Pre-service EFL Teachers Research Articles

‘Opening up’ Corpus Linguistics

Despite a multitude of empirical studies pointing to the benefits of integrating corpora in second language (L2) teaching and learning, corpus use in the pre-tertiary L2 classroom remains the exception rather than the norm. This much-discussed research-practice gap can be attributed to the limited physical, intellectual and social accessibility of both corpus research and corpus resources. To address this issue, I explore the potential of Open Education in a course aimed at imparting corpus literacy to pre-service EFL teachers. I present the design of a course focused on the collaborative creation of a new Open Educational Resource (OER): a guide to creating corpus-informed teaching materials. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of three iterations of this course in enhancing the physical, intellectual, and social accessibility of corpus linguistics for L2 education. Analyses of pre- and post-course surveys, students’ OER chapter submissions, and reflection statements show that the semester-long course successfully developed participants’ technical and pedagogical corpus literacy. The findings suggest that the adoption of OER-enabled pedagogy in an initial teacher education course can make a positive contribution to bridging the corpus research-teaching gap.

Pre-service EFL Teachers' Oral Corrective Feedback on Students' Foreign Language Production

In the context of classroom communication, offering Oral Corrective Feedback (OCF) carries several advantages for enhancing students' proficiency in speaking a foreign language. It is crucial for pre-service teachers to possess the necessary skills to deliver constructive OCF to students. This research aimed to investigate the kinds of OCF provided by Pre-service EFL teachers. Two pre-service EFL teachers participated in this research. To gain data, the researchers employed recording and observation sheets to capture and document OCF within classroom settings. The data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis. The data were tabulated first. Then, each type was completed with an example of how they delivered it. After that, it was counted which type of OCF was mostly used by pre-service teachers. This research found that when providing oral comments, the two pre-service EFL teachers under observation had distinct preferences. While the other is still restricted, the first is very diversified. Nonetheless, elicitation is the OCF type that both of them employ the most frequently. This study provides benefits for different groups, the lecturer who handles teaching practicum subjects, students as foreign language learners, and pre-service EFL teachers themselves.

An Investigation of the Relationship between EFL Pre-service Teachers' Oral Performance, their Conflict Resolution Skills, and their Own Perception about these Skills

An Investigation of the Relationship between EFL Pre-service Teachers' Oral Performance, their Conflict Resolution Skills, and their Own Perception about these Skills

PEDAFICTION AND REFLECTION: FAMILIARIZING INDONESIAN EFL PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS WITH TEACHER COMPETENCE THROUGH STORIES

Numerous studies have highlighted the need for competent teachers in today’s classrooms. Many suggest that to meet this demand, the preparation should be stipulated at the pre-service level so, when the graduates become in-service teachers, they are already well-prepared to meet the requirements of competent teachers. This study explores the use of pedafiction stories and reflection to familiarize EFL pre-service teachers with teacher competence. The data were obtained from observation, focus group interviews and reflection papers to be analyzed by using thematic analysis (Braun Clarke, 2022). Forty-two pre-service teachers were involved in six TEFL class sessions focusing on the topic of English Teacher Competence in the Indonesian context. They read and reflected on the pedafiction stories, shared their reflections on the stories through a pair-share activity, and wrote individual reflections. The findings reveal that pedafiction stories exploration and reflection have enabled the pre-service teachers to identify the English teacher competencies shown by the character in the story. Besides, the pre-service teachers could relate the topic of teacher competence to a broader social context. Pedafiction and reflection, to a certain extent, have also contributed to the development of the pre-service teachers’ teaching identity. The findings shed light on the potential of stories and reflective practice for English teacher preparation at the pre-service level.

“I usually just rely on my intuition and go from there.” pedagogical rules and metalinguistic awareness of pre-service EFL teachers

Abstract The present study explores Austrian pre-service EFL teachers’ language awareness. The negative polarity properties of ‘any’ are investigated. These are informative since some of the grammatical constraints are taught in EFL instruction while others are not. The research question addresses whether pre-service teachers’ knowledge is constrained by pedagogical rules. 66 pre-service EFL teachers rated eight sentence types illustrating varying grammatical constraints on the occurrence of ‘any’ by means of paced acceptability judgement. Then knowledge of metalinguistic was assessed through untimed sentence pair assessment, open rule verbalisation, and recall of rule teaching. Results suggest that ability to distinguish grammaticality as indexed by judgements was generally high but most robust for taught properties. Metalinguistic knowledge was similarly restricted mainly to the taught pedagogical rules. Based on these results, ramifications for the role of language knowledge in EFL teacher training and avenues for further research are discussed.

