Language Teaching Research Articles

ВИБІРКОВІ ОСВІТНІ КОМПОНЕНТИ В ПРОФЕСІЙНІЙ ПІДГОТОВЦІ МАЙБУТНІХ УЧИТЕЛІВ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ МОВИ І ЛІТЕРАТУРИ В МАГІСТРАТУРІ

The author of this article characterizes the role of selective educational components in the professional training of future teachers of the Ukrainian language and literature in the master’s degree. It was found that one of the ways of forming the individual educational trajectory of a student is the mastering of selective educational components aimed at improving general and professional competencies defined in the educational and professional program. The procedures for the development and selection of the specified educational components are outlined in university regulations, in particular, it is stated that they should cover 25% of the total volume of ECTS credits planned by the relevant educational and professional program. Analysis of educational activities for the implementation of the educational and professional program 014.01 Secondary education. Ukrainian language and literature in the master’s program of the T. H. Shevchenko National University «Chernihiv Colehium» made it possible to characterize selective components from cycles of general and professional training. It was established that those seeking higher education should master three academic disciplines of the cycle of general training and five academic disciplines of the cycle of professional training, which are evenly distributed within three semesters. The author of the article characterizes those educational disciplines that are particularly popular among future teachers of the Ukrainian language and literature, in particular: “Pedagogical rhetoric”, “Basics of academic integrity”, “Artistic systems in Ukrainian literature of the 20th-21st centuries”, “Literature of the Siver region in historical-typological context”, “Technologies of studying theoretical and literary concepts in high school”, “Ukrainian language in scientific and pedagogical communication”. It has been established that educational disciplines that have a practical direction and may be needed during professional activities are particularly popular among future teachers. It is noted that teachers of university in the process of developing selective educational components try to take into account branch and regional aspects. Key words: professional training, educational component, educational and professional program, educational discipline, future teachers of the Ukrainian language and literature, master’s degree.

Extremely virtual and incredibly physical

Abstract Digital mediation strategies are key soft skills to develop amongst students as they prepare to interact in increasingly collaborative settings, socially and professionally. Defined as a set of communication strategies deployed to reach mutual agreement over a dispute, mediation enables students’ cooperation in task-based language teaching settings. However, there is an absence of research investigating learning practices in digital social spaces that allow students to develop mediation strategies while using foreign languages to achieve group task goals. In this article, we will outline and compare the results of two case studies exploring the interaction potential of digital educational activities: Digital Storytelling and Digital Social Reading. The analysis of students’ multimodal conversations during the activities shows that while there are intrinsic interactional affordances related to the technologies (StoryMaps, izi.Travel, ThingLink, Immerse and Glose for Education) used in educational contexts, fostering students’ mediation strategies has only been feasible through a sound instructional methodology. Starting from the data analysis, pedagogical implications are drawn to help language teachers implement virtual technologies to boost students’ digital mediation strategies to act successfully in their professional and social lives. Considerations include pre-activity tech and strategy training and the integration of asynchronous and synchronous moments of reflection. Further discussion pertains to creating a community of practice collaborating to understand tool usability for attaining activity goals.

Self-regulation to develop autonomy in language teacher education

Abstract This article reports on a two-phased research study on the promotion of learner autonomy conducted in a teaching college in Madagascar. Phase one aimed to help English as a Foreign Language (EFL) pre-service teachers improve their writing and simultaneously develop their self-regulated learning (SRL) skills through journal writing in a bespoke nine-week reflective writing course. The course was designed with the belief that promoting learner autonomy necessarily involves reflection on the learning process, goals, and outcomes of learning, and that successful SRL results in increased learner autonomy. In addition, teachers who have experienced learner autonomy are more likely to promote it in their teaching. The collected data from the course consisted of the participants’ journal entries related to each writing task and written reflections on the course, which were submitted to thematic analysis. Phase two took place two years after phase one. Data collection for this phase consisted of Google Form questions and email exchanges that were intended to investigate the long-term impact of the reflective writing course on the pre-service teachers’ ways of learning and on their preparation for their teaching practice. To illustrate the impact of the two phases in detail, this article focuses on two case studies. They were chosen because these two participants showed lack of self-confidence and struggles with writing at the beginning of phase one, and yet, were able to develop their SRL skills, in particular, their goal setting and self-evaluation. This paper provides a unique contribution to the field, since not much research has investigated learner autonomy or SRL in education in Madagascar, and few studies have returned to participants after some time to assess long-term impact.

