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This study aims to analyze the impact of effective communication and cognitive development on early childhood language development. The research design used is quantitative with an experimental research design, namely a quasi-experiment. The research sample consisted of 60 children: 30 children in the experimental group and 30 children in the control group. Data collection techniques are performed using performance tests and analyzed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and two-way ANOVA tests. The results showed that the results of the data analysis obtained a value of 0.001 <0.050, which indicates a significant influence between effective communication and cognitive development on early childhood language development. In conclusion, there is an the impact of effective communication and cognitive development in early childhood language development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate their contribution to society, guidance and counseling study programs in higher education must ensure that they meet the defined quality standards. One measure of this standard was the level of satisfaction among students with academic services. The objective of this study was to examine the level of student satisfaction with academic services provided by the study program. To achieve the objective, we utilized a survey method and administered the SERVQUAL-based Student Satisfaction Scale (SSS) to assess students' expectations and perceptions of academic services across five distinct dimensions. The respondents were undergraduate students enrolled in guidance and counseling program under the Education Science Department. We selected the students as respondents by using simple random sampling. Following data collection, we conducted descriptive and statistical analyses to assess variations in expectation and perception scores within and across academic years. The main findings were that students expressed satisfaction with teaching services but highlighted deficiencies in administration and facilities, underscoring the need for ongoing service improvements. Finally, the study highlighted the usefulness of utilizing SERVQUAL model as one of frameworks for assessing students' satisfaction with academic services in study program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign language instructors around the world require the support of pedagogical experts to find strategies to improve idiomatic practice of students having specific conditions. This work aims to provide educational communities with an analysis of the information on the most frequent specific conditions observed in the English as a foreign language class in the Manta Canton. Ecuador. It uses the socio-critical approach and Hermeneutics to review 65 scientific articles published in the period 2000 - 2024 in the Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, and Latindex databases. The research focuses on the most frequent conditions of students observed in the local context (1) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and (2) hearing disability. The systematic review delves into the following constructs (a) Origin and current situation of Inclusive Education in Ecuador, (b) Hearing disability, and (c) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Furthermore, the authors present strategies that achieved relevant results in teaching the English language internationally and replicable in Ecuador. It concluded that inclusive education requires educational research to generate information that guides teachers to improve their inclusive educational practice in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign language peace of mind (FLPOM) is conceptualized as a Chinese culture-specific low-arousal positive emotional state of inner peace and harmony. It is used to describe learners' psychological well-being in the Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) context. This study examines the intermediate mechanism for the positive effect of FLPOM on language achievement by testing learners' cognitive engagement as a mediator on the relationship between FLPOM and language achievement and competitive psychological climate as a moderator of the mediation effect. Foreign language enjoyment (FLE), a comparatively high-arousal positive emotion, is also tested in the same model for comparison purposes. Results showed that cognitive engagement mediated the relationship between both FLPOM and FLE and language achievement and that competitive psychological climate negatively moderated (i.e., weakened) the mediation effect of cognitive engagement on FLE and achievement, but did not moderate the mediation effect of cognitive engagement on FLPOM and achievement. The findings point to the role of FLPOM in gaining learners' individual resources (e.g., cognitive engagement) and, more importantly, the distinctive role of the low-arousal emotion of FLPOM in lowering resource loss and maintaining learner engagement in high resource loss (e.g., high competitiveness, high stress) circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of two learner-related factors on English as a first language (L1E) (n = 20) and English as a foreign language (EFL) (n = 20) learners' incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading an authentic novel. Central to the study was the participants' reading of the novel: A Clockwork Orange by British novelist Anthony Burgess. The novel contains slovos, which are words from nadsat, a foreignized argot used by the teenage gang members in the novel. Two unannounced tests followed the reading to measure the participants' word meaning recall and recognition of target words. Regression analyses revealed that reading speed was a robust factor that affected both the L1E and the EFL learners' acquisition of both word meaning recall and recognition; apparently, the faster the reading, the more words the readers acquired. However, positive affect, measured as reading enjoyment, did not turn out to be a factor in word acquisition. The findings indicate that the cognitive factor, i.e., reading speed, overrides the positive affect of reading enjoyment in determining L1E and EFL learners' incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading. This research concludes with a discussion of the pedagogical implications of repeated and