChatGPT and Well‐Being in EFL Learners: Considering the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation

ABSTRACTArtificial Intelligence (AI)‐driven chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have significantly impacted education, especially for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. However, there is paucity of empirical evidence concerning the role of chatbots in psycho‐emotional constructs like well‐being and emotion regulation. It is important to address this issue because it can further our understanding of the ways through which using ChatGPT affects psycho‐emotional constructs in EFL learners. This study aimed to unpack the intersection between using ChatGPT and well‐being, with a focus on the mediating role of emotion regulation in the EFL context of Iran. Using convenience sampling, 492 EFL learners (205 males and 287 females) were invited to complete validated scales measuring ChatGPT use, well‐being, and emotion regulation. The outcomes of structural equation modelling revealed a strong mediation effect of emotion regulation in the relationship between using ChatGPT and well‐being. Additionally, significant positive correlations were found between using ChatGPT and both well‐being and emotion regulation. Besides, a significant positive relationship was established between emotion regulation and well‐being among the EFL learners. The results imply that the integration of ChatGPT into the Iranian EFL learning environment can be beneficial, considering its positive correlations with both well‐being and emotion regulation among the Iranian EFL learners.

Developing and validating perceived intercultural communication anxiety/apprehension scale

AbstractIntercultural communication research has highlighted the significance of intercultural communication apprehension/anxiety measurement and instrument development in diverse sociocultural contexts. This study embarked on developing and validating a scale, the Perceived Intercultural Communication Anxiety/Apprehension Scale (PICAS) in the English as a foreign language (EFL) context. By drawing upon the review of the literature and expert judgment, a Likert scale with 52 items was developed for assessing the construct of intercultural communication anxiety/apprehension, which was subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with 760 Iranian EFL learners. The ultimate results of exploratory factor analysis evidenced 17 items with a stable five‐factor solution, comprising L2 proficiency, prejudice and stereotypes, significant others' attitudes, status, and context familiarity factors. The subsequent CFA confirmed the five‐factor model. The five‐factor PICAS was found to be psychometrically reliable and valid. Potential applications, future directions, and limitations are finally addressed.

English learners’ beliefs about L2 speaking fluency: Insights from elicited metaphor analysis

AbstractSecond language (L2) learners hold different learning beliefs that influence their interpretation of classroom experiences and their L2 learning process. Developing a thorough understanding of such beliefs is therefore imperative. This article reports the representations of Iranian English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language (EFL) learners’ beliefs about L2 speaking fluency as revealed by elicited metaphors and follow‐up interviews. A group of 24 Iranian EFL learners majoring in teaching English as a foreign language were asked to conceptualize L2 speaking fluency through metaphor. Learners’ metaphorical representations were examined using metaphor analysis and organized into eight metaphor themes through thematic analysis. The findings suggest that metaphor is a suitable tool for gaining insight into learners’ beliefs about L2 speaking fluency and capturing its complex, multifaceted nature. Various aspects were conceptualized, which revealed that learners had a deep understanding of L2 speaking fluency and could represent its multifaceted nature in the learning process. Additionally, this research sheds light on contextual factors that might contribute to learners’ beliefs. The findings fill a gap in research concerning EFL learners’ beliefs about L2 speaking fluency and have useful implications for L2 teachers, learners, and researchers.

SOCIAL NETWORKING SYSTEMS IN ENHANCING METACOGNITIVE AWARENESS: POST-PANDEMIC INFORMAL LEARNING AMONG IRANIAN ADULT EFL LEARNERS

In the current context of enhanced distance learning and reliance on technology in education, there is a greater need to investigate the linguistic and cultural resources embedded in learners’ use of social networking systems (SNS) as legitimate pedagogical platforms - both in formal and informal settings. Within new and unique configurations of teaching and learning in the post-pandemic era, a more context-sensitive learning style is needed to ensure a sustainable platform of education for language learners, one that would be responsive to future challenges. This paper is a critical exploration of how Iranian EFL learners have used SNS tools to construct and develop their metacognitive awareness in response to the pressures of distant/online learning triggered by the pandemic, how it has facilitated new approaches that are more efficient than formal face-to-face classrooms, and how such learning constitutes a substantial investment into their future education. This qualitative case study involves an in-depth investigation of adult EFL (English as a foreign language) students from three English language centres in Tehran, Iran through semi-structured interviews to identify their perceptions of their metacognitive development in the last two years subsequent to the pandemic. Findings are likely to inform policymakers, school leaders, EFL teachers and students in terms of how to create a more optimised environment that will enhance both teaching and learning.

