Language Departments Research Articles

Integrating Digital Authentic Materials in ESP Classrooms: Effects on Kazakh Students’ Language Proficiency and Student Engagement

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of selected task-design strategies for integrating digital authentic materials into ESP instruction. It mainly focuses on how teachers navigated this alternative learning environment and the challenges they experienced. A mixed-methods approach was employed, gathering quantitative data through standardized tests and qualitative data through interviews and classroom observations. The study involved thirty-five language instructors from the English language departments of two leading Kazakh universities. The results revealed that critical media literacy instruction to use authentic materials in language learning significantly enhances language proficiency and engagement and effectively equips students with the necessary skills to navigate and assess the digital information landscape. These findings underscore the potential of digital authentic materials in language instruction, paving the way for a promising future in language education. The research highlights the importance of integrating digital literacy into the curriculum to prepare students for the demands of the digital age. The research findings provide vital insights for policymakers and stakeholders to deliberate on effective professional development programs. These programs can assist educators in addressing challenges and acquiring essential content knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and technological competence.

PROJECT WORK AS AN ESSENTIAL PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILL

The article under consideration focuses on the importance of project work and its role in problem-solving issues as well as a tool motivating the students to learn a foreign language. Project works enable to develop various skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, time-management and research. Students research different information relevant to the problem, analyze data and identify potential solutions. These processes strengthen their research skills and teach them to evaluate information critically. Moreover, project-based activities allow students to go beyond the curriculum and develop a range of vital skills from job searching and resume building to effective teamwork and cyber security. Working in a team, they develop communication skills, learn to cooperate and understand each other. These skills help them successfully adapt to an ever-changing world. The authors, relying on their own teaching experience, focus on some issues envisaging how some types of project work are designed and adopted into the English Language Department (hereafter ELD) of Satbayev University (hereafter SU). Keywords: project work, problem-solving skills, project-based learning, motivation, critical thinking, independent work, SU, ELD.

Derivational or Inflectional Morpheme: A Case of Papuan EFL Students’ Comprehension in Narrative Text

The objective of this research is to scrutinize how students in the English Language Department distinguish derivational morphemes and inflectional morphemes using narrative text. Consequently, student’s obstacles in distinguishing between both of bound morphemes. Qualitative methods are employed to this research with a descriptive approach to collect and analyze derivational and inflectional morphemes. The findings revealed a total of fifty-three derivational and inflectional morphemes, comprising fifteen derivational morphemes and thirty-eight inflectional morphemes. In terms of comprehension, EFL students score 66.5 in derivational morphemes, falling under the C category, indicating a good level of understanding. For inflectional morphemes, students achieve a score of 89, placing them in the A category, signifying a very good understanding. Regarding the obstacles, students face in comprehending derivational morphemes and inflectional morphemes the main challenges are the lack of vocabulary and the lack of grammar, which make it difficult for EFL students to know word class changes and grammar function changes.

Influence of Time allocated for Teaching of Integrated English on Learners’ Achievement of Linguistic Skills in Public Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya

Despite the efforts made by teachers of English in enhancing the performance of English in Kenyan secondary schools, there have been persistent challenges in teaching thus students’ learners’ achievement of the linguistic skills is compromised. This study aimed to determine the Influence of time allocated for teaching integrated English on Learners’ Achievement of Linguistic Skills in Secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya. The study utilized a descriptive survey research design using a mixed methods approach. A sample size of 251 teachers and 134 heads of the language department was used. Purposive, Proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and classroom observations. The instrument's validity was tested through expert judgment while reliability was achieved using Cronbach Alpha. Quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically and presented in narrations and quotations. The study found that time allocated for teaching integrated English had a positive association with learners’ acquisition of linguistic skills in secondary schools in Bungoma County, Kenya (r=.492; p=.000). Thus, a large amount of time allocated/utilized by teachers in teaching integrated English leads to enhanced reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills among learners. The study recommends that adequate time needs to be allocated for the teaching of integrated English. This can be achieved through teaching of integrated English during the weekends and holidays as a way of early syllabus coverage.

