scholarly journals The Architecture of ELT Coursebooks

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 383-407
Author(s):  
Janez Skela ◽  
Lara Burazer

This paper is an attempt to develop a design-oriented approach to ELT coursebook evaluation, with a particular focus on the internal organization of coursebook units at both intra-unit and inter-unit levels. We believe that looking at coursebooks from the position of the materials designer sheds some additional light on ELT coursebook evaluation. The design-oriented approach to ELT coursebook assessment proposed in the paper goes well beyond the immediate, and often superficial, ‘check-list’ methods commonly used to help teachers select coursebooks. In other words, the design-oriented approach to ELT coursebook assessment enables teachers an insight into ‘the architecture’ of textbooks. On this ‘journey to the centre of ELT textbooks’, we try to highlight how language teaching materials have been resolving the conundrum of the dynamic combination of the What (content), and the How (pedagogy/methodology). In presenting a materials design process, we start off with the assumption that there has always been a broad basis of theoretical and pedagogical notions that can inform the content and organization of ELT coursebooks, and upon which coursebook writers can build when designing instructional materials. The article then discusses three stages of the design process, offering a more detailed analysis of the complex issue of unit structure at intra- and inter-unit levels. We explore different formats of unit structure, its components, ways of creating coherence throughout the unit, and its underlying methodology/pedagogy. The last point prompts the conclusion that today’s ELT materials are produced in response to a perceived market demand that is often at variance with the latest theoretical developments in ELT.

CounterText ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-235
Author(s):  
Gordon Calleja

This paper gives an insight into the design process of a game adaptation of Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart (1980). It outlines the challenges faced in attempting to reconcile the diverging qualities of lyrical poetry and digital games. In so doing, the paper examines the design decisions made in every segment of the game with a particular focus on the tension between the core concerns of the lyrical work being adapted and established tenets of game design.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Errika Putri Anggriani

The more complex issue of child labor now a days because many children work at school age. Child labor vulnerable to be exploitated, doing hazardous work, mor a land psychological, and hampered to access education. So the government issued a policy Reduction of Child Labour in order to Support the Family Hope Program (PPA-PKH) as efforts to Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child (PBPTA) in order for the child can be returned in the educational unit, Pemalang is one of the districts that run the program PPA -PKH. Problems examined: (1) Implementation of PPA-PKH asefforts of PBPTA in Pemalang (2) Obstacles and over coming obstacles in the implementation of PPA-PKH policiesas PBPTA efforts in Pemalang. This study using sociological juridical approach. Results of the study (1) Implementation of policies PPA-PKH in Pemalang has been run in accordance with the purpose, with the establishment of shelters through three stages: pre shelter, the implementation in the shelter, and after the implementation form shelter and get a recommendation schools (2) Efforts to overcome the obstacles in the implementation of PPA -PKH policies in Pemalang which includes the beneficiaries of data was only 10% valid so that need to perform additional data. Inability of companionon the shelter so tha this attemptstomake psycologis approachand change the way of learning. Lack of coordination between relevant government service to coordinate their efforts and commitment among relevant government service and proposing a scholarship program for the children of beneficiaries. The advice given by the researchers that the data of beneficiaries must be renewed every year, provide socialiszation that bring about beneficiary families about the importance of education impact economic development of families, increased coordination between relevant government service, there is certainly that the child gets a scholarship or BSM for education.


Author(s):  
Mohamed Gharib ◽  
Tala Katbeh ◽  
G. Benjamin Cieslinski ◽  
Brady Creel

Abstract Pre-college project-based learning programs are essential means to increase the students’ interest toward STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines and careers. Engineering-based projects have shown significant impact on the students’ interests. Therefore, developing countries are investing strategically in their emphasis to attract students to careers in STEM fields, specifically engineering and medicine. That resulted in a steady expansion of their educational pipeline in STEM; and while that emphasis remains, there is a new and urgent need for expertise in agriculture, environmental science, life sciences and sustainability to support the agriculture industry, which is working to secure independent sources of food for their population. New interventions must be devised to stimulate broader interest in STEM fields while also increasing students’ academic readiness for advanced studies in those areas. To target the requirement of increasing people’s competencies in STEM fields, various programs have been created and designed to inspire and broaden students’ inquisitiveness toward STEM. This paper presents an integrated science-engineering program, called Qatar Invents, designed to support and enhance students’ learning of science concepts while also increasing students’ understanding of global challenges in food and water security. This goes with close connection to the desire to increase in the domestic production of agricultural resources in developing countries in recent years. Qatar Invents would engage students into learning and applying fundamental engineering skills onto relatable real-world issues: namely, in the design of hydroponics systems. Qatar Invents challenges students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in solving modern problems through the use of the engineering design process. With hands-on challenges, modeling, and communication training, students are motivated to tackle problems related to food security where they create hydroponics projects. Qatar Invents’ learning objectives included: teamwork, using proper toolbox skills, understanding what is engineering, the process of brainstorming, creating successful innovative designs, building prototypes, and developing presentation skills. Throughout this program, the participants were equipped with hands-on knowledge and critical thinking skills that helped them achieve their objectives. Utilizing the engineering design process, the students worked in small teams to brainstorm ideas and create inventions. The topics covered during the program included the importance of an engineering notebook and documentation, principals of engineering graphics, basics of agricultural science, foundations of hydroponics, the brainstorming practice, generating a decision matrix, proof of concept, and pitching ideas. At the end of the program, the students came up with novel solutions to serious problems wherein unique hydroponics projects were produced and presented to a panel of experts. This program attempts to build bridges between developing countries’ STEM education pipeline and the new demand of talent in the agriculture sector. All pertinent details including the preparation, instructional materials, prototyping materials, and case studies are presented in this paper.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Yue Jiang

