scholarly journals LEVEL OF TEACHERS’ CONCERNS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CEFR (THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE FOR LANGUAGES)

Author(s):  
Siaw Ling Kee ◽  
Zanaton Hj Iksan

The Common European of Framework Reference (CEFR) is a standardized measurement recognized by western countries to evaluate English proficiency. Unsatisfactory English level among student should be elevated. Hence, CEFR is being implemented simultaneously throughout Malaysia since 2017 for Year one and Year two students. Each English teacher must be prepared to accept any change in order to manage the changes efficiently and effectively as they are the "implementing group" to commence the change. This study was conducted to examine the level of English language teachers' attitudes towards the implementation of CEFR in Bangsar Pudu, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur by using survey research. This study adopted the Concern Based Adoptance Model (CBAM) as a theoretical framework. The data were collected from 205 English teachers from 101 schools using questionnaires on Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ) based on the CBAM model. Through ANOVA One-way analysis, there was a significant difference between teacher concerns in the teaching experience more than 30 years in CEFR compared to other teachers. However, there is no significant difference in the academic level of English teachers. The findings of this study are believed to help the Ministry of Education to identify and improve the implementation of CEFR curriculum.

Author(s):  
Ali Asghar Ahmadishokouh ◽  
Fatemeh Samadi

Teachers play an important role in the implementation of Computer Assisted Language Learning(CALL) into language classes and their attitudes have proved to be significant predictors of using technology in their classes. In other words, Teachers’ attitudes are considered as a major factor that influences the use of new technologies in the educational settings. Thus, their attitudes toward computer can play an important role in the acceptance and actual use of technology in teaching in general and language teaching in particular. A review of the literature shows many examples of student voice reports, but not enough studies have conducted on teachers’ attitudes towards CALL. This study was an attempt to address the possible differences between the English and Russian language teachers' attitudes towards incorporating CALL  into their teaching professions. To this end a number of 53 English teacher and 52 Russian language teachers participated in the study. They were asked to fill  the  E & L teachers' attitude toward CALL questionnaire.The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 22 through running independent sample T- test. The result indicated that there is a significant difference between English and Russian teachers' attitude towards CALL. Moreover, it was concluded that English language teachers have more positive views towards incorporating CALL into their teaching.


Author(s):  
Hülya Baysal ◽  
Nilay T. Bümen

Despite studies on the lesson study experiences of English teachers have increased in Turkey in recent years, there is a need for further studies on how to integrate the model into the context. In this study, the qualitative research on the lesson study conducted with English teachers in Turkey was examined, and it was aimed to reach a synthesis to ensure the proliferation of the model. The common databases were searched with keywords, and specific inclusion criteria were used. Selected studies were scored with a checklist to be evaluated in terms of quality, and eight studies (six articles and two doctoral dissertations) that received the required score were included in the research. In the analysis, the steps of developing the first and second-order themes, interpreting, and synthesizing were followed. The common findings in the studies show that the lesson study provides significant contributions to English teachers despite the difficulties in the process. The synthesis includes the initiatives at the individual and institutional dimensions. It is concluded that the pedagogical design capacity and collaboration skills of English teachers should be strengthened at the individual dimension while administrator, mentor / facilitator support should be provided, and policy changes should be made in teacher education at the institutional dimension. We also recommended examining how the model can be adapted to Turkey's cultural-educational context, teacher autonomy, and identity.


Author(s):  
Tahani R. K. Bsharat ◽  
Fariza Behak

This study stresses the global impact of Microsoft teams’ app in enhancing teaching-learning English during the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As one of the preventive steps for transmitting coronavirus infection, the introduction of lockdown and social distancing has been implemented, resulting in complete paralysis of global activities. There exists a shift from the usual learning practice to online learning, especially the complete shutdown of the education system to comply with the academic curriculum. This can be cited with more online courses, workshops, meetings, etc. It should be remembered that, during this crisis, the world is fully dependent on information technology. The present research offers, therefore, an insight into the impact of Microsoft teams’ app in enhancing teaching-learning English during Coronavirus (COVID-19). Thus, the sample was chosen conveniently from the population of English language teachers and included (25) teachers, 56% of them were females, 52% ageing 31 to 40 years old, with 48% indicating a teaching experience over ten years questionnaire consisted of (15) items of one dimension developed by the researchers based on their experiences and the available literature, In addition, the teachers indicated that the most significant feature of Ms. Teams is that it enables students to share files and share content and that it includes screen sharing options that allow teachers the freedom to display what they choose during a class, indicating that it creates an interactive atmosphere between students, teachers and the community inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, the researchers recommended using Microsoft teams’ app and giving the English language teachers, students, and parents online workshops on how to use the app, also for the ministry of education to adopt the app.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruzana Omar ◽  
Radzuwan Ab. Rashid2

