Language Courses Research Articles

Brain Dominance, Learning Styles and Reading Comprehension of Saudi EFL Learners: A Survey Study

Development of global skills to pave the way in the Sustainable Development Goals (SGs) requires institutions around the world to put quality education as one of the pillars for a sustainable economy. The present study employed a descriptive survey research design to capture the brain dominance, learning styles, and reading comprehension of Saudi EFL learners. The study involved a randomly sampled 154 students enrolled in language and reading courses at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. The results of the study showed that Saudi EFL learners are left-brain dominant in that they consider themselves analytical, logical, methodological, and detail-oriented. Similarly, the distribution of respondents' learning styles, whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic, is almost equal, indicating that the Saudi EFL learners have distinct learning preferences and processes. Finally, the results revealed that a significant number of students excel in reading, while a smaller number still struggle with it. Hence, Qassim University must implement student-centered language teaching interventions and strategies to realize the vision of the Saudi future. The diversity of Saudi EFL learners necessitates different instructional modalities and processes, and their level of reading performance demands effective interventions to address their language capabilities.

Prolegomeni allo studio dei parlanti ereditari di sardo

When a minority language holds a subordinate position and is neglected or abandoned in family communication, some speakers acquire it imperfectly, resulting in limited proficiency; these individuals are known as heritage speakers. However, some heritage speakers later develop an attachment to their ancestral language and choose to study it in formal or informal educational settings, becoming heritage learners. This study focuses on heritage learners of Sardinian, a Romance language spoken in Sardinia. Today, most Sardinian residents under fifty primarily speak Italian, but there is a growing interest in Sardinian language courses aimed at reconnecting community members with their linguistic heritage. This research examines the grammatical and lexical competence of a sample of these heritage learners, particularly focusing on areas identified in the literature as vulnerable to erosion and interference from Italian. Specifically, it will demonstrate that in instances of grammatical or lexical divergence between Sardinian and Italian, heritage learners tend to accept both idiomatic Sardinian forms and Italian-influenced forms, indicating significant interference in their proficiency of the minority language. This study aims to help language teachers develop targeted interventions to enhance the competence of heritage learners, differentiating from curricula designed for second language learners of Sardinian when necessary.

International Students’ Investment in Learning Cantonese, English, Mandarin, and Portuguese in Multilingual Macao

ABSTRACT Extant literature describes challenges faced by international students, including language deficiency, culture shock, and identity crises. However, few studies have investigated international students’ second language (L2) learning in non-Anglophone higher education institutions using English as the medium of instruction (EMI), where English is used inside the classroom, and other language(s) are used outside. In a multilingual world, how international students’ L2 learning is shaped by their identities and social contexts, as multiple languages interact, is worth investigation. This study reports the L2 learning experiences of international students in Macao. Using semi-structured interviews, the researchers examined 15 participants’ routes for and negotiation of L2 learning investment in Cantonese, English, Mandarin, and Portuguese. Three main findings emerged: (a) participants’ main L2 learning routes were language courses and daily communication, with more investment in English and Mandarin than in Cantonese and Portuguese; (b) participants were discouraged from investing in L2s other than English, as they used English in Macao, identifying as “foreigners” and “deficient speakers” of other languages; (c) languages competed for participants’ limited resources, with English and Mandarin prevailing as more beneficial for their futures. This paper provides a unique perspective on the global language ecology through international student sojourners in a multilingual context.

EFFECTIVE USE OF MODERN INTERACTIVE METHODS IN TEACHING ENGLISH

This article highlights several ways to learn English effectively and some of the modern learning technologies in language learning as well. Modern foreign languages are becoming an important component of professional education in society. Such people acquire knowledge first at school, college, lyceum, and then at institutions the main one that helps to learn a foreign language in courses or independently they learn by familiarizing themselves with data sets.

