Exploring reader responses to young adult literature in the Malaysian English language classroom

This article presents the results of a study exploring the reader-responses of Malaysian young adults (YAs) to the literature texts used in Malaysian secondary schools, Dear Mr. Kilmer by Anne Schraff, Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford, and Sing to the Dawn by Minfong Ho. The study aimed to determine the extent to which the YAs found these texts engaging and relevant, and how they identified aspects of their own young adulthood in the novels. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods through questionnaires completed by 30 Malaysian YAs, semi-structured qualitative interviews with a sub-group of six participants, and their journal reflections. Using reader-response literary theory as the guiding framework, the data were analysed quantitatively through descriptive statistical analyses, and qualitatively through inductive thematic analysis, in order to examine the extent to which Malaysian YAs could identify with the main characters, themes, issues, or events in the novels and determine the relevance of the novels to their lives. The findings showed that the participants identified with the characters’ conflict between being true to one’s self and conforming to societal and gender expectations. The themes of standing up for one’s beliefs and right to education, combating social inequities, and family relationships were also relevant aspects that surfaced in responses towards the novels. This study provides recommendations for the selection of literary texts for the English language classroom that connect to the developmental phase of young adults and allow learners to see themselves reflected in what they read.

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Life course pathways into intergenerational caregiving

10.31219/osf.io/wa6qj ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ricardo Rodrigues ◽

Maša Filipovic Hrast ◽

Selma Kadi ◽

Miriam Cerar ◽

Valentina Hlebec

Keyword(s):

Life Course ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Family Caregiving ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Sampling Strategy ◽

Framework Analysis ◽

Life Trajectories ◽

Linked Lives ◽

Cumulative Processes ◽

And Gender

Background and objectives:We develop a framework for the analysis of pathways into family caregiving to older people defined around life course concepts such as key turning events in life, cumulative processes and linked lives within the family realm that influence decisions around intergenerational family caregiving.Research design and methods:Using Framework Analysis, we analyse semi-structured qualitative interviews from a sample of dyads (older cared-for adults and their main family carers) in Austria (N=24) and Slovenia (N=52). Data was collected in 2019 through a purposive sampling strategy that included dyads from a differentiated socio-economic background and gender composition. Results:The analysis reveals the existence of four non-exclusive pathways into caregiving. One pathway is associated with single turning events occurring in family or work trajectories of carers that expanded the possibilities for caregiving later in life. Another pathway referred to cumulative processes that later influenced transitions into caregiving, such as personal biographies marked by weak labour market attachment or previous occupations as professional carers. The third pathway is characterized by continued and sustained exchanges of support within families that cement reciprocal ties that underpin caregiving at later stages. In the fourth pathway, life trajectories of siblings, but also family relationships and conflicts constrained carers into their role. Discussion and Implications:Decisions regarding caregiving within families can be best understood as processes, linked to developments in other trajectories in carers’ lives, as much as to internal family dynamics and relationships. Becoming a carer may be itself the result of intertwined accumulated vulnerabilities.

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Drag Expression Among Older Gay Men: Exploratory Findings of a Pilot Study

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3584 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 1009-1009

Author(s):

Brian Chapman ◽

Laura Donorfio ◽

Debra Tomasino

Keyword(s):

Identity Development ◽

Sexual Minority ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Minority Youth ◽