Informal digital learning of English and EFL learners’ willingness to communicate: investigating the mediating role of L2 grit

ABSTRACT Informal digital learning of English (IDLE) has recently become a heated debate in the realm of computer-assisted language learning. Despite the potential benefits of IDLE, the mediating role of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ domain-specific grit in the relationship between IDLE and willingness to communicate (WTC) has yet to receive due attention. Therefore, the current study explored how L2 grit mediated the relationship between IDLE and WTC. A sample of 313 Iranian EFL learners filled out three questionnaires. The results of the mediation model analysis conducted with AMOS indicated that L2 grit fully mediated the association between IDLE and WTC. In other words, it was figured out that IDLE impacts learners’ L2 WTC indirectly through their grit. The findings of this study implied that enhancing perseverance and passion for pursuing long-term goals can help EFL learners benefit from IDLE-based activities for communicative purposes. Ultimately, suggestions for future research are offered.

The Impact of a Simple Channel Factor on Vocabulary Learning of Iranian EFL Learners Across Genders

The concept of channel factors was introduced by Kurt Lewin to the field of psychology as seemingly unimportant circumstantial changes that could affect the trajectory of an endeavor. The primary goal of the present study was the examination of the impact of using a timeslot on Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' performance on vocabulary, and the respective comparison based on gender. A total number of 180 male and female upper-intermediate EFL learners participated in this study. They were divided into six classes: two classes were not provided with the channel factor, two of them received it from the outset, and the other two were exposed to it in the middle of the semester. The participants, all of whom took three tests (pretest, mid-test, post-test), were categorized into six types based on their gender and the existence and timing of the channel factors. The results of data analysis through Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the channel factor positively impacted the performance of participants regardless of gender. However, its impact was stronger on males in the short run but more endurable among females.

The impact of data-driven learning form-focused tasks on learners’ task engagement: An intervention study

Abstract Data-driven learning (DDL) form-focused tasks are a relatively new concept. These tasks involve using concordance lines to teach language in a way that integrates discovery learning, authentic language use, consciousness-raising, and the communicative use of language. Given their novelty, there haven’t been many studies on how they impact learners’ engagement. Therefore, this study sought to study whether DDL form-focused tasks influence English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ task engagement. A total of 114 Iranian EFL learners were randomly divided between comparison and intervention groups in a study that utilized an experimental (comparison group, pretest, and post-test) design within a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The comparison group completed 10 non-DDL form-focused tasks, whereas the intervention group completed 10 DDL form-focused tasks. The results of t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that incorporating DDL form-focused tasks into English classes enhanced EFL learners’ task engagement in the short run. However, the impact of DDL form-focused tasks on EFL learners’ task engagement was not durable. Moreover, analyzing semi-structured interview data suggested that using DDL-enhanced tasks with a form-focused approach increases EFL learners’ task engagement by triggering their curiosity, improving their autonomy, enhancing their concentration and interest, and facilitating their discovery learning. The present study lends more credence to the application of such tasks. The paper ends with implications for English language teaching and materials development.

The Intersection of Gender, Culture, and Metacognitive Reading Strategies in Iranian EFL Education: A Mixed-Methods Analysis in Pursuit of Inclusion and Equity

In English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education, metacognitive reading strategies (MRS) play a crucial role in learners' reading comprehension. This mixed-methods study investigated MRS among 178 Iranian EFL learners, focusing on gender and sociocultural dimensions. Utilizing an explanatory sequential design, participants—116 females and 62 males—were randomly sampled from two universities in Neyshabur, Iran. For the quantitative phase, a descriptive-correlational design using the Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS) and the TOEFL iBT reading section was employed. Descriptive analysis revealed nuanced differences in the use of MRS among Iranian EFL learners across genders, with an overall higher application by females (M = 3.61) compared to males (M = 3.44). In Support Reading Strategies, females demonstrated a higher application of strategies (M = 3.87) compared to males (M = 3.68). For Problem-Solving Strategies, female learners exhibited more frequent usage (M = 3.72) than their male counterparts (M = 3.46). Additionally, in Global Reading Strategies, there is a slight gender differential, with females showing a higher average score (M = 3.37) as opposed to males (M = 3.26). Independent samples t-tests revealed gender-specific differences in the overall MRS application, particularly in the subcategories of support and problem-solving strategies (p < .05), favoring females. In the qualitative phase, 12 participants were purposively sampled for semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis identified gender disparities exacerbated particularly by implicit teacher biases and sociocultural factors. These qualitative results corroborated and enriched the quantitative data, especially regarding gender-specific variations in MRS usage.

