Language Education Research Articles

An Autoethnographic Account of a Native English-Speaking Teacher’s Change in Attitude to Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers

This study investigates and reflects upon how over a decade of teaching English as a foreign language my attitude towards non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs) changed from a negative perception to one of admiration. Focusing on language ideology and NNEST discrimination as conceptual lenses, I detail the evolution of my attitudes across time and space as a language educator using autoethnographic inquiry. I detail how my attitudinal changes towards NNESTs evolved, from beginnings where I questioned their authenticity, due to my sociocultural background, to a status where I espoused their competence and began researching how equity can be achieved in English language teaching (ELT) for NNESTs globally. I also summarize how my lived experiences can be replicated in official policy within ELT with a focus on critical reflexivity and exposure. As a ‘native English-speaking teacher,’ my experiences and perceptions seek to add countenance to those documented by NNESTs, therefore offering fluidity and depth to the discussion within the NNEST movement on how equity can be achieved.

Usage in Second Language Acquisition: Critical Reflections and Future Directions (Book Review)

In Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research, the term usage refers generally to a learner’s exposure to language, their production of it, and how they apply it in social interactions and deliberate practice. Though important in SLA research, usage does not have a standardized definition, with usage-based approaches defining it in various ways, and many focusing on a single aspect of language use. As a result, conducting comparisons across studies is challenging, and usage-based pedagogical practices could be misinformed. With a misrepresented concept of usage, second language (L2) educators employing usage-based teaching in the classroom may fail to prepare students for actual situations of L2 use. Usage in Second Language Acquisition: Critical Reflections and Future Directions (2024) aims to address this challenge by bringing together existing definitions and theorizations to provide a transparent description of usage and how it relates to L2 development. The editor’s goal is to understand the extent of agreement and disagreement of key theoretical constructs among approaches, to clarify how they are represented differently in literature, and to provide recommendations for future research in linguistics and pedagogy. [First Paragraph of Review]

Challenging Native-Speakerism: Embracing the Intelligibility Principle in Pronunciation and Spoken Language Instruction

Challenging Native-Speakerism: Embracing the Intelligibility Principle in Pronunciation and Spoken Language Instruction

The Researcher’s Positionality, Ethics, and Research Methods in Language Education Research

The Researcher’s Positionality, Ethics, and Research Methods in Language Education Research

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence of Adult Learners in Online EFL Teaching: Insights from Vietnamese Educators

This study investigates the strategies employed by Vietnamese EFL teachers to enhance emotional intelligence (EI) in adult learners within online learning environments. Utilizing a qualitative research design grounded in Mayer and Salovey’s model of emotional intelligence and Knowles’s theory of andragogy, the study involved semi-structured interviews with ten EFL teachers from two Vietnamese educational institutions. The thematic analysis of the interview data revealed several key strategies: reflective practices, interactive activities, technology integration, personalized feedback, collaborative learning, integration of real-life scenarios, self-awareness activities, development of emotional vocabulary, and creation of emotionally supportive environments. The findings illustrate a multifaceted approach to enhancing EI in online language education, highlighting the innovative adaptation of traditional classroom strategies to the digital realm. The study’s unique contribution lies in its focus on the Vietnamese context, providing insights into how cultural nuances shape online teaching strategies for EI enhancement. The implications of these findings are significant for the field of EFL education, suggesting the need for holistic teaching approaches that integrate emotional competencies alongside linguistic skills.

Students’ perceptions of teachers and teaching as determinants of primary school completion in Ethiopia

Purpose This study analysed students’ perceptions of teachers’ behaviours, teachers’ management practices and the use of inputs by teachers and whether these are associated with primary school progression and completion.Design/methodology/approach School-level fixed effect analysis is conducted using cross-sectional data collected from 4,000 randomly selected primary school-aged students and their schools.Findings Our findings reveal that students’ perceptions of teachers’ behaviours are associated with the probability of grade progression during primary school, and whether students complete primary school. Particularly important are positive behaviours, like students perceiving their teachers to be engaged and being praised by their teachers while in primary schools. It increased the likelihood of school progression by at least 15%. The use of inputs such as worksheets/written handouts and reading stories/books in the language of instruction were also found to have a statistically significant positive effect on students’ primary school performance. These are important results which hold after accounting for school management, household and child-level factors and regional differences.Originality/value Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the teaching practices which pupils perceive as beneficial to retention. While we are unable to conclude that learning is taking place, our contention is that greater time in school could increase the opportunity to learn. In this respect, beyond its policy relevance in improving educational outcomes, the paper contributes to the limited literature on the student–teacher classroom relationships particularly when looking from the perspective of students’ perception of their teachers’ teaching behaviours in developing countries.