extensive reading, which promote the development of reading speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decade has seen a proliferation of studies about emotions in FL teaching and learning. The present study examined three of the most researched and well-known FL emotions to date, namely anxiety, boredom, and enjoyment, and their relationships with learners' engagement in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) classes and their EFL proficiency. One hundred and eleven Grade 3–4 EFL children completed a questionnaire and English tests. Various statistical analyses (correlation, hierarchical multiple regression, and path analysis) revealed that all five variables were significantly inter-correlated. Enjoyment was the strongest predictor of engagement and proficiency, followed by boredom. The path analysis indicated that the hypothetical path of emotions→engagement→proficiency did not exist; rather, only two direct relationships were found in the model: Enjoyment→engagement and enjoyment→proficiency. The findings highlight the crucial role of enjoyment for young learners in FL teaching and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among various factors contributing to autonomous language learners' success, the beneficial role of out-of-classroom activities (OCAs) has been largely neglected. The present case study sought to explore successful language learners' OCAs, their perceptions of the efficiency of these activities, and their purposes for engaging in them. To this aim, four successful teenage English as a foreign language (EFL) learners were selected from an English language institute. Qualitative content analysis of participants' responses to individual semi-structured interviews revealed a plethora of OCAs including Listening to/Watching Authentic Materials, Using Online Media/Materials, and Talking in English to Peers/Parents/Relatives. All of the participants attributed a positive influential role to OCAs in their learning success. Furthermore, among their reasons for pursuing OCAs, the most frequently reported were Personal Interest, Positive Feedback from Teachers/Peers/Family, and Inefficiency of English Classes. The findings suggest that teachers could encourage autonomous language learning by introducing learners to unlimited opportunities outside the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a reflective piece theorizing my personal and academic experiences working with preservice teachers who are pursuing a Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate with immersion experience participating in a study abroad program teaching English to university students in Ecuador. Teaching predominantly white students as a woman of color is always full of stories, both real and imaginary. This is an opportunity to theorize the role of non-native English speakers guiding preservice teachers to teach English learners in the global south while discussing or contesting language aspects such as pronunciation, accuracy, proficiency, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Natural Language Processing (NLP), pre-trained language models (LLMs) are widely employed and refined for various tasks. These models have shown considerable social and geographic biases creating skewed or even unfair representations of certain groups. Research focuses on biases toward L2 (English as a second language) regions but neglects bias within L1 (first language) regions. In this work, we ask if there is regional bias within L1 regions already inherent in pre-trained LLMs and, if so, what the consequences are in terms of downstream model performance. We contribute an investigation framework specifically tailored for low-resource regions, offering a method to identify bias without imposing strict requirements for labeled datasets. Our research reveals subtle geographic variations in the word embeddings of BERT, even in cultures traditionally perceived as similar. These nuanced features, once captured, have the potential to significantly impact downstream tasks. Generally, models exhibit comparable performance on datasets that share similarities, and conversely, performance may diverge when datasets differ in their nuanced features embedded within the language. It is crucial to note that estimating model performance solely based on standard benchmark datasets may not necessarily apply to the datasets with distinct features from the benchmark datasets. Our proposed framework plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing biases detected in word embeddings, particularly evident in low-resource regions such as New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arts for Linguistic & Literary Studies is the property of Thamar University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arts for Linguistic & Literary Studies is the property of Thamar University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arts Magazine is the property of Thamar University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study aimed to explore Iranian EFL teachers' perceptions of obligatory teacher training programs with a particular emphasis on their professional development. For this purpose, the mixed-methods design was used in the research. 165 Iranian English language teachers with different levels of experience teaching English in Iranian private English institutions took part in this study. They were all between the ages of 22 and 55 and had completed the required teacher training programs. They were academically qualified with bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees, and they were both genders (53 men and 112 women). They graduated from four different academic majors, including linguistics, translation, literature, and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). The data were collected using Questionnaires which were sent to them via an online link. The data were analyzed using statistical analysis for the Likert questions and a thematic approach for coding the open-ended questions. The results showed that the teachers generally agreed that the obligatory TTC program provided them with sufficient instruction on many facets of TEFL. The teachers believed that they were in an environment conducive to enhancing their teaching skills. Moreover, the findings of the study indicated that teachers believed the amount of theoretical content in the TTC