The Impact of Incorporating Texts from Nahj al-Balagha of Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) on the Academic Achievement of Fifth-Year Literary Students in the Subject of Arabic Rhetoric

No researcher or observer of the current state of Arabic language instruction in our schools can overlook the weakness of our students in this subject. Our students struggle with reading correctly, writing accurately without errors, and expressing themselves with precise and eloquent language. Additionally, they have difficulty understanding the meanings of literary texts and uncovering the imagery within them. This observation is supported by numerous scientific studies that have pointed to the weakness of students in the Arabic language, compounded by the continued use of traditional teaching methods, which have led to a lack of interest in learning the subject (Al-Rubaie, 1989). The study by (Al-Ubaidi) further confirmed a clear weakness among high school female students, especially in Arabic rhetoric. The issue of weak Arabic language skills is not confined to high school students; it extends to students in education colleges as well. Al-Jubouri's study revealed that the overall state of the Arabic language, particularly grammar, is distressing, reflecting the inability of Arabic language department students to master linguistic skills, especially syntax. Given all this, it has become natural for the Arabic language to drift away from everyday speech, and its rhetorical applications have become difficult for learners to comprehend, making it challenging for students to grasp its beauty and eloquence. Moreover, other reasons prompted the researchers to conduct this current study, including feedback from those who found the idea intriguing and believed it could motivate female students towards their lessons. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of studies that have explored teaching rhetoric by employing texts from Nahj al-Balagha by Imam Ali (peace be upon him). The researchers agree with opinions that attribute the majority of the problem to the aforementioned reasons. Therefore, the researchers have employed texts from Nahj al-Balagha in teaching Arabic rhetoric, hoping that this will be a small contribution to the larger goal of making this subject easier to teach

Practicality of Case Study Assessment Practice in Enhancing Students’ Active Learning in English Subject in Public Secondary Schools in Same District, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to investigate practicality of case study assessment practice in enhancing students’ English active learning in English subject in public secondary schools in Same district, Tanzania. The study was guided by Discovery learning theory. The study employed mixed methods approach whereby convergent research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data in one phase. Target population for this study included District Quality Assurance Officers, public Secondary School English language teachers, heads of language departments and form three students in public Secondary School in Same District. Stratified random and purposive sampling techniques were used to determine the study sample that consisted of 402 respondents. The study used questionnaires and interview guides in data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of percentages, frequencies and mean scores whereas qualitative data from the interview guides was analyzed thematically by transcribing information, coding them and generating themes according to the research questions. The researcher considered research ethics such as confidentiality and anonymity. The study found that teachers in public secondary schools in Same district use to a low extent flipped classroom in assessment processes. The study revealed that, project-based assessment practices are rarely used in public Secondary Schools in Same district. Thus, the study concluded that case studies assessment practices were used public Secondary Schools of Same district by small number of teachers. The study recommends the government should prioritize more on resources, and teacher training to improve case studies assessment practices, ensuring practicality and supporting schools in promoting student active learning.

EFL Teachers’ Perspectives Towards the Use of Textbooks in Classroom

This paper addresses the research of exploring EFL teachers’ perspectives towards using textbooks, their strategies, and challenges in using the textbook in the classroom. The participants of the study were a diverse group of teachers at the language department at the University of Guanajuato, in Guanajuato, Mexico, encompassing various levels of teaching experience and proficiency levels. This was a case study utilizing the qualitative method as the approach, semi-structured, was conducted. The results showed that the perceptions were neutral towards using this material; the participants recognized the benefits and the disadvantages of using instructional material. There were two main difficulties expressed by the teachers: meaningful learning and cultural awareness. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in textbook use in EFL classrooms. Finally, these research findings are expected to help other EFL teachers make well-informed choices about textbook selection, adaptation, and enrichment to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Autonomous Learning