Sexual Minority Youth ◽

Coping Mechanism ◽

Gender Expectations ◽

Drag Queen ◽

And Gender ◽

Drag Queens

Abstract This poster presentation highlights pilot findings of how older gay male drag queens define drag expression and its associated positive and negative attributes. While drag has become more mainstream, little is known about this sexual and gender minority (SGM) and what it means to be an older drag queen and how it interfaces with societal gender expectations. (Knutson, Koch, Sneed, Lee, & Chung, 2020; O’Brien, 2018). Research to date reports that while sexual minority youth experience bullying, anxiety, lower self-esteem, and suicidal ideation at higher rates than their heterosexual and gender conforming peers, research has not examined the role drag expression plays as a healthy coping mechanism and, in particular, what role it may play for older drag queens. (Levasseur, Kelvin, Rosskopf, 2013; Mueller, James, Abrutyn, & Levin, 2015). Several studies have found that familial support and connectedness offers valuable protective factors for sexual minority youth in their sexual identity development, but again, little is known about the benefits this may provide older drag queens (Brandon-Friedman & Kim, 2016; Eisenberg & Resnick, 2006). Utilizing Grounded Theory, in-depth interviews were conducted with gay males over the age of fifty (n=5) who identified as drag queens to understand how drag expression is integrated into one’s persona, how it may serve as a healthy coping mechanism, and how it interfaces with dragism, generativity, and family relationships over their lifespan (Donorfio, 2020). In addition to sharing the qualitative findings, demographic and data measures of personality, coping, resilience, and mood are also be reported.

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UMA ANÁLISE DA PERCEPÇÃO DOS PARTICIPANTES SOBRE DISCUSSÕES DE GÊNERO EM UMA SALA DE AULA DE LÍNGUA INGLESA

Revista DisSoL - Discurso, Sociedade e Linguagem ◽

10.35501/dissol.v0i5.161 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Fernanda Caiado Ferreira ◽

Carla Janaína Figueredo

Keyword(s):

Identity Construction ◽

English Language ◽

Applied Linguistics ◽

Gender Issues ◽

Learning Context ◽

Pedagogical Action ◽

Language Classroom ◽

Oral Practice ◽

And Gender ◽

Teaching Learning

Neste texto, analiso um recorte de uma discussão ocorrida na sala de aula da disciplina de Prática Oral 1 de Inglês do Curso de Letras, Licenciatura em Inglês, da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG). Essa discussão fez parte de uma ação pedagógica, realizada em quatro aulas, que teve como objetivo a problematização de questões de gênero social no contexto de ensino-aprendizagem de língua inglesa. A análise de dados foi feita com base no diálogo entre as teorizações bakhtinianas e as de gênero social, amparadas pela perspectiva da Linguística Aplicada Crítica. O estudo aponta para a relevância do papel do outro na construção identitária de cada sujeito, e, evidencia como a alteridade constitutiva se faz presente nas práticas de ensino da língua inglesa. Portanto, da diversidade estabelecida nas discussões, percebo a importância do diálogo, assim como da instabilidade característica do pensar crítico, na formação ética do sujeito. Abstract:In this paper, I analyze a fragment of a discussion occurred during an English Oral Practice 1 lesson, in the Letras Course of Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG). This discussion was part of a pedagogical action, implemented in four classes, which aimed at problematizing gender issues in an English teaching-learning context. The problematization and reflections were based on the dialog between Bakhtin’s theoretical framework and gender theory, supported by the perspective of Critical Applied Linguistics. The study indicates the relevance of the other in the identity construction. Furthermore, it indicates the presence of the otherness constitution in an English language classroom. Therefore, from the diversity established in the discussions, I perceive the importance of the dialog, as well as the instability, which is a characteristic of thinking critically in one’s ethical formation.

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Family Relationships and Gender as Predictors of Romantic Intimacy in Young Adults: A Longitudinal Study

Journal of Research on Adolescence ◽

10.1207/s15327795jra0802_5 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 263-286 ◽

Cited By ~ 59

Author(s):

S. Shirley Feldman ◽

L. Kris Gowen ◽

Lawrence Fisher

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Romantic Intimacy ◽

And Gender

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Intergenerational relationships and food consumption: the stories of young adults leaving home

Young Consumers Insight and Ideas for Responsible Marketers ◽

10.1108/yc-01-2014-00422 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 71-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Malene Gram ◽

Margaret Hogg ◽

Bodil Stilling Blichfeldt ◽

Pauline MacLaran

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Intergenerational Relationships ◽