Theoretical Foundation for Developing Instructional Guide for China Pre-Service EFL Teachers to Teach Phonics

In China, the absence of a phonics instructional guide hinders pre-service EFL teachers’ preparation for phonics instruction. To bridge the gap, the purpose of this article is to lay the theoretical groundwork for developing a phonics instructional guide for Chinese pre-service EFL teachers and then to produce a research methodology for this instructional guide. The Bottom-up Theory of Reading Process; the S-R Theory with Reinforcement, particularly Instrumental Conditioning; and the Trial-and-Error Theory of Learning all have pedagogical implications for implementing explicit and systematic phonics instruction for EFL beginners in China. Additionally, in conjunction with the Andragogy Theory of Adult Learning, these theories provide a theoretical foundation for instructional design. Following the ADDIE sequential framework, a multi-phase mixed methods experimental design was used to collect data from 254 representative samples chosen through a stratified random sampling technique. The findings indicate that within the theoretical framework and with the incorporation of specific design frameworks into the ADDIE sequential framework, the instructional guide was successful, although some refinement is still needed. Furthermore, the findings suggest that additional research could be conducted on advanced evaluation levels.

Transitioning into a Professional Teacher: EFL Preservice Teachers' Anxiety in Teaching Practicum

Foreign language anxiety has been proven to be an important issue in language learning, according to research on language learning in foreign languages. This study aims to determine the level of anxiety experienced by English preservice teachers. Most research projects in the past concerned learners’ anxiety about students who learning English. To fill the gap, the current study tries to deliver a different perspective on classroom anxiety. Thus, the current study investigates anxiety from preservice teachers’ points of view quantitatively. The current study examines the level of anxiety by adopting the Foreign Language Teaching Anxiety Scale (FLTAS) by Yoon (2012). Next, the scale in the form of a questionnaire has been responded to by 27 English preservice teachers. Further, the results show that the preservice teachers have a moderate level of anxiety. Overall, the study outlines the principal factors causing and affecting preservice anxiety about teaching English as a foreign language in the classroom

Effectiveness of a Phonics Instructional Guide on the PCK of Teaching Phonics among Pre-service EFL Teachers

Previous studies have revealed that a newly compiled phonics instructional guide was able to improve the content knowledge level of pre-service EFL teachers by 23 per cent. Based on this and to further investigate how this guide indirectly impacted the pedagogical content knowledge of these teachers, a longitude and continuous quantitative study was conducted on the same sample in the same teaching college in China. In total, 140 pre-service EFL teachers were assigned to two equivalent groups as before, namely the experimental (N=70) and control groups (N=70), who conducted a trial phonics instruction and completed self-evaluation questionnaires, respectively. The trial instruction aimed to assess their pedagogical content knowledge of teaching phonics, while the self-evaluation form aimed to investigate their self-perceived competencies and efficacy in phonics instruction. The results indicated that based on the content knowledge they already possessed, the pre-service EFL teachers in the experimental group had higher levels of pedagogical content knowledge and self-perception; in comparison, those in the control group had lower pedagogical content knowledge and self-perception levels. In other words, the linear regression results demonstrated that the content knowledge of pre-service EFL teachers is a reliable predictor of their pedagogical content knowledge and self-perception levels. These findings suggest the necessity of enhancing pre-service EFL teachers’ content knowledge of phonics instruction via the guide to further improve their phonics instruction competency, which forms part of their pedagogical content knowledge.

Ecuadorian EFL Preservice Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Pronunciation Features

This mixed-method study examines Ecuadorian preservice English as a foreign language teachers’ cognition regarding pronunciation models and targets, identity, and confidence. Data were gathered through a self-reported, anonymous online questionnaire. Factor analysis and Spearman’s correlations were conducted on the quantitative data, and content analysis on the qualitative data. The results revealed that the participants highly value the native speaker model of pronunciation, are dissatisfied with their nonnative English pronunciation, are not interested in showing their Ecuadorian identities when speaking English, and are still not confident in their English pronunciation. The findings are discussed in light of the implications for pronunciation teachers.