Unit Teaching Design for English Interpretation Course Based on POA with the Assistance of a Virtual Reality Interpretation Training System

This study introduces the application of virtual reality technology in English interpretation course, as well as the unit teaching design for the course based on the POA. The study first reviews the development history of virtual reality technology and highlights its significant role in driving structural changes in language teaching. Then, this study analyzes the problems existing in current English interpretation course, such as the lack of timeliness in teaching materials, monotonous teaching methods, and single evaluation methods. To address these issues, this study constructs a POA-based unit teaching design for the English Interpretation Course with the assistance of a virtual reality interpretation system.

Dynamic positioning in identity development: Case studies of Chinese university English language teachers

This multiple-case study examines the dynamics of identity among Chinese university teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in response to challenges that arise from individual teaching contexts. Grounded in Dialogical Self Theory (DST), the study investigates how these teachers navigate conflicting pedagogies, exercise agency, and negotiate their professional identities. Through in-depth interviews and classroom observations, the findings demonstrate the ways in which participating teachers drew on diverse position repertoires to manage the complexities of their teaching roles. The study identified several key positioning strategies, including the adoption of meta-positions, the creation of third positions, the utilization of promoter positions, the formation of coalitions of positions, and the management of cacophonous positioning. The findings contribute to the growing body of research on language teacher identity, highlighting the dynamic complexity of identity construction. The study offers implications for professional development programs, advocating for opportunities that foster critical reflection on teachers’ multiple I-positions.

Becoming and being language teacher educators: a collaborative reflexive account

ABSTRACT In this study we employed reflexivity as a typology and a means to foster our own becoming and being as language teacher educators (LTEs). Specifically, drawing on reflexivity as mutual collaboration, we engaged in duoethnography where we were researcher-participants in each other’s narratives, with the capacity to be reflexive beings. We collaboratively inquired into our own and one another’s professional trajectories, demonstrating how our journeys of becoming and being LTEs were characterised by our social and linguistic identities, our work and interaction with language teachers, and the research and teaching praxis. Findings and discussion advocate a dialogue in the field, acknowledging the dispositions, challenges, and possibilities that reflexivity can offer for LTEs’ trajectories.

Literature and ICTE: Issues and Perspectives

Throughout the undulating course of history, literature has remained a steadfast companion to the pursuit of language instruction, defying the ebb and flow of its prominence. Presently, it is experiencing an extraordinary renaissance, and to effectively reintegrate it within language classrooms and ignite learners' enthusiasm, digital technologies have emerged as an invaluable ally. The purpose of this article is to embark on an exploration of the multifaceted role of literature within diverse language teaching methodologies while delving into the intricate interplay between literature didactics and the realm of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). We endeavor to elucidate the notion that digital technology, when wielded as a pedagogical instrument, serves as a veritable fount of innovation in the domain of language and culture instruction, holding immense potential to invigorate learners' motivation.

Stage directions: Evidence-based professional development in improvisational drama for foreign language teachers

A significant body of research supports the affective benefits of drama activities in foreign language (FL) learning, yet little is known about how to train teachers to implement such activities. In this study, we tested a professional development program (PDP) aimed at galvanizing FL teachers to integrate improvisational drama techniques (IDTs) into their repertoire. IDTs are defined here as activities which place pupils in a fictional situation and stimulate spoken interaction. Nineteen Dutch secondary school FL teachers participated in the PDP. The goal of this research was to discover the extent to which (1) teachers implement IDTs according to the study’s definition, (2) the techniques become integrated into the teacher’s repertoire, and (3) teachers develop the self-efficacy to execute IDTs. All three areas were met with positive results as evidenced through questionnaires, logbooks, observations and interviews. Teachers demonstrated that they could inspire the fictional artistry of drama while simultaneously stimulating FL speaking. Frequency of implementation also increased after the training. Self-efficacy furthermore improved widely, both in implementing IDTs and speaking activities in general.

