scholarly journals Incorporating Controversial Issues in Critical Thinking Lesson: A Case Study of EFL Classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Mannujan Mohini Sudha

This case study investigated the issue of incorporating controversial topics in EFL classroom of pre-university students and their attitude toward such controversial topics namely, E-stalking in terms of their own cultural background. The objective of the study was to bring a new dimension in language teaching and learning in Bangladeshi educational system by introducing controversial issues in critical thinking lesson plan. Bangladeshi educational system is solely dependent on the grammar-translation method where including the controversial issue in a language classroom is a completely new experiment for both the teacher and learners. BRAC Institute of Language (BIL) of BRAC University is trying to come out from this traditional teacher oriented methods by implementing new modern approaches and techniques for language learning. This case study was a part of teaching critical thinking, aiming to improve their English language learning. The rationale that the study adopts for introducing controversial topics in EFL curricula is based on the assumption that it helps learners in developing their linguistic and cognitive skills, social awareness, emotional well-being and critical thinking that are compatible with the new approaches and methods of teaching EFL. The present study analyzed data that was collected from the students of pre-university (pre-intermediate level) program and found that majority of the students welcomed the topic E-stalking and showed their positive attitude throughout the lesson. This paper also revealed the importance and possible challenges of incorporating controversial topics in EFL classroom. This study ended with some recommendations made by the researcher’s own observation while conducting the lesson.

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wachyu Sundayana ◽  
Panusak Meekaeo ◽  
Pupung Purnawarman ◽  
Didi Sukyadi

Washback refers to influences of testing on teaching and learning. In Thailand and Indonesia, washback of the Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET) and Ujian Nasional (UN) inevitably occurs on teaching and learning in classrooms at every level. This present study aims to explore and compare the washback effects of the O-NET and UN on English language learning as perceived by Thai and Indonesian ninth-grade students. It is a multi-case study (Thailand case and Indonesia case) by using triangulation design as the research design. The questionnaires concerning washback effects of national exams on English language learning were distributed to 200 ninth-graders in the two cases. In addition, six students from each case were interviewed. The results reveal that in both cases, the participants focus to learn on contents and skills that were likely to appear in the national exams. The participants learned English harder to perform well in the tests rather than to improve their English ability. Moreover, the students had high anxiety during the test preparations and feared for low O-NET and UN scores. The results of the study contribute to future washback study and improvement of English language teaching and learning at ninth-grade in Thailand and Indonesia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-65
Author(s):  
Nurul Ulfah Putri Utami ◽  
Taopik Rahman

ABSTRACTThis study triggered by the lack of mastery of vocabulary in English language learning. It is based on interviews and learning activities of researchers at TK Pertiwi DWP Tasikmalaya on the activities of the implementation of the PPL UPI Tasikmalaya in 2017, as well as the data pre action before the research activities carried out which shows that there are still many students who do not abide by the minimum completeness criteria (KKM ). Low mastery of vocabulary students are not separated from the ineffectiveness of the media used and the ability of teachers to plan and implement teaching and learning. This study aims to determine the planning, implementation and improvement ofmastery of vocabulary children'sthrough the use of media images. Media image is a kind of learning media by using the image (pattern / graffiti a form) that is projected onto the two-dimensional form. By using media images of children will obtain data about an object in full shape, appearance and the name of the object. So that the child will be faster remember a word well. This is certainly very suitable to be applied on English language learning. In this study the research method used was classroom action research (PTK) is adapted from the model Kemmis and Mc Taggart with three cycles. Subjects in this study is the researchers themselves and the children in group A2 TK Pertiwi DWP Tawang District of Tasikmalaya, amounting to 13 people. Data was collected by APKG and observation sheet. Based on the results obtained by an increase in the ability of teachers to create lesson plan reached 92.18%, enhancements to the ability of teachers in implementing the learning reached 93.12% and themastery of vocabulary child'sof 92.3%. In general the increase occurred after be applied using media imagesPenelitian ini dilatar belakangi oleh rendahnya penguasan kosa kata pada pembelajaran bahasa inggris. Hal ini didasarkan pada hasil wawancara dan kegiatan belajar mengajar peneliti di TK Pertiwi DWP Kota Tasikmalaya pada kegiatan pelaksanaan PPL UPI Tasikmalaya tahun 2017, serta data hasil pra tindakan sebelum kegiatan penelitian dilaksanakan yang menunjukan bahwa masih banyak siswa yang tidak memenuhi nilai kriteria ketuntasan minimal (KKM). Rendahnya penguasaan vocabulary siswa tidak terlepas dari tidak efektifnya media yang digunakan dan kemampuan guru dalam merencanakan dan melaksanakan kegiatan belajar mengajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perencanaan, pelaksanaan dan peningkatan penguasaan vocabulary anak melalui penggunaan media gambar. Media gambar adalah suatu jenis media pembelajaran dengan menggunakan gambar (pola/coretan suatu bentuk) yang diproyeksikan ke dalam bentuk 2 dimensi. Dengan menggunakan media gambar anak akan memperoleh data mengenai suatu benda secara lengkap baik bentuk, tampilan maupun  nama benda tersebut. Sehingga anak akan lebih cepat mengingat suatu kata dengan baik. Hal ini tentunya sangat cocok diterapkan pada pembelajaran bahasa inggris. Pada penelitian ini metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) yang mengadaptasi dari model Kemmis dan Mc Taggart dengan tiga siklus. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah peneliti sendiri dan anak kelompok A2 TK Pertiwi DWP Kecamatan Tawang Kota Tasikmalaya yang berjumlah 13 orang. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan APKG dan lembar observasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh peningkatan kemampuan guru dalam membuat rencana pelaksanaan pembelajaran mencapai 92,18 %, peningakatan kemampuan guru dalam melaksanakan pembelajaran mencapai 93,12 % dan hasil penguasaan vocabulary anak mencapai 92,3 %. Secara umum peningkatan terjadi setelah diterapakan penggunaan media gambar. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-51
Author(s):  
Amalul Umam ◽  
Yani Awalia Indah

