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Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Yasaman Sadat Haj Seyed Javadi and Hussein Meihami

Teacher agency plays a crucial role in teachers’ professionalism and makes them capable of acting powerfully in their teaching context. The purpose of this study was to explore…

Abstract

Purpose

Teacher agency plays a crucial role in teachers’ professionalism and makes them capable of acting powerfully in their teaching context. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of case-based instruction (CBI) on the agency development of EFL (English as a foreign language) student-teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a descriptive narrative design and involved ten student-teachers in five CBI sessions. The data collected through different data sources, such as narratives, interviews, recorded sessions and focused groups, were analyzed using a deductive-inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

The results showed that CBI has a constructive role in developing the agency of EFL student-teachers. Active participation in CBI sessions helps teachers consider their future desires. The exploration of cases in CBI sessions helps them recall past experiences that led to the development of their agency. Brainstorming ideas in CBI sessions helps teachers consider their beliefs in decision-making and analyze their past experiences. In conclusion, CBI can help develop teacher professionalism and acknowledgment of the importance of teacher agency.

Originality/value

The research has addressed student-teachers’ agency development through an ecological perspective and CBI.

Details

English Teaching: Practice & Critique, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1175-8708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Rida Afrilyasanti, Eko Suhartoyo and Utami Widiati

Through the action research study, this paper aims to examine how e-portfolios improve students’ critical, reflective and creative thinking as part of higher-order thinking skills…

Abstract

Purpose

Through the action research study, this paper aims to examine how e-portfolios improve students’ critical, reflective and creative thinking as part of higher-order thinking skills (HOTS). Besides, this paper also explores how e-portfolios enhance students’ speaking skills. The study is carried out to improve the current state by identifying and solving problems in specific contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation was designed to seek the improvement of the students’ higher-order thinking and speaking skills after the implementation of the e-portfolio. Action research was chosen because action research is suitable to bring change and improvement in the system or assume to bring progress in the system. This study was designed in two phases, featuring reflection and connection between previous and new data.

Findings

By completing this action research study, the authors assisted students in improving their higher-order thinking and speaking skills. The improvement was related to the indicators for learning success, which were explained in this research. The HOTS criteria include the capacity to analyze essential facts and arguments that the students presented in their spoken works logically and critically.

Research limitations/implications

HOTS encompasses critical, logical, creative and metacognitive thinking skills. Future research should go further into the usage of e-portfolios in the development of students’ metacognitive capacities. Moreover, because this investigation was carried out using action research methods, it is crucial to recognize that no generalizability can be offered for the findings.

Practical implications

The study’s findings should also benefit practitioners and instructors endeavoring to enhance students’ e-portfolios, critical thinking and digital skills in the classroom.

Social implications

The discussion focuses on important development topics. Everyone, not just students, should be encouraged to participate in creating and developing our technological future. The analysis offers unique and essential perspectives into what to explore for such a substantial attempt as implementing digital technology, specifically to construct an e-portfolio.

Originality/value

Despite the widespread usage of e-portfolios in English as a foreign language (EFL) instruction, there is a lack of research on how e-portfolios can enhance EFL students’ HOTS and speaking abilities. Hence, this study addresses a deficiency in existing research by examining the potential of e-portfolios to enhance students’ HOTS and oral communication skills within the context of EFL.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2024

Senorica Yulia Sari and Sitti Fatimah

Our paper examines how ELT lecturers perceive the feasibility of implementing Peer Observation (PO) in synchronous online settings, drawing on their prior experiences with offline…

Abstract

Purpose

Our paper examines how ELT lecturers perceive the feasibility of implementing Peer Observation (PO) in synchronous online settings, drawing on their prior experiences with offline PO. We also aim to identify potential areas for synchronous online PO.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed semi-structured interviews with eight lecturers as participants. Data analysis included identifying keywords, transcribing and labeling responses, and sorting and categorizing the themes.

Findings

Firstly, our findings indicate that lecturers reported several benefits from conducting offline PO, such as identifying teaching weaknesses, learning new techniques of teaching, gaining motivation, and receiving peer feedback. Participants also agreed that synchronous online PO is feasible and may offer greater benefits, especially with the shift to online teaching. Finally, the interview data highlighted potential areas for observation in synchronous online settings, including both pedagogical and technological aspects.

