scholarly journals Effect of Technology Enhanced Language Learning on Vocabulary Acquisition of EFL Learners

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imtiaz Hassan Taj ◽  
Fatimah Ali ◽  
Muhammad Aslam Sipra ◽  
Waqar Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Related Research ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

The aim of the present study was to understand the reasons of MA TEFL students’ silence and unwillingness to participate in class discussions as perceived by their professors. A qualitative method was conducted to understand the issue from teachers’ perspectives at three different Iranian universities (Alzahra University, Tehran University and Azad University). Qualitative data were collected through observational check-list, field notes and semi-structured interviews with 12 professors to reflect their understanding of students’ silence and the ways of involving them in class activities. Then, thematic analysis was run to answer the related research questions. The results of professors’ perspective through thematic analysis have mirrored four different reasons including affective, lingu-cognitive, sociocultural and pedagogical reasons. Some further strategies were proposed by the professors for breaking the wall of silence. The study ended with a number of pedagogical implications.

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 Barriers to the Implementation of Green Practices in the Integrated Resort Sector

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 215824402110302
Author(s):  
Jian Ming Luo ◽  
Ka Yin Chau ◽  
Yulan Fan ◽  
Hong Chen
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Green Practices

Green practices and integrated resorts are attracting increasing attention from industry practitioners and academics. However, several barriers limit the growth of green practices, especially in the integrated resorts in Macau. The purpose of this study is to identify the major barriers of implementing green practices in integrated resorts in Macau from the managers’ perspective using qualitative method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 managers from the integrated resort sector in Macau. Grounded theory was adopted along with NVivo 12.0 to analyze the qualitative data collected from the interviews. Results revealed five major barriers to green practices in the integrated resort sector: policies and regulations, management, resources, costs, and awareness. These findings extend existing theoretical explanations for green practices and provide a guideline of implementing green practices in the integrated resort sector for policymakers and practitioners.

The interplay of avatar identities, self-efficacy, and language practices

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Chen
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Language Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study intends to examine English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ attitudes toward practicing English in Second Life (SL) and to unpack the effects of avatar identities on EFL learners’ sense of self-efficacy and language practices. Nine EFL learners worldwide participated in a task-based course in SL, using avatars to carry out SL-related tasks while interacting with peers and the teacher via voice chat. Qualitative data were triangulated from multiple sources: learner reflective journals, a post-course survey, and semi-structured interviews. Three major themes emerged: (1) the effects of masked identity on learning, (2) the impact of telepresence and copresence on learning, and (3) the perceived attitudes toward avatar affinity. Findings implicate that the avatar form renders masked identities to safeguard learners’ self-efficacy and empower their language practices. It also opens up a research avenue on the impact of avatar identities on language learning and teaching in 3D virtual environments.

scholarly journals On the Question of Integrating Spirituality with Counselling in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Thomas Joseph Parayil ◽  
Tony Sam George
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews

This paper explores the therapists’ views and experience on spiritual components in counselling. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis used. The participants were nine mental health professionals from different backgrounds with 15 to 30 years of experience in the field. The four main themes that emerged are faith in God, the power of prayer, forgiveness and wholesome treatment process  

scholarly journals STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES ON LEARNING LISTENING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY-BASED TOOL

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pham Kim Chi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Close Attention ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Pedagogical Tool ◽  
Directed Learning ◽  
Efl Students

<p>Using technology tools in the classroom can now be facilitated students' engagement and self-directed learning to support a learner-centred environment in educational contexts under varied perspectives. In language learning, evaluating a particular language skill focused on technology is crucial in students' experience. EFL students face several difficulties as noise, accent, vocabulary, and pronunciation while listening. Therefore, employing listening with technology is significantly necessary to enhance students' listening skills. However, rare research has provided the students' reflection under constructivist perspectives after studying with the technology-based listening tool. Thus, the current study narrows this empirical gap. Semi-structured interviews and observation were instruments employed to collect data. Using thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006), the results of this study indicated that five themes were individualised listening, collaborative learning, self-directed learning, consideration of errors, and pronunciation improvement. Students were more engaged when listening to tasks independently, considering their errors for further improvement, and self-directed learning in this study. Additionally, they mostly perceived themselves to improve their listening and pronunciation in the future. Teachers should pay close attention to speakers' voices, accents, and feedback when designing and implementing tasks to maximise learners' listening learning process. This study has implications on using BookWidgets as a potential pedagogical tool for English courses.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0781/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals BEYOND THE HIJAB: SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCES OF INDONESIAN MUSLIMAH BASKETBALL PLAYERS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-221
Author(s):  
Dwi Cahyo Kartiko ◽  
Deny Efita Nur Rakhmawati
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Epistemological Position ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Islamic Values

