scholarly journals “Language alludes to everything”: A pilot study on front-line worker experience with newcomer integration

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alesia Au ◽  
Halley Silversides ◽  
Cesar Suva ◽  
Katerina Palova ◽  
Suzanne Goopy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Institutional Settings ◽  
Front Line Workers ◽  
Cultural Brokerage ◽  
Worker Experience ◽  
Migration Experiences

There remains an ongoing need to address not only the post-migration experiences of newcomers settling in Calgary but also to understand how systems that serve them perceive, make sense of, and contribute to these experiences. By hearing from those who work with newcomers within the institutional settings that support newcomers, we can begin to understand some complexities of newcomer integration. The purpose of this qualitative pilot study was to explore the perceptions that front-line workers hold regarding needs and experiences of newcomers. This study involved a series of eleven semi-structured interviews with workers at an immigrant-serving language-learning agency which were analyzed using thematic coding. The findings highlight: front-line workers perception of their newcomer clients’ identity in correlation to language; the clients’ emotional burden and sense of belonging; and the challenges clients faced balancing everyday commitments. Moreover, this study explores the front-line worker’s role in cultural brokerage and promoting wellness.

scholarly journals Exploring the Causes of Listening Comprehension Anxiety from EFL Saudi Learners’ Perspectives: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Otair ◽  
Noor Hashima Abd Aziz
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Preparatory Year ◽  
High Level

Anxiety is an important factor in foreign language learning. Very few studies have been done on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Saudi students in listening classes. Therefore, this pilot study was aimed at exploring the causes of listening comprehension anxiety from EFL Saudi learners’ perspectives at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. The pilot study involved two students who were selected based on the following criteria: 1) Only Saudi male undergraduate students who enrolled in Preparatory Year Program (PYP) at Majmaah University would be involved in this study, 2) The students who had studied or lived in native English speaking countries would be excluded. The researcher used pseudonyms to refer to the participants as Mohammad and Ismail. This study employed a qualitative case study research design. The data were collected through Semi-structured interviews with the participants. The interview sessions were audiotaped and transcribed. The results show that the participants experienced a high level of anxiety when doing the listening comprehension tasks. Three main causes of listening comprehension anxiety emerged from this study: 1) the problematic nature of listening comprehension, 2) the classroom atmosphere, and 3) the low English proficiency of the students.

FOSTERING STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN ENGLISH WRITING WITH MICROBLOGGING IN TWITTER

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Pham Thi Thu Hien
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology

Twitter and Microblogging are two separate entities but completes each other. Both of them can be used as language learning tools and their potential has been proved by several scholars. This study tries to examine students’ experiences in integrating microblogging with twitter. It is also study about the beneficial roles of microblogging with Twitter in language learning, its relation to writing, and its appropriateness in language learning. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, and case study as its research design. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were employed in this study to find out about participants' views about microblogging and Twitter. From this study, it can be concluded that the participants of the study underwent various experiences during the implementation of microblogging with Twitter. They also felt that microblogging with Twitter at some point advantages them to systematically arrange their ideas, and allows them to choose appropriate diction of their ideas. They also stated that Twitter can be an appropriate means in language learning, especially in English writing<em>.</em>

Tertiary English-majored Students’ Perceptions toward the Role of Pronunciation in English Language Learning and their Practicing Strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-279
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
The University

Accurate pronunciation has a vital role in English language learning as it can help learners to avoid misunderstanding in communication. However, EFL learners in many contexts, especially at the University of Phan Thiet, still encounter many difficulties in pronouncing English correctly. Therefore, this study endeavors to explore English-majored students’ perceptions towards the role of pronunciation in English language learning and examine their pronunciation practicing strategies (PPS). It involved 155 English-majored students at the University of Phan Thiet who answered closed-ended questionnaires and 18 English-majored students who participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students strongly believed in the important role of pronunciation in English language learning; however, they sometimes employed PPS for their pronunciation improvement. Furthermore, the results showed that participants tended to use naturalistic practicing strategies and formal practicing strategies with sounds, but they overlooked strategies such as asking for help and cooperating with peers. Such findings could contribute further to the understanding of how students perceive the role of pronunciation and their PPS use in the research’s context and other similar ones. Received 10th June 2019; Revised 12th March 2020; Accepted 12th April 2020

scholarly journals Gay Male Football Fans’ Experiences: Authenticity, Belonging and Conditional Acceptance

