scholarly journals Evaluation of Tabriz medical students’ expectations of learning English for specific purposes (ESP): A focus on gender and subject field

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-5
Author(s):  
Rana Sojoodizadeh ◽  
Saeideh Ahangari ◽  
Elham Sheykhsaran
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Female Students ◽  
English For Specific Purposes ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Scientific Language ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Subject Field ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Teaching professional English is a field that began in the 1960s simultaneously with the worldwide recognition of English as a common scientific language among scientists and researchers. Learners’ language needs and expectations have received much attention during the last decade. Likewise, within the scope of medical English, understanding the expectations of students is of the utmost importance. This study was designed to investigate the expectations of medical students regarding English language learning and application. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the expectations of 362 medical students in three program groups (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) in learning professional English during their coursework. A reliable and valid questionnaire was distributed among students who had a specific professional English course in various semesters in the faculty of medicine. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 16.0 Results: In this study, the most frequent expectation from medical students was for their teachers to translate texts into the Persian language and help them to comprehend medical texts and final examinations, including translating from Persian to English as well. The results also found a difference between the expectations of male and female students, with female students having higher expectations than male students. There was no significant difference among the students of the three program groups (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) for total expectations or evaluation. However, there was a significant difference between the medical and pharmacy students. Conclusion: Measuring student expectations is a critical factor in addressing English language learning, including professors’ knowledge and interest, of students’ various abilities in English for specific purposes (ESP).

Attitudes toward the use of TELL tools in English language learning among Vietnamese Tertiary English majors

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 581-596
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Guided Learning ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Majors ◽  
Very High ◽  
Different Levels

Technology plays a crucial role in the self-guided learning of a second language in general and English in particular. Nevertheless, many students in different contexts still ignore the application of technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) tools in enhancing their foreign language proficiency. Therefore, this study is conducted to investigate the attitudes towards the use of TELL tools in English-language learning (ELL) among English majors at one university in Vietnam. To collect data, 197 English majors participated in finishing the questionnaire, and 20 students were invited to join the interviews. The findings are that the majority of students have positive attitudes towards the use of TELL tools and the frequency of using these tools is very high. In addition, the results also reveal that there is no significant difference in attitudes towards and frequency of using TELL tools in learning English in terms of the year of study. However, students of different levels of academic achievements have different attitudes towards using TELL tools and use TELL tools to learn English differently. Received 2nd May 2019; Revised 16th July 2019, Accepted 20th October 2019

scholarly journals Autonomous English Language Learning Beyond the Classroom: Indonesian Tertiary Students’ Practices and Constraints

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 194-213
Author(s):  
Daflizar Daflizar
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Autonomous Learning ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
First Year ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
English Major ◽  
Attention To Students

. In response to the interest in learner autonomy in recent years, educational research has been increasingly paying attention to students’ out-of-class autonomous learning activities. This study aims to (1) describe the extent to which Indonesian tertiary students engaged in autonomous English language learning outside the class, (2) explore their perceived constraints in practicing autonomous learning, and (3) examine whether there are any significant differences in the autonomous learning activities between female and male students and between the English major students and non-English major students. Employing the explanatory mixed-method design, a total of 402 first-year students completed a questionnaire, and 30 of whom were interviewed. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests, and the interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the students did engage in several out-of-class English learning activities, however many of the activities were more receptive than productive. The interviews echoed the questionnaire results, and the students claimed that they were not autonomous in their learning due to several constraints. The results also revealed that there is no significant difference in the level of practice of autonomous out-of-class activities based on gender but a significant difference was found concerning majors of study. Practical implications for the Indonesian context are put forward.

Does medical students’ gender affect their clinical learning of gynaecological examination? A retrospective cohort study

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (1112) ◽  
pp. 325-329
Author(s):  
Thomas Wallbridge ◽  
Angela Holden ◽  
Aled Picton ◽  
Janesh Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Graduates ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Gynaecological Examination