Incorporating Graphic Humor and Comic Vignettes in Second Lang

Abstract: This article explores the integration of graphic humor, specifically comic vignettes, into a foreign language teaching (FLT) context and its impact on enhancing communicative competencies. It addresses the paradox of how simple humorous sketches can convey complex meanings and discusses their relevance in a globalized world with approximately 7 billion inhabitants. By examining Alon¬so Abad’s (2010) insights on the intersection of psychology and language pedagogy, the article highlights the advantages of using comic strips over more traditional or conventional verbalist approaches. The current discussion, includes theoretical frameworks such as Krashen’s Affective Filter Theory and the CEFR’s concept of existential competence, emphasizing the role of emotional and personal factors in language learning. The article defines graphic novels and humor graph¬ics, illustrating their ability to engage students with a variety of alternative topics and create meaningful learning experiences in the learning field. It also delves, into the semiotic models of humor and cartoons, noting the cognitive effects of combining verbal and visual elements. Practical aspects of incorporating graphic materials into language teaching are discussed, including the need for specific teacher training and the development of an alternative set of discourses connected with visual competencies. The article concludes with some recommendations based on Littlewood’s (1981) procedures for designing didactic materials, aiming to foster a positive classroom environment and enhance language acquisition through humor. Overall, the integration of comic-based learning materials is pre¬sented as a necessary approach, which intends to fulfil the lack of intuitive and criti¬cal thinking in the second language teaching (SLT) field. Keywords: graphic humor, images, cartoons, vignettes, communication, creativity, critical thinking, innovation.

AI and Thinkable-Assisted learning media for physical education: a descriptive study on collaborative lecturer education

This research aims to determine the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Thunkable interactive learning media application design in cerebrating practices of lecturer education in the context of physical education (PE) methods integrated training. Questions arise on how lecturers can reinforce PE lessons with technologies such as AI and Thunkable and what challenges they face in doing so. This study utilized descriptive research design and data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with PE lecturers who were knowledgeable about and had utilized AI or Thunkable in their teaching practice. Analysis of quantitative data was also descriptive but focused on transcribing the qualitative data based on, among others, lecturers' technological competence, benefits and challenges of the implementation, student outcome, and qualitative, lecturers' responses. Results found out that despite 70% of lecturers’ awareness of AI in PE lessons, only 30% of them used the available AI tools for the lessons. Out of the few lecturers who attempted to use the Thunkable application, only 25% were able to generate apps which is the focus of the application. Lecturers suggested that students would benefit a lot from AI especially through active participation rewarded by instant feedback without possibilities of concerns being addressed properly due to insufficient training and technical infrastructures. The implications of this study will focus on educational linguistics considering practical uses of AI tools in the language of education in terms of physical education. The use of AI systems in PE lessons can enhance communication and interaction in a multilingual setting that promotes both language and movement skills. This research aims to determine the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Thunkable interactive learning media application design in cerebrating practices of lecturer education in the context of physical education (PE) methods integrated training. Questions arise on how lecturers can reinforce PE lessons with technologies such as AI and Thunkable and what challenges they face in doing so. This study utilized descriptive research design and data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with PE lecturers who were knowledgeable about and had utilized AI or Thunkable in their teaching practice. Analysis of quantitative data was also descriptive but focused on transcribing the qualitative data based on, among others, lecturers' technological competence, benefits and challenges of the implementation, student outcome, and qualitative, lecturers' responses. Results found out that despite 70% of lecturers’ awareness of AI in PE lessons, only 30% of them used the available AI tools for the lessons. Out of the few lecturers who attempted to use the Thunkable application, only 25% were able to generate apps which is the focus of the application. Lecturers suggested that students would benefit a lot from AI especially through active participation rewarded by instant feedback without possibilities of concerns being addressed properly due to insufficient training and technical infrastructures. The implications of this study will focus on educational linguistics considering practical uses of AI tools in the language of education in terms of physical education. The use of AI systems in PE lessons can enhance communication and interaction in a multilingual setting that promotes both language and movement skills.