The paper aims to provide insights into the current understanding of the challenges faced by in-serviced primary school ESL teachers in completing their degree on a part-time basis. In relation to the government’s effort to improve the quality of primary education, many English language teachers have enrolled in the ‘Teacher’s First-degree program’ offered by the Ministry of Education. The participants of the program, somehow, face a number of challenges. As adult learners, the ESL teachers need to follow in doing the degree part time as all of them are full time teachers and teaching in different schools. Sociocultural theory of Lev Vygotsky provided the theoretical framework for this case study. This qualitative study explored the experiences of five in-service primary school English language teachers who were involved in the program. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to identify the challenges faced by the teachers in completing a primary school teacher’s first-degree program organized by the Ministry of Education (MOE). The main data generated from semi-structured interviews was analysed using thematic analysis approach. The findings revealed that job commitments, family commitments, health mental issue and time management are the main challenges faced by them. Exploring in-service primary school English teachers challenges in furthering their studies part-timely might give the Ministry of Education (MOE) consideration in understanding of language teachers’ selves and needs while pursuing their first degree. This research might also be helpful to investigate the current practices of the professional development of primary school English teachers in Malaysia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Sabri Thabit Saleh Ahmed ◽  
Bushra T. A. Qasem ◽  
Sunil V. Pawar

This study aimed at exploring South Yemeni EFL tertiary teachers’ attitudes towards implementing ICTs in their English language teaching, their current uses of such ICTs in their teaching and difficulties they encounter when implementing ICTs in their teaching for the purpose of getting an overall picture of ICTs-assisted language instruction in South Yemeni context and what is required for implementing a better ICTs-assisted language instruction at the concerned universities. Data were collected through a questionnaire webbed to 81 EFL teachers (n=81) and then analyzed by SPSS. The questionnaire consists of five-Likert items and open questions. Findings revealed that EFL teachers of the concerned universities held positive attitudes towards using ICTs in their teaching of English and there were no significant differences in teachers’ attitudes that can be attributed to gender, academic level or computer competence. They perceived ICTs as an effective tool in facilitating language teaching and learning, motivating students to learn and developing all language skills. However, their actual uses of such technologies in their classroom teaching were not up to the level required. A significant difference in teachers’ actual uses of technology can be attributed to their computer competence as those teachers with a high computer competence were found using ICTs more than their low computer competence counterparts. The study concluded that South Yemeni teachers’ lack of implementing ICTs in their EFL classes can be attributed to many factors such as lack of ICT tools in their departments, unavailability of internet and lack of computer competence and training. The study concluded with some recommendations that may help in implementing ICTs better in EFL education at the concerned universities particularly and at Yemeni universities generally.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-110
Author(s):  
Edyta Kwiecień-Niedziela ◽  
Krzysztof Polok ◽  
Eva Mala

Introduction. The study aims to investigate what factors strengthen and weaken personal speaking anxiety. With the use of selected standardized surveys, the research examines how drama techniques affect a learner’s level of English language speaking anxiety. Materials and Methods. The research group includes 17 Polish primary school learners who attended drama classes and prepared two performances in English for other learners and their parents. The questionnaire with the stated research questions was applied, and the data ob tained were statistically analyzed. Results. The research results show that the learners participating in English drama classes had a lower level of speaking anxiety than those who did not practice drama at all. As to the learners´ English language proficiency, the level of speaking anxiety dropped with the rise of academic level. No significant difference was observed either in the level of speaking anxiety between male and female participants or in the level of speaking among learners of different age. The impact of drama techniques implemented into the English language classes is discussed in the study. The research results indicate the influence of drama techniques on the reduction of the level of speaking anxiety. The decrease is very noticeable that should inspire teachers to use drama techniques while teaching a foreign language, especially speaking skills. The analysis also indicates a close correlation between drama classes and the inc reasing level of English proficiency. Discussion and Conclusion. The topic of the article is to meet the interest of foreign language teachers and learners, would-be teachers of the English language.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-351
Author(s):  
Tareq Murad ◽  
Yusra Ghadeer, Sakhnin ◽  
Jamal Assadi