programs was excessive. In this regard, they found teaching skills to be more beneficial and suggested that they should be emphasized more than theoretical concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is expected that the Spoken language is the first skill that learners of a language must acquire. This is due to the fact that spoken language is the most significant of every method of communication. On the other hand, when it comes to English as a Foreign Language (EFL), students face a variety of challenges that restrict their capabilities. One of the most important phenomena that occurs in the process of learning English as a foreign language (EFL) is the fact that the majority of learners are unable to correctly and fluently utter the English language. The objective of the research is to investigate the difficulties that high school students have when attempting to appropriately pronounce multisyllabic English words. This investigation was carried out in an effort to evaluate the effects of the English course that were represented in the difficulties that learners had in correctly pronouncing English verbs. The responses of students in their second year of high school were surveyed, and the results were acquired through the use of two different instruments. As part of an effort to provide a more in-depth diagnosis regarding issues with English pronunciation, a list of terms was distributed to a sample of fifty Iraqi male students attending three different secondary schools. It is given that analyses of the syllabi are presented in order to provide further details regarding the subject that was studied. According to the findings of the study, remedial pronunciation activities, practice of verbs that are confusing, and phonics procedures should be implemented throughout the course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of uncertainty tolerance in enhancing intercultural communication competence among high school students in Morocco, drawing on W. Gudykunst's anxiety/uncertainty management theory. Although previous studies have confirmed the theory's core principles through correlational analysis, there remains a lack of empirical research on how uncertainty tolerance impacts the perceived effectiveness of intercultural communication, particularly within the context of Moroccan educational settings. The study employed a quantitative approach with a sample of 104 English as a foreign language (EFL) high school students learning. The sample included 60 female and 44 male students. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the overall level of uncertainty tolerance, while differences between these two categories of students were examined using an independent samples t-test. Additionally, to explore the relationship between uncertainty tolerance and intercultural communication competence, Pearson's correlation analysis was performed. The results indicate that the students exhibit a moderate level of uncertainty tolerance. This was reflected in the mean score of 48.2. Whereas, the t-test revealed no significant difference between male and female students in terms of uncertainty tolerance (p-value = 0.20). However, the study found a positive correlation between uncertainty tolerance and intercultural communication competence (r = 0.35), suggesting that students with higher uncertainty tolerance tend to have better intercultural communication skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This quasi-experimental research aimed to describe the syllabus design process using the backward design model and its features to determine the teacher candidates' perceptions of its application in the English Skills Development course. To achieve these objectives, the syllabus based on the BDM was designed before starting the course; after that, it was applied to sixteen students enrolled in a teacher preparation program at a Hungarian university in Budapest. At the end of the course, the participants developed sixteen final projects related to the main topic of the course, teaching English as a Foreign Language in Hungary and following the Goal, Role, Audience, Situation, Product, Standard (GRASPS) framework to conduct authentic performance tasks. This research method involves collecting data through written reflections, focus-group interviews and content analysis of the conducted performance tasks. The results show that BDM and authentic performance tasks can be used as a coherent, organized, and flexible syllabus design that supports EFL students by providing differentiated instruction to foster their English skills, creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, long life and autonomous learning, and digital competencies. Furthermore, the results of the study make an essential contribution to the context of EFL by suggesting that planning the syllabus based on the BDM creates strong connections between course objectives, assessment, content, teaching strategies, and technology, thereby offering a practical framework for educators to enhance their teaching practices in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This longitudinal case study describes a male Korean English teacher's identity development during two years of compulsory military service. An investment and imagined communities framework undergirded the thematic analysis of emails, mobile messaging, and casual conversations. Three recursive themes emerged: English user, researcher, and hyeong (older brother) identities. The findings indicated the following: Jung's English user identity was manifested in the role of someone who was occasionally asked to perform the task of translating for the U.S. and Korean Armies. His researcher identity reflected his eagerness for further study and interest in academic issues, which was sustained through his interactions with colleagues in the academic community and military comrades. His hyeong identity, the counselor, emerged in response to military colleagues' requests for advice on English learning and the importance of English in Korean society. This study shows the need for increased attention to this under-researched population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the complexities of language and identity in contemporary South Africa. The on-going English-Afrikaans debate points to broader issues of power and identity. Several scholars have convincingly