Research limitations/implications

Firstly, our study did not explore the potential and focus areas of synchronous online PO based on lecturers' actual experiences. Instead, we derived these potential and focuses from their experiences with offline PO. Secondly, the potential observation areas have not been validated.

Practical implications

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the potential of synchronous online PO and identifying key aspects for observation. Furthermore, in terms of practical implications, our findings may serve as a basis for developing validated guidelines for synchronous online PO, involving more practitioners. Additionally, lecturers and higher education institutions can consider implementing synchronous online PO to enhance teaching quality.

Originality/value

Previous literature has discussed ELT teachers' perceptions of offline PO, but limited research exists on its implementation in synchronous online contexts. Additionally, identifying potential areas for observation in synchronous online PO remains a concern.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Wagdi Rashad Ali Bin-Hady and Jamal Kaid Mohammed Ali

This study probed the impact of using learning technologies (LT) on developing Yemeni English as a foreign language (EFL) students' autonomy and creativity toward English language…

Abstract

Purpose

This study probed the impact of using learning technologies (LT) on developing Yemeni English as a foreign language (EFL) students' autonomy and creativity toward English language learning. Also, the research gauged if LT impacts learners' autonomy and creativity across gender and university-type variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a valid and reliable questionnaire, comprising 20 close-ended items, which was administered to 109 Yemeni EFL undergraduate students.

Findings

The researchers found that LT positively impacts learners' creativity and autonomy, with mean scores of 4.09 and 3.86, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed a medium correlation between creativity and autonomy with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.63 at a probability of Sig = 0.00. Likewise, the results revealed that LT impacted female learners' creativity more significantly than their male counterparts (Sig = 0.047). Nevertheless, no significant differences were found pertaining to the impact of LT on students' autonomy across public and private universities (Sig = 0.213).

Social implications

EFL teachers are advised to encourage their students' autonomy and creativity throughout their lifelong learning journey in order to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world.

Originality/value

This study investigates the impact of learning technology on Yemeni EFL students' autonomy and creativity.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2024

Ehsan Namaziandost, Tahereh Heydarnejad, Parisa Ashkani and Sajjad Farokhipour

Psychological well-being is a central aspect of mental health, and it can be defined as the presence of enjoyment and fulfillment, as well as resilience. Different factors are…

Abstract

Purpose

Psychological well-being is a central aspect of mental health, and it can be defined as the presence of enjoyment and fulfillment, as well as resilience. Different factors are critical in the tone and melody of language teachers’ psychological well-being. Cognitive emotion regulation (CER) pertains to the intentional cognitive strategies employed by educators in order to regulate and confront emotionally taxing content.

Design/methodology/approach

A quasi-experimental strategy was used in the present experimental analysis. A total of 87 EFL students were split into two groups: one to participate in the experiment and another to serve as a control. The control group of students got regular teaching without any changes or additions to their books.

Findings

Path analysis results demonstrated that cognitive emotion regulation and reflective teaching were able to accurately forecast the teachers' psychological well-being at the institution.

Practical implications

The study's results suggest that it is essential for teachers, including language instructors, to undergo training in cognitive emotion regulation and reflective teaching in order to ensure their psychological well-being.

Originality/value

To achieve an optimal level of CER, educators must be equipped with a repertoire of effective strategies to promote the necessary equilibrium. Reflective teaching encompasses the critical analysis of an educator's fundamental convictions about pedagogy and the acquisition of knowledge, as well as the evaluation of their teaching process. To date, no study reflects on the possible connections between these variables in a single study. In light of this, the focus of this study was to discover how reflective teaching and cognitive emotion regulation affect the psychological health of English as a foreign language (EFL) university professors.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 March 2024

Wessam Mohamed

This study evaluated the impact of a faculty training program on student assessment using the Kirkpatrick model.

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluated the impact of a faculty training program on student assessment using the Kirkpatrick model.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-reported survey assessed 111 Saudi and non-Saudi participants' satisfaction. Subjective and objective measures (self-reported measures, assessment literacy inventory and performance-based assessment tasks) gauged participants' learning level. Pre- and post-training data were collected from 2020 to 2022.