IntroductionMedical graduates should be competent in gynaecological examination as well as associated skills including speculum use and swabbing. Male and female medical students may have different opportunities to practise these skills in clinical environments, potentially impacting on confidence and competence. This study explores this further via reviewing students’ learning experience in genitourinary medicine (GUM) and obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) clinics.MethodsCross-sectional study of 759 year 4 and year 5 University of Birmingham medical students via an online questionnaire. This explored degree of participation, impact of gender and self-reported confidence.ResultsOverall response rate was 31% (233/759). Students of either gender who observed an examination being performed by a clinician were more likely to perform the same examination. Female students reported more opportunities to practise gynaecological examination and associated skills. Female students were more likely to be granted consent to perform speculum examinations, vaginal swabbing and vaginal bimanual examinations. Sixty-five per cent of male students felt that their gender affected their learning experience with female patients. Despite this, there was no significant difference in self-reported confidence level in performing gynaecological examinations between genders at the end of placement.ConclusionThe majority of male students perceived that their gender impacted their clinical experience in O&G and GUM. Self-reported confidence levels were unaffected, which could reflect varying approaches to competence between genders. The link between observing examinations and subsequent opportunities to practise is key. This could demonstrate students developing rapport and trust with patients, and clinicians’ roles as gatekeepers.

scholarly journals Medical Students’ English Language Learning: Needs and Perceptions

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-190
Author(s):  
Amin Karimnia ◽  
Mohammad Reza Khodashenas
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Needs Analysis ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Skills Use ◽  
English Language Skills

Summary This study investigated the medical students’ English language learning needs and their perceptions of ESP courses in an academic environment. To do this, 100 medical students studying medical sciences in the faculty of medicine in Mashhad, Iran, were selected as the participants. Hutchinson and Waters’ target language needs analysis framework was drawn on as the analytic model guiding the study. A needs analysis questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire designed to identify the learners’ perceptions of the frequency of English language skills/sub-skills use, the importance of English language learning, their ability in using language skills, their needs of language learning and their preferences of an English language course. After gathering and analyzing the data, it was found that reading skill is given priority by the students in terms of frequency of use, importance and proficiency. It also revealed that students need and prefer training in speaking, listening and communication skills. Considering the students’ perceptions of the current ESP course, the findings implied that the English language skills incorporated in the current ESP book for the medical students and the allocated time for this course are not compatible with the English language learning needs and wants of the students.

scholarly journals The Effect of a Training Program in a Reading Course in Developing English Language Learning Strategies among University Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 300
Author(s):  
Ahmad M. Mahasneh ◽  
Ahmad F. Al-Alwan
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experimental Group

This study aimed at identifying the effect of a training program in developing the use of learning English language strategies among a sample of the Hashemite University students, and the differences in using these strategies due to gender and the type of group (experimental and control groups). The study sample consisted of 76 male and female students from the Department of English Language, divided into two groups (an experimental group of 34 male and female students and a control group of 42 male and female students). To achieve the aims of the study, Oxford's language learning strategies scale was used. The study used a quasi-experimental research design with pre-test and post-tests. ANCOVA and T-tests were used to analyze the data. The results of the study revealed that there is a statistical significant difference between the two groups in developing language learning strategies in favor of the experimental group. Also, results showed that there is no statistically significant difference in using language learning strategies attributed to gender.

scholarly journals The Influence of Gender on the Choice of Radiology as a Specialty Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/14666 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e14666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed H Abduljabbar ◽  
Sara F Alnajjar ◽  
Hussein Alshamrani ◽  
Lujain F Bashamakh ◽  
Hisham Z Alshehri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Specialty Choice ◽  
Female Students ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Medical undergraduates are the future doctors of the country. Therefore, determining how medical students choose their areas of specialty is essential to obtain a balanced distribution of physicians among all specialties. Although gender is a significant factor that affects specialty choice, the factors underlying gender differences in radiology are not fully elucidated. Objective This study examined the factors that attracted medical students to and discouraged them from selecting diagnostic radiology and analyzed whether these factors differed between female and male medical students. Methods This cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, used an electronic questionnaire sent to medical students from all medical years during February 2018. Subgroup analyses for gender and radiology interest were performed using the chi-square test and Cramér’s V test. Results In total, 539 students (276 women; 263 men) responded. The most common factor preventing students from choosing radiology as a career was the lack of direct patient contact, which deterred approximately 47% who decided against considering this specialty. Negative perceptions by other physicians (P<.001), lack of acknowledgment by patients (P=.004), and lack of structured radiology rotations (P=.007) dissuaded significantly more male students than female students. Among those interested in radiology, more female students were attracted by job flexibility (P=.01), while more male students were attracted by focused patient interactions with minimal paperwork (P<.001). Conclusions No significant difference was found between the genders in terms of considering radiology as a specialty. Misconception plays a central role in students’ judgment regarding radiology. Hence, early exposure to radiology, assuming a new teaching method, and using a curriculum that supports the active participation of students in a radiology rotation are needed to overcome this misconception.