shown Afrikaans as inextricably linked to Afrikaner nationalism. During apartheid, Afrikaans was contentious as the language of the ruling elite and tool for Black oppression. This paper investigates how Afrikaans-speaking Coloured learners are caught in the debates around language and racial hierarchies. Results of the study show some scepticism about learning English in a predominantly Afrikaans-speaking Coloured township community. While a "progressive" part of the community strongly associates English with elitism and power, a more "conservative" part views English as a threat to the preservation of Coloured identity. The study concludes that in spite of Afrikaans' awkward position in South Africa's linguistic historiography as the language of the oppressor and the oppressed, it should be considered a marker of Coloured identity. Finally, this study adds to our understanding of racialized identities and in-betweenness as regards language (and cultural) identities in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students' engagement in writing mediates their academic literacy development as they become initiated and socialized into disciplinary communities. With a focus on the mediating role of writing, the present study investigates the ways in which two L2 students forge an early understanding of academic discourse when they carry out writing tasks across the curriculum as nonmajors. Using qualitative analysis, the research examined student writing in general education courses, course materials, and student interviews. The researcher analyzed data in search of developmental signs, that is, the points at which students acquired or reshaped their literacy practices according to disciplinary expectations. Study findings show that the features of writing tasks frame the ways in which students conceptualize disciplinary expectations, which manifested in three ways: Knowledge-telling, inferential search, and identity construction as a member. The relationship between academic literacy and writing tasks points to the importance of course materials and design, a variable to consider for improving instruction. Based on the findings, the present study discusses implications for teaching and research in L2 writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stakeholders in exam‐driven countries are responsible for developing test‐related tasks to assess the quality of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching and learning. Hence, the language assessment literacy (LAL) of different stakeholders has to be investigated. This mixed‐methods study explored the required LAL competencies among two groups of Egyptian EFL supervisors and teachers and examined the impact of participants' demographic profiles on choosing LAL competencies. The groups prioritized their needs for assessment in language pedagogy. While supervisors were highly demanded to develop and administer language assessments, teachers were highly interested in developing their skills at assessment scoring and rating. Teachers' selection of LAL competencies was influenced by age, educational degree and professional training; whereas supervisors' LAL was impacted by experience and educational degree. The findings of interviews shed light on participants' perceived needs for LAL knowledge and skills, the challenges of achieving LAL, and ways for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study compares the performance of two quick lexical tests, the Multilingual Naming Test (MINT) and the Lexical Test for Advanced Learners of English (LexTALE), to evaluate their suitability to serve as proxies for English proficiency in second language learners. Specifically, it investigates how well these tests' results align with those of the Quick Placement Test (QPT), an objective placement test employed in previous validations of the LexTALE. Considering recent findings by Puig-Mayenco et al. (2023) suggesting the LexTALE is apt for measuring advanced proficiencies but is less reliable with lower ones, our study aims to test the performance of both the LexTALE and MINT across different proficiencies. Two hundred nineteen Chinese learners of English, spanning both higher and lower proficiency levels, participated in the study. The results showed that the relationship between the MINT and QPT was similar to that between the LexTALE and QPT. However, the MINT demonstrated better performance than the LexTALE in assessing lower proficiency levels. These results underscore the MINT's potential to serve as a quick and valid proxy for proficiency across all levels, particularly in research contexts where the use of longer and more comprehensive assessment tools is not possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language is crucial for successful service exchange, yet it can also become a source of chronic social exclusion for nonnative speakers in the host country. This research examines how language‐based chronic social exclusion affects nonnative consumers' experiences and consequently, their tipping behavior. The results from a survey with 355 nonnative speakers in the USA and 355 nonnative speakers in the UK, along with a field study, reveal that these customers feel threatened in terms of their relational and efficacy needs, influencing their desire to restore their self‐image. This, in turn, positively influences their tipping behavior. This study is the first to empirically explore language‐based chronic social exclusion and its psychological and behavioral effects from the speakers' (nonnative customers') perspective in a service exchange setting. It highlights the importance of inclusive practices and policies to support socially excluded customers based on their language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most challenging aspects of being an EFL teacher is coping with reticent students who are largely unwilling to communicate. This mixed-methods single case study, conducted with volunteer preparatory class students experiencing speaking anxiety at a Department of English Language and Literature in Turkey, aims to determine whether explicit training in communication strategies alleviates English-major students' speaking anxiety. The study employs a pre-posttest experimental research design and combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. Both verbal and numerical data indicate that the students' use