scholarly journals A Critical Examination of the Arab Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions of their Academic Arabic Proficiency in Three EMI Universities in the UAE

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Taghreed Ibrahim Masri
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Language ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Language Attrition ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Collection Methods

The overwhelming power that English enjoys has become a threat to many indigenous languages that are losing the battle against English dominance and hegemony. One facet for this threat is the use of English as a medium of instruction (EMI). The EMI policy has been a naturalized and taken-for-granted practice without questioning or problematizing. As a result, academic Arabic is almost absent from the academic scene in the UAE higher education. This study aims to problematize the use of English as medium of instruction at three universities in the United Arab Emirates. It also aims to critically explore the perceptions of Arab university students who were in Arabic schools, of their Arabic proficiency after studying at university. Based on critical theoretical framework and approached from interpretive and critical paradigms, the study used a mixed-methods approach of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. 268 surveys and 20 semi-structured interviews showed that students were aware of the decline in their Arabic proficiency due to studying via English. Results also indicated that students showed symptoms of Academic language attrition.

scholarly journals Exploring EFL Instructors’ Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Reflective Practices on their Professional Development in the Saudi Context

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Danyah Fahad Alsayeud ◽  
Anas Hamed Almuhammadi
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Reflective Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Males And Females

This study explores the perceptions of EFL instructors about their reflective practice and its effect on their professional development in a Saudi Arabian university. This study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Two study instruments were used; a survey questionnaire with a study sample of 100 male and female participants and semi-structured interviews with a study sample of seven female instructors. The findings show that some instructors in general have a positive perception of reflective practices and they utilize a diversity of reflective tools. Female instructors show a greater degree of involvement in a reflective practice than male instructors in three of the four examined dimensions (cognitive and meta-cognitive, moral and learner and reflective teaching in general). However, no significant difference is reported between males’ and females’ perceptions in terms of the fourth dimension (practical). Based on the findings, recommendations have been made to encourage reflective practices in the Saudi EFL context.

scholarly journals Teachers’ Perceptions of the Communicative Language Approach at a Saudi University

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Ozma Siddiqui ◽  
Fariha Asif
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Statistical Data ◽  
Communicative Language Teaching ◽  
Statistical Information ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Arabic Speaking

The Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach has been widely popular in foreign language classrooms for a number of decades, but in recent years some practitioners have begun questioning the technique which prioritizes fluency over accuracy. This paper aims to record the perceptions of teachers using CLT to teach English as a foreign language at a Saudi university. It will also take into consideration some of the pitfalls and make some recommendations. A total of 35 participants, all members of faculty took part in the study. A mixed methods approach was used to collect the data. A questionnaire provided the statistical data for the study and semi-structured interviews were used to gather qualitative data. The statistical information was run through the SPSS. The findings indicate that while a substantial number of teachers at this university find the CLT approach a useful way to teach English to homogenous groups of Arabic speaking students, there is a need to be eclectic and incorporate other approaches for effective teaching.

Expectations vs. experience

Interpreting ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kilian G. Seeber ◽  
Laura Keller ◽  
Rhona Amos ◽  
Sophie Hengl
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
World Cup ◽  
Technical Feasibility ◽  
Fifa World Cup ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Conference Room ◽  
Before And After

Abstract The attitudes of interpreters providing video remote conference interpreting during the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data pertaining to six deductive categories (general and specific attitudes towards remote interpreting, attitudes towards the work environment and the workspace, psychological and physiological wellbeing) were collected. Online questionnaires were completed both before and after the event and structured interviews were conducted on site during the event. Triangulation of results corroborates the technical feasibility of video remote interpreting, whilst highlighting aspects with a high potential to shape interpreters’ attitudes towards it. The quality of the technical team on site along with the availability of visual input in the entire conference room (including all speakers taking the floor) is key to offsetting the feeling of alienation or lack of immersion experienced by interpreters working with this technical setup. Suggestions for the improvement of key parameters are provided.