Effects of Collaborative Strategic Reading (CSR) on EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension, Reading Motivation, and Metacognitive Awareness

This study focused on investigating the effects of collaborative strategic reading (CSR) on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ reading comprehension, second language (L2) reading motivation, and metacognitive awareness. Following a quasi-experimental design, 48 Iranian EFL learners were selected from four intact language institute classes. Two of these classes were considered experimental groups (EGs), and two were regarded as control groups (CGs). Then, all four classes received the three pretests of the study (Reading Comprehension pretest, L2 Reading Motivation questionnaire, and metacognitive awareness questionnaire). Next, the treatment phase of the study began and all the groups received reading comprehension instruction. In the EGs, the teacher conducted the essential elements of cooperative learning through CSR strategies (preview, click & clunk, get the gist, and wrap up).
 On the other hand, CG learners received traditional reading comprehension classes with no group work. After the treatment, all four groups received the three posttests. The results of three one-way ANCOVAs revealed that CSR was significantly more effective than traditional instruction in improving EFL learners’ reading comprehension. In addition, it was found that CSR was significantly effective in improving EFL learners’ reading motivation and metacognitive awareness. The findings of the study can be utilized by language practitioners, materials, and curriculum developers to consider EFL students’ needs and goals in L2 reading.

The pedagogy for teaching suprasegmental features

Abstract Suprasegmental (prosody) deficiencies seriously affect English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ comprehensibility and intelligibility. Among suprasegmental features, the most problematic for Iranian learners is rhythm, due to fundamental differences between English and Farsi language timing patterns. To improve learners’ pronunciation, computer-assisted pronunciation training (CAPT) is commonly applied to provide a private, individualized learning environment with unlimited input and visual, instant, and precise feedback. In our previous study, a specific kind of CAPT application, (MyET™) was used to enhance suprasegmental features of five Iranian EFL learners. The results showed that CAPT helped them improve their pronunciation skills. They also had positive attitudes toward taking this approach. In this short paper, we describe how prosody teaching actually occurred in the classroom, how we used the material, and how we reported the results. Suggestions and recommendations for further research are also presented.

Investigating the association of informal digital learning of English with EFL learners’ intercultural competence and willingness to communicate: a SEM study

Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE), such as watching online videos, playing games, or chatting with English speakers beyond the classroom, has received increasing attention over recent years as a potential source of intercultural competence (IC) and second language willingness to communicate (L2 WTC) development among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. However, little is known about how IDLE influences IC and L2 WTC among EFL learners, who face various challenges and opportunities in learning and using English in Iran. Thus, this research examined the relationship between IDLE and IC and L2 WTC in Iranian EFL learners. For this purpose, the study was conducted with the participation of 325 EFL learners from a language institute in Arak City, Iran, who were selected using convenience sampling. The participants completed the Digital Informal Learning Scale, the Intercultural Competence Scale, and the Willingness to Communicate Questionnaire. The results of the structural equation modeling revealed that IDLE had a significant positive association with both IC and L2 WTC. Further, the results indicated that IDLE dimensions, such as cognitive, meta-cognitive, social, and motivational aspects were significantly related to IC and L2 WTC. The findings approve that promoting IDLE among Iranian EFL learners could enhance their intercultural awareness and communication skills.

The Interplay of Contextual Variables and Language Proficiency in Request Realization

The significance of producing socially appropriate utterances, not just linguistically correct ones, has given rise to a plethora of studies on speech acts. In this regard, the performance of second and foreign language learners against the norms of the target language and the factors affecting them have yet to be thoroughly investigated. To contribute to this ongoing research, this study aimed to elicit pragmatic requestive features of Iranian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners with respect to (a) request directness, (b) request perspective, (c) internal modification, and (d) external modification in eight social situations. This study also examined whether language proficiency and two contextual factors of social power and social distance affect Iranian EFL learners’ requests in English. Participants were a total of 60 university students or graduates who had taken TOEFL in the past 2 years and were thus categorized into low and high proficiency levels. A Written Discourse Completion Test (WDCT) was employed to elicit requests. To achieve the objectives of this study, both descriptive statistics and two-way ANOVA were employed. The results showed a significant main effect for contextual factors; participants’ choice of requestive features was affected by the two social factors of power and distance. Proficiency, however, did not have a significant effect on the pragmatic performance of participants. The findings of this study showed pragmatic development of participants on the one hand and some evidence of their underdeveloped pragmatic performance on the other hand, which makes explicit instruction a necessity.