of communication strategies, language production, and classroom participation are relatively higher compared to their levels before the strategy training. The results suggest that strategy training can effectively reduce EFL speaking anxiety among students. Accordingly, the study provides valuable insights for educators, practitioners, and program designers aiming to enhance students' oral communication skills in EFL settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is recognized as essential in preparing EFL students for their professional careers. Understanding students' perceptions and needs in ESP courses can provide significant insights for improving ESP programs and training for ESP practitioners. This study investigated university students' needs and learning experiences in ESP courses, focusing on course content, course hours, exams, materials, instructor adequacy, feedback effectiveness, and overall teaching quality. Students' opinions were gathered through a 27-item questionnaire, with responses collected from 107 EFL students across various departments. Data analysis included frequency analysis, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, with responses to the open-ended questions coded using Maxqda 20. Findings show that although participants expressed overall satisfaction with ESP courses, they highlighted concerns about the lack of authentic materials, integrated language skills, and skill-based activities. Improvements in field-related knowledge and vocabulary were identified as critical. The open-ended responses revealed diverse opinions and highlighted the need for better integration of language skills, particularly speaking, and a demand for enhanced instructor training. The issues highlighted in this study reflect broader, global challenges in ESP, consistent with findings from other studies. Based on these findings, the authors suggest several implications for ESP practitioners and program developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher educators are typically involved in preparing preservice teachers (PSTs) in initial programs through teaching courses and supervising practicum experiences, including the culminating student teaching practicum. Using self‐study of teacher education practices (S‐STEPs) during supervision, the authors describe a scaffolded process of learning to supervise teacher candidates and engage in reflections about their experiences working collaboratively. This narrative account by a more experienced supervisor and a new supervisor uses samples of feedback to teacher candidates to demonstrate a collaborative process based on multimodal observational field notes, which included sample discourse from the classroom to exemplify interactions, teaching activities, and photographs of classroom activities. Both researchers participated in joint meetings with (1) PSTs to discuss feedback, (2) mentor teachers to discuss progress of PSTs, and (3) all PSTs to discuss themes that emerged from observations and assessments, something unique to this collaboration. The authors discuss how their collaboration led to curriculum changes to a TESOL methods, curriculum, and assessment course influenced by observations in the field. The article concludes with implications and recommendations for other teacher educators interested in collaborative supervision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In public schools in the United States, the work of an ESOL student teacher is characterized by relationships with multiple mentors, including a university supervisor. Through retrospective narrative accounts, this study examines what currently practicing teachers of multilingual learners retained of their supervisors' feedback from their student teaching days, and what nuggets of supervisory wisdom continue to resonate with them throughout their teaching careers. The researchers developed this qualitative study using a social constructivist lens informed by Carless and Winstone's (2023) feedback literacy dimensions. Interviews were conducted with eight current teachers to probe their recollections of supervision and integration of supervisory feedback into their practice. Findings suggest that the participants recalled a sprinkling of memories and continued to draw on a few pieces of supervisory advice in their current practice. Supervisors and student teachers demonstrated design, relational, and pragmatic dimensions of feedback literacy, though the relational (i.e., the quality of the relationship between supervisor and student teacher) was the most enduring, even if the specifics of the supervisory feedback faded. Implications suggest that teacher education programs can hone the purpose, mission, and methods of supervision by targeting the dimensions of feedback literacy to make supervisory feedback more constructive and impactful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feedback within the context of post‐observation conferences (POCs) is critical for English language teachers' professional development. To date, however, surprisingly there has not yet been any study on language choices for feedback communication in POCs, considering around 80% of English language teachers worldwide are nonnative‐English speakers (NNESs) (Moussu, 2018). This study adopts the research paradigm of social constructivism, with a qualitative design to explore language choices (Chinese as L1 and English as L2) by one Chinese mentor and four Chinese mentees in POCs, in a near‐peer mentoring project in a UK‐based MA TESOL program. Data collected include two POCs, a mentor interview, and four mentee questionnaire answers. The data were analysed in depth by data reduction and inductive content analysis. It was found that both emotional and practical reasons resulted in the language decisions by the mentor and the mentees in the POCs. Albeit with small sample size, this study shows the intricacy of language use by NNESs in POCs in preservice teacher education programs and provides insights into how both mentor and mentees can be empowered as active agents capable of making judicious use of L1 and L2 for effective feedback communication in POCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racism in TESOL and other academic fields is nothing new, nor are discussions on the topic. However, a majority of the racist encounters discussed in existing literature report on