Pre-service EFL Teachers’ Reflective Thinking Skills in Their Instructional Practices

Reflective skill is a component of 21st century learning and one of the main keys to become a professional teacher. However, pre-service teachers often have difficulty in reflecting their teaching and learning. Thus, this study aims to describe the reflective thinking abilities of pre-service English teachers in implementing their teaching practice. This research was a qualitative descriptive study. The research subjects in this study were 12 pre-service English teachers. The instruments used were observation of documents and interviews. The results indicate that pre-service English teachers tend to practice four reflective thinking skills that are reflection as retrospective analysis (ability to self-assess), reflection as a problem-solving process (awareness of how one learns), critical self-reflection (developing continuous self-improvement), and reflection on self-confidence. The most dominant reflective skill practiced is reflection as a problem-solving process. Meanwhile, testing internal consistency on problem solution become a difficult aspect to be fulfilled by the pre-service teachers. In brief, it is recommended that pre-service teachers should have more opportunity to practice their reflective thinking skills during the teaching and learning process in order to produce professional graduates who have high competitiveness and ability to face the challenges in the world of education.

Exploring changes in EFL preservice teachers’ motivation to enter the teaching profession in the context of policy change

Motivation to become teachers is believed to be a predictor of quality teachers’ professionalism. Particularly in language teaching, teachers with good motivation will support the teaching of English which is considered difficult by many students. However, changes in policy about Education qualification requirement might affect preservice English teachers’ motivation to enter the teaching profession. This study seeks for answers on how this change affects preservice teachers’ motivation to enter teaching profession. Data were in the forms of responses to questions related to participants’ initial motivation and the motivation at their 8th semester. They were collected using an online open-ended survey with links distributed via emails or WhatsApp to 400 English Language Education students. Two hundreds and ninety-nine students (response rate of 74.75%) filled in the survey. The data were analyzed qualitatively by coding and labeling the responses following the types of regulations proposed by the Self-determination Theory (SDT) of motivation. Findings suggest that 48.2% participants reported their initial motivation as Extrinsic, 41.8% Fallback Career, 1.7% Amotivation, 7.4% Intrinsic, and 1% Altruistic. Significant changes from Fallback Career to more autonomous extrinsic types of regulation were identified, where 75.9% participants reported Extrinsic Motivation and 6.0% Fallback Career at their 8th semester. Findings about high initial fallback careers imply the needs for careful selection of language teacher education programs. The fact that fallback careers change implies the hope for future teachers’ better practices, which in turns improve the English teaching in the classrooms.

Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in English: Insights from Pre-service EFL Teachers

Oral language skill among EFL students can be indicated from willingness to communicate in English. This current study aimed to investigate pre-service EFL teachers’ (PST) willingness to communicate (WTC) in English across rural setting. A survey study with 217 EFL students as the participants selected through a convenience sampling was employed. A questionnaire of the willingness was distributed through in-class meeting and online mode. The first result revealed that there is a variety of perceptions on oral skill willingness, self-confidence, and English use frequency. The second result showed that from junior and senior PST, it is noted that seniors mostly overdid juniors in terms of willingness to speak English. Meanwhile, female PST had greater levels of WTC if compared to that of the males. In conclusion, WTC not only emerge to be a valuable aspect in learning oral language skills, but also impact on other English skills indirectly.

The Effectiveness of Mobile and Multimodal Learning Activities in Developing EFL Pre-service Teachers' Literary Appreciation and Lesson Planning Skills

The Effectiveness of Mobile and Multimodal Learning Activities in Developing EFL Pre-service Teachers' Literary Appreciation and Lesson Planning Skills

WHAT IS TEXT-BASED LEARNING AND ITS TYPES IN EDUCATIONAL PLACES

Text-based Learning (TBL) has been extensively employed in EFL classrooms in Uzbekistan. The curriculum requires teachers to exploit the structure of various texts for communicative purposes. Similarly, in tertiary level, lecturers do the same thing for teaching reading, speaking, writing, and even listening. It is true that some literature offer the merits of using text-based learning. However, we also need to listen to EFL teachers’ real practice, so when implementing it in our own classroom, we, teachers, can anticipate the problem and implement the text-based learning well. This paper is aimed at presenting EFL pre-service teachers’ problems and strategies in their first-time teaching English using Text-based learning viewed from the sociocultural approach. By so doing, the problems and strategies are not only individually developed but also socially developed through social interaction or what so-called the sociocultural approach. This study is useful for secondary school teachers, lecturers, student-teachers, and policymakers in planning and implementing text-based learning.