Sociology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 003803852199401
Author(s):  
Rory Magrath
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Gay Male ◽  
Recent Emergence ◽  
Football Fans ◽  
Conditional Acceptance ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between English football and homosexuality has changed significantly in recent years. However, research examining this area of study has predominantly focused on the attitudes of ostensibly heterosexual men. By drawing on semi-structured interviews with 35 ‘out’ gay male fans, this article is the first to focus explicitly on LGBT fans’ sense of place in English football. Contrary to previous research, these gay male fans represent ‘authentic’ notions of fandom through their passion for football and respective clubs. The recent emergence of LGBT Fan Groups has provided sexual minority fans increased visibility, and a sense of belonging and community. Finally, despite ongoing concerns about football stadia’s hypermasculine and heteronormative environment, these fans believe that they have become an increasingly inclusive space. Accordingly, this article demonstrates that sexual minority fans are central to English football and argues that future research must acknowledge their increased prevalence.

scholarly journals Implementation of Person-Centered Care: A Feasibility Study Using the WE-CARE Roadmap

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2205
Author(s):  
Roman A. Lewandowski ◽  
Jędrzej B. Lewandowski ◽  
Inger Ekman ◽  
Karl Swedberg ◽  
Jan Törnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rehabilitation Hospital ◽  
Person Centered Care ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Multi Disciplinary Team

Background: Person-Centered Care (PCC) is a promising approach towards improved quality of care and cost containment within health systems. It has been evaluated in Sweden and England. This feasibility study examines initial PCC implementation in a rehabilitation hospital for children in Poland. Methods: The WE-CARE Roadmap of enablers was used to guide implementation of PCC for patients with moderate scoliosis. A multi-disciplinary team of professionals were trained in the PCC approach and the hospital Information Technology (IT) system was modified to enhance PCC data capture. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the nine health care professionals involved in the pilot study and three patients/parents receiving care. Transcribed data were analyzed via content analysis. Results: 51 patients and their families were treated via a PCC approach. High proportions of new PCC data fields were completed by the professionals. The professionals were able to implement the three core PCC routines and perceived benefits using the PCC approach. Patients and their families also perceived improved quality care. The WE-CARE framework enablers facilitated PCC implementation in this setting. Conclusions: This feasibility pilot study indicates that the Gothenburg PCC approach can be successfully transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Poland with favorable perceptions of implementation by both professionals and patients/their families.

scholarly journals Factors influencing participation in an Ebola vaccine trial among front-line workers in Guinea

Vaccine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (48) ◽  
pp. 7165-7170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyra H. Grantz ◽  
Pauline Claudot ◽  
Micky Kambala ◽  
Mariama Kouyaté ◽  
Aboubacar Soumah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Trial ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Front Line Workers

Juggling on the line

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Evans
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Line Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
High Level

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay between the role of front line managers (FLMs) and their contribution to the reported gap between intended and actual human resource management (HRM). Design/methodology/approach – The findings draw on case study research using 51 semi-structured interviews with managers across two UK retail organisations between 2012 and 2013. Findings – This paper argues that FLMs are key agents in people management and play a critical role in the gap between intended and actual employee relations (ER) and HRM. The research found that these managers held a high level of responsibility for people management, but experienced a lack of institutional support, monitoring or incentives to implement according to central policy. This provided an opportunity for them to modify or resist intended policy and the tensions inherent in their role were a critical factor in this manipulation of their people management responsibilities. Research limitations/implications – The data were collected from only one industry and two organisations so the conclusions need to be considered within these limitations. Practical implications – Efforts to address the gap between intended and actual ER/HRM within organisations will need to consider the role tensions of both front line and middle managers. Originality/value – This research provides a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between FLMs and the gap between intended and actual HRM within organisations. It addresses the issue of FLMs receiving less attention in the HRM-line management literature and the call to research their role in the translation of policy into practice.