Content Type ◽

The Family ◽

The Status ◽

The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the meaning of food consumption practices in maintaining intergenerational relationships between young university students and their parents. Design/methodology/approach – Student food consumption has been mainly studied through quantitative methods, treating students as a homogenous group, more or less living in a vacuum, and often with the focus on nutrition. This paper gives voice to young adults to unpack the significance of cooking and food consumption in relation to maintaining or changing family ties. The study is based on 12 qualitative interviews, five focus groups and a workshop, with Danish and international students in Denmark. Theoretically, the study draws on family, consumption and transition research. Findings – The authors identify four realms of intergenerational relationships in the context of food. The relationships range from a wish either to maintain the status quo in the relationship, or to change and rethink the relationship, and importantly, the act of maintaining or changing the family relationships may be initiated either by the grown-up child or by the parent. The study concludes that the act of moving away from home is a period of intense (re)construction of food consumption habits and skills, which draw several threads back to the family home, and relationships undergo change in various ways. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of this study are that it has been carried out only in a Danish context. Originality/value – The contributions of the study are capturing the children’s view of this transition, and providing insights into how apparently mundane consumption can be full of symbolic meaning. The paper will be of interest for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand intergenerational relations and consumption.

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LEARNERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION OF ESL TEACHERS

Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews ◽

10.18510/hssr.2021.9374 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 754-763

Author(s):

Tahira Asgher ◽

Aisha Ilyas ◽

Iram Rubab

Keyword(s):

English Language ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Oral Communication ◽

English Teachers ◽

Language Teachers ◽

Esl Teachers ◽

Verbal Language ◽

Raising Awareness ◽

Language Classroom ◽

Esl Classroom

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research is to investigate the perceptions of the learners about the use of the non-verbal language of teachers in an ESL class. This study aims to highlight the role played by non-verbal language in the class by raising awareness about the importance of gestures, physical appearance, and paralinguistic features of the English teachers. Methodology: This research employs a mixed methodology. A questionnaire, consisting of 37 close-ended questions is used to record the views of the learners about the use of the non-verbal language of their English teachers. Moreover, qualitative interviews are conducted to find out the learners’ opinion and their awareness concerning the use of non-verbal language by their English teachers. Main Findings: The findings indicate that learners hold a positive attitude towards the teachers who use NVL more frequently. Respondents say that they feel more motivated and interested in the class when the teacher looks at us more frequently and move in the class. According to Neuro-linguists, learning of the language can be enhanced by a drastic level if the teacher can grasp the visual attention of the students while oral communication. Therefore, it is to conclude that learners consider the non-verbal language along with paralinguistic features, extremely constructive in the ESL classroom. They find it encouraging and it aids them in comprehending the content. Application of this Study: The current research will help the practicing language teachers to upgrade their oral communication skills by incorporating the nonverbal cues productively in their classrooms. Furthermore, teacher trainers can make their trainees aware of the importance of the nonverbal part of communication in the ESL classroom either informal lectures or pragmatic preparation. Novelty/ Originality of this study: This study is unique in the sense that it focuses on the role played by the Non-verbal language particularly in the class where English is taught as a second language. It unveils how the integration of nonverbal language along with oral communication can make English language classroom more industrious and productive.

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Experiences and Needs of Sexual and Gender Minority Young Adults with a History of Suicidal Ideation Regarding Formal and Informal Mental Healthcare

Sexuality Research and Social Policy ◽

10.1007/s13178-021-00657-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer de Lange ◽

