English-medium Research Articles

Mengintegrasikan Pendidikan Karakter Dalam Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Teknologi Informasi Di Sekolah Dasar

Indonesian education faces problems with improving ethics that can be integrated with Information Technology. It is important to carry out research implementation to develop character-based learning media. This research is descriptive and qualitative with data collection techniques; interviews, observation, and documentation of learning media in schools. Research locations in several elementary schools in Padang City. This research analyses learning media, character education, and the needs of elementary school students. The research results show that students need character-based learning media to strengthen their character values. These findings highlight the importance of character education from an early age in forming a strong moral and ethical foundation. Apart from that, integration of information technology is also a major need for students. By using IT-based learning media, students can dig deeper into their digital competencies. Integrating character into IT-based learning media promises a holistic approach to meeting students' needs not only academically but also in terms of character development and digital literacy. Analysis of character education highlights the urgent need to improve students' character. Incorporating character into learning the media is a powerful tool for forming positive attitudes, behaviour, and values ​​in students. Therefore, the results of this analysis suggest the need to integrate efforts to meet the needs of students at the elementary level in a comprehensive manner. The combination of text-based learning media and information technology is the key to creating a learning environment that answers the needs of the times and produces a competent and ethical generation.

Assessing the Impact and Challenges of English Medium Instruction in Saudi Arabian STEM Programs: A Comprehensive Review

In recent years, the adoption of English Medium Instruction (EMI) in non-Anglophone countries has garnered significant attention, particularly within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. Saudi Arabia, driven by the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, has implemented EMI across its higher education institutions to foster internationalization and enhance English proficiency among students. This paper reviews the current state of EMI in Saudi STEM programs, drawing on a comprehensive analysis of the socio-cultural, educational, and linguistic contexts. It explores the motivations behind the shift to EMI, the challenges encountered by students and educators, and the broader implications for educational quality and equity. The transition from Arabic Medium Instruction (AMI) to EMI in Saudi Arabia's STEM disciplines aims to prepare students for global competitiveness. However, this shift presents several challenges. Students often struggle with the sudden change in the medium of instruction, leading to difficulties in understanding complex scientific concepts. Furthermore, the quality of education may be compromised as students and educators navigate the linguistic demands of EMI. The potential cultural and linguistic impact on Arabic language and identity also raises concerns. This review synthesizes findings from various studies and theoretical frameworks to provide a holistic understanding of the EMI landscape in Saudi Arabia. The paper discusses the strategies employed by students and educators to cope with EMI, including preparatory programs and support mechanisms. It also highlights the role of government policies and institutional practices in shaping the EMI experience. While EMI aims to elevate the quality of education and English proficiency, it inadvertently creates educational inequalities. Students from private or international schools, who often have better English skills, are at an advantage compared to their peers from state schools. This disparity necessitates a re-evaluation of EMI policies to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all students. In conclusion, while EMI in Saudi STEM programs holds promise for advancing educational and economic goals, it requires careful consideration of the challenges and implications. Policymakers and educators must collaborate to address these challenges, ensuring that EMI serves as a tool for educational enhancement rather than a barrier to learning. Future research should continue to explore the long-term effects of EMI on student outcomes and the broader educational landscape in Saudi Arabia.

An Insight into developmental changes in reasoning skills among Indian Preschoolers: A cross-sectional study using a story-based approach

Background: Considering the importance of exploring the development of reasoning skills during preschool period and the suitability of using a culturally linguistically relevant story-based approach for the same, the present research intended to profile the reasoning skills in typically developing Indian preschool children between 36 and 72 months using a story-based approach. The specific objectives were to determine the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of reasoning tasks within an existing story-based cognitive-communicative assessment tool and to use this tool to assess the reasoning skills of typically developing Indian preschool children. Method: Reasoning tasks across explanation, prediction and inference domains were evaluated for its psychometric properties and administered to 63 typically developing Indian preschool children attending English medium schools in Mangalore. The preschoolers were equally divided into three age groups. The responses obtained across the age groups were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: The developed tasks were confirmed to have good psychometric properties like test-retest and inter-rater reliability. The age comparisons of reasoning abilities using one-way ANOVA suggested an increase in reasoning abilities with age during the preschool period. The qualitative analysis further suggested that with increasing age, the nature of reasoning changed from content-based reasoning to reasoning based on prior knowledge which was integrated with the story content. Conclusion: The study describes reasoning skill development using a story-based task in Indian preschoolers. The study findings further provide clinical and educational implications to assess and foster reasoning abilities among preschoolers.

Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Smart Box terhadap Hasil Belajar Bahasa Inggris Materi “Telling Time” Siswa Kelas IV SDN Bulak Banteng 1/263 Surabaya

This research aims to determine the impact of implementing Smart Box as learning media in English lessons, specifically on the topic of Telling Time. The research design used is a One Group Pretest-Posttest, utilizing a quantitative research approach. Data analysis used the normality test, N Gain test and t test (t test) with the help of SPSS 23. The research results showed that there was an increase in student learning outcomes using Smart Box media in learning English. This is proven by the increase in the average pretest and posttest results. In the pretest, students got an average score of 51.20 and in the posttest they got a score of 82.58. The increase can also be seen from the results of hypothesis testing, namely obtained t = 14.515 and t table 2.048 showing a significant influence so that ha is accepted

‘Walking out from the flat’: Pre-service English language teachers’ experiences of and needs for English as a lingua franca during study-abroad

Globalisation and internationalisation have significantly shaped the global status of English as a lingua franca (ELF). Recently, it has been argued that ELF should be understood from a multilingual perspective in English-medium instruction (EMI) education. Although EMI policy and practice have been examined and discussed in scholarship, an examination of ELF in relation to EMI is essential for bridging the gap between the policy and practice level of EMI. This qualitative study unpacked the study-abroad ELF experiences and needs for support of Chinese pre-service English language teachers after their first month of postgraduate teacher education study at a Scottish university. After thematic analysis of the focus group data, the findings revealed participants’ negativity in their daily and academic ELF experiences, though limited positive ELF experiences existed. Participants called for extra-curricular activities, a more engaging and communicative pedagogy in EMI classroom, and international student diversification and engagements with peer support in international universities. They urged curriculum innovation in English and intercultural communication education. This study sheds light on the development of curriculum, language policy, and student support in international universities. The paper ends with further insights into ELF experiences in a broader context where ELF is intertwined with EMI.

Correction: Effects of supplementary and mainstream education on the secondary–tertiary transitional challenges in English medium higher education

Correction: Effects of supplementary and mainstream education on the secondary–tertiary transitional challenges in English medium higher education

Women, war and nation-state building: the commemorations of Kartini Day in the newly independent Indonesia (1946–1949)

ABSTRACT Despite numerous works of Kartini as Indonesia’s most famous feminist icon, hardly any deep study investigated how Kartini was remembered in the first years of Indonesia’s independence. This study aims to examine how Indonesians celebrated Kartini Day during the Indonesian Revolution (1946–1949), by using print media in Indonesian, Dutch and English from that period. This study argues that for Indonesian nationalists at that time, commemorating Kartini Day was of paramount importance to encourage women empowerment based on the Indonesian nation-state concept. The commemorations were held in many places in Indonesia and were attended by numerous people from different walks of life. During the commemorations, Indonesian women were persuaded to adopt new roles in that era, namely as devoted Indonesian citizens who should contribute to the new country, especially in the field of women empowerment, community service, political participation and war effort. However, Indonesian women were criticised for still being Dutch-oriented and interpreting their freedom way too far. These findings indicate that during the Revolution, the commemorations of Kartini Day was urgently needed by the Indonesian nation-state as a momentum to promote Indonesian nationalism among women and encourage women’s participation in the nation-state building process and in the Dutch-Indonesian conflict.

Influence of English Medium of Instruction on Students’ Academic Performance in Technical Institutions in Tanzania

The main objective of this study was to explore the influence of English as a medium of instruction on students’ academic Performance at Arusha Technical College in Tanzania. This came after observing how the two languages: Kiswahili and English act as medium of instruction from lower to the higher levels of education respectively. English, as a second language in Tanzania, and a medium of instruction in higher learning institutions has shown discrepancies in students’ academic performance. Therefore, the study focused mainly on three specific objectives: to explore the use of English as a medium of instruction in terms of teachers’/students’ competency and confidence of students at Arusha Technical College, to describe the student’s academic performance in terms of proficiency in EMI, continuous assessment, and semester examination of students at Arusha Technical College, and to determine the relationship between the use of English as a Medium of instruction and the student’s academic performance in Tanzania. The study employed a quantitative research method specifically using descriptive and correlational research design. The secondary data were collected through a literature review; while the primary data were obtained through a self-constructed questionnaire. Questionnaire data were analyzed through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24 (SPSS). The study used a sample size of 100 respondents from Arusha Technical College where the English language is used as a medium of instruction. The results of the study revealed that most students had sufficient English language mastery due to the background of their previous education level. This fact led to the understanding and success in speaking and writing good English. Further, the findings showed that the lecturers used code-switching and translation strategies to enable students to understand the lessons. The study recommends a need for further research to be conducted on other institutions of higher learning to make rational decisions about usefulness of the language of instruction.

