scholarly journals EFL Teachers’ Phonological Awareness Beliefs and Practices: Help or Prevent EFL Children Developing Reading

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef Mohammad Alshaboul
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Phonological Awareness ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The Body ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Good Readers ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Efl Teacher Education ◽  
The Impact

Families, schools and stakeholders long for developing good readers (Ponitz & Rimm-Kaufman, 2011) and would do all it takes to save young children from becoming illiterate or low achievers (Anthony & Farncis, 2005; Share & Stanovich, 1995; Snowling, 1998). Since the landmark study of Moats (1994), a flow of research has targeted teacher education advocating for teachers being competent in PA (Carlisle, Kelcey, Rowan, & Phelps, 2011; Kennedy, 2013; Washburn et al., 2017). EFL teachers’ proficiency seems to contribute to the reading difficulties that early graders encounter. This paper investigates the knowledge, beliefs, practices and awareness in phonological awareness (PA) of twohundred and ten ramdonly selected EFL in-service teachers and then examines the impact of teachers’ experiences, qualifications, and gender on shaping teachers’ instruction. The researchers used a four-section survey to collect teachers’ demographic information, perceived and actual knowledge of phonological awareness and classroom practices related to PA, phonics, and syllabication. The results reported teachers as moderate level in the beliefs, practice and awareness of PA. In terms of teachers’ knowledge in PA, however, results showed teachers lacking the basics in teaching reading. This study adds to the body of literature and sheds light on the status quo of EFL in-service teachers’ competency and brings to the attention of every stakeholder the critical role EFL teachers play in helping EFL children become readers. Although the results point towards teachers as possible cause behind children’s low-literacy level, this study raises important questions for further investigations, and implications for EFL teacher education and preparation are highlighted.

scholarly journals EFL Prospective Teachers’ Competency in Phonological Awareness: Impact on Teaching English Reading

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Yousef Alshaboul
Keyword(s):  
Phonological Awareness ◽  
Reading Instruction ◽  
Prospective Teachers ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
English Reading ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Children's Reading ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children’S Reading

Deficits in EFL teachers’ proficiency have surfaced recently as one of the possible factors contributing to children’s reading problems at their early encounters with literacy. Phonological awareness (PA) has dominated specialists’ interests well-timed with escalating reports containing more provoking evidence connecting children's reading disability with deficiencies in PA. This paper aims at investigating the impact of perceived proficiency, GPA, and gender of prospective teachers on shaping their future reading instruction detectable by prospective teachers' PA beliefs, awareness and knowledge. Towards this end, a four-section survey was administered to 158 pre-service EFL teachers. Results confirmed significant differences related to knowledge and beliefs at the expense of awareness. 

scholarly journals EFL Teachers' Competence in the Context of English Curriculum 2004: Implications for EFL Teacher Education

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Nenden Sri Lengkanawati
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
West Java ◽  
English Curriculum ◽  
Efl Teacher ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Efl Teacher Education ◽  
Descriptive Method

This is a report of a study which was intended to respond to criticism of the English curricula used in Indonesia which have been claimed by some as failure to make Indonesian students ready in competing with those from other nations. The study tried to portray EFL teachers' competence in West Java and the implications for teacher education. Using a descriptive method, the study investigated proficiency of English teachers in West Java as a tool to assess their readiness in facing the challenge of the implementation of the 2004 English Curriculum and its implication for teacher education. The data concerning teachers' proficiency in Listening, Structure, and Reading Comprehension were collected using a TOEFL-eq

Media Literacy in EFL Teacher Education

2019 ◽  
pp. 65-89
Author(s):  
Walaa M. El-Henawy
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Media Literacy ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Efl Teacher ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Efl Teacher Education

As one of the 21st century skills, media literacy refers to the ability of individuals to critically evaluate and creatively produce representations in a variety of media. A rapid changing world of media, information and communication, which is reshaping the future of work trends, changes literacy demands and requires more complex literacy skills. Thus, it is necessary for students to build the 21st century literacy skills through technology-integrated instructions and classroom practices. In particular, this chapter aims to raise awareness of the relevance of media literacy in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and EFL teacher education. This chapter provides an evolution of media literacy with its origin, explores the competencies of media literacy, analyzes various frameworks for media literacy education, and elaborates on different teaching approaches. Based on this review, a conceptual framework for media literacy competencies in teacher education is proposed. Additionally, this chapter offers recommendations for best practices of media literacy in EFL classrooms as well as in EFL teachers' preparation and professional development programs.