scholarly journals COVID-19 confessions: a qualitative exploration of healthcare workers experiences of working with COVID-19

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e043949
Author(s):  
Paul Bennett ◽  
S Noble ◽  
Stephen Johnston ◽  
David Jones ◽  
Rachael Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Front Line ◽  
High Profile ◽  
The Face ◽  
Discharged Patients ◽  
Front Line Workers ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Qualitative Exploration

ObjectivesTo gain insight into the experiences and concerns of front-line National Health Service (NHS) workers while caring for patients with COVID-19.DesignQualitative analysis of data collected through an anonymous website (www.covidconfidential) provided a repository of uncensored COVID-19 experiences of front-line NHS workers, accessed via a link advertised on the Twitter feed of two high profile medical tweeters and their retweets.SettingCommunity of NHS workers who accessed this social media.Participants54 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, accessed the website and left a ‘story’.ResultsStories ranged from 1 word to 10 min in length. Thematic analysis identified common themes, with a central aspect being the experience and psychological consequence of trauma. Specific themes were: (1) the shock of the virus, (2) staff sacrifice and dedication, (3) collateral damage ranging from personal health concerns to the long-term impact on, and care of, discharged patients and (4) a hierarchy of power and inequality within the healthcare system.ConclusionsCOVID-19 confidential gave an outlet for unprompted and uncensored stories of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19. In addition to personal experiences of trauma, there were perceptions that many operational difficulties stemmed from inequalities of power between management and front-line workers. Learning from these experiences will reduce staff distress and improve patient care in the face of further waves of the pandemic.

Pilotáž českého překladu dotazníku stylů učení se cizímu jazyku

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Langerová
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Personality Typology ◽  
Research Stage ◽  
Cognitive Dimensions

The paper deals with the process and results of a pilot study of a language learning styles questionnaire (Ehrman & Leaver, 2003) translated into Czech. The questionnaire is based on psychological personality typology and it focuses on cognitive dimensions of the language learning process. In order to test the reliability of the translation an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed, as the data on the original questionnaire reliability are not available. Factor analysis did not confirm the reliability of the Czech version scale. However, the original questionnaire setting suggests that it is not constructed of independent factors, thus a factor analysis cannot identify independent dimensions. Considering the piloting results analysis is the EFA does not appear as a relevant method for measuring the reliability of the questionnaire scales. The research will thus use the piloted Czech version of the questionnaire followed by a qualitative research stage.

Older adults’ philanthropic crafting of face masks during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Guy Schnittka
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Moral Values ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Front Line Workers

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages began sewing fabric face masks. Organized through separate grassroots movements, oftentimes using social media platforms, people pooled their resources to make masks for front line workers and others in desperate need. While some people sold these face masks, many participated in philanthropic crafting, donating them to hospitals and other health care centres. Older adults were identified early on as being particularly vulnerable to the effects of the virus, and so their response to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic through crafting was salient. This study investigated the experience of philanthropic hand crafting by older adults who were living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-seven older adults of age 60–87 who sewed masks for others were interviewed. A comprehensive data analysis of these interviews yielded 39 descriptive codes that were collapsed into eight themes: emotions, engagement, meaning, relationships, accomplishment, intellect, moral values and agency. One finding was that there were psychological, relational and existential benefits for the crafters. Making masks allowed participants to help other people, and it gave the participants a feeling of value, worthiness and purpose. Additionally, participants felt more in control in a chaotic world as they made masks to protect themselves, their loved ones, as well as strangers. The philanthropic crafting enhanced older adults’ well-being in many ways, and lessons learned from this study could be extended into ‘normal times’. For example, more older adults would be able to participate in craft-based philanthropy if they had access to the tools and materials. They would be more motivated if they received thank you notes and pictures of the recipients using their handmade gifts, and if they could express their creativity more. Finally, creating a physical or virtual community for older adults around craft philanthropy would help older adults feel more connected to and supported by their peers, and the community at large.

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