Diana D. van Bergen ◽

Laura Baams ◽

Margaretha C. Timmerman ◽

Henny M. W. Bos

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Gender Minority ◽

Accessible Information ◽

History Of ◽

Sexual And Gender Minority ◽

And Gender

Abstract Introduction Little is known about whether sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth and young adults with suicidal ideation receive adequate mental healthcare in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to examine healthcare experiences and needs of SGM young adults and how formal and informal mental healthcare can be improved to support SGM youth with suicidal ideation. Methods In 2018 and 2019, qualitative interviews were conducted among (1) SGM young adults with a history of suicidal ideation (n = 23, age 18 to 35), (2) parents of SGM youth with suicidal ideation (n = 16), and (3) professionals and volunteers who work with SGM youth (n = 14). Thematic analysis was used for coding and analyzing the interviews. Results Analyses yielded several themes for all groups of participants. Similar themes related to addressing suicidal ideation and SGM issues were found across the three participant groups. Participants perceived a lack of knowledge among professionals regarding SGM issues and perceived that suicidal ideation was sometimes inadequately addressed. Participants expressed the need for training and information on addressing SGM issues and suicidal ideation for parents and professionals. Conclusions Formal mental healthcare is not yet affirmative of SGM identities. Informal and formal healthcare should be improved to address sexual orientation, gender identity, and suicidal ideation. Policy Implications Findings underpin the need for improving skills and knowledge of mental healthcare professionals to better support SGM youth with suicidal ideation. Parents would benefit from accessible information on SGM-related themes and suicidal ideation.

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Elements Of Young Adult Literature in Prescribed Novels for Malaysian Schools

Asian Journal of University Education ◽

10.24191/ajue.v17i4.16226 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 272

Author(s):

Mallika Vasugi Govindarajoo ◽

Sundari Subasini AP Nesamany ◽

Rynnaas Azlan

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Young Adult ◽

Reader Response ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Young Adult Literature ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Study Data ◽

Emotional Maturity ◽

Suitable Material ◽

Major Factors

Abstract: This article presents the results of a study carried out to explore the elements of Young Adult Literature (YAL) present in the prescribed texts for Malaysian secondary school English as a second Language (ESL) students (3rd cycle). The three novels studied were; Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford, Sing to the Dawn by MinFong Ho and Dear Mr. Kilmer by Ann Schraff. The lens of reader-response literary theory was used for the study. Sampling was purposeful with six young adult Malaysian university undergraduates participating in the study. Data came from participants’ in-depth written journal reflections during the reading of all three novels as well as from follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews. The study found that all three novels discussed themes and events that were reflective of YAL such as family relationships and friendship. Two of the novels, Sing to the Dawn and Dear Mr. Kilmer had young adults as protagonists with significant instances of conflict between dependence and independence. The portrayal of the young adult protagonists also reflected the growth into mental and emotional maturity throughout the course of the novels although descriptions of their appearances and mannerisms were not clearly evident. There was however a positive resolution at the end of all the novels and the actions and decisions of the main young adult characters were major factors in the outcome of the conflict. The findings from this study primarily the presence of YAL elements would guide future decisions by curriculum planners on choices of suitable material in upper secondary ESL classrooms. Keywords: ESL, Reader Response, YAL, Young Adults, Young Adult Literature.

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Self-Referent Thoughts in Exercise: The Self-Perception in Exercise Questionnaire

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.13.3.195 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 195-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marit Sorensen

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

English Language ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Activity Level ◽

Language Version ◽

Social Comfort ◽

And Gender

Adherence to lifestyle changes - beginning to exercise, for example - is assumed to be mediated by self-referent thoughts. This paper describes a pilot study and three studies conducted to develop and validate a questionnaire for adults to determine their self-perceptions related to health-oriented exercise. The pilot study identified items pertinent to the domains considered important in this context, and began the process of selecting items. Study 2 examined the factor structure, reduced the number of items, determined the internal consistency of the factors, and explored the discriminative validity of the questionnaire as to physical activity level and gender. Four factors with a total of 24 items were accepted, measuring mastery of exercise, body perception, social comfort/discomfort in the exercise setting, and perception of fitness. All subscales had acceptable internal consistencies. Preliminary validity was demonstrated by confirming hypothesized differences in scores as to gender, age, and physical activity level. The third study examined and demonstrated convergent validity with similar existing subscales. The fourth study examined an English-language version of the questionnaire, confirming the existence of the factors and providing preliminary psychometric evidence of the viability of the questionnaire.

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