 This study aimed to explore the negotiation of Islam identity reflected from the hijabi basketball players' subjective experiences in Indonesia. A qualitative method was conducted from a subjectivist epistemological position. Six hijabi basketball players between the ages of 16 and 30 were recruited to participate in this study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was adopted to analyze the data since this analysis method allows the researchers to interpret based on the data's in-depth examination. The study results showed that the negotiation of Islam identity was found in the ways of modifying their sports attires and behaviors in and out of the basketball fields. All of the participants saw their modifications as positive actions to integrate the Islamic values in their lives.  Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui negosiasi identitas Muslim yang direfleksikan dari pengalaman para pemain bolabasket yang berhijab di Indonesia. Penelitian kualitatif ini menggunakan subjectivitas epistemologis. Enam pemain dari usia 16 hingga 30 tahun dipilih menjadi partisipan. Data dikumpulkan melalui interview semi struktural. Sedangkan analisa datanya merupakan analisa tematik karena dalam interpretasi data diperlukan pemeriksaan yang detail dan mendalam. Hasil analisa data menunjukkan bahwa negosiasi Identitas sebagai orang Islam dilakukan dengan cara memodifikasi kostum olahraga dan sikap mereka baik di dalam maupun di luar lapangan bolabasket. Mereka memandang penyesuaian tersebut sebagai tindakan yang positif untuk menerapkan nilai–nilai Islam di dalam kehidupan mereka.

Responsibility, authority, and accountability in school-based and non-school-based management

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yael Grinshtain ◽  
Dan Gibton
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Method ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
School Based ◽  
Primary School Principals ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
School Based Management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how primary school principals in Israel cope with the gaps between authority and responsibility in their work, deriving from partially implemented decentralization processes, and how this relates to school-based management (SBM) and accountability principles. Design/methodology/approach Using the qualitative method, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with school principals from one district in Israel. Thematic analysis was used in order to identify themes in the interviews that enable creating codes for the characteristics of authority and responsibility and for the principals’ strategies. Findings Gaps were found between authority and responsibility, with particularly low levels of authority alongside high levels of responsibility. Coupled with the demand for accountability, those gaps led principals to adopt three strategies – active, partly active, and passive – to help reduce the tension resulting from them. The SBM definition has links to the specific strategy that principals used. Originality/value The results indicate the importance of clear definitions of authority and responsibility in principals’ work. The current study deepens the understanding of the gaps between these concepts as key for understanding accountability at decentralized schools; tensions that principals cope with as a result of those gaps; and the strategies that enable principals to ease the tension for the benefit of all those involved in the principals’ work.

scholarly journals Intelligibility: The Goal of Language Learning and Teaching

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Sayyed Rashid Shah ◽  
Abdullah Al-Bargi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Native Speakers Of English ◽  
The Impact

<p>This action research study investigates the intelligibility of Saudi EFL learners’ speeches in relation to the Lingua Franca Core (LFC). This study is carried out in an EFL class of 15 Saudi learners. One native and four non-native speakers of English performed the role of evaluators. A mixed-method approach was adopted to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. The learners’ scores in their pre and post-intervention speeches led to the understanding of the impact of LFC on leaders’ speeches. The scores were awarded by five evaluators responding to a five-point Likert scale questionnaire while judging learners’ intelligibility. The results showed moderate improvement in the learners’ post-intervention speeches in terms of intelligibility. This procedure was followed by semi-structured interviews conducted with individual evaluators/listeners who rated post-intervention speeches as well-organized, lengthier and planned, delivered fluently and confidently in spite of insignificant improvement in the production of LFC features. Based on the findings, it can be recommended that LFC can have little or no impact on the learners’ pronunciation, thus intelligibility should be the goal of language teaching and learning in EFL settings.</p>

EFL Learners' Perceptions of Blog Assignments and Instructors' E-Feedbacks

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Aliakbari ◽  
Saeedeh Mohammadi
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Social Effects ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Think Aloud Protocols ◽  
Learner Centered

The use of blogs in EFL settings considerably supports learner-centered interactive learning and constructivist environments. Moreover, using blogs to provide instructor's feedback has a crucial role in the language learning process. The present study aimed to explore Iranian EFL learners' perceptions of blog assignments and instructor's e-feedbacks thereof. To this end, assignments were established and teacher's feedbacks were transmitted via the blogs for a period of one educational semester. Data were triangulated and collected using think-aloud protocols and reflexive journals during the semester, as well as semi-structured interviews at the end. Data analysis through grounded theory further revealed six major categories: educational effects, psychological effects, technological effects, social effects, teacher's traditional feedbacks vs. e-feedbacks, and students' preferences of e-feedbacks. Accordingly, implications are discussed in light of EFL settings.

scholarly journals Possibilities of Independent Learning in Two Self-Access Facilities of an Iranian University

2014 ◽  
pp. 235-245
Author(s):  
Afshin Mohammadi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Independent Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Computer Center ◽  
Humanities Faculty ◽  
The Status ◽  
The University

The roles that self-access centers play in language learners’ development of autonomy considerably vary in accordance with the institutional features attributed to their structure and the services they offer. As part of a larger study which assessed 100 learners’ readiness for autonomy, this paper reports on the status quo of two facilities at the humanities faculty of an Iranian university, based on English-as-Foreign-Language (EFL) learners’ views and practices. Seven undergraduate EFL learners from various years of study were asked to describe the ways in which they exploit self-access services for language learning purposes and express their opinions vis-à-vis their functionality through semi-structured interviews. Findings reveal that most learners preferred not to attend the computer center, principally because, the Internet, as the most widely acknowledged service, had become available in other places around the university, such as in the dormitory. The reasons for this reluctance are highlighted, along with a presentation of some suggestions for upgrading learners’ participation in self-access language learning in similar contexts.

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