Creative Writing Process among Pre-service EFL Teachers in the Indonesian Context: A Translanguaging Approach

Creative Writing Process among Pre-service EFL Teachers in the Indonesian Context: A Translanguaging Approach

Development and Validation of a Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Scale to Measure Pre-service EFL Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs

The study aims to develop and validate an affordable and generalizable survey design tool to measure pre-service EFL teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs about cultural and linguistic diversity. It is significant as there are relatively low number of studies aiming to measure such beliefs in today’s changing demographic conditions which are beyond its limits especially in some countries due to the massive flow of migrants. Most of these studies are qualitative which are not cost-effective and flexible. In this study, exploratory sequential mixed method was conducted. Initially, qualitative research design was employed. Findings were used to develop a valid and reliable survey design tool in a second quantitative phase in which data was gathered quantitatively to reduce the number of the variables to a few values representing self-efficacy beliefs and determine the latent components in the scale. Final version of the scale included 20 items across five factors after Exploratory Factor Analysis through principal axis factoring and Confirmatory Factor Analysis through maximum likelihood analysis. Findings supported that a set of 20 items in the final scale form was statistically valid and reliable in measuring pre-service EFL teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs about teaching in culturally and linguistically diverse student groups.

Fostering EFL Pre-service Teacher Students’ Motivation in Flipped Classroom: The Lens of Directed Motivational Currents Framework

Fostering EFL Pre-service Teacher Students’ Motivation in Flipped Classroom: The Lens of Directed Motivational Currents Framework

The Lonely Journey of EFL Pre-Service Teachers In Remote Areas: Readiness And Challenges In Integrating ICT In Teaching

The Lonely Journey of EFL Pre-Service Teachers In Remote Areas: Readiness And Challenges In Integrating ICT In Teaching

Pre-service EFL teachers’ language assessment literacy satisfaction and assessment preparedness

Pre-service teachers' ability to construct and conduct assessment has been a point of emphasis for decades, and rightfully so. It is crucial that they acquire the necessary knowledge and abilities in their language assessment course during their pre-service teacher education to effectively assess students in their future professional routines. The purpose of this research was to determine if and how pre-service English teachers' (PSETs) satisfaction with their language assessment course corresponded with their level of readiness. 51 out of 56 PSETs participated since they met the two requirements (passing the language assessment course and enrolling in TAP). The Fulcher (2012) language assessment literacy questionnaire was adapted and disseminated. The questions were organized into four categories for the purpose of analysis: overarching principles and concepts in linguistic assessment; designing language assessment; scoring test items and analyzing test results. Results demonstrated that LAL satisfaction was not congruent with assessment readiness. There was a "neutral" level of satisfaction among participants (51.5 percent), but they were nearly set to begin practicing assessment at their TAP (78.5 percent). Additionally included are statistics that are specific to each of the four categories found in the questionnaire. In particular, the study suggests that training in evaluating open-response questions and analyzing test items warrants expansion. Additional research could fill in the gap between LAL satisfaction and the PSETs by examining the relationship between the two.

What Do the EFL Pre-Service Teachers Say about Teacher Autonomy?

This study delves into the exploration of EFL pre-service teachers' perceptions of teacher autonomy during field teaching practice, drawing on reflective insights from ten participants in the English Education Department. The qualitative investigation centers on the multifaceted concept of teacher autonomy, encompassing dimensions like professional development, freedom from external control in teaching, and the capacity for self-directed instructional approaches. Employing a thematic analysis method, the research underscores a prevalent positive inclination among pre-service teachers toward the application of teacher autonomy. Key themes identified include the influence of the public sphere, the pedagogical creative teaching process, organizational dynamics, proficiency in content curriculum knowledge, insights from students' reflections, and the promotion of learner autonomy. The study emphasizes implications for teacher educators and institutions, stressing the significance of the long-term development of pre-service teachers for the sustained success of educational programs. It advocates for a robust understanding of teacher autonomy among pre-service teachers and the provision of ongoing support to maintain motivation and efforts in exercising autonomy. While offering valuable insights, the study acknowledges limitations, notably the reliance on qualitative data from reflective accounts, necessitating caution in generalizing findings. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the nuanced relationship between teacher autonomy and professional development among pre-service teachers.