Investigating EFL English-Majored Students’ Perceptions towards the Use of Technology in Language Teaching

This study investigates EFL English-majored students’ opinions of technology use in language learning at Nam Can Tho University, with an emphasis on both benefits and problems. The study uses a questionnaire survey with 85 participants to evaluate how technology affects students’ engagement, motivation, and overall learning experience. The findings show that students see major benefits from technology, such as increased engagement through multimedia materials, tailored learning experiences via applications, and access to real language input through online tools. Furthermore, students love the opportunity to communicate in real time with native speakers, which improves their language abilities and confidence. In contrast, the research cites a number of hurdles, including difficulty in integrating technology with the curriculum, technical concerns, possible diversions, and the need for more training and support. These findings emphasize the necessity of resolving these issues in order to maximize the usefulness of technology in language instruction, and they offer practical recommendations for educators and legislators.

Application of the Int'l Conv. for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism & of the Int'l Conv. on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discr. (Ukr. v. Russ.) (Merits) (I.C.J.)

On January 31, 2024, marking the tenth anniversary of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its eagerly anticipated judgment on the merits in Ukraine v. Russia concerning alleged violations of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (ICSFT) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD). This was the first case lodged by Ukraine against Russia back in 2017, in response to alleged numerous violations arising from Russia's occupation of Crimea and its proxy war in Donbas. Although Ukraine might have hoped for a more favourable outcome, the majority only established narrow and rather minor violations under ICSFT and CERD, despite a plethora of claims advanced by Ukraine under both Conventions. A 13:2 majority found that Russia violated Article 9, paragraph 1 of ICSFT due to its failure to investigate individuals who allegedly committed terrorism financing offences upon receiving the information from Ukraine. As for CERD, another 13:2 majority found that Russia violated Articles 2, paragraph 1(a), and 5(e)(v) of the Convention with regard to the implementation of school education in the Ukrainian language in Crimea. In addition, an 11:4 majority found that Russia violated the provisional measures order, which obliged Russia to lift restrictions on the Mejlis, the highest representative executive organ of Crimean Tatars in Crimea banned by Russian authorities, and imposed the non-aggravation measure. The judges were divided on the scope of the non-aggravation measure, and questioned the appropriateness of establishing the violation of the provisional measures order in part concerning the Mejlis in the absence of the majority's finding of the corresponding violation under CERD on the merits.

Investigating EFL English-Majored Students’ Perceptions of Interactive Teaching Methods in Language Classes

This study investigates the perceptions of EFL English-major students at Nam Can Tho University regarding interactive teaching methods. Interactive methods, which include activities such as group work, discussions, role-playing, and peer feedback, are increasingly adopted in language education to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Grounded in Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and sociocultural theory, the study explores both the benefits and challenges associated with these methods. A 20-item questionnaire, adapted from existing literature, was administered to 70 students to gather data on their experiences. The findings reveal that students recognize significant benefits of interactive methods, including increased motivation, improved language skills, and practical application of English. However, challenges such as difficulties in transitioning from traditional methods, staying focused due to distractions, managing group activities, addressing cultural influences, and ensuring equal participation were also identified. The study highlights the need for targeted support and professional development for educators, effective classroom management strategies, and culturally responsive teaching practices to enhance the effectiveness of interactive teaching methods. These insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on interactive teaching and offer practical recommendations for improving language instruction in EFL contexts.

Children with disabilities and inclusive education in general schools: pricipals’ attitudes

Abstract Background As inclusive education is being implemented nationwide in Lithuania, various attitudes towards education of children with disabilities in general schools are observed. We aimed to assess the attitudes of heads of general schools towards the provision of education to children with disabilities in general education schools of Lithuania. Methods Heads of all schools in the Lithuanian capital and its surrounding municipalities implementing general education programmes were invited to take part in this study. 115 persons agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire in spring of 2024. The distribution of the respondents by their answers to the questions about the attitudes towards the provision of inclusive education was compared according to gender, age, education level, work experience, school location (municipality), language of education, type of school, subordination, number of pupils, teachers, teaching assistants and pupils with disabilities. Results The most frequently indicated barriers for inclusive education provision were the lack of specialists, compensatory measures, methodological tools, adaptation of the physical environment, and high number of pupils (87.8%, 84.3%, 78.8% and 76.6% respectively). Attitudes of the respondents were similar in most of the cases when compared according to socio-demographic factors (p more than 0.05). Negative attitudes towards the possibilities for provision of inclusive education were more common among respondents from schools with fewer pupils and higher relative number of teachers, positive attitudes - among those from schools located in municipalities with lower number of residents and schools with more teaching assistants (p less than 0.05). Conclusions While attitudes of heads of general schools towards the provision of inclusive education for children with disabilities are similar in most of the cases, negative attitudes are more common among those from schools with fewer pupils and more teachers. Key messages • While attitudes of heads of general schools towards the inclusive education are similar in most of the cases, negative attitudes are more common among those from smaller schools. • Higher number of teaching assistants and smaller municipalities were associated with positive attitudes towards inclusive education of children with disabilies in general schools.