Using inquiry to promote democratic citizenship among young adolescents during summer civics camps

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke Blevins ◽  
Michelle Bauml ◽  
Nate Scholten ◽  
Victoria Davis Smith ◽  
Karon N. LeCompte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The United States ◽  
Democratic Citizenship ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Civic Knowledge ◽  
Democratic Citizenship Education ◽  
Middle Schoolers ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Global World

The purpose of this study was to examine how participation in small-group inquiry projects at a summer civics camp contributed to middle schoolers’ beliefs about themselves as citizens and influenced their general and individual conceptions of citizenship. Using an action civics model for their projects, participants worked in small groups to identify an issue in their community, study its root causes and propose solutions. This study utilized a convergent mixed-methods approach involving the collection of both pre- and post-surveys and qualitative data (exit tickets, advocacy projects and semi-structured interviews) to investigate the research questions. Participants for this study included 108 middle schoolers (entering fifth to ninth grade) who attended a free, week-long summer civics camp hosted at two private universities in the United States. Utilizing Westheimer and Kahne’s citizenship typology to analyze the data, three primary findings emerged. Firstly, some students’ conceptions of citizenship did shift slightly towards more participatory and justice-oriented notions of citizenship, although their predominant orientations towards democratic citizenship remain personally responsible. Secondly, students began to appropriate the citizenship frameworks used during the camp to nuance and expand their understandings citizenship and advocacy. Finally, students began to see ways they could use their voice to advocate for change in their communities. This research showcases how inquiry might enhance democratic citizenship education in a global world through interaction with others, responding to one’s community, developing civic knowledge, critically investigating issues and allowing for multiple solutions.

scholarly journals A Case Study on Preservice Primary School Teachers’ Flower Care at School within the Scope of Community Service Practices Course

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Zeynep Doğan
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Interview Method ◽  
Collection Methods

The aim of this study is to present the details of a practice that is carried out within the scope of Community ServicePractices Course from a scientific perspective. And also to investigate the views of the pre-service teachers related tothe topic. Research design is determined as a case study method. For the data collection, interview method was usedfrom qualitative data collection methods. The sample is composed of 8 pre-service primary school teachers. Within therelevant course, a potted flower to be determined by the pre-service teachers was planted in a pot in a suitable place inthe faculty, and the students were given the task of undertaking all kinds of care for the flower during the semester.Semi-structured interviews with the pre-service teachers were held at the end of the term and their opinions were taken.According to the results, all of the pre-service teachers find the implementation useful and important for their teachingcareer. They stated that they got information about flower care, they gained awareness and they were impressedaffectively.

scholarly journals Beyond The Call of Duty: Realities of Work-Life Balance in the United Arab Emirates Education Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-145
Author(s):  
Olatunji David Adekoya ◽  
Hakeem Adeniyi Ajonbadi ◽  
Gideon Iheukwumere Okorie ◽  
Ibrahim Olaitan Jimoh
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Family Support ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Education Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Work Lives

Previous research have been intrigued to assess the mechanisms used by employees to cope with tedious work schedules and other areas of their non-work lives. While there are yet to be sufficient studies that explore the countries in the Middle East, this paper aimed to explore the realities of WLB among professionals in the education sector in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We further considered the implications of workplace and family support, and organisational culture on employees’ WLB and productivity. The study employs the use of qualitative data generated from semi-structured interviews of 41 lecturers across seven higher education institutions in Dubai, UAE aimed at investigating the various contexts of WLB.

scholarly journals Cultural determinants affecting pedagogical decisions in content design: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-53
Author(s):  
Michael Pazinas
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pedagogical Decisions ◽  
Cultural Determinants