Los maestros contra la RAE. Obstáculos y enredos de la oficialización de la gramática escolar académica en España (1875-1900)

This work aims to study the main challenges that academic school grammar faced in Spain for its consolidation in classrooms from the time of the Restoration, when its texts (Compendio and Epítome) became official again for the teaching of the Spanish language in public schools. Our analysis focuses specifically on examining the various news, reviews, and articles found in the Spanish printed press, a representative textual sample, not only of how the issue is experienced in Spanish society, but also of the different attitudes and opinions of intellectuals of the time regarding the matter, especially from the teachers, which maintained strong resistance against the repression actions carried out by the government and the Academy itself for the maintenance (and expansion) of their privileges and the consolidation of their doctrine in the classrooms.

Intermediate Phase English First Additional Language Teachers’ Use of Technology in Rural Schools of Limpopo

<p style="text-align:justify">Teachers’ access to technology in this day and age could have a positive effect on the teaching and learning of English first additional language (EFAL). This qualitative interpretive case study explored how limited access to technology resources affects the teaching practices of Intermediate Phase EFAL teachers in rural schools in Limpopo, South Africa. This study, underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data from ten EFAL teachers who were purposively sampled. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study revealed that three of the ten EFAL teachers sampled integrated technology into their teaching despite challenges such as insufficient projectors, lack of learners’ smartphones and data bundles, and Internet connectivity. However, the other seven sampled participants did not use technology, citing a lack of digital tools and knowledge as a contributing factor. The study concludes that the lack of resources contributed to limited or no use of technology and the motivation to integrate technology into their lessons. Based on these findings, it is recommended that technological resources that can help EFAL teachers with digital teaching be made available so that they can integrate them to assist learners in developing language skills. Furthermore, in-service training and ongoing support should be provided to EFAL teachers to give them knowledge and skill to use available technology resources effectively.</p>

Ideological tensions between the English language teaching system and cosmopolitan aspirations in the South Korean context: reflections from a group of bilingual Koreans

ABSTRACT Increasing cross-border interconnectedness continuously shapes perceptions and ideologies of the English language. This qualitative research explores the complex tensions between local ideologies and globalisation influences on English teaching practices in South Korea from the perspective of bilingual English-speaking Koreans. Findings highlight that English serves as crucial cultural capital, influencing social mobility, but the prevailing prestige ideology often leads to an instrumental approach to learning that may hinder effective communicative competence. There is a noticeable tension between the narrow focus on English for competitive advantage and the broader global perspectives of younger Koreans. Although the current English Language Teaching (ELT) system emphasises local competitiveness, students’ increasing exposure to transnational influences necessitates a shift in teaching strategies. To better reflect the realities of a multicultural society, this study suggests adapting ELT practices to focus more on identity negotiation and less on rigid linguistic structures, considering the diverse experiences within contemporary Korean society.

The native/non-native debate: A practitioner responds

It is, perhaps, with some surprise that I find the native/non-native divide again attracting attention. The first I remember of this being an issue was when we were informed that the native speaker was dead (Paikeday, 1985). Needless to say, to those of us who did not feel at all deceased, this came as a surprise, but the announcement certainly attracted attention. The next contribution to the debate that I remember was Peter Medgyes's (1992) question regarding whether native or non-native was worth more. And so the dispute has continued spasmodically until the present, when we find two pieces on the subject within two recent issues of Language Teaching (Llurda & Calvet-Terré, 2024; Selvi et al., 2024).