Interconnected factors in EFL engagement: classroom climate, growth mindset, and achievement goals

IntroductionThis study explores the relationships among classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and student engagement in the context of English as a foreign language (EFL) education in China. The study aims to understand how these factors interact to influence student engagement and motivation in EFL learning.MethodsData were collected through a questionnaire administered to 587 Chinese undergraduate EFL students. The questionnaire assessed students’ perceptions of classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and engagement. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the relationships among these variables.ResultsThe SEM analysis revealed significant positive correlations among classroom climate, growth mindset, achievement goal orientation, and student engagement. Both classroom climate and growth mindset were found to directly and positively predict student engagement. Additionally, achievement goal orientation mediated the relationships between both classroom climate and student engagement, and between growth mindset and student engagement.DiscussionThe findings underscore the interconnectedness of classroom climate, growth mindset, and achievement goal orientation in shaping student engagement in EFL education. These results suggest that fostering a positive classroom climate and promoting mastery-oriented goals can enhance student motivation and contribute to more effective language acquisition. Practical implications for EFL educators are also discussed.

To be with artificial intelligence in oral test or not to be: a probe into the traces of success in speaking skill, psychological well-being, autonomy, and academic buoyancy

There has been a surge in employing artificial intelligence (AI) in all areas of language pedagogy, not the least among them language testing and assessment. This study investigated the effects of AI-powered tools on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ speaking skills, psychological well-being, autonomy, and academic buoyancy. Using a concurrent mixed-methods design, the study included 28 upper-intermediate EFL students from an Ethiopian university. We gave the Michigan Language Proficiency Test to evaluate degrees of proficiency before the TOEFL iBT speaking section, which used ChatGPT for scoring and feedback. Speaking abilities were assessed using pretests, immediate posttests, and delayed posttests. Furthermore, we evaluated the impacts on psychological well-being, autonomy, and academic buoyancy using narrative frames. We used one-way repeated measurements to examine the quantitative data and thematically evaluated the qualitative data. According to the results, speaking abilities, psychological well-being, learner autonomy, and academic buoyancy showed notable increases. The results suggest that by improving skill development, offering individualized feedback, and meeting students' emotional and psychological needs, AI systems like ChatGPT have the capacity to transform language assessment and pedagogy. Encouraging the incorporation of AI technologies to enhance educational outcomes and provide a more flexible and adaptable learning environment, the study presents important implications for various stakeholders.

Methodological Approaches to Online Serbian Heritage Language Instruction

In this paper, we propose adequate methodological approaches for Serbian as a heritage language based on the critical analysis of the existing Serbian Ministry of Education’s Curriculum for Serbian as a foreign language. This curriculum is recommended for use in Serbian heritage language education; however, it has been shown to be insufficiently effective in the classroom. The methods in question should benefit heritage speakers the most, such as communication-based methods and form-focused instruction, which enhance metalinguistic awareness. Additionally, we suggest an integrative model of teaching as we believe that cross-cultural approaches positively impact both types of students.

Access to Education of Syrians under Temporary Protection in the Changing and Developing Turkish Education System: Barriers and Suggestions

The Turkish education system adopts an inclusive approach for individuals from different cultures. However, Syrian children face various barriers such as language barriers, economic difficulties, social cohesion and cultural differences. Language barriers make it difficult for Syrian children, especially those who speak Arabic, to adapt to the Turkish education system. Economic difficulties make it difficult for families to send their children to school, while cultural differences and social cohesion problems make it difficult for children to be socially accepted in schools. This article addresses the issue of access to education for Syrian children under temporary protection in Türkiye. In the article, the general development and change of the Turkish education system is explained and the difficulties faced by Syrians under temporary protection in the education process and the solutions to these difficulties are analysed. These suggestions include the development of language education programs, improvement of legal regulations and policies, reduction of education costs and awareness raising activities to increase social cohesion and cultural sensitivity. It is also emphasised that more comprehensive and sustainable policies should be implemented to support the integration of Syrian children into the Turkish education system. It is considered that the Learning and Adaptation Together Program (LEAP) proposed by us will accelerate the access of Syrians under temporary protection to education and contribute to social cohesion.