Purpose Commercially produced educational materials often reflect the pedagogical beliefs and culture(s) of the content developers. While many teachers involved in teaching English as a foreign language have relied on commercially published content in the past, the advent of ubiquitous technology has afforded them the ability to create content that is contextualised and to share it with other educators across the globe. The purpose of this study is to investigate cultural determinants which affect the pedagogical decisions of teachers when designing content. Design/methodology/approach This case study, conducted at a higher educational institution in the Gulf, addresses the issues that arise when cultures or ideologies of educators as material developers are different to that of the target audience. Three semi-structured interviews with teachers were conducted in an effort to understand cultural determinants that influence decision-making about pedagogy when creating in-house content to motivate undergraduate students on an English language program in the United Arab Emirates. Findings The results of this study indicated that the participants maintained mainly essentialist perspectives of local cultures and sub-cultures and their thinking in content creation was not all that different to that of commercial publishers. Practical implications This study holds implications for awareness-raising and pedagogical training for educators involved in in-house content development. Originality/value This case study addresses an area that has been under-researched in the Gulf region.

scholarly journals Investigating Humor Integration in Tunisian Tertiary English Classes: A Comparative Study of Teachers’ and Learners’ Perceptions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 127
Author(s):  
Najla Fki
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
The Other ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
English Classes ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
English Major ◽  
The One

This study examines lecturers’ and learners’ perceptions on humor use in Tunisian tertiary classrooms, focusing specifically on the English major. The ultimate aim is to explore the types and frequency of humor use on the one hand and whether teachers regard humor in the same light as their students on the other. To this purpose, a mixed-methods approach consisting of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews is adopted to collect quantitative and qualitative data for analysis. The findings revealed that, in terms of frequency, humor is used by all interviewed teachers irrespective of their gender. Yet, the general percentage of humor use remains moderate and limited to specific oral subjects as confirmed by the students. The results also indicated the participants’ agreement on the efficiency and preference of verbal, spontaneous and relevant humor types. However, it has been shown that the lecturers use a very limited repertoire of humor forms, neglecting jokes which are more appreciated by their students. Inconsistencies between the participants’ responses are further traced at the level of their attitude towards humor use in class. While most of the teachers believe that the merits of humor are undeniable, they expressed skepticism and discomfort in dealing with this tool in class. To overcome these lacunas, this study builds on the students’ recommendations to improve their teachers’ practices and can therefore be a starting point for EFL curriculum designers in Tunisia to revise current materials for a better humor integration in higher education.

scholarly journals Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research—Challenges and Benefits

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sami Almalki
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Research Challenges ◽  
Personal Opinion ◽  
Collection Methods

<p>This paper is concerned with investigating the integration of quantitative and qualitative data in mixed methods research and whether, in spite of its challenges, it can be of positive benefit to many investigative studies. The paper introduces the topic, defines the terms with which this subject deals and undertakes a literature review to outline the challenges and benefits of employing this approach to research. The specific terms research, educational research, research methodologies and methods, research design, quantitative approaches, qualitative approaches and mixed methods approaches are all defined. Mixed methods approaches are outlined in terms of their challenges and benefits, with the researcher offering a personal opinion in conclusion to the paper. The conclusion that was drawn was that provided that mixed methods research was a suitable approach to any given project, its use would yield positive benefits, in that the use of differing approaches has the potential to provide a greater depth and breadth of information which is not possible utilising singular approaches in isolation. In spite of its time-consuming nature, and the suspicion with which some quarters of academia still regard mixed methods research, it does afford opportunities for researchers to have an informed conversation or debate involving information that is generated by both quantitative and qualitative collection methods. Furthermore, evidence would suggest that, rather than restricting the opportunities for research by only utilising either qualitative or quantitative methods, a mixed methods approach provides researchers with a greater scope to investigate educational issues using both words and numbers, to the benefit of educational establishments and society as a whole.</p>

scholarly journals Why Are Multinational Sales Declining in Pakistan? Evidence from the Tobacco Industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-65
Author(s):  
Aliya Bushra ◽  
Nasra Wajiha
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Product Development ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Brand Switching ◽  
Significant Factors

Pakistan’s multinational companies have strong potential for growth and represent a large and increasing number of consumers. Unfortunately, their sales have been affected by certain factors. This study identifies these factors using a mixed-methods approach and qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. We administered 100 questionnaires among the employees of two large tobacco manufacturers. The results indicate that brand switching, product development, product mix, point of sale, competition, and price are significant factors that affect sales in the tobacco industry.

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