Students' Perceptions of Using ChatGPT for Academic Writing in English

This article explores the perceptions of university students on the use of ChatGPT for academic writing in English. Participants (n = 79) are all students on mandatory English-language courses at a university Language Centre in Finland. They are predominantly first-year bachelor’s degree students from various degree programmes in different faculties. Participants’ insights were collected via a survey that was administered to several intact groups during the autumn semester of 2023. The survey collected quantitative and qualitative data which were analysed and discussed in light of students’ developing academic writing skills in English. The study sheds light on students’ specific uses of the AI-driven tool as well as their perceptions of its impact on not only the writing process and product, but also on their own writing skills. The results indicated that students perceived ChatGPT to have above average usability, a finding which was supported and elucidated by students’ free responses concerning ways in which they have used this technology. Conversely, the reasons that some students had not used it included, amongst others, a lack of need, ethical concerns and doubts about its usefulness. Given the continued development and availability of large language models such as ChatGPT, this research has clear implications for all stakeholders in higher education. In particular, by illustrating how students utilise ChatGPT in their academic writing, the study provides university language teachers with the insights needed to ensure that their course outcomes, content and assessments remain reflective of students’ developing knowledge and study practices.

The extent of practicing quality standards of educational activities in Arabic language lessons

The present study aims at exploring the extent to which the quality standards of educational activities in Arabic language syllabi is practiced. For this goal, the research adopted the descriptive approach. For the objective of the study, the researcher resorted to the mixed method; quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The mixed data collection methods comprised list of quality standards for educational activities, observation card, and semi-structured interviews. The research sample included 28 Arabic language teachers in government schools for boys in Abha city and 4 language teacher supervisors and 4 School Accreditation Evaluation Specialist. The respondents of the sample were distributed as follows: 10 teachers from the upper grades of primary school, 10 Arabic language teachers from intermediate school and 8 teachers from secondary school. The study tools include a list of quality standards of educational activities and a classroom observation card. An observation card was designed to reveal the extent of practicing the quality standards of educational activities in Arabic language courses. Regarding the list of quality standards, the research identified 25 quality standards for educational activities in Arabic language syllabi. Ultimately, the study concluded that the degree of practicing the quality standards of educational activities ranged from 2.28 to 1.18, which means that the degree of practicing them is between average and low. Moreover, the extent of practicing the quality standards of educational activities in Arabic language syllabi as a whole was 1.59, which means that they are practiced at a weak level. Accordingly, the researcher suggested some recommendations and future studies.

Exploring the Impact of Photovoice on Self-Expression in English Language Learning: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review explores the impact of Photovoice on fostering self-expression among English language learners and identifies the key challenges in implementing this participatory visual methodology within classroom settings. Using the PRISMA method, this review analyzes peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2024. A total of 270 articles were initially identified through databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar, with 9 studies selected for thematic analysis focused on self-expression and the integration challenges of Photovoice in English language learning. The findings demonstrate that Photovoice significantly enhances self-expression in students by enabling them to confidently articulate complex emotions and ideas in English, reducing language anxiety, and promoting deeper engagement. However, obstacles such as limited classroom time, inadequate technological resources, and insufficient teacher training were noted as barriers to its effective implementation. This review addresses a critical gap in the literature by focusing specifically on the role of Photovoice in fostering self-expression in English learners, an area that remains underexplored. The study contributes to educational practice by providing educators with insights into how Photovoice can be integrated into language teaching to enhance self-expression, while also highlighting the practical challenges and offering recommendations for overcoming them to maximize the method’s potential.

Flexible Approach In English Language Learning Curriculum Design: Optimizing Teaching In Merdeka Curriculum

The Merdeka Curriculum implemented in Indonesia aims to create an education system that is more adaptive and responsive to local and global needs. In English language teaching, curriculum flexibility allows teachers to adjust learning materials to students' local contexts, thus encouraging student engagement in the learning process. This study aims to explore the application of flexibility in English curriculum design under the Merdeka Curriculum in five junior high schools in Solok City, West Sumatra. A qualitative approach with a case study method was used, with data collected through in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and student interviews. The results showed that flexibility in the preparation of teaching materials and teaching methods allowed teachers to adjust teaching to local needs. However, teachers faced challenges in balancing local materials with national competency standards and limited resources. This flexibility increased student engagement, although some students struggled without adequate guidance. In conclusion, support in the form of guidance, training, and additional resources are needed to optimize the implementation of curriculum flexibility