I investigated neural processing during the recognition of pride and joy in early childhood using the event-related potential (ERP) technique. Electroencephalography recording was taken of 21 children aged between 4 and 6 years. They were shown photographs of familiar peers and strangers whose facial expressions displayed the emotion of either pride or joy. ERPs were recorded for the children's judgment of the expression of these two emotions when an image was presented. The results demonstrate that the neural dynamics during children's recognition of pride and joy involve three stages: The early negative component is spontaneously responsive to familiar faces, the midlatency negative central component is responsive to expression of familiar faces, and the late positive component marks greater extended processing of an expression of pride. These findings provide new insight into the neural mechanism of pride and joy recognition in children aged 4 to 6 years.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Renate Motschnig ◽  
Dominik Hagelkruys

Human-Centered Design focuses on the analysis, specification and involvement of a product's end users as driving elements in the design process. The primary research objective of the case-study presented in this paper is to illustrate that it is essential to include users with special needs into all major steps of designing a web-portal that provides services to these special users. But how can this be accomplished in the case of users with special cognitive and affective needs? Would the “classical” Human-Centered Design Process (HCD) be sufficient or would it need to be adapted and complemented with special procedures and tools? In this paper the design team shares the strategies they adopted and the experiences they gained by including users with dyslexia in the design of the LITERACY Web-Portal. Besides providing insight into the special effort and steps needed to adapt HCD for users with special needs, the paper encourages application designers to include end-users even though - or particularly because - they have needs that are special and critical for the adoption of the product.


BJR|Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. bjro.20180006
Author(s):  
Darren Hudson ◽  
Andrew P Jones

A review of MRI safety incidents conducted over a 3-year period for a large independent sector diagnostic imaging provider in the UK. The review took a systematic approach using reports logged on an internal incident reporting system that were then categorised and analysed for themes and trends. Notable cases and actions taken are also described from within the period. MRI safety-related events made up 7.5% of the total number of incident reports submitted and 15.5% of all MRI-related reports. The MR safety-related incidence report rate was 0.05% (1 per 1987 patients), which is relatively low considering the number of patients seen in our facilities each day. Internal MRI safety events indicated the main trends to be around referral of contraindicated devices (32% of reports) and failure in the screening process (21.5%—either due to unexpected implants or being unable to confirm safety). To improve practice and work to reduce incidents, advice and instructional materials were developed. The review suggests a potential approach to categorisation of MRI-related safety events which could allow comparisons to be made across organisations, helping to look for trends and guide learning. It also provides insight into the state of MRI safety within the organisation, a rationale for some of the interventions introduced to improve safety, and discussion around common issues arising in MRI safety.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 308-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirirat Somapa ◽  
Martine Cools ◽  
Wout Dullaert

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review that aims to provide insight into the characteristics and effectiveness of supply chain visibility (SCV), as well as to identify metrics that capture these aspects in business processes. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the supply chain literature is conducted to identify the characteristics and the effectiveness of SCV. The synthesis of SCV effectiveness and its metrics are based on the process-oriented approach which relates the effectiveness of SCV to improved business performance. Findings This study reveals that the characteristics of SCV can be captured in terms of the accessibility, quality, and usefulness of information. The benefits of SCV are found to extend beyond improvements to operational efficiency of business processes or to the strategic competencies of an organization. Practical implications This study underlines that clear agreements between all players involved in the SC can help to solve problems caused by information completeness (type and amount of information), and unlock the full potential of SCV projects. Originality/value By using a process-oriented approach, this review provides a comprehensive explanation of the functions of SCV, as well as its first-order effects, in terms of automational, informational, and transformational characteristics.


Author(s):  
Robert Bogue

Purpose – This first part of a two-part paper aims to provide an insight into the ethical and legal issues associated with certain classes of robot. This part is concerned with ethics. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this paper first considers the ethical deliberations surrounding robots used in warfare and healthcare. It then addresses the issue of robot truth and deception and subsequently discusses some on-going deliberations and possible ways forward. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn. Findings – Robot ethics are the topic of wide-ranging debate and encompass such diverse applications as military drones and robotic carers. Many ethical considerations have been raised including philosophical issues such as moral behaviour and truth and deception. Preliminary research suggests that some of these concerns may be ameliorated through the use of software which encompasses ethical principles. It is widely recognised that a multidisciplinary approach is required and there is growing evidence of this. Originality/value – This paper provides an insight into the highly topical and complex issue of robot ethics.


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