Assessment is central and holds essential role in language learning from which the result of the teaching and learning are derived. It shows that the ability of language teachers in assessing their students is crucial. This study explored the assessment literacy of in-service TEYL teachers in Bogor by employing narrative case study. The subjects of the study were 19 English teachers around Bogor. In collecting the data, CALI (Classroom Assessment Literacy Inventory) and FGD (Focus Group Discussion) were employed. The data gathered from CALI were then scored and analyzed, and FGD data were coded based on the assessment literacy standards from which conclusion were derived. The findings reveal that teachers have poor level of assessment literacy. Consequently, teachers must update themselves by conducting continuing professional development. HIGHLIGHTS: Assessing Young Learners is complicated and challenging for Indonesian teachers because of the demand of the Curriculum 2013. Assessment literacy is central in English language learning from which teachers can assess their students and communicate the results to the stakeholder. Continuing Professional Development is an important action that can be done by teachers to increase their assessment literacy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renáta Marosi

Pedagogy works with a number of methods in order to develop students’ mental and emotional skills. For example, using audio-visual materials (e.g. songs, videos, flashcards) is considered highly beneficial and motivating for students. Taking into account the popularity and effectivity of audio-visual aids, it is worth considering the use of paintings, as representatives of visual arts, in education and more particularly in teaching and learning EFL. This pedagogical approach does not only expand students’ general knowledge on arts but also at the same time actives skills such as skills of making logical connections, reasoning and problem-solving, which are highly required in language acquisition (L2). Consequently, the purpose of the present paper is twofold. On the one hand, it aims at describing the positive influences of visual arts, i.e. paintings, in developing students’ cognitive skills that are likewise essential in (second) language learning: critical thinking, reasoning, problem-solving skill and the ability of expressing their own opinions, etc. On the other hand, the study provides the reader with an example of using paintings in pedagogy: it offers a 45-minute lesson plan on a particular work of art with a special attention to improving students’ aforementioned cognitive skills and practicing particular tenses (present simple and present continuous).


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Menderes Unal ◽  
Elif Ilhan

This study explores and identifies some reasons for the problems of foreign language learning (English) and teaching from the perspective of instructors and learners using the case study model. The data of the study was gathered by a semi-structured interview form, and the study group of the research was composed of English language instructors and graduate students at Ahi Evran University. Random sampling method was used to determine 15 instructors and 20 graduate students to face-to-face interview, and the data of the study was analysed by content analysis method, which the students and instructors agreed on students who have been problematic in language learning process. In addition to students, examination systems, instructional programs, language teachers’ qualifications and learning environments have been considered as barriers to language learning. On the other hand, students and instructors suggested starting learning/teaching English earlier, much more practice and exams on all four skills; elective courses; more practice and communication; revisions in teacher training system, considering individual differences; motivating and encouraging students; and designing well equipped language environment and teaching materials.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 270
Author(s):  
Indriyana Saputri ◽  
Joko Nurkamto ◽  
Dewi Sri Wahyuni