Exploring Needs, Challenges, and Teaching Norms in English-Medium Instruction Programs: Perspectives from University Students and Teachers

Research on English-medium instruction (EMI) is still in its infancy in Science and Technology universities in Thailand. Thus, this two-stage study explored the students and teachers’ perceptions toward EMI programs, challenges, needs and teaching norms. Two instruments were used to collect the data and triangulate the results: (1) a survey questionnaire, and (2) semi-structured interviews to students and teachers. The first stage of the study collected the perceptions of 97 Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) and Science students enrolled in partial EMI programs using a survey questionnaire. In the second stage, 24 students and 7 lecturers were purposely chosen to attend the semi-structured interviews. Descriptive results of the survey revealed that students have favorable attitude toward EMI since it is beneficial for developing their English, making friends, developing cultural awareness, enhancing their future career, and increasing their self-esteem. However, despite the benefits, difficulties persist in speaking, reading, writing and cognition. Students believed that they needed support, such as resources in English language development, opportunities to use English in the campus, and activities that could develop their English language proficiency. From student interviews, themes derived regarding challenges include linguistic challenges, lack of self-esteem, cognitive challenges, and teachers’ accented speech. Data from teachers affirmed students’ cognitive and linguistic challenges. The other themes induced were cultural challenges, language anxiety and lack of self-esteem. Teaching norms highlighted ways to support content comprehension, for instance, summarizing lessons in L1.

Constructing Research Preferences by Prospective Indonesian EFL Teachers

Several studies have discussed the features and characteristics of research on English language teaching in Indonesia by both lecturers and students. However, there is very little research that discusses topics, research methods, designs, and reasons for choosing topics, as well as the efforts to improve the quality of research conducted by prospective EFL teachers in the Indonesian context. The study aims to identify, assess, and characterize the research conducted by prospective Indonesian EFL teachers. The study used mixed research methods utilizing 477 research works as the objects of study, while the research participants were 67 prospective Indonesian EFL teachers and 5 heads of the English education program. The results showed that students' selected research topics were the process of learning English at the secondary school level and that their preferred methodologies were quantitative research, qualitative research, and classroom action research (mixed methods). The most popular topics in English language learning research were methods for learning, classroom action research, textbook analysis, media for learning English, and viewpoints on English teaching concerns. The reasons for choosing certain research topics and methods were dominated by issues of ease of research completion. The results contribute as a basis for future research to select variables, designs, issues, or study subjects to explore as well as for directing and defining the themes and research topics in the English Education study program.

Influence of prior educational contexts on directed self-placement of L2 writers

Directed self-placement (DSP) allows for student agency in writing placement. DSP has been implemented in many composition programs, although it has not been used as widely for L2 writers in higher education. This study investigates the relationship between student placement decisions and students’ prior educational backgrounds, particularly in relationship to whether they had attended an English-medium high school or an intensive English program (IEP). Actual placement results via an exam were compared to 804 students’ self-placement decisions and correlated with their prior educational backgrounds. Findings indicated that most students’ DSP decisions matched actual exam placement results. However, there was a large number of DSP decisions that were higher or lower than exam placement results. Additionally, the longer students studied at an English-medium instruction high school, the more likely they were to place themselves higher than their exam placement. We conclude that DSP can be used in L2 writing programs, but with careful attention to learners’ educational backgrounds, proficiency, and sense of identity.

Portrayal of Kazakhstan: Sentiment and Topics in Online Media (2022-2023)

This paper sought to delineate how English media frame Kazakhstan. We employed co-occurrence network and sentiment analysis across 130 newspaper pieces published in 2022 and 2023. The results showed that the news in the UK and Qatar often associated Kazakhstan with Russia and China, and also referred to it as a Muslim country, which until the events of January 2022 was considered a peaceful and quiet country. Among the prevailing terms, there were “Kazakhstan,” “country,” “Tokayev,” “Russia,” and “protest”. Kazakhstan was represented as a country ruled by an influential leader (Tokayev), maintaining diplomatic relations with countries in Europe and Asia. Kazakhstan’s image suffered due to the violent crackdown on protests during the January events and accusations of supporting Russia to circumvent sanctions, which the government denies. However, the January events awakened a wave of foreign media interest in Kazakhstan, which gradually subsided over time. The sentiment analysis unearthed that the peak of positive sentiment coincided with events such as scientific achievements, cultural successes and progressive changes, while the decline was characterized by coverage of problems within the country facing serious challenges, including worker safety issues, political suppression, economic instability and questions about the legitimacy of elections. Resultantly, a rather ambivalent portrayal emerged.