scholarly journals Main Difficulties Faced by EFL Students in Language Learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-34
Author(s):  
Hanan Dhia Alsalihi
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Female Students ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
English Departments ◽  
Ibn Rushd ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
The University

Many undergraduate learners at English departments who study English as a foreign language are unable to speak and use language correctly in their post -graduate careers.  This problem can be attributed to certain difficulties, which they faced throughout their education years that hinder their endeavors to learn. Therefore, this study aims to discover the main difficulties faced by EFL students in language learning and test the difficulty variable according to gender and college variables then find suitable solutions for enhancing learning.  A questionnaire with 15 items and 5 scales were used to help in discovering the difficulties. The questionnaire was distributed to the selected sample of study which consists of 90 (male and female) students selected randomly from the 3rd and 4th year class levels at English departments from colleges of Languages and Education (Ibn-Rushd) at the University of Baghdad. The results of the study showed that EFL students face difficulties in language learning such as the role of society in discouraging English language learning, the learners’ shyness, which prevents them from speaking English in fear of making mistakes, lack of motivation, and the influence of class size and crowdedness. After analyzing the results, some recommendations and suggestions were presented to solve the problem and eliminate difficulties.

scholarly journals The Influence of Gender on the Choice of Radiology as a Specialty Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed H Abduljabbar ◽  
Sara F Alnajjar ◽  
Hussein Alshamrani ◽  
Lujain F Bashamakh ◽  
Hisham Z Alshehri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Specialty Choice ◽  
Female Students ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND Medical undergraduates are the future doctors of the country. Therefore, determining how medical students choose their areas of specialty is essential to obtain a balanced distribution of physicians among all specialties. Although gender is a significant factor that affects specialty choice, the factors underlying gender differences in radiology are not fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE This study examined the factors that attracted medical students to and discouraged them from selecting diagnostic radiology and analyzed whether these factors differed between female and male medical students. METHODS This cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, used an electronic questionnaire sent to medical students from all medical years during February 2018. Subgroup analyses for gender and radiology interest were performed using the chi-square test and Cramér’s V test. RESULTS In total, 539 students (276 women; 263 men) responded. The most common factor preventing students from choosing radiology as a career was the lack of direct patient contact, which deterred approximately 47% who decided against considering this specialty. Negative perceptions by other physicians (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), lack of acknowledgment by patients (<i>P</i>=.004), and lack of structured radiology rotations (<i>P</i>=.007) dissuaded significantly more male students than female students. Among those interested in radiology, more female students were attracted by job flexibility (<i>P</i>=.01), while more male students were attracted by focused patient interactions with minimal paperwork (<i>P</i>&lt;.001). CONCLUSIONS No significant difference was found between the genders in terms of considering radiology as a specialty. Misconception plays a central role in students’ judgment regarding radiology. Hence, early exposure to radiology, assuming a new teaching method, and using a curriculum that supports the active participation of students in a radiology rotation are needed to overcome this misconception.

scholarly journals Comparison in the physiology results between Male and Female undergraduate medical students

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 47-49
Author(s):  
Mohammad Uzire Azam Khan
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Female Students ◽  
P Value ◽  
Female Undergraduate ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: In recent years more female students than males qualify to study in medical colleges of Bangladesh. Whether female students do better than males in their course exam is not known.Objective: To compare the 1st term physiology result between male and female undergraduate medical students.Method: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Abdul Malek Ukil Medical College, Noakhali during the period of June-August’13. One hundred and fifteen students of a selected public medical college of Bangladesh were enrolled purposively for the study. Written informed consent of students and authority was taken. Data on admission merit-score and1st term marks were collected. The written marks were scored out of 70 and oral out of 100. The result was classified as ‘passed’, ‘failed’ and ‘absent’. The statistical analysis was done by Student’s ‘t’ test and Chi-square test as applicable. P value <0.05 was significant.Result: Among the selected students male were 48 (41.74%). The mean admission merit-score of male and female students was similar (p>0.05). In 1st term exam the male and female students obtained similar marks in written (p>0.05) and in oral (p>0.05). When the result was categorized as ‘passed’, ‘failed’ and ‘absent’, still they yielded no significant difference between male and female students’ result (p>0.05).Conclusion: The result of male and female undergraduate medical students in the 1st term physiology exam was similar.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2016, December; 11(2): 47-49

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