Currently, autonomous learning has been extensively researched by educational experts to understand how it is perceived and implemented in educational settings. This study focuses on exploring the perceptions of teachers and students regarding autonomous learning in the context of English language teaching. Questionnaires were distributed to two English teachers and five English students from the language department of the University of Guanajuato in Mexico. The participants were randomly selected, and data was collected through interviews consisting of open and closed questions. The results revealed that both teachers and students held positive views on autonomous learning, but they lacked a complete understanding of its concepts. The findings also highlight the need for teacher training in autonomous learning. The study concludes with recommendations for teachers and English education programs.

Opinions on Roles of Teachers in English Teaching in the New Normal Era: A Perspective of Teachers and School Administrators in Thailand

This study aimed to investigate, explore, and compare the opinions of English teachers, heads of the foreign language department, and vice directors of academic affairs regarding the roles of teachers in English teaching in the new normal era The participants consisted of 31 English teachers, heads of the foreign language department, and vice directors of academic affairs who participated in a training program that aimed at improving the quality of English teaching in Kalasin province, Thailand. They were selected using convenience and availability sampling methods. A questionnaire was employed as the research instrument to gather data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the obtained data, while the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized for hypothesis testing. The results revealed that all participants disagreed with teaching English using the same processes as before the pandemic. They strongly agreed that the processes of teaching English need to be changed in the new normal era. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) also showed that there is no significant difference in the opinions among English teachers, heads of foreign language departments, and vice directors of academic affairs regarding the roles of teachers in English teaching in the new normal era, as well as the needs for desired characteristics and/or qualifications of English teachers in the new normal era. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a need to change the English teaching processes and provide training to improve the quality of English teaching and learning. Keywords: Covid-19, new normal, teachers, English, teaching

The Role and Place of Translation in The French Department: The Case of 3rd Year Students At University of Oran 2

Pedagogical translation is a specific type of translation employed in language education to enhance students' literacy skills. It is recognized that didactic translation involves transferring meaning between languages with the aim of improving language proficiency. This case study was conducted to emphasis the role of translation within the French Language Department at the University of Oran 2. The researcher aimed to explore the benefits of translation in teaching French and preparing students for careers as French language educators at both primary and secondary educational levels. The study focused on students and teachers within the French Language Department, who are pivotal in the teaching-learning environment. Established in 2014, the French Language Department at the University of Oran 2 was formerly part of the Foreign Languages Institute. This investigation took place during the second semester of the academic year 2022-2023 and employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The study systematically addressed the issue from various scientific and practical perspectives. Data collection involved student questionnaires, teacher interviews, and observations to ensure the reliability and validity of the findings. Participants included third-year students at the University of Oran 2 (Algeria). The findings indicated that didactic translation significantly enhanced students' reading comprehension and written expression, particularly at grammatical, syntactic, and semantic levels. The study also proposed strategies to assist future French teachers in overcoming challenges and limitations in their careers. It recommended integrating translation as a core module across all academic levels to ensure thorough mastery of the French language.

Using Two-Way Immersion Program in Teaching English in Kazakhstan: Teachers’ View

The Program of Two-way immersion is a form of integration students from two different groups and contemporary studying of two languages and subjects on these languages. The method as a method was appeared in Canada in the early 1960s. The program of TWI adherence to the following criteria: 1. The number of students is the same in two group; 2) groups gathered into one group according to the main subjects; 3) all main subjects are taught in two languages simultaneously. Two types of TWI program: 50\50; 90\10. This qualitative study aims to examine teachers’ views on the implementation the bilingual program into educational process of Kazakhstan. The literature review showed that Two-way immersion program is one of the innovative methods within the trilingual education of Kazakhstan, that not sufficiently studied and approved. It was hypothesized that TWI program makes an effect on trilingualism of Kazakhstan. For checking the awareness of this program, it was conducted an experimental work in Karaganda Buketov University, Kazakhstan. (103 teachers from the faculty of foreign languages, within five departments: Department of foreign philology; Foreign languages department; Department of translation theory and practice; Department of the theory and practice of foreign language training; Department of the practical foreign language course)The results demonstrate that this program is not sufficiently studied, becomes relevant in the educational process and informative, as well as to create the necessary methodological recommendations. The usage of TWI program improves the system of bilingual education in Kazakhstan, expands the level of professional readiness of teachers and students, develops high levels of academic competence and motivation.