the negative experiences of language teachers and/or students. An area that has historically been ignored and is long due exploration is the negative experiences of nonnative English‐speaking leaders (NNESLs), especially when they lead and/or interact with colleagues among whom ideologies of Whiteness and native English speakerism are dominant. With an aim to fill this gap, this article provides a narrative inquiry of an NNESL's experiences of facing epistemological and institutional racism as she leads a division within an International Branch Campus (IBC) of a U.S. university in an English as an international language (EIL) context in the Middle East. As the NNESL attempts to introduce necessary innovations and policy changes, her capacity as a change maker is questioned, partly due to her nationality, nonnativeness, race, and gender. This article is an attempt to uncover the racial discrimination experienced by NNESLs by providing examples of epistemological and institutional racism embedded in racist discourses and practices, and how it, directly or indirectly, plays a significant role in power relations, institutional structures, and identities, and has implications for the field of TESOL leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite scholars' advocacy of intelligibility over nativelikeness in the EFL education context, many learners still seem to favour standard British and American accents. However, comparisons across studies have shown some changes in learners' perceptions, suggesting a move away from standard accent orientation. This article reports part of a larger study that examined the relationships between four learner‐related predictor variables (self‐rated proficiency, previous exposure to different accents, attitude towards [spoken] English, and attitude towards accuracy) and two outcome variables (learners' attitudes towards standard accents, and attitudes towards pronunciation in speaking proficiency assessment). A questionnaire was completed by 1,300 EFL secondary‐school students in Hong Kong. The four predictors were generally found to correlate significantly with the two outcomes (Pearson's rs ranging approximately from.10 to.50). Specifically, learners' attitudes towards accuracy and (spoken) English had the strongest positive relationships with the outcomes. In the multiple regression models, these two predictors together explained 32% and 11% of the variance in attitudes towards standard accents and pronunciation assessment respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study builds on previous research (Galloway & Rose, 2018) that underlines the necessity of raising awareness of distinct kinds of English among prospective English instructors in expanding circle nations. The participants were exposed to these themes through a series of student‐led presentations that used English as a lingua franca and World Englishes as a theoretical foundation. The data were gathered through student reports, individual reflections, and semi‐structured interviews and were evaluated thematically. The findings demonstrated a development of new perspectives and understandings, a sense of contribution of the theme of World Englishes to teacher professional development, and the participants' positioning as equally skilled users of English. Thus, the study discusses the possibilities and challenges of gradually incorporating English as a lingua franca and World Englishes in the preparation of prospective English teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to prevailing research on willingness to communicate (WTC) which treats spoken second language (L2) as the predominant indicator of WTC, this study examines a young English as a second language (ESL) learner's WTC expressed through multimodal means and her utilization of multimodal and multilingual resources for mediating WTC in translingual environments. Data were collected from videotaped ESL lessons and an interview. Adopting a multimodal conversation analysis (CA) approach, this cross‐disciplinary study analyzes the ESL novice's WTC expressions in two communicative settings: small‐group interactions in ESL class and a multilingual triad conversation in an interview. Findings reveal that (1) gestural WTC display can signify more than one's intention to enter discourse, (2) contrary to previous WTC studies, first language (L1) use can indicate L2 WTC, and (3) the learner used diverse semiotic resources to mediate WTC and sustain discursive engagement. Implications are discussed with respect to the findings. This study extends the understanding of WTC beyond spoken L2 expressions, emphasizing embodied display and L1 use in the learner's communicative repertoire. Additionally, it sheds light on the learner's strategic use of multimodal resources to sustain engagement in translingual environments, contributing to the broader field of language education and multimodal analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research explores the guided experimental implementation of ChatGPT as a tool for developing teachers' skills in teaching English. The intervention involved 24 in-service English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers who engaged in crafting activities and assessments using researcher-designed prompts. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the researchers assessed the participants' ChatGPT integration proficiency through a custom-designed assessment tool aligned with the technological pedagogical content knowledge framework. The eight-week intervention introduced educators to various applications of ChatGPT in EFL teaching, including lesson planning. A quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in the teachers' ChatGPT integration proficiency across all measured dimensions. The qualitative findings highlight the perceived benefits, challenges, and future prospects of ChatGPT in EFL education. While the practical significance of the improvement was modest, the results suggest that the guided integration of generative chatbots can bolster teachers' ability to leverage this technology appropriately. This study contributes to the limited body of empirical research on integrating large language models into teaching and offers insights into the practical applications and challenges of using ChatGPT in EFL contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A student-centered learning (SCL) method has been applied to improve Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) students' 21st-century skills at the English department of a university. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of SCL application on TEFL students' 21st-century skills performance. To achieve this objective, a total of 220 questionnaires were distributed to TEFL students, and ten course designs were obtained from the department. Content analysis on course designs showed that hard skills were more prioritized than soft skills, while character slightly ebbed in learning design. Furthermore, SCL application through Group, Independent, and Online learning methods significantly increased TEFL students' 21st-century skills. Hard and soft skills were most and slightly associated with cumulative grade point average (CGPA), respectively. These results showed that SCL should be properly applied to deliver course content and improve 21st-century skills performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of English as a Foreign Language Special Education teachers (EFLSE) regarding game-based learning approaches for addressing behavioral disorders in ADHD patients. Method: The study involved a sample (n = 131) of EFLSE teachers who completed a questionnaire to determine how feasible, acceptable, and helpful they found game-based learning. Results: The study revealed that EFLSE teachers perceive game-based learning to be a feasible and acceptable method for engaging ADHD students and helping to maintain their attention during game-based learning activities. Nevertheless, implementation and individualized approaches are cited as challenges. Additionally, EFLSE teachers emphasized the benefits of game-based learning, including improved problem-solving, assessment methods, collaboration, and the acquisition of academic skills. Conclusions: The study contributes insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers that can support the development of evidence-based interventions offering game-based learning for students with ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examines the effect of EFL teachers assuming the role of activists in promoting dialogues regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among university-level students. The study aims to quantitatively assess the influence of EFL teachers who adopt an activist attitude on the knowledge, involvement, and understanding of global sustainability concerns among a particular group of first-year students at the university level. These students, ranging from 19 to 22 years old, were native Arabic speakers from Saudi Arabia. Through a quasi-experimental structure, this investigation compares the results obtained from an experimental group, which undergoes an instructional regimen that integrates SDG-focused activism, to a control group that receives traditional EFL instructions. Data collection is structured around pretest and posttest assessments. The results are anticipated to emphasize the effectiveness of incorporating ecolinguistic principles and activist teaching approaches in language education. The observations mentioned above have the potential to substantially impact the ecolinguistic study field and instructional approaches designed to cultivate a more profound comprehension and dedication to sustainability goals. This study not only emphasizes the capacity to utilize language teaching to promote awareness of sustainability among young students but also establishes a model for forthcoming investigations into the function of education in tackling global environmental and societal predicaments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advancement of technology in the current world is leading to the changing of the learning process in the educational field. This study aimed to explore the use of Wattpad to enhance the writing skills of EFL learners following the integration of ICT for educational purposes based on the effect of the application and the student’s perceptions. The study used a mixed method to examine the data provided both numerical and non-numerical. The samples of this study were 80 participants at a state university in Central Java, Indonesia. The investigation conducted was related to EFL. The data of this study were collected through tests and a survey which was distributed online. This study revealed that there was a significant difference between students who were taught using Wattpad and those who were taught using paper-based writing (sig. 0.016 < α). Moreover, there were positive perceptions from the participants toward the use of Wattpad to enhance writing skills. Wattpad was perceived as a pleasurable media of learning where students could express various emotions, ideas, and thoughts. It gave chances to students to develop their writing. Further, this study is expected to give insight into future research related to the investigation of the use of Wattpad in developing writing skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EFL teachers’ and 60 students’ perceptions of the knowledge needed to translate English proverbs into Vietnamese. The study used an online survey to collect the two groups’ responses. The survey used a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 for strongly disagree to 5 for strongly agree. The results showed that most teachers were aware of teaching their students the necessary knowledge to help them translate English proverbs into Vietnamese. Similarly, most students were mindful of the knowledge required for translating English proverbs into Vietnamese, and they perceived that translating English proverbs was a demanding task. For an open-ended question, many valuable ideas regarding translating English proverbs to Vietnamese were collected and used as references for future proverbial translation teaching and learning. Suggestions and limitations of the study were also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study explores the comprehension challenges related to synecdoche among EFL students at the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS). Recognizing a gap in the literature, the study aims to understand the difficulties students face when dealing with synecdochical contexts and to identify contributing factors. Two instruments were employed: a synecdoche comprehension test and a student questionnaire, completed by 