Pengaruh Tiktok Terhadap Perkembangan Bahasa di Kalangan Generasi Alpha

This study explores the influence of TikTok on the language development of Generation Alpha in Indonesia, a generation born after 2010 and raised in a digital environment. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this research employs in-depth interviews, observation, and content analysis to examine how TikTok affects vocabulary, the emergence of new terms, and communication patterns. The findings reveal that TikTok contributes to the rise of neologisms and slang terms such as "rizz," "brainrot," and "sigma," which have quickly spread among Generation Alpha. This trend enriches vocabulary while also driving changes in formal language norms, although concerns remain regarding a decline in formal language proficiency. This study provides insights into the dynamics of language in the digital age and its implications for language education policy

Exploring the intercultural potential of picturebooks in early secondary EFL classrooms in Austria

Abstract Intercultural education has constituted an interdisciplinary teaching principle in Austrian upper and lower secondary curricula since 1992 and was reinforced by a decree in 2017. Literary texts have been identified as promising resources and valuable tools for initiating intercultural learning through their frequently inherent multi-perspectivity encouraging students to empathize with characters, consider different perspectives, contrast viewpoints, relate stories to personal experiences, and reflect on diverse ideas. However, research on the implementation of intercultural teaching and learning using literature in foreign language classrooms has so far mostly focused on upper secondary education and has frequently related to using postcolonial fiction writings. To counter the knowledge gap on the implementation of intercultural learning in lower educational levels, this study adopts a literary science approach to explore the potential of picturebooks in early secondary EFL classrooms. Using The Little Green Jacket (Dee, 2020), it specifically examines perspective-taking as a key dimension of intercultural learning. Through written learner reflections, the research study assesses whether students in two Austrian EFL classrooms (n = 35) can adopt a different viewpoint. The findings show that most students are successful, or at least partly successful, in perspective-taking and mostly describe emotions of sadness but also hopefulness in their reflective writings. Thus, the study suggests that picturebooks have the potential to facilitate perspective-taking as an essential dimension of intercultural education among young EFL learners with low language proficiency, highlighting their largely untapped potential in early language education.

Exploring the Effects of Artificial Intelligence Application on EFL Students' Academic Engagement and Emotional Experiences: A Mixed‐Methods Study

ABSTRACTAs artificial intelligence (AI) gains prominence, its integration into second language (L2) /foreign language (FL) instruction has become a significant trend. Despite the considerable promise of AI for L2/FL learning, more research is still needed on its effects on student academic engagement in literature classes and the corresponding emotional experiences. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the effects of AI use on English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' academic engagement, and the emotional experience was also qualitatively explored. Students were allocated to the experimental group (N = 48), who received instruction integrated with AI, and the control group (N = 48), who received traditional instruction without AI assistance. Quantitative data were collected using an FL engagement scale, supplemented by individual semi‐structured interviews in the qualitative phase. The results indicated that integrating AI into EFL instruction has a positive effect on students' cognitive, emotional and social engagement. Moreover, the learners' emotional experiences were found to be abundant and dynamic, exerting influence on their academic engagement. This study provides valuable insights for language educators and researchers regarding integrating AI into EFL instruction.

Language Teacher Agency and Identity in Internationalized Higher Education: An Ecological Perspective

ABSTRACTSubstantial literature has focused on language teacher agency and identity in relation to learners in classrooms. Relatively little research exists regarding the nature of language teacher identity shaped by contextual factors brought on by the internationalization of education. To address the gap in the literature, this study explored how student teachers in a TESOL program negotiate their language teacher agency and identity in the ecosystems of an internationalized institution of higher education while contributing to different ESL programs. While pursuing an MA degree in TESOL with a teaching opportunity at an Intensive English program for non‐matriculating students or an ESL service program for pathway program students at a US university, seven student teachers participated in semi‐structured interviews, which were triangulated with the student teachers’ portfolios of lesson plans and reflection papers. The analysis demonstrated the student teachers’ agentic beliefs, choices, and practices in relation to contextual factors in the nested ecosystems of internationalized higher education, such as international students’ needs in the microsystem, training opportunities in the mesosystem, institutional policy and practice in the exosystem, and broad cultural norms in relation to language education in the macrosystem.