Integrating Intercultural competence in University Disciplines, Albanian context

This article contributes to the understanding of intercultural competence at the university level and assesses students’ skills of communication and collaboration to effectively cross cultural boundaries. This research makes a valuable contribution to intercultural education at Higher Institutions by including a perspective on how to contribute to social harmony and exploring the application of Intercultural Teaching competence by the Foreign Languages Department professors across their disciplines at Fan S. Noli University. Studying and appreciating different cultures encourages critical thinking as it fosters open-mindedness and intellectual growth. This article gives a general theoretical view of Intercultural Education in the teaching-learning process. Employing a qualitative and descriptive methodology, the study consists of two main data-gathering methods: semi-structured interviews and group discussions. Interviews were conducted with 15 first-year English Branch students at Fan S Noli University, Korça City in Albania. Students provided information on how Intercultural Competence is promoted, perceived, and acquired through materials in the different university disciplines they learn and how knowledge taught in these subjects can be improved during intercultural learning from their personal experiences. To summarize, the research emphasizes that promoting cultural sensitivity in lectures is essential to creating a respectful and tolerant atmosphere.

Developing French for Specific Purposes to Enhance Foreign Language Skills of Curriculum and Teaching Students in The University of Calabar

Traditional language teaching methodologies often fall short in meeting the specialized needs of learners who require language skills for specific professional contexts. This gap has led to the emergence of French for Specific Purposes (FSP), a subfield focused on equipping learners with the necessary skills to function effectively in their chosen professions. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FSP in enhancing language skills and cultural knowledge among learners in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies. To achieve this objective, three research questions were formulated. A literature review was conducted based on the study variables, and a descriptive research design was employed. The target population comprised all students and instructors in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, University of Calabar, who are involved in French language courses. A purposive sample of 31 respondents, including 25 learners and 6 instructors, was selected. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and interviews, providing rich qualitative insights. Thematic analysis techniques, involving simple percentages, were used to analyze the qualitative data. The results revealed that learners in the Department of Curriculum and Teaching face specific language needs and challenges. Additionally, FSP instruction was found to significantly enhance learners' language proficiency and cultural understanding. The study also indicated that FSP instruction positively influences the perceptions and attitudes of both learners and instructors towards FSP. The findings of this study have important implications for the design and implementation of FSP courses, especially in the context of tertiary education. These insights are valuable for curriculum developers, educators, and policymakers aiming to improve language education and ensure its alignment with professional and academic needs.

Applying the Task Assignment Method to Teaching Chinese Reading Comprehension Skills at the Basic Stage at Hung Vuong University

In the trend of global integration, Chinese is increasingly proving its important role as an international language, foreign language and culture subject in university programs. Chinese provides students with a new communication tool to absorb advanced scientific and technical knowledge, learn about rich cultural diversity, and easily integrate with the international community. The teaching staff of the Department of Chinese Language and Culture has been using a number of active teaching methods for Chinese Reading comprehension based on two pedagogical perspectives: "learner-centered" and “process-centric”. Among them, task-based teaching method (任务型教学法) is one of the important teaching methods. This is a task-based language teaching method in which instructors guide language learners in completing tasks in class.

