scholarly journals Enhancing Thai Engineering Students’ Complaints and Apologies through Pragmatic Consciousness-Raising Approach (PCR)

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uraiwan Rattanapan Noonkong ◽  
Anamai Damnet ◽  
Kanjana Charttrakul
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Consciousness Raising ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Grammar Knowledge

Successful communication requires “Pragmatic Competence” or abilities to use appropriate language in transferring one’s needs while maintaining a positive relationship with the interactant (Thomas, 1995; Leech, 1983). This study was an attempt to investigate the pragmatic competence of Thai Engineering students when making complaints and apologies through twelve sessions of a pragmatic consciousness-raising approach (PCR). Perceptions toward the innovative teaching activities were also examined. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data from forty-five engineering students (n=45) at a university in Thailand. Pre-test and posttest written discourse completion tests (WDCTs) were administered and a semi-structured interview was conducted. Three native speaker raters scored the performances through WDCTs using assessment criteria from Hudson (2001) and Duan (2008). For data analysis, paired-samples t-test was employed to compare the mean scores of students, while the researcher employed a Grounded Theory’s color coding technique (Strauss & Corbin, 1998) to generate the findings on students’ perceptions about the innovative methods implemented. The results revealed significant development of students’ pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic abilities in both complaints and apologies. Furthermore, participants perceived the PCR class to be beneficial in four areas: having more awareness of the impacts of social factors in language use, realizing the favor of indirect strategies, more understanding of nonverbal communication, and provision of motivating class atmosphere. However, some participants concerned about three aspects: inadequate confidence to use expressions learned in class in real communication, insufficient endeavor to develop grammar knowledge, and the test abilities of the roleplay test. The results confirm the teachability of pragmatic and the benefits of PCR in EFL contexts; whereas, students’ concern about learning through the approach might be helpful for further teaching practices. 

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Perceptions and Experiences of the EFL Teachers and Learners About the Effectiveness of Blended Learning at Taif University

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 329
Author(s):  
Fahmeeda Gulnaz ◽  
Amani Dakheel Allah Althomali ◽  
Daliyah Hesham Alzeer
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Negative Perceptions

The traditional face-to-face teaching, despite being constantly criticized by the methodologists and ever-emerging modern approaches, has never lost its scope in the (EFL) English as a Foreign Language context. Researchers and pedagogues, in order to get the both ends meet, have converged traditional face-to-face instructions and online activities into the concept of blended learning. By establishing on previous works and contexts, the present study aims at investigating Taif University’s EFL teachers and learners’ positive and negative perceptions and experiences towards the effectiveness of online (CLMS) Cambridge Learning Management System and on-site learning environments. The work utilized triangulation in the use of research methods, i.e., both qualitative and quantitative methods overlap each other: (i) structured interview of experienced EFL (4 male and 4 female) teachers of Taif University, with maximum open ended questions, exhibit qualitative dimensions of the study; (ii) an opinionnaire developed with closed ended questions by employing Likert’s five point scale to collect the data from 100 male and 100 female EFL learners of Taif University, represents quantitative perspective of the work. The opinionnaire includes 22 items and has been developed to measure the four subscales; learners’ beliefs and attitudes, promising strands that help develop learners’ confidence and language coupled with the perils that impede their creativity and motivation to learn. The findings of the study indicate that the level of strengths of blended learning is higher than its limitations. Learners found themselves satisfied being more exposed to the target language through vivid images, videos, audios, reading texts, chatting and discussion forums and acknowledged that (BLE) blended learning environment enhanced their language proficiency.

scholarly journals Teaching with Literature: the Needs of Indonesian Islamic Universities

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Dedi Irwansyah ◽  
Burhan Nurgiyantoro ◽  
Asruddin B. Tou
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Cross Culture ◽  
Thick Description ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Universal Values ◽  
Adequate Analysis

Reading literary works helps learners grow linguistically, personally, culturally, and spiritually. However, researchers in the field of ESL and EFL have not conducted adequate analysis on the use of literature as a resource particularly in a multi-layered educational contexts like Indonesian Islamic universities where values embedded in literature might be in conflict with each other. This research therefore aims to provide a thick description on the target needs and the learning needs of teaching with literature in such context. A case study with qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection was conducted. A questioner was distributed to 30 students and a semi-structured interview was conducted to five lecturers from three Islamic universities. Major findings show that short stories with the topics of noble character, self-empowerment, freedom, code of conduct, and greed are preferable to novel, drama, and poem. The stories in the forms of their simplified and original versions should be used to teach language skills and to inculcate global, national, and Islamic values within the CTL framework. Values similarities are to be the basis of teaching universal values while their differences are to strengthen cross-culture understanding.

scholarly journals The Use and Ease of Access of EBooks in Public Libraries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Nichola Ross
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Print Books ◽  
Ease Of Access