Prospective EFL Teachers' Perceptions of Using CALL in the Classroom

2018 ◽  
pp. 1405-1418
Author(s):  
Anil Rakicioglu-Soylemez ◽  
Sedat Akayoglu
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Prospective Teachers ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Teacher Education Program ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Efl Teacher Education

The study focuses on prospective English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers' perspectives on the use of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) resources in teaching English as a foreign language context. In addition to examining prospective teachers' perceptions, the similarities and differences in their perceptions and factors affecting their beliefs about using CALL resources will be addressed. The study aimed to identify the prospective EFL teachers' perceptions of their existing skills to integrate CALL into their future professional practices. The perceived factors that will facilitate and inhibit their future teaching practices by using CALL resources and their expectations from the teacher education program in terms of providing the necessary training to use CALL resources in their teaching practices were examined. The perceived benefits and challenges of using CALL in EFL teaching contexts will be addressed from the participants' perspectives. Finally, the study provides implications for further research in addition to recommendations for EFL teacher education programs.

scholarly journals Linguistic Education Under Revision: Globalization and EFL Teacher Education in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Rachel Mendes ◽  
Kyria Rebeca Finardi
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Efl Teacher ◽  
Efl Teacher Education ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Education In Brazil

Globalization brought about many changes to the current society's life and mindset and thus, some new challenges to linguistic education, more specifically, foreign language education, have emerged as a consequence of these changes. This paper aims at reflecting upon some impacts of globalization on pre-service English as Foreign Language (hereafter EFL) teacher education in Brazil. Based on the literature review, the paper addresses the changes in the concepts of language, culture and identity related to cultural hybridity and the impact of new information and communications technology on the use, teaching and learning of foreign languages. It concludes that curricula for EFL teacher education programs in Brazil should be reviewed in order to focus more on glocal knowledge and digital literacy for a 21st century aligned education.

scholarly journals Beyond Practicum: Interplay between Prospective EFL Teachers’ Conceptualizations of Field Experience and Teaching Career

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
Merve Selçuk ◽  
Ece Genç Yöntem
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
School Experience ◽  
Teacher Education Programs ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Practice Teaching ◽  
Faculties Of Education ◽  
The Impact

Becoming a teacher of English language requires both knowledge of theory and practice. Teacher candidates at the faculties of education in BA programs in Turkey practice teaching through observing real classrooms and doing micro-teachings in real schools during their four-year teacher training. This study was conducted at a foundation university in Turkey, in which senior pre-service teachers, before they enter the teaching profession and become novice teachers, go and experience teaching to fulfill the requirements of the practicum (school experience course) in their last semester. This course requires them to observe three different levels of classroom in real schools, write reflective papers, prepare lesson plans and practice teaching. The transition from pre-service to novice teacher can be facilitated via successful practicum programs offered by the faculties of education in Turkey. The impact of practicum tends to result in either entry into teaching or teacher retention. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the effects of this program on students’ decisions on entry into the profession. The data were collected in two stages: Before and after the practicum. At the beginning of the last semester, before they go practicum, five pre-service EFL teachers were asked the reasons for choosing teacher education programs, and their concerns related to practicum and the profession through an in-depth semi-controlled interview. Those pre-service teachers were also interviewed on the same topics at the end of the semester, after practicum. Results indicated that practicum or school experience has contributed positively to their perceptions regarding their entry into teaching because almost all of them wanted to enter teaching at the end of the program, and they are in-service teachers now. These findings suggest that teacher education courses should aim to develop students’ practical knowledge, and the relationship among the mentor teacher, the supervisor, and the student teacher should be valued and supported more in teacher education programs.

scholarly journals The critical role of natural forest as refugium for generalist species in oil palm-dominated landscapes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257814
Author(s):  
Sergio Guerrero-Sanchez ◽  
Benoit Goossens ◽  
Silvester Saimin ◽  
Pablo Orozco-terWengel
Keyword(s):  
Oil Palm ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
The Body ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Monitor Lizard ◽  
Varanus Salvator ◽  
Forested Areas ◽  
The Impact