Formation of professionally oriented lexical competence among students of non-linguistic universities in the training program «Technosphere Safety»: a case study of the English language course

Modern methods of teaching foreign languages in non-linguistic universities are determined by the need to effectively combine language and professional training that meets the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education (FSES HE). The key goal of this system is to develop students’ skills in understanding professionally-oriented information and developing the competence to communicate in a foreign language in professional situations.The article discusses issues related to the formation of professionally oriented lexical competence among students of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Maikop State Technological University» in the training program «Technosphere Safety». The study emphasizes the relevance of the topic, since when studying a professional foreign language it is impossible to develop lexical competence without the ability to work with thesaurus in one’s professional field.The goal of the research is to clarify the methods of developing professionally-oriented lexical competence among students of non-linguistic universities in the training program 20.03.01 «Technosphere Safety» in the process of reading texts in the specialty in English. The extent to which it is necessary to select lexical material and compile an individual thesaurus with a professional focus is assessed, which allows students to better understand professional texts, expand their vocabulary and accurately use professional terminology.Professionally oriented texts were the research material; linguistic and lexical units were analyzed, the skill of developing lexical competence among students was practiced.The research is based on complex research methods, consisting of theoretical methods (deductive analysis, method of statistical work with lexical material, comparative analysis) and empirical methods (observation method and data analysis).As a result of the research, a strategy for working on vocabulary when reading professionally oriented texts has been proposed, and the most effective exercises for developing lexical competence among students in the training program «Technosphere Safety» have been identified.Key conclusions: the formation of professionally oriented lexical competence among students of non-linguistic universities when working with foreign language texts on the topic «Technosphere Security» helps to analyze the information received and to form lexical competence and the skill of using an individual terminological thesaurus in the professional field, expanding the vocabulary in the specialty.

Effects of Collaborative Assessment on Undergraduate Students’ Writing Performance

This study investigates the impact of collaborative assessment on undergraduate students’ writing performance in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses in Indonesia. Collaborative assessment, which encompasses self-assessment, peer assessment, and teacher assessment, enhances writing proficiency and critical thinking skills. This study exclusively incorporates the field dependence-independence (FDI) cognitive styles to explore how these learning styles interact with collaborative assessment strategies. The research used a quantitative method to involve 120 students from Universitas Pancasakti Tegal, divided into field-independent and field-dependent groups. Over 14 weeks, students participated in collaborative assessment activities within their writing courses. Pre- and post-tests, along with survey questionnaires, measured improvements in writing performance and student attitudes. Results indicated significant improvements in writing skills for both cognitive style groups, with field-independent students showing slightly higher gains. The study concludes that collaborative assessment effectively enhances writing performance and fosters positive learning attitudes, regardless of cognitive style, and recommends integrating this approach into EFL writing instruction. The findings imply that collaborative assessment is a valuable tool for accommodating diverse learning styles in EFL education.

CHATGPT IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT: EXPLORING EFL INSTRUCTORS’ EXPERIENCE

The paper presents the results of the first stage of the research into the specifics of ChatGPT application in assessment development for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses. The article aims to investigate the perceptions of English language teachers regarding the utilization of ChatGPT in their teaching and assessment practices obtained through a survey in order to establish the degree of their familiarity with the possibilities of ChatGPT for teaching a foreign language and the mechanics of AI-generated test tasks design. The participants are mostly experienced English language instructors, affiliated with higher education institutions in Ukraine, the EU and the USA. Findings reveal varying levels of respondents’ confidence in ChatGPT's functionalities. A considerable proportion of educators appeared to be either unfamiliar with ChatGPT or possess limited knowledge of its capabilities. Hesitancy in implementing ChatGPT in teaching practice primarily stems from a lack of guidance as to its effective utilization closely followed by academic integrity concerns. However, educators who have employed ChatGPT recognize its potential as an assistant in lesson planning, content creation, task design, and assessment, especially for vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Despite acknowledging the tool's benefits, respondents express reservations about ChatGPT-generated tasks’ accuracy for assessment purposes. Challenges include the need for meticulous proofreading, issues with biased information, and insufficient task complexity. Nonetheless, overall satisfaction levels among educators implementing ChatGPT range from moderate to high, substantiating its value in foreign language teaching. Thus the survey stage of the research revealed the growing interest in ChatGPT’s potential for foreign language teaching and assessment among Ukrainian and international EFL and ESP instructors and underscored the need for guidelines and recommendations to create effective ChatGPT-generated test tasks. Future research will develop criteria for evaluating ChatGPT-generated tasks, provide prompt design guidelines, and formulate ethical policies for AI in assessment, addressing educators' concerns and