Discourse markers in L2 learners' responses to teacher‐generated compliments during classroom interaction

AbstractThis study explores discourse markers (DMs) as they occur with compliment responses (CRs) in classroom interactions among Iranian learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). Using the tenets of conversation analysis, this paper draws on data from teacher–student interactions in several private language institutes in Iran. After audiorecording and transcription of the compliment–response exchanges, 148 DMs were identified within the responses. These sequences were analyzed to find out how DMs are combined with four distinct CR types; accept, mitigate, reject, and request interpretation. DMs were also identified and categorizedbased on their frequency of occurance and semantic features to allow comparison with previous findings. The results of this study revealed that Iranian EFL learners resorted to a limited number of DMs in responses to teacher‐generated compliments, with “linking” DMs being the most favorable type. Moreover, some DMs were accompanied by a specific CR type which helped the formation of an intended illocutionary force by the complimentee. It was also observed that a DM or a combination of these markers can stand alone as a legitimate and functional response to compliments, which further reveals that DMs can contribute to both semantic and pragmatic meaning. These findings clearly suggest that explicit teaching of DMs in English language classes should be taken into consideration, as these linguistic elements can provide learners with important tools to convey their intended meaning more smoothly and effectively.

Online Team Teaching as the Predictive Power of Iranian EFL Learners’ Grammar Achievement

As one of the recent and motivating teaching methods, this research aimed to study team teaching as its focus. The study investigated any significant effect of team teaching on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Iranian learners’ grammar. Two classes of 25 learners (Experimental and control groups) were held. In these classes, 10 grammar tenses were chosen by the institute through learners’ weaknesses, such as present simple, present continuous, past simple, past continuous, and perfect tenses. Two teachers participated in this study, one as the main teacher responsible for teaching the materials and the assistant teacher responsible for doing the activities, answering learners’ questions, checking learners’ homework, and giving feedback to them. A grammar test was administered as the pre-test and post-test for both groups. The pre-test was taken before the 10 sessions and the post-test was taken after finishing the 10 sessions. The researcher analyzed both groups’ scores and the results indicate a significant positive effect of team teaching on the experimental group, signifying that the study’s treatment was statistically and significantly effective. Moreover, no significant difference was found between boys and girls in students’ grammar success as a result of team teaching.

Impact of Listening and Reading Skills Transfer on Speaking Accuracy, Fluency and Complexity of Iranian EFL Learners

Introduction: Over the past decades, enhancing learners’ speaking ability has been a major challenge for teachers and educators of English as a foreign language (EFL). Therefore, the current study aimed to see if reading and listening can boost students’ speaking ability in the process of skills transfer. Methodology: To explore the impact of reading and listening skills transfer on enhancing speaking accuracy, fluency, and complexity, two groups of EFL learners underwent a four-month intervention in which the effects of reading and listening skills on speaking ability were evaluated. One group was exposed to text, and the other group received audio input. Both groups gave summaries after working on different textual and audio tasks. After four months of treatment, both classes took a posttest. Results: The results showed that reading and listening, as a medium of input, boosted the speaking ability of learners. However, the class receiving listening input enjoyed a higher mean value in accuracy, fluency, and complexity and outperformed the class exposed to reading input. Conclusion: This study highlights the role of skills transfer theory while providing evidence for educators and practitioners to incorporate integrated skills practice when designing EFL courses.

Grit and Foreign Language Enjoyment as Predictors of EFL Learners’ Online Engagement: The Mediating Role of Online Learning Self-efficacy

This study examined the relationship among foreign language enjoyment (FLE), second language L2 grit, online learning self-efficacy (OLSE), and online learning engagement among Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. The study involved 578 Iranian EFL learners who completed self-report measures of the four constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were employed to confirm the validity of the scales and test the hypothesized model. The findings indicate that FLE positively affects online learning engagement and OLSE positively influences online learning engagement. Additionally, the study found that online self-efficacy mediates the relationship between L2 grit and online learning engagement. These results highlight the importance of FLE and OLSE in promoting online learning engagement, and the mediating role of online self-efficacy in the interplay between L2 grit and online learning engagement. This research sheds more light on the understanding of the factors that influence online learning engagement among EFL learners and has important implications for both theory and practice.