IDAROTU BARAMIJ AL-LUGHAH AL-’ARABIYAH FI QISMI AL-LUGHAH LADA AL-THOLABAT BIMA’HAD DARUL AMAN

This study describes the management of Arabic language programs in the language department for ‎female students at Darul Aman Institute. This research aimed to know the planning and objectives ‎of the management of Arabic language programs by the Language Department for female students ‎at Darul Aman Institute, and to know how to organize the management of Arabic language ‎programs for the Language Department for female students at Darul Aman Institute, the study ‎relied on the qualitative entrance research methodology and case study methodology, and data ‎collection through interview, field observation and document analysis. The researchers used data ‎analysis of Miles and Huberman. The result of this research is that the planning and objectives of the ‎Arabic language programs in the language department for female students at Darul Aman Institute ‎include: setting the schedule for speaking Arabic to develop students' discipline in speaking Arabic, ‎conducting a language competition to expand the students' culture and to develop the language ‎skills of students by establishing a linguistic quarantine, and producing a vocabulary dictionary and ‎language conversation in order to dispense with students' vocabulary and memorize it and then test ‎it at the end of the month to assess the development of their language level, upgrading students' ‎language skills by doing additional study To teach those who have a poor level of language and the ‎establishment of a language court, and the last plan is to find ways to develop students' language ‎skills by making vocabulary boards and conversation and by preparing to watch linguistic films and ‎linguistic songs. How to organize its administration is the organizational structure of the staff, the ‎installation of student organizations from the language department, as well as the creation and ‎establishment of a language violation court‏.‏

Motivation and learning psychology of teachers in language translation learning

AbstractThis study aimed to understand pre‐service teachers’ motivations and learning psychologies in language teaching. The study used a phenomenology pattern, a qualitative research method, to gather pre‐service teachers’ views about language teaching, motivations and learning psychologies during translation activities. The study group consisted of 42 language department undergraduate students from the Education Faculty of a private university in TRNC in the 2022–2023 academic year, selected using the criterion sampling method. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews. The NVIVO‐R1 qualitative data analysis program was used for categorisation and coding in the data analysis. The findings revealed that translation studies motivate and improve comprehension–explanation skills, increasing academic success, positively impacting learning psychology, and reducing anxiety. Effective teaching methods and motivation were influential factors in teaching language to pre‐service teachers. The study also found that reinforcers, intrinsic motivation, exemplification–association, measurable goals, teaching environment, teaching method and applied learning significantly affect the language teaching process and academic success. It was concluded that pre‐service teachers are attentive to their professional careers and motivations. Additionally, the study revealed that learning the historical development of the language and different types of translation positively contributed to the motivation levels, academic achievement and language learning knowledge and skills of pre‐service teachers. Regarding grammar teaching, pre‐service teachers highlighted the importance of focusing on the social and interactional dimensions of language in addition to grammar learning. They expressed that language learning anxiety stemmed from insufficient practice. Finally, the study suggested that the language‐learning problems of pre‐service teachers could be attributed to the neglect of translation studies.

Foreign Language Teacher's Attitudes Towards a Pre-designed Language Learning System

Once the pandemic concluded, the Foreign Languages Department of a Chilean state university hired a Canadian company to implement a pre-designed language learning system (PLLS). This platform was to be used by all teachers and students, as it contained various activities to develop all four language skills, including pronunciation practice through AI-based voice recognition. This study explores the attitudes of 17 university teachers towards using these pre-elaborated resources, activities, and assessments in their communicative English and German courses. A mixed-method approach was used, involving a survey based on the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) and individual interviews. Descriptive statistics were obtained from the survey responses, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis techniques. The results indicate that teachers' attitudes towards the PLLS were generally neutral to negative. Instructors expressed their concerns about the system's pre-designed content and perceived functionality. Perceived ease of use and usefulness were rated low, reporting difficulties in navigation and alignment with their teaching styles. Perceived enjoyment received the lowest rating, mentioning issues such as disconnected content and lack of progressive structure. Qualitative data revealed technical problems, increased workload, and concerns about the system's impact on student motivation and learning outcomes. While some positive aspects were noted, the overall attitude towards the PLLS was predominantly negative, highlighting the need for better alignment with pedagogical goals and improved implementation strategies.