EVALUATION ON ONLINE PLATFORMS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AT SMP FITRA ABDI PALEMBANG

This study aims to evaluate on online platforms in English language teaching at SMP Fitra Abdi Palembang. The research focused on eighth – grade students at SMP Fitra Abdi Palembang of the 2023/2024 academic year, with the total of 31 students. The researchers using a descriptive qualitative research method that typically involves detailed data to provide a comprehensive understood of a phenomenon. And utilized the data collection techniques with a questionnaire, and interviews. Additionally, the results of the questionnaires showed 3305 of a total score of, indicated that students used online platforms in learned English. In conclusion showed that most eighth – grade students at SMP Fitra Abdi Palembang used the Duolingo app to learned English instead of used Hello Talk app and Beelinguapp.

Exploring the ‘Invisible’ in GTAs: Reflections on Intuition and Post-Graduate Mentoring

Postgraduate researchers who teach (Graduate Teaching Assistants) always navigate their academic spaces among several psychological factors in their routines from both inside and outside. They can often be observed attending to students, advising them on their problems and sometimes even relying on their seniors for various topics. In such situations, practitioner intuition remains a well-known and relied-upon source of GTA's decision-making skills but also an underexplored area of investigation, especially in mentoring and language teaching literature (Ushioda, 2023; Burns & Williams, 2023 & Kumar, 2024). Based on this premise, this reflective paper aims to simplify and understand the GTA's pedagogic intuition towards success and failures in PG thesis writing contexts from peer-mentoring perspectives. The initial sections of the paper, imagining GTA's as mentors and their learners as mentees, establish what GTA intuition can be thought of, how it is related to Vygotsky's ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) and the potential operations based on an intuitive decision-making model. The latter part of the paper offers detailed practical insights about these theoretical connections through my own workings of intuition while scaffolding the PG mentees to plan, execute and write their theses. Detailed reflections of both the GTA/mentor and the mentees elicited through think-aloud and discursive puzzling measures are reported extensively. Lastly, the paper advocates for more work towards exploring GTA's intuition in mentoring scenarios (and otherwise), getting more awareness from their cognitions and becoming more intuitive practitioners.

Exploring a Collaborative Synchronous Online Learning Environment in an Initial Language Teacher Education Program

This qualitative study explores pre-service language teachers’ experiences in a collaborative synchronous online course in language teacher education program in Turkey. A course was designed to equip pre-service language teachers of English with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively incorporate technology into their teaching and self-learning practices. Adopting a generic qualitative inquiry design, data were collected over 14 weeks from 63 pre-service EFL teachers through weekly reflection papers, online surveys, and face-to-face follow-up semi-structured interviews. The study found that technology-enhanced collaborative online course had a positive influence on participants’ engagement, interaction, and professional development with participants perceiving the course experience positively. The findings suggest that collaborative online courses, when they are effectively taught, can be a valuable professional development opportunity in initial language teacher education programs.

Assessing Computational Literacy in First Language (L1) Teaching

This article addresses the multifaceted challenges of assessing computational literacy (CL) within the context of first language (L1) teaching. The article commences by examining the theoretical foundations and the need for an expanded understanding of CL, moving beyond the popular notion of computational thinking (CT). We then present an example from a 5th-grade classroom in a Danish middle school to illustrate how pupils integrate computational skills into their writing practices through a design-based intervention. Subsequent to this example, we propose a cross-disciplinary framework designed to assess CL in L1 settings, focusing on four principles that bridge traditional language arts with computational approaches. Finally, we reflect on how the application of these principles can help formulate new learning goals that better align with the emerging demands of 21st-century education. Throughout the article, we argue that a CL approach provides a more socially rooted and context-sensitive method for integrating computational methods into non-computer science subjects, offering theoretical clarity and practical benefits for both educators and researchers alike. The article commences with a discussion of the CL approach related to assessment.