<p>Research Problem: The purpose of this research project is to examine how patrons are using the eBook collection at a New Zealand public library. Specifically the research examines the relationship between print and eBooks and how this relationship affects borrowing habits. It also explores how the eBook borrowing process for affects usage of the collection. There is little information on this topic from a library patron perspective, and even less research conducted in a New Zealand context. Methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this research. Self-completion questionnaires with a combination of quantitative and qualitative questions were offered to members of Christchurch City Libraries. A semi-structured interview was also conducted with two library staff members. Results: It can be observed that print is still the most borrowed and the favoured format. There are a number of reasons for this but the most prominent was that eBooks cannot offer the same sensations and reading experience that a print book gives. Most users were happy with using only print books though the ones that were open to trying eBooks were unable to do so as they did not own eReaders. The incompatibility of Amazon Kindles was also a reason some patrons were borrowing print books as they were unable to get the titles they wanted for their eReaders. The small size of the eBook collection was a deterrent for some users but the library is aware of this and is working towards building a larger collection with a wider selection.</p>

scholarly journals Improvement Of Confidence And Motivation Using Online Metacognition Tool

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-66
Author(s):  
Quamrul H. Mazumder ◽  
Mary Jo Finney
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Communication Apprehension ◽  
Interactive Technology ◽  
Interactive Software ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Input Variables

The use of technology such as laptop computers in the classroom has long been recognized as destructive behavior since it diverts a student’s attention from course topics. However, it is conceivable that every student will be using some form of technology in the near future. Determining the effects of interactive software on students’ learning outcomes can have a profound effect on engineering education. The ultimate aim of this research is to transform students into active learners who are able to better comprehend, are less distracted, and can achieve higher academic performance. In this study, first year engineering students used online metacognition software while interactively participating in the classroom. Both qualitative and quantitative methods using the pre- and post-test experimental designs as well as a debriefing questionnaire were utilized. The academic achievement of students’ through the integration of interactive technology was the output variable, while the input variables were divided into four categories: students’ understanding of the concepts, confidence level, apprehension level, and motivation. In addition, this study also examined the amount of class participation to measure students’ communication apprehension and its correlation to academic performance. In order to improve students' learning outcomes using metacognitive strategies, it was discovered that the use of interactive technology followed by group discussions and class assignments greatly enhanced students' comprehension of scientific facts and their ability to explain them. In addition, the current study showed that engineering students' communication apprehension was also reduced resulting in improvement in confidence and motivation towards academic success. 

scholarly journals A Video-driven Approach to Promoting Pragmatic Development in the Context of English as a Foreign Language

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuha Abdullah Alsmari
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Speech Acts ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pragmatic Development ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Experimental Group

While pragmatic competence has proven to be teachable over the past three decades, determining the most appropriate and effective approach to facilitating English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ pragmatic development is still a central concern for researchers of interlanguage pragmatics (ILP). An investigation into the effects of video-driven prompts on less-studied and more complex teaching speech acts, such as complaints, will significantly supplement the inconclusive results of pragmatic interventional studies in foreign language contexts. To this end, the present study aims to investigate the effects of metapragmatic instruction on English complaints through the implementation of video-driven prompts to raise Saudi female EFL students’ awareness of the pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic aspects associated with the production of appropriate and accurate target-like complaints during one academic semester. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data from 62 English majors, assigned to an experimental group (n = 31) and a conventional group (n = 31), at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. To elicit the required data, a proficiency test and pre-/post-test written discourse completion tests (WDCT) were distributed among participants. The results of the post-test demonstrated significant improvement in participants’ pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic skills in the production of English complaints. The experimental group immensely outperformed the control group due to their exposure to authentic, contextualized video excerpts. The study supports the teachability of complaints as well as the benefits of incorporating metapragmatic awareness tasks based on contextually authentic input, which can, in turn, accelerate EFL students’ ability to produce pragmatically appropriate and accurate target-like complaints.

scholarly journals Egyptian small and medium sized enterprises’ battle against COVID-19 pandemic: March – July 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab Abbas Zaazou ◽  
Doaa Salman Abdou
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Egyptian Government ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The impact of COVID-19 outbreak freeze economic actors and hold innovative startups. This triggered the researchers to investigate the effect of the pandemic on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt and how do these start-ups deal on the whole with this serious situation. Design/methodology/approach The research in hand used both qualitative and quantitative methods. It started first with semi-structured interview questions addressed to a number of participants, then a quantitative study took place, ending with conclusion and recommendations. Findings There is an agreement among all participants that entrepreneurs should always be flexible and seek for investments in innovation. However, there is a discrepancy among participants’ opinions regarding the measurements taken by the Egyptian Government post the pandemic outbreak. Research limitations/implications The field study results and the exploratory research results would have come out more accurate if it was not confined only to geographical limitation (Cairo Governorate). Practical implications The research in hand suggests that practical measurements should not only provide first aid to start-ups by alleviating the pressure caused by constrained cash flow but also consider long-term measures embedded in and supported by the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem to ensure start-ups rapid recovery and growth. Social implications SMEs attribute to social and economic change and have an impact on the local public and social services sector as a result of the business’s activities. Originality/value This study first illustrates the challenges entrepreneurs are facing because of the pandemic, then it presents how entrepreneurs are dealing with the effects of the crisis.