Exploring the interplay of language mindsets, self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived proficiency in L2 learning

Language mindsets, which are beliefs about personal qualities relevant to language learning and perceived as either fixed or malleable, have become a focus in understanding their roles in shaping language learning processes. Several studies show how they are related to language learning, along with important variables such as self-efficacy. Although research on language mindsets is growing, most studies have focused on their isolated effects, leaving a critical gap in understanding how these mindsets interact with other significant factors to influence language learning in a motivational aspect. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the interplay between language mindsets, self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived proficiency (PP)—a construct that reflects an individual’s subjective perception of their language skills and is linked to their motivation to learn. A total of 257 students enrolled in English language courses from three universities in Korea joined the study by responding to questionnaires. The results of the path analysis show that a growth mindset did not predict self-PP; notably, however, it predicted PP with the full mediation of self-efficacy. In addition, the indirect effect of the relationship between self-efficacy, engagement, and proficiency was significant but weak. However, the inclusion of a growth mindset strengthened the indirect effect. Conversely, the link between a fixed mindset and PP showed no significant indirect effect through self-efficacy and engagement. The findings highlight the importance of a growth mindset in initiating the process of language learning and underscore the mediating role of self-efficacy in this context, contributing to the development of more effective and pedagogically informed guidance in L2 classrooms.

Instructors’ and learners’ perspectives on using ChatGPT in English as a foreign language courses and its effect on academic integrity

This mixed-methods study explored the perspectives of university instructors and learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) regarding ChatGPT’s effectiveness for EFL learning and its implications for academic integrity. Twenty-four instructors and 135 learners engaged with ChatGPT for one trimester. After a training session, instructors incorporated ChatGPT into their teaching. At the trimester’s end, questionnaires were distributed to gather participants’ opinions on their experience with ChatGPT. Instructors also provided open-ended responses and participated in semistructured interviews. Instructors and learners both had positive attitudes about artificial intelligence (AI) use in EFL learning, especially for written work. Learners acknowledged, however, that they might conceal their ChatGPT use from instructors; many said they would have ChatGPT complete their homework, if possible. Customizing responses within a word limit and generating multiple answers to similar prompts were identified as ChatGPT capabilities that could lead to misuse. This study’s practical implications, along with solutions for reducing the risk of AI-facilitated plagiarism, are discussed.

EXPERIENCE OF APPLYING NEUROSCIENCE IN TEACHING KAZAKH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Teaching and learning the Kazakh language as a second language are one of the main state issues in Kazakhstan. In the modern realities we need very efficient and sufficient approaches and methods of teaching the Kazakh language to non-natives living in Kazakhstan. Teachers and educators are looking for different ways to teach Kazakhas a second language. Nowadays there are not many researches related to the application of the advanced methods of teaching it. This article aims to establish the connection between neuroscience and the teaching of Kazakh as a second language. The articlepresents the theoretical basis of neuroscience and its basic concepts. This article represents results of conducting an experiment of teaching Kazakh as a second language to adults. Based on these neuroscientific concepts and strategies for teaching Kazakh as a second language, we designed and applied a Kazakh language course as a second language for adults. At the end of the course adult learners passed a final test according to the Kaztest system. During and at the end of the experiment course there was not any special preparation for the final test. The results of the experiment showed that implementation of the neuroscientific concepts and strategies was efficient. According to the results of the experiment course we state that we can effectively construct the Kazakh language teaching course by having a thorough understanding of the brain function that neuroscience studies. Using the results of this experiment, educators and teachers of the Kazakh language can improve their methodology and contribute to the effective learning of the language by learners.

A Lesson Design on the Subject of Climate Change as a Course Unit in Language Teaching

Aim. The purpose of this qualitative research is the preparation, implementation and evaluation of a present-related lesson focused on the selection of the subject of climate change for elective German courses taught in universities. For climate change, the issues of sustainability and peace are also important. It is important to address these issues in educational institutions. The dove of peace is an important figure. Methods. In this research the document analysis technique was used. The research on the subject of climate change, sustainability and peace in the context of relation to the present was taken up during the winter semester of 2022/2023 academic year in the elective German courses of the researcher at Hacettepe University. Results. The successful contribution of the lesson planning model already mentioned in this article was also observed in the teaching activities at primary and secondary schools conducted earlier. The participants discussed climate change, sustainability, and peace. Conclusion. It was observed that the participants voluntarily talked about climate change, sustainability, and peace. It is important to state that the interest of the participants in German courses continued. Originality. German language courses are offered as a foreign language learning practice and elective foreign language courses in schools, private institutions, and universities in Turkey. Participants from all the departments of the Hacettepe university voluntarily attended the elective German language classes. To conduct the German courses effectively, a suitable method should be developed to help the participants who come from different countries having various levels of fluent speech.