In Borneo, oil palm plantations have replaced much of natural resources, where generalist species tend to be the principal beneficiaries, due to the abundant food provided by oil palm plantations. Here, we analyse the distribution of the Asian water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) population within an oil palm-dominated landscape in the Kinabatangan floodplain, Malaysian Borneo. By using mark-recapture methods we estimated its population size, survival, and growth in forest and plantation habitats. We compared body measurements (i.e. body weight and body length) of individuals living in forest and oil palm habitats as proxy for the population’s health status, and used general least squares estimation models to evaluate its response to highly fragmented landscapes in the absence of intensive hunting pressures. Contrary to previous studies, the abundance of lizards was higher in the forest than in oil palm plantations. Recruitment rates were also higher in the forest, suggesting that these areas may function as a source of new individuals into the landscape. While there were no morphometric differences among plantation sites, we found significant differences among forested areas, where larger lizards were found inhabiting forest adjacent to oil palm plantations. Although abundant in food resources, the limited availability of refugia in oil palm plantations may intensify intra-specific encounters and competition, altering the body size distribution in plantation populations, contrary to what happens in the forest. We conclude that large patches of forest, around and within oil palm plantations, are essential for the dynamics of the monitor lizard population in the Kinabatangan floodplain, as well as a potential source of individuals to the landscape. We recommend assessing this effect in other generalist species, as well as the impact on the prey communities, especially to reinforce the establishment of buffer zones and corridors as a conservation strategy within plantations.

scholarly journals Why Individuals Respond To COVID-19 Differently: A Battle of Sexes?

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
pp. 459-466
Author(s):  
Olagunju Abdulrahmon A. ◽  
Amanah Lewis-Wade
Keyword(s):  
Gene Networks ◽  
Research Area ◽  
The Body ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Clinical Indicators ◽  
Severe Infections ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Several factors including genetic variations, cytokine storm (CS), macrophage activated syndrome (MAS), and lymphopenia have been recently discovered to influence the severity of COVID-19. Many studies have exclusively studied the pathogenesis of this disease, which includes the entry of the virus into the body, multiplication and spread, the progression of tissue damage, and the production of an immune response. However, questions like what makes some people more vulnerable than others to SARS-CoV-2 - the causative agent of the coronavirus disease; the role of gene networks in determining or influencing the efficiency of infection or the severity of COVID-19 symptoms are still in the valley of obscurity. What makes some SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals extremely sensitive to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) while others are asymptomatic remains to be understood. Herein, we review the impact of a genetic variant in susceptibility and severity among sex and gender disparities, the significance of this variation in cases of severity and immune responses. Furthermore, we address major characteristics in severe  COVID-19 cases, such as biochemical and homeostatic effects. For example, lymphocyte count and concentrations of inflammatory mediators within patients. Also, this paper identifies key clinical indicators of severe infections in the presence of cytokine storm and lymphopenia. Moreover, it takes into account predisposing factors that induce the severity of symptoms and underline the differences between mild and severe infections. Lastly, we explained the benefits of using bioinformatics to accelerate the progress made in COVID-19 research and future perspective in this research area.

scholarly journals The Body Mass Index (BMI) of Human Age and Gender Structure as the Main Cause of Cardiovascular and Nephrotic Diseases

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-262
Author(s):  
Sheqibe Beadini ◽  
Nexhbedin Beadini ◽  
Besa Dalipi ◽  
Gazmend Iseni ◽  
Hesat Aliu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
The Body ◽  
Physical Growth ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Impact

Background: Factors affecting the growth of the organism may be either endogenous, such as genetic factors like genetic heritage, or exogenous such as food, social and health status, physical activity, etc. A factor of great importance for human physical growth is BMI, a parameter defined as the ratio of human body weight and height. Aims:The purpose of this article is to determine the BMI in Macedonia’s population by analyzing age and gender, and finding the correlation of endogeneous and exogeneous factors and the BMI factor. All measurements were performed at the health facility. Surveys were also conducted for gathering information about gender, age, weight, height, eating habits, socioeconomic status, and education. Results: This clinical research studied 257 patients, 143 males and 114 females. Among other factors involved in this research are blood glucose, fat parameters and potential risk factors for cardiovascular and nephrotic diseases. Conclusions: After the discovery and identification of renal disease, the impact of BMI can be distinguished from pathological processes, such as irregular eating, various inflammations, and changes in the metabolism of vitamin D, etc. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July ’13 Page 256-262DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.12618 

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