A Conundrum to Decode the Proficiency of Urban Schoolteachers in Screening Learning Disabilities.

It is estimated that nearly 5%-10% of Indian schoolchildren have hidden problems, with about 80%-85% of them having dyslexia. Failing to diagnose and address learning disabilities on time can lead to adverse outcomes, such as school dropouts and mental health issues. In this context, the study was designed to assess educators' knowledge regarding LD, its detection, and provisions for its management. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 randomly selected English, Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu medium schools under Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation from June 2018 to December 2019. The study participants were primary, upper primary, and high schoolteachers whose knowledge and practices regarding LD were assessed using a validated questionnaire. From the ten selected schools, 150 teachers were interviewed. The knowledge regarding LD was poor, with only 26.67% of the teachers expressing the inability of the child to learn in only one particular tenet of their studies as a learning disability, which was incorrect. Nearly 24.67% of the teachers expressed the correct opinion that children who had problems with two or more learning domains were found to have LD. Most of them were unaware of the provisions for children with LD. The most common factors influencing learning disability among children were the environment at home (approximately 40%), followed by health and frequent illness of a child (28.67%). LD criteria, screening, provision, and referral should have been better understood by schoolteachers. Most of their expertise came from teacher training programs. Teachers closely study their pupils and can spot even modest changes in academic performance or behavior, making them the first screening medium for learning disabilities. Therefore, teachers must be trained to recognize LD and informed about available services such as urban rehabilitation centers for children with LD.

The Relationship between School Happiness and Digital Game Addiction

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between primary school students' school happiness and digital game addictions. The study group of this research, which was designed in the relational survey model, consists of 204 fourth-grade primary school students studying in the Pendik district of Istanbul. In the research, the “School Happiness Scale for Primary School Children” developed by Ozdemir et al. (2021) and “The Digital Game Addiction Scale” which was developed by Lemmens, Valkenburg & Peter (2009) and adapted into Turkish by Yalçın-Irmak & Erdoğan (2015), and later whose validity and reliability analyzes were made for primary school children by Oral and Arabacıoglu (2019) were used. According to the research findings, it was found that the students' school happiness was at a moderate level and their digital game addiction was at a high level. Students' school happiness levels and digital game addiction levels do not show significant differences according to their genders. Similarly, the digital game addiction levels of students do not differ statistically according to the gender of their teachers, but the school happiness levels of students with female teachers are statistically significantly higher than those with male teachers. On the other hand, while the digital game addiction levels of the students do not differ significantly according to the school success of the students, the school happiness levels of the students with medium school success are significantly higher than the students with low or very high school success. According to another finding obtained from the research, there is a negative, low, and significant relationship between students' school happiness levels and digital game addiction levels. As a result of the regression analysis, it was seen that school happiness was a significant predictor of digital game addiction. School happiness explains 3% of digital game addiction.

English as a Medium of Instruction in Pakistan: Equity, inclusion and Social Justice Issues

The language of education plays a substantial role in the development of a nation. It is not only a means to transfer knowledge to the masses, but it also shapes the feelings and attitudes of individual students. Unfortunately, if the language (s) of education is not chosen carefully or if its status and role are not defined adequately, it may give rise to inequality and injustice. In Pakistan, during General Musharraf’s regime (2001-2008), English was proclaimed as the medium of instruction with the aim of introducing a unified medium of instruction for all, (Asif et al, 2020). English as the medium of instruction (EMI) has always remained controversial in Pakistan. It is often criticized for paving ways for a number of issues of equity, inclusion and social justice. Thus, the studyaims to explore the extent to which English medium instruction (EMI) addresses social equality and social justice issues in the public-school system of Pakistan. Data for the study is collected via interviews with ELT (English Language Teacher) professionals from the public- school system who are facing such issues because of EMI. Additionally, employing a thematic approach to analysis, study provides a critical analysis of inclusion and injustice issues. Finally, it draws implications for teachers, schools, and policymakers, and will make recommendations to address the issues.