Flipped Classroom Method to Build Students' Critical Thinking Skills: A Study on the Indonesia Language and Literature Research Methodology Course

Flipped Classroom Method to Build Students' Critical Thinking Skills: A Study on the Indonesia Language and Literature Research Methodology Course

أبرز المشكلات الشائعة في مكونات القراءة لدى الطلبة ذوي صعوبات التعلم

The current study aimed to identify the most common problems in the reading components among students with learning disabilities from the perspective of Arabic language course's teachers in government primary schools that contain learning disabilities programs in the education departments in Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, and to study the differences in knowledge levels according to the study variables. The final study sample consisted of (224) male and female teachers. To achieve the objectives of the current study, a descriptive survey approach was used, where a questionnaire was prepared as a tool for collecting data. The questionnaire consisted of (36) statements distributed over five dimensions. The results of the current study showed that the most common problems in the reading components among students with learning disabilities came at a level of (medium) agreement in general, with a general arithmetic mean of (3.155), while at the level of the sub-dimensions of the questionnaire, they all came at a level of (medium) agreement. The results also showed statistically significant differences in the total score averages of the questionnaire according to the gender variable in favor of male teachers, the number of years of experience variable in favor of male teachers who have experience from (1-5 years), and the workplace variable in favor of the education departments in the governorates of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Taif, while the results showed no statistically significant differences in the total score averages of the scale according to the academic qualification variable. Based on the results reached, the researcher recommended several research recommendations and proposals, the most important of which is that the curriculum should include methods that motivate students to return to linguistic dictionaries and glossaries to search for the meanings of new vocabulary, and conduct additional studies aimed at discovering more scientific facts about the phenomenon of reading problems.

Lesson Study, Differentiated Instruction and Professional Development of Teachers: Exploring the Relationship in Secondary Schools in Greece

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of research, that aimed to investigate the effect of lesson study as a professional development activity on the effective implementation of differentiated instruction and, above all, to identify which specific characteristics of lesson study as a professional development activity influence the plan, implementation, and understanding of the differentiation by the teachers, in the teaching of the Modern Greek Language course of the 2nd class of Lyceum. The research was qualitative and grounded theory data collection and analysis techniques were used, in the context of its implementation. The research was carried out in three schools in two municipalities of Eastern Attica, with the participation of four teachers and eighty students. Data were collected before, during, and after the lesson study cycle and included classroom observations, interviews of the participating teachers, protocols for planning, observing, revising, and reflecting on the research lesson as well as transcripts of teacher meetings and the teaching of the research lesson, diaries, which were kept during the implementation of the lesson study, students' assignments as well as their interviews after the teaching. The research showed that the lesson study cycle outcomes for each participating teacher were greatly influenced by the completion of all stages of a lesson study cycle, as there were no characteristics that alone accounted for these outcomes. Teachers' thoughts and opinions about the process support this finding. All participants referred to their positive experience of the lesson study process holistically, demonstrating that all stages of the lesson study cycle are important and interdependent.

Memory Pegged Mind Map (MPMM): An Analysis Method for Narrative Texts

This paper discusses how the Memory Pegged Mind Mapping (MPMM) method can be utilized for the analysis of narrative texts. Content analysis, a part of qualitative research methods, systematically examines meanings and themes within texts. Narrative texts serve as significant tools for individuals to convey experiences and emotions, offering rich and layered meanings through their analysis. The MPMM method is a technique that aids researchers in organizing and visualizing information and ideas, helping them retain key points effectively. It contributes to the systematic identification of themes and motifs in narrative texts. The article emphasizes the importance of narrative texts within the context of Turkish language courses and details the application of the MPMM method for their analysis. Additionally, it explains how fundamental elements of narrative texts can be analyzed by integrating mind mapping and memory peg techniques. The analyses conducted using MPMM are expected to enhance students' deeper understanding of texts and foster their critical thinking skills. This method can effectively serve as a tool to improve students' reading and writing abilities, offering innovative approaches in education. In conclusion, the use of MPMM in narrative text analysis enriches qualitative research methods and facilitates a deeper understanding of narrative texts. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the application of MPMM in education and research, contributing to academic studies and teaching processes.