<p>This research aims to describe (1) teachers’ perceptions toward authentic assessment; (2) the implementation of authentic assessment; and (3) the effects of authentic assessment to the quality of English Language Teaching (ELT). The research method used in this study is qualitative research method, case study. The data were collected through in-depth interview with the teachers and the students, passive classroom observation, and document analysis toward syllabus, lesson plan, scoring rubric. The data were analyzed by using case study data analysis proposed by Yin (2002) consisting of examining, categorizing, tabulating, testing. The next step used in analysing the data was pattern matching. The findings of the research are: (1)teachers’ perception toward authentic assessment is assessment which can assess the students’ knowledge, skill, and attitude during the teaching and learning process; (2) the implementation of authentic assessment in English language teaching conducted in one of state senior high school in Surakarta includes types of authentic assessment, the steps of developing authentic assessment, documents used in implementing authentic assessment, teachers and students’ roles, teachers obstacles in implementing authentic assessment; (3) the implementation of authentic assessment affects to the quality of English language teaching. It can improve students’ motivation, interest, self-confidence, activeness, enthusiasm in learning English. The implementation of authentic assessment can also improve the students’ English ability and learning result.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Elli Setiyo Wahyuni

The research aims to implement contextual teaching and learning approach in writing skill which is integrated in the lesson plan. The methodology conducted in the study is a case study taken in one of elementary school in Indonesia. The purpose is to investigate the improvement of students’ writing skill post covid 19.  There are five strategies of contextual teaching and learning approach, namely relating, experiencing, applying, cooperating, and transferring (REACT). The implementation is providing practices on descriptive and narrative writing. The assessment is the learning project related to real-world context and writing story telling. The results of the research are expected to give impact for enhancing the students’ creative writing, to provide learning process which is practical in real world situation, and to assign a lesson plan which is relevant with the current development in English language teaching. Keywords: contextual teaching and learning, creative writing, lesson plan, REACT


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignasia Yuyun

Teaching and technology pedagogy should be mastered by a teacher in this digital era. It is an inevitable fact that teachers should realize. To be in line with technology development, teachers are expected to bring any technology-based applications to the classroom.  Many education institutions from Kindergarten to Higher Education around the world equip their teachers with technology-based training. In particular, Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) has been mushrooming in English Language Teaching trends. To comply with this demand, Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework has been developed by Koehler & Mishra (2006) to equip student teachers in English Department. Therefore, Technology and Curriculum Design course is designed to tailor Pre-Service English Teachers how to integrate technology in EFL curriculum design. By having blended learning activities, teaching and learning activities are conducted to explore technology applications to design an EFL curriculum. Any class projects are technology-based assignments such as infographic, poster, mind map, questionnaire, presentation, etc. using CANVA, Google applications, presentation applications, lesson plan application (LessonWRITER), quiz application (Quizlet), and interactive book applications (AnyFlip, Flipping Book, FlipSnack), etc.                Keywords: curriculum, EFL, technology


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Jameel Ahmad

<p>This research tends to ascertain several traditional and socio-cultural barriers to English language learning in Saudi Arabia and to explore more ways than before for making teaching and learning more effective. The findings of four quantitative and qualitative surveys conducted in this regard reveal a unique traditional and socio-cultural milieu, which turns the Saudi EFL learners lackadaisical towards English. The belief that prosperity and prestige are blessed by divine force rather than proficiency in English has influenced Saudi parents and Saudi EFL learners since time in memorial. In addition, a laissez-faire attitude to English language teaching in Saudi schools, lack of motivation for English, inadequacy of competitive and learning environment both at home and schools, and the appointment of some unskilled school-teachers were investigated as some of the major barriers to learning English in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A piecemeal reform taken over a period was found ineffective. Therefore, implementation of culturally relevant English curricula, learner-centered instruction, appointment of skilled English teachers and establishment of boarding schools were recommended to address the aforementioned challenges. The findings of the present research is no doubt specific to Saudi EFL context but the traditional and socio –cultural barriers and the exclusion of local culture in EFL textbooks may have exactly the same impact in many non-native English speaking countries.</p>


sjesr ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-232
Author(s):  
Dr. Sarwat Jabeen ◽  
Abdul Rashid ◽  
Dr. Samia Naz

Recently, the concept of Critical thinking got much significance in the teaching and learning process. Thinking creatively and critically in the English language beckons our representation in different domains of development as well. The present study is aimed to investigate the on-going teaching-learning process of English Language Teaching at University Level in South Punjab from the perspective of critical thinking. The theoretical insights have been taken from Freire’s Banking concept of education in his seminal work, Pedagogy of the Oppressed (2018). The findings of the study reveal that our ELT classrooms are lacking the creativity and critical thinking at large. Further in our classrooms, the Banking Model of teaching is being practiced where a student remains passive and the teacher is considered as the ultimate source of knowledge. It points out that our teaching and learning process is moving on some faulty lines which need revisions and amendments. It is suggested that the Problem Posing Model of teaching and learning may be adopted in our ELT Classrooms so that our graduates at the university level may think critically and independently.


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