Language practice and beliefs of domestic and L2 English international students in an English-taught program in Japanese higher education

ABSTRACT This study compared domestic and international students regarding their self-evaluated English proficiency, language performance in English-medium instruction (EMI) classrooms, and their language beliefs. They were enrolled in an English-taught program (ETP) in a Japanese university. EMI courses and programs have strategically increased to attract overseas students and improve domestic students’ English proficiency. Despite extensive EMI research, few studies have focused on EMI experiences of both domestic and international students. Thus, the study analyzed online survey responses from 84 domestic and 24 international students, mostly from Asia. Noticeably, domestic students rated their English proficiency lower than their L2 English international group. Also, the former group found it significantly difficult in performing language tasks, compared to the latter group. Critically, L2 English international students preferred first language (L1) English-speaking instructors and expect non-L1 English lecturers to use native English, whereas Japanese students showed appreciation of lecturers using their L1 in EMI context.

Academic Vocabulary Learning in EMI Classrooms: Challenges and Strategies

This study investigates English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ challenges in understanding academic science vocabulary in Malaysian secondary schools’ English-medium instruction (EMI) classrooms. Based on cognitive load theory, the research explores ESL learners’ strategies to acquire scientific terminology and manage the associated cognitive difficulties. Previous research on EMI across different subjects has often overlooked the specific hurdles presented by technical terms in the scientific vocabulary, creating a knowledge gap that impedes the development of effective teaching methods for science educators in EMI settings. In response, the study adopts a two-stage qualitative design, commencing with an online survey involving 103 participants, followed by group interviews with individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The findings indicate that ESL learners in EMI science classrooms encounter significant obstacles due to unfamiliar scientific terminology, abstract concepts, and limited prior exposure to the subject matter. This results in a high cognitive load that inhibits comprehension. Nevertheless, the research identifies various vocabulary learning strategies students employ, including contextual clues and active engagement with scientific vocabulary within relevant contexts. These findings underscore the need for more inclusive learning environments supporting vocabulary development for ESL learners in EMI settings. Recommendations encompass creating instructional materials featuring clear and concise language and integrating scaffolding strategies to simplify complex scientific terms. This comprehensive approach has the potential to facilitate successful vocabulary development and enhance the overall learning experience for ESL learners in EMI science classrooms.

Appraisal analysis of the vague expressions in academic lectures using English as an academic lingua franca in an EMI university

AbstractThis study aims to compare how lecturers, also being different English as a lingua franca (ELF) users use various vague expressions in academic lectures in a Chinese English‐medium instruction (EMI) university. The study adopts the framework of appraisal grounded in systemic functional linguistic theory to classify all vague expressions according to intensity, amount, and categorisation. It is found that vagueness in relation to amount with no gradable features was used most frequently in the 12 academic lectures of the study, followed by those related to no‐scaled categorisation and upscaled intensity. The use of vague expressions is further examined from an academic ELF perspective. We discover that native‐speaker lecturers may use more vague expressions concerning amount whereas ELF lecturers may prefer those concerning intensity. Finally, we suggest some pedagogical implications of using vagueness in ELF communication for delivering academic lectures in the EMI university context.

Восприятия учителей о факторах, влияющих на использование английского языка в классе по естественнонаучным предметам c английским языком как средством обучения (EMI): Качественное исследование

This article explores the factors that affect the extent of students' English language use in English-medium instruction (EMI) science classrooms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven science teachers from private and public schools in Astana city, and thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The findings from the study highlight several factors that influence the extent of English language usage in science subjects, focusing specifically on the teacher factor. The teacher's language skills and methods affect students' English usage, with negative factors including Kazakh/Russian language use. The initial level of English is also important, such as the number of years of English language training and preparation for international exams. Understanding these findings can help inform strategies and interventions aimed at promoting and enhancing students' English language usage in science subjects, ultimately improving their comprehension and academic performance.

The Use of Metadiscourse Markers in the Spoken Discourse of Different EMI Disciplines

Abstract Metadiscourse (MD) allows instructors to organize classroom discourse and reflect their own style while delivering the content. MD has been studied for years, especially with a focus on written contexts even though the number of studies conducted on spoken contexts in different educational settings has a tendency to increase. With the increasing spread of English medium instruction (EMI) across the world, the role of MD in EMI classroom discourse has become a field of research that is worth investigating. Concerning the Turkish context, MD has recently been a popular research area, but there are limited number of studies conducted the examination of MD in spoken interactions in the Turkish context. To this end, the current study aims to investigate the distribution and lexicogrammatical realizations of metadiscourse markers employed by the lecturers in the spoken discourse of different EMI courses. A corpus-based discourse analysis was carried out by referring to Ädel’s (2010) framework of metadiscourse. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of the corpus collected from 36 hours of lesson observation have revealed some variations in both the distribution and realization of metadiscursive categories in different EMI courses.