Impact of a game-based tool on student engagement in a foreign language course: a three-term analysis

Impact of a game-based tool on student engagement in a foreign language course: a three-term analysis

Adaptation of Teaching Materials for Morality Cultivation in College English Courses

In order to achieve the goal of fostering morality cultivation, college English must be reformed to meet the new requirements of morality education in foreign language courses. This paper takes Unit 4 in Book 2 of New Target College English: An Integrated course as an example to demonstrate the requirements of adapting textbook content to serving morality education. Its basic principles and methods are as follows :1) to refine the morality themes and determine the teaching objectives; 2) use content-based teaching method to achieve theme-based teaching activities and naturally integrate language ability with morality goals; 3) arrange teaching content around morality themes, and connect online and offline learning activities to introduce and consolidate morality cultivation teaching.

Incorporating English as an International Language in Teaching Materials: A Case of an EAP Course in Vietnam

The spread of English on a global language has resulted in the emergence of a new paradigm of English language teaching, English as an International Language (EIL), which switches the focus from native models to communicative effectiveness and the equal status of all varieties of English and cultures. In Vietnam, though the goal of communicative effectiveness in English language teaching (ELT) is acknowledged, EIL syllabus material design has been given little attention. This study aims to explore the perceptions of material developers regarding EIL incorporation in teaching materials and the actual extent of EIL integration in teaching materials of an English for academic course. The results show that there exists a mismatch between the material developers’ appreciation of EIL incorporation and their modest practices of incorporating EIL in teaching materials. The research also indicated that while the material developers equally value international target culture, culture(s) of future interlocutor and local culture, the priority in material design was given to culture of native speakers. The opportunities to develop skills to communicate across the differences are also given credits in teaching materials, as perceived and practiced in the material design of the course. The research suggests a pedagogical implication towards further incorporation of EIL in language courses to university students and the role of material developers in resonating material design with actual communicative contexts.

IMPLEMENTASI METODE DELPHI TERHADAP TUGAS AKHIR MATAKULIAH TEFL

In the era of globalization and rapid technological development. To prepare students to face social changes, the world of work and rapid technological advances, student competencies must be improved and prepared to face the demands of the times. and these optimal and relevant skills must be considered in the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Microteaching in TEFL courses must be adapted to the demands of the times. Therefore, the Delphi Method can be used to form guidelines and predict trends. The five main uses of Delphi in higher education, include: cost effectiveness, cost-benefit analysis, curriculum and campus planning, university education goals and objectives, generalized futuristic education goals and objectives. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a literature study approach. Keywords in qualitative research, namely, the process of understanding, and humans. both natural phenomena and man-made phenomena. These phenomena can be activities, and the difference between one phenomenon and another. This is indicated by the results of the standard deviation which has reached the optimal level. Based on the results of the priority sequence reference, it can be determined that students are required to record microteaching practices. themselves, and upload it to YouTube and then report it to the lecturer. YouTube's selection policy is based on this platform not limiting the length of the video, so students can be as creative as possible in class.

Games4Justice: Course Design Report

Two games were designed as part of an autoethnographic, teacher research study conducted from 2013-2014 on the implementation of play-, game-, and design-based teaching and assessment. The study was conducted at an urban, independent, K-12 day school with fewer than 500 students, respectively, and supported as part of a certification program in Serious Game Design & Research. La Isla de Monstruos was collaboratively designed with students as part of a seventh-grade Spanish 2 & 3 language and culture course using a culture circle design method. Students collaboratively designed a month of gamified and design-based assessment reviewing the material covered during the previous semester. Escapar Tenochtitlan is a six-week anthropology roleplay and language learning game designed by eighth-grade Spanish 2 & 3 students through a culture circle design method, grounded in ethnohistorical, archaeological, and anthropological data of 60 Pre-Columbian sites.