The current study seeks to examine English teachers’ attitudes towards using the collaborative teaching method to improve students’ skills at writing and speaking English. The purpose is to test the main following hypotheses: first, English language teachers are mostly unfamiliar with collaborative learning. Second, these techniques are not regularly used in English lessons. Third, most students enjoy practicing them. Fourth, these techniques lead to better performance in the students` language skills. The study was conducted among 15 high school English teachers. A questionnaire was used as a practical part. Data were collected and the results were: English teachers know and support learning techniques; they agree on the importance of these methods in the teaching process especially in improving students` language skills. Students enjoy practicing them. Common suggestions were proposed by the teachers for improving writing and speaking skills such as involvement of students in planning the learning process and setting goals and allowing for self-expression and teamwork. The importance of using various learning tools in combination with the collaborative methods was also emphasized. Finally, the research recommends that this kind of learning should be part of the teachers' training program.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-91
Author(s):  
Hui Yin Ng ◽  
Mohamad Zohir Ahmad

The Ministry of Education aligned the national English curriculum with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to increase the quality and standard of English Language. The success in implementing this educational reform is highly dependent on teachers. Teachers need to have sufficient knowledge in the incorporation of CEFR in their teaching to develop the ability of students to meet targeted CFER levels of English proficiency. The purpose of this study is to identify the teachers’ level of knowledge and practice on CEFR-aligned English curriculum. A total of 148 teachers who teach Form 1 and Form 2 English from the secondary schools in Pulau Pinang were involved in this study. The instrument of this study was a closed-ended questionnaire adapted from Kır (2011) and Ngo (2017). The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Inferential analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. The findings showed that the level of knowledge (M = 3.49, SD = 0.58) and practice of teachers (M = 3.50, SD = 0.55) on CEFR-aligned English curriculum were moderate. Also, there was a strong relationship between teachers’ knowledge and practice on CEFR-aligned English curriculum. There was a significant difference existed in the level of knowledge and practice on CEFR-aligned English curriculum based on demographic factor namely the type of training received by teachers on CEFR. The findings of this study implied that the training and workshops ought to be conducted frequently as a support for teachers towards the implementation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haleh Mashhadlou ◽  
Siros Izadpanah

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the assessment of Iranian English teachers’ performance. Besides, it was aimed to examine and compare the performance of teachers based on their gender differences and teaching experience. To the first aim, the Delphi technique was used to develop a questionnaire and the reliability of the Delphi questionnaire based on Cronbach’s alpha was .982. In the first round, 25 experts including university lecturers and experienced instructors in the field of English teaching were asked to answer open-ended questions regarding important issues in the evaluation of an English teacher. Then, the related themes emerged. Using emerged themes, a questionnaire including 100 questions was designed and measured on a linear scale (1 = not important to 5 = absolutely essential). After calculating the frequency of each item, the results were resent to the panel to rate the questions. In the last phase, three criteria including 1—the mean 4 and more, 2—standard deviation less than 1, 3—less than 10% of the participants do not answer to the item were considered to decide on the final questions and components of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed using Google forms. One hundred and fifty questionnaires were filled correctly and analyzed using SPSS 22. Then, the validity of questionnaire was checked. Overall, it was seen that there was not any significant difference between teachers’ performance based on gender difference and teaching experience. The findings of the present study might have some implications for researchers, instructors, language teachers, school administrators, and the ministry of education.


Author(s):  
Erda Wati Bakar

The Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) has become the standard used to describe and evaluate students’ command of a second or foreign language. It is an internationally acknowledged standard language proficiency framework which many countries have adopted such as China, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. Malaysia Ministry of Education is aware and realise the need for the current English language curriculum to be validated as to reach the international standard as prescribed by the CEFR. The implementation of CEFR has begun at primary and secondary level since 2017 and now higher education institutions are urged to align their English Language Curriculum to CEFR as part of preparation in receiving students who have been taught using CEFR-aligned curriculum at schools by year 2022. This critical reflection article elucidates the meticulous processes that we have embarked on in re-aligning our English Language Curriculum to the standard and requirements of CEFR. The paper concludes with a remark that the alignment of the English curriculum at the university needs full support from the management in ensuring that all the stakeholders are fully prepared, informed and familiar with the framework.


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