Findings

A highly significant effect on satisfaction (>80%) and learning levels was observed, as manifested by workplace practices of student assessment (>70%, the cut-off score). Pre- and post-training comparisons of participants' satisfaction and assessment literacy scores showed significant improvements following training. Multiple regression analyses showed no significant effects for gender and educational attainment but a substantial impact of academic cluster on participants' student assessment skills.

Research limitations/implications

Long-term effects of training faculty on assessment practices and student achievement will be studied at the institutional level in future research.

Practical implications

The current study contributes to human capital investment via faculty training on student assessment, helping them comply with assessment best practices. This assures the quality, fairness and consistency of assessment processes across disciplines in higher education institutions, enhances assessment validity and trust in educational services and may support institutional accreditation.

Social implications

This study provides opportunities for sharing best practices and helps establish a community of practice. It enhances learning outcomes achievement and empowers higher education graduates with attributes necessary to succeed in the labor market. The human capital investment may have a long-term impact on overall higher education quality.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scarce literature investigating the impact of training faculty from different clusters on student assessment using subjective and objective measures. It provides developing and evaluating a long-term student assessment program following the Kirkpatrick model.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 September 2021

Raniya Abdullah Alsehibany

This study aims to examine Saudi female students' attitude toward peer feedback activity in writing classes with a list of questions for the students to follow during the…

2393

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine Saudi female students' attitude toward peer feedback activity in writing classes with a list of questions for the students to follow during the activity, and to investigate the challenges that may prevent the use of such activity in Saudi EFL classes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-methods to ensure the credibility of the data and obtain clear descriptions about the topic. The study instruments are (1) Writing Essays, (2) Writing Checklist, (3) Questionnaire and (4) Semi-structured interview. The data were analysis with SPSS and o 10 software.

Findings

The study results indicated that students had a positive attitude toward peer feedback with a checklist in EFL writing class. For instance, their second written essay (post) has improved and has fewer mistakes than the first one. Also, most of the participants stated that peer feedback has improved their writing quality and has enhanced their writing awareness of their weaknesses and mistakes. Moreover, the interview had highlighted the main challenges that could affect using peer feedback in writing class. Finally, the results indicate the efficiency of peer feedback with a checklist in similar teaching contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on a small number of participants (30 students). Besides, the study dealt with students at university level only and the study focused on female students.

Practical implications

Based on the study finding, it is recommended that peer feedback should be integrated in all EFL writing classes at all levels. Based on the study finding, it is recommended that peer feedback should be incorporated in all EFL writing classes at all levels. Using checklist can help the students to become more independent learners and in time they will be able to correct their own mistakes.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to identify how integrating peer feedback activity in writing class can improve the students' writing performance and help them to be independent learners.

Details

PSU Research Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2399-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 July 2023

Adel Bessadok and Mustafa Hersi

The objective of this study is to investigate the key determinants affecting the acceptance and utilization of Blackboard as a Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) platform…

223

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the key determinants affecting the acceptance and utilization of Blackboard as a Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) platform among Saudi university students pursuing English as a foreign language (EFL) courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Understanding how to engage EFL students in their learning requires identifying the factors that influence their acceptance and use of CALL tools, particularly on Blackboard's LMS platform. This study proposes and validates a research framework that predicts students' behavioral intentions and usage of CALL by utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) by Venkatesh et al. (2012). This research model provides insight into the various drivers that impact CALL acceptance via Blackboard LMS. The study's findings demonstrate UTAUT2's superior ability to address the fear of technology adoption and provide valuable insights into the factors that influence technology intention and usage.

Findings

The study's findings indicate that performance expectancy, social influence, effort expectancy and price value significantly affect the attitudes of EFL students toward using CALL. The habit factor was the most robust predictor of behavioral intention and technology use, indicating that CALL usage can become automatic for students and improve their engagement in EFL learning. The study highlights the importance of providing better technical and organizational support to EFL students who want to use CALL more effectively. The theoretical and practical implications of the study's findings are thoroughly discussed.