Stress and Grief of a Perinatal Loss: Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

1995 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volker Thomas ◽  
Phil Striegel
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Perinatal Loss ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Stress Theory ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods

Based on family stress theory, this study examined the question of how parents grieve the loss of a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, we interviewed twenty-six couples two weeks after a perinatal loss. The couples filled out questionnaires measuring individual variables including bereavement, depression and stress, and couple variables including cohesion, adaptability, communication, satisfaction, and partner support. Then they participated in a three-hour semi-structured interview. Ethnographic content analysis revealed twelve themes closely related to the resources, the meaning of the stressful event, and the coping strategies of Hill's ABC-X stress model. The quantitative analysis of the individual and couple variables supported the qualitative findings in that most couples had excellent coping strategies derived from within the couple relationship.

scholarly journals Trends towards IOT in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-387
Author(s):  
Mai Salah ElDine Mohamed ElSayed
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Computing System ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Cloud Computing System ◽  
It Managers

This research aims to investigate the benefits of implementing the cloud computing system over the currently used IT system, as well the challenges of applying Cloud computing that companies in Egypt could face. This research applies mixed methods of research. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research are used in the form of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, respectively. The semi-structured interview was targeting the supply chain and IT managers of three different companies at Coca Cola Egypt, Nestle Egypt and Carrefour Egypt. A SWOT analysis was conducted to serve as a guide to many companies in Egypt that are willing to implement such a system and can then avoid the weakness points and the threats that they could be faced with during the implementation. The importance of this research adds to the literature by focusing on the application of IOT in Egypt in terms of the implementation of a cloud computing system in Egypt and it analyzes whether it could increase the efficiency of the companies in Egypt.

Mixed methods analysis of an exploratory apprenticeship model employment program for young adults with developmental disabilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Benjamin C. Schwartzman
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Parent Report ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Paired Samples ◽  
Apprenticeship Model ◽  
Employment Program

BACKGROUND: Individuals with developmental disabilities experience lower employment, higher underemployment, and higher job switching rates than the general population. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated: (1) the vocational and support experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities, and (2) the differences in participant outcomes between an apprenticeship-model employment program and the comparison group. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to assess outcomes and experiences of participants in the apprenticeship model employment program (N = 22) and a community-based “Job Club” (N = 11). Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts. Independent samples T-tests and paired samples T-tests were utilized to analyze within-group and between group differences. RESULTS: Parent interview data regarding past and current experiences of the participants in the apprenticeship model employment program suggest 6 major themes. Independent samples T-tests determined that the apprenticeship program participants were significantly less employed than the comparison group at pre-, then similarly employed as the comparison group at post-intervention. Within-group analyses determined that some aspects of participant confidence in their vocational skills and problem-solving skills significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, according to parent report. CONCLUSIONS: The apprenticeship model of employment appears to be a promising model in need of further study with a larger sample size.

Adolescent Development and Transitions to Motherhood

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 273-277
Author(s):  
Patricia J. Flanagan ◽  
Margaret M. McGrath ◽  
Elaine C. Meyer ◽  
Cynthia T. Garcia Coll
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Maternal Role ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods

Objective. To use both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the experience of motherhood during adolescence and to evaluate developmental influences on the concept of maternal role. Design. (1) A grounded theory approach was initially used to generate a hypothesis. Focus groups and individual interviews were analyzed for concept and theme. (2) A quantitative method using correlational analysis was used to test the hypothesis generated by qualitative study. A structured interview using five specific, scored questions about self and about motherhood was used to examine the relationship between developmental complexity of responses to questions about self and questions about motherhood. Setting and Participants. The qualitative study involved group and individual interviews with 42 teenage mothers. The quantitative study involved individual interviews with 25 mothers, ages 14 to 18 years, at an innercity clinic for young parents and their infants. Race and ethnicity were heterogeneous, and 100% received Aid to Families With Dependent Children. Results. The major hypothesis generated from the qualitative analysis was that an adolescent mother's conceptualization of her maternal role is related to her own psychosocial and cognitive development. The quantitative study revealed a strong correlation between the developmental complexity of responses to questions about self and the complexity of responses to questions about motherhood (r2 = .81). Conclusion. The experience of motherhood and the conceptualization of the maternal role in adolescence is related to young mothers' psychosocial cognitive development.

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