Investigating the facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use and usefulness of mobile-assisted language learning

Mobile technologies and factors influencing English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ willingness to integrate them into their learning processes are significant. This study aims at investigating the role of facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness as factors in predicting Iranian EFL learners’ perceptions toward mobile-assisted language learning (MALL). Accordingly, data were collected from 223 Iranian EFL learners who had their English language courses in the two major educational contexts (i.e., public schools and private institutes). Considering the first phase of the study, a statistically significant relationship was found between the three hypothesized factors (i.e., facilitating conditions, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness) and learners’ perceptions toward MALL. Furthermore, the facilitating conditions were associated with learners’ perceived ease of use. Regarding the second phase of the study, the analysis of the path coefficients indicated a significant predictive power of perceived usefulness on perceptions toward MALL. Also indicated in this study is the significant effect of facilitating conditions on learners’ perceived ease of use. The results are discussed in the light of the literature, and suggestions for further research are provided.

Relationship of Iranian EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Depth with Their Writing Vocabulary Use, Fluency, and Organization

Introduction: Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in investigating L2 English productive and receptive vocabulary knowledge in writing. Previous inquiries focused heavily on the pedagogical effects of teaching vocabulary on writing. A less investigated area is learners’ lexical competence involvement in the complicated writing process regarding their subcomponents. To bridge the research gap, the present study examined the alleged relationship between the elements of vocabulary depth (collocation and synonym) and the writing skill’s subcomponents (vocabulary use, content, and organization). Methodology: Thirty intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ writing scores on the Preliminary English Test were compared and correlated to the depth of vocabulary knowledge (DVK). The writing texts were given a holistic score, and several lexical measures were calculated. Results: The results indicated significant relationships between DVK and writing, synonym and vocabulary use, synonym and content, collocation and vocabulary use, and collocation and writing scores. The result of multiple linear regression revealed the double impact of collocation as a predictor of writing scores. Conclusion: The findings showed the predictable pedagogical value of practicing collocation in EFL writing enhancement.

Teacher support, growth language mindset, and academic engagement: The mediating role of L2 grit

Engagement as an essential factor for active and meaningful learning of English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) is affected by both learner external (e.g., teacher support) and internal (e.g., growth language mindset and L2 grit) factors. This study examined the relationship between perceived teacher support, growth language mindset, and academic engagement by considering the mediating role of L2 grit. The participants were 295 Iranian EFL learners selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. The SEM results indicated that perceived teacher support and growth language mindset directly and positively predicted academic engagement. Additionally, L2 grit mediated the relationships ‘between perceived teacher support and academic engagement’ and ‘between growth language mindset and academic engagement’. EFL learners receiving more teacher support and endorsing higher levels of growth language mindset can successfully overcome failures and difficulties in their learning process by showing more persistence in dealing with challenges and sustaining their interest, which could considerably enhance their engagement in learning.

On the construct and perceptual validity measures of L1-based vs. L2-based elicitation as a measure of L2 classroom performance assessment

This study aimed at investigating the English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ perceptions of L1-based and L2-based elicitations in the English classroom employing an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. Ninety-seven Iranian intermediate EFL learners of English have been selected from Islamic Azad University (Science and Research Branch) in Tehran Province using a convenient sampling method. Of these, in the qualitative phase, 15 individuals were selected through a convenience sampling method as the focus group (N = 15; n = 8 for the L1 group and n = 7 for the L2 group). In the quantitative phase, 90 intermediate EFL learners were selected. The selected participants’ L2 performances were assessed through L1-based and L2-based elicitation techniques. They completed two validated researcher-made questionnaires to capture their perceptions of the elicitation techniques. Accordingly, five separate exploratory factor analyses were run to investigate the underlying constructs of the five components of the L1-based and L2-based perception questionnaires, the results of which showed that the correlation matrices were not singular and there were perfect correlations among all variables of L1-based and L2-based perception questionnaires. The findings show that the majority of respondents prefer to use their L2 in speaking classes and believe that L2 should be the prior language in general speaking classes. More than two-thirds of the respondents prefer to use L2 when they want to communicate with each other inside and outside of the classroom and prefer to use L2 in doing their assignments or performing orally in class. More than half of the respondents prefer to use L2 in assessment sessions.