The Role of Extracurricular Activities on Kurdish EFL University Students’ writing skill performance

Participation in English language-oriented extracurricular activities outside the classroom results in the development and progress in EFL students’ language skills development the writing skill and written performances in particular. The current study investigates the roles and effects of extracurricular activities in enhancing the writing skill and written performances of Kurdish EFL university students. The design of this research is experimental as the study has been conducted at Charmo University which is one of the public Universities in Kurdistan region of Iraq. The participants are 50 Kurdish EFL university students who studied fourth semester in English language department during 2022 and 2023 academic years. They are randomly divided into two groups a control group with 25 students and an experimental group with 25 students as well. The data collection instruments were writing tests included a writing pretest and a writing posttest. A writing pretest was administrated to both of the groups at the beginning of the semester at the same date and time before starting intervention treatment which the treatment here means engaging in the activities by the experimental group of students. After the pretest directly the intervention started as the intervention duration lasted for ten weeks. Then after ten weeks of intervention a writing posttest was administrated to both of groups at the same date and time. The Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS 26) was used to perform all data analysis of the numerical results of the writing tests. The results of the statistical analysis of ANCOVA for the scores of both of the writing tests revealed significant different result between both of groups. The results disclosed students of the experimental group has achieved significant progress in their writing skill in terms of the written performance in comparison to the control group results due to the effect of the intervention which is here meant participation and engaging various English language-oriented extracurricular activities outside the classroom by the students of the experimental group .

The Relationship Between Academic Motivation and Self-Efficacy in Undergraduate Students: Kosovo Case

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-efficacy and academic motivation in Kosovo undergraduate students. It also examined whether the relationship between academic motivation and self-efficacy was significantly mediated by the effect of educational achievement. It also took into account the role of the socio-economic status in this relationship. Theoretical Framework: The rationale of this study was framed within the theoretical framework of self-determination that focuses on the controlled behavior in academic performance and within the theoretical framework of self-efficacy which is based on belief in one's ability to complete specified tasks or goals. Methods: This study used a quantitative methodology by adopting standardized measures including a 27-item survey of academic motivation and a 10-item instrument of self-efficacy. The construct of academic achievement was measured by a self-reported average grade of students and a socio-economic status questionnaire was designed for this purpose of this study. Data collection was carried out online through the online Qualtrics platform. Results and Conclusions: The results showed that there was a statistical significant effect of self-efficacy to both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Results revealed that there was no significant correlation between academic achievement and self-efficacy or academic motivation and no significant correlation between the socio-economic status scores and all the variables. Implications of research: The findings of this study have practical implications for university administrators and researchers focused in students’ retention in universities and their academic achievements. It demonstrates that how well students are academically motivated to achieve their academic goal very well depends on their perceived self-efficacy. Originality/value: The study included a range of 85 undergraduate students from the department of psychology and the department of English language. The novelty of this study is that it examined Albanian speaking undergraduates, which is a highly underrepresented population in this area of study.

The Seal of Biliteracy as a recruitment tool in postsecondary language study

AbstractAs state‐level Seals of Biliteracy for high school graduates become more common, postsecondary language programs face questions about how to recognize this credential. While scholarship has examined the implementation of state Seals in secondary education, less attention has been paid to the role of postsecondary language programs in this new policy milieu. This study examined how receiving a Seal of Biliteracy might motivate students to study language(s) in college and the impact of awarding advanced placement and retroactive credit for the Seal. A survey of Seal of Biliteracy recipients (n = 61) in Nebraska and interviews with undergraduate students who received the award (n = 8) suggest that postsecondary language departments could leverage the Seal of Biliteracy to recruit students to language programs and likewise lend support to state implementation efforts. Findings point to the critical role academic credit policies play in making language study more attractive to Seal of Biliteracy recipients.