Originality/value

Understanding how to engage EFL students in their learning requires identifying the factors that influence their acceptance and use of CALL tools, particularly on Blackboard's LMS platform. This study proposes and validates a research framework that predicts students' behavioral intentions and usage of CALL by utilizing the UTAUT2 by Venkatesh et al. (2012). This research model provides insight into the various drivers that impact CALL acceptance via Blackboard LMS. The study's findings demonstrate UTAUT2's superior ability to address the fear of technology adoption and provide valuable insights into the factors that influence technology intention and usage.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2024

Amir Ghajarieh and Afarin Aghabozorgi

This study aims to analyze translanguaging practices and beliefs of Iranian English for General Purposes (EGP) teachers and find discrepancies between the practice and perception…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze translanguaging practices and beliefs of Iranian English for General Purposes (EGP) teachers and find discrepancies between the practice and perception of educators in bi/multilingual species in Iranian educational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved interviewing ten teachers and observing six of their sessions, which yielded qualitative data.

Findings

The results showed that the participating teachers produced recurring themes such as the significance and limitations of translanguaging, techniques for training multilingual learners and the restrictions imposed by policies that discourage the use of L1 in language institutes in Iran. A noteworthy observation made in this investigation was that educators who possessed competency in three or more languages exhibited greater endorsement of translanguaging in both their perceptions and practices.

Practical implications

This study has significant implications for instructors, teacher trainers and policymakers operating within multilingual environments. It serves as a pioneering study that invites a productive synergy between Western and Asian researchers in exploring bi/multilingual spaces within Asian educational contexts.

Originality/value

This study brings a fresh perspective to the current body of research on teacher agency in bi/multilingual educational settings. By utilizing qualitative methods, it offers unique and original insights. Particularly noteworthy is the discovery that educators who are proficient in three or more languages are more inclined to support translanguaging. This observation adds a distinctive understanding of translanguaging in language education. It opens up new possibilities for exploring the application and efficacy of the translanguaging approach in Asian bi/multilingual spaces in education.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2023

Atul Kumar Sahu and Rakesh D. Raut

Educational policies, integrated practices, obliged strategies and notable benchmarks are always required by the higher educational institutions (HEIs) for operating business…

Abstract

Purpose

Educational policies, integrated practices, obliged strategies and notable benchmarks are always required by the higher educational institutions (HEIs) for operating business ventures into competent boundaries and to preside toward the overall new business density. The same are needed to be evaluated based on student's concerns for road-mapping sustainability. Accordingly, authors conducted present study to identify crucial quality characteristics (measures) under the origins of HEIs based on student's concerns using qualitative medium under Indian economy. The study is presenting critical dimensions and quality characteristics, which are seeking by the students for selecting HEIs for their studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Kano integrated-Grey-VIKOR approach is utilized in present study for road-mapping sustainability based on the determination of priority index and ranking. The study utilized three segments of methodology, where in the first segment, Kano technique is implicated to define priority index of quality characteristics. In the second segment, grey sets theory is implicated to capture the perceptions of the respondents. In the third segment, VIKOR technique is implicate to rank the HEIs.

Findings

The findings of the study will assist administrators in planning the prominent strategies that can embrace performance traits under HEI, which in turn will participate in growth and development of an economy. The findings have revealed “PPCS, ICMC, TSTR, PICM, AFEP, IMIS as Attractive performance characteristics,” “IEAF, OIAR, INET as One dimensional performance characteristics,” “QTCS, PORE, SIRD as Must-be performance characteristics” and “PQPE, PCTM as Indifferent performance characteristics.” Additionally, “Professional and placement characteristics of institute” is found as the most significant measure inspiring students for admiring engineering institutes. It is found that “Observance of institutional affiliation and recognition” and “Infrastructure, classroom management and control methods” are found as the second significant measures. “Patterns of question papers and evaluation medium” and “Personal characteristics of teacher and management” are found as the least competent characteristics admiring stakeholders for selecting HEI.

Originality/value

The present study can assist administrators in drafting refined policies and strategies for practising quality outputs by HEI. The study suggested critical quality characteristics, which in respond will aid in attracting more number of students toward educational institutes. A study under Indian context is demonstrated for presenting critical facts and attaining higher student's enrolment rates.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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