96 MCBS students. Additionally, a teacher questionnaire was administered to 10 participants to gain further insights. The results reveal a wide range of understanding, with only 31 out of 69 participants passing the comprehension test, indicating a prevalent misunderstanding of synecdochical phrases. The teachers’ questionnaire highlighted important variables affecting students’ comprehension of synecdoche. The findings suggest a need for targeted teaching strategies to improve comprehension of synecdoche among EFL students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined elicited written English as a foreign language (EFL) narratives produced by 6th grade Hebrew and Arabic speakers in their 4th year of learning EFL. We examined the use of correct verb morphology and morphosyntactic structures, in relation to supporting L1/EFL skills. Fifty-eight pupils (29 Arabic speakers) participated in this study. Assessment tasks included Hebrew and Arabic (L1) morphological awareness (MA), EFL vocabulary, MA and reading comprehension (RC). Arabic speakers were also tested in second language (L2) Hebrew MA. English written narratives were coded for total words, verbs, nouns, correct and complex sentences, and use of verb morphology (past tense, present progressive, 3rd person singular, copula) in obligatory context. Both groups found 3rd person singular the most challenging, despite between group differences in EFL proficiency. Neither group showed crosslinguistic transfer of MA from L1 to EFL, however, Arabic speakers showed strong associations between HMA and EMA, suggesting possible indirect crosslinguistic influence. Hebrew speakers had strongest associations between EFL RC and MA with all aspects of EFL morphosyntactic use, while Arabic speakers relied on English MA for all aspects of correct morphosyntactic production. Regression analyses showed Hebrew speakers relied solely on English RC for verb and sentence production, whereas Arabic speakers drew on English MA. Results have theoretical and practical implications regarding typological considerations in cross-linguistic transfer, as well as point to specific difficulties and patterns in acquisition of EFL morphosyntax among speakers of Semitic languages, highlighting the role of L1 and EFL contributors to EFL written output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the specific contributions of derivational, inflectional, and compounding morphological awareness to reading comprehension through decoding and syntactic awareness. A total of 181 Grade 3 and 4 Chinese primary school children learning English as a second language in Hong Kong participated in this study. The results of structural equational modeling show that all the three types of morphological awareness contributed to reading comprehension through decoding and syntactic awareness, and they explained about 66% of the variance in decoding and 47.2% of the variance in syntactic awareness. Derivational and inflectional morphological awareness affected decoding more strongly than compounding morphological awareness. Derivational and inflectional morphological awareness had stronger effects on decoding than on syntactic awareness, whereas compounding morphological awareness had stronger effect on syntactic awareness than on decoding. In addition, derivational and inflectional morphological awareness had unique direct effects on reading comprehension beyond decoding and syntactic awareness. The unique effect of inflectional morphological awareness was stronger than that of derivational morphological awareness. These results advance our understanding of the multiple roles of the three types of morphological awareness in reading comprehension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the within- and cross-language relationships between intrinsic language learning motivation, home literacy environment (shared book reading, parental literacy involvement, and parent perceived child literacy interest), and receptive vocabulary in 185 bilingual preschoolers and 233 primary school children in Singapore. Age differences were also examined. Unlike the motivation decline commonly observed in middle childhood, the primary school children demonstrated higher levels of intrinsic motivation than the preschoolers in both English and the second language (L2). Results showed a motivation gap between English and children's L2 in primary school children but not in preschoolers. The hierarchical regression results revealed that intrinsic motivation and the three facets of home literacy environment (HLE) were differentially involved in receptive vocabulary across languages and age groups. Within-language relations showed that intrinsic motivation only predicted receptive vocabulary in English among primary school children, but not among preschoolers. Among primary school children, parent perceived child literacy interest in L2 was the only significant predictor of L2 receptive vocabulary; among preschoolers, shared book reading was the only significant predictor. Cross-language relations revealed that parental literacy involvement in English negatively predicted L2 receptive vocabulary in primary school children, and there were no L2 effects on English receptive vocabulary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the associations among trait perfectionism, worry about mistakes, mistake rumination, L2 anxiety, and willingness to communicate in adolescents. A key element was examining the psychometric properties of a new measure of worry about mistakes as well as the Mistake Rumination Scale and the short Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale and its two dimensions (i.e., self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism). Our participants were 954 Iranian adolescent English learners. Psychometric tests supported the psychometric properties and use of the mistakes and perfectionism measures. Correlation analyses indicated that both trait perfectionism dimensions were associated with mistake rumination and worry about mistakes, and socially prescribed perfectionism was associated with L2 anxiety. However, self-oriented perfectionism was associated with greater willingness to communicate. Further analyses showed that worry about mistakes and mistake rumination mediated the association that socially prescribed perfectionism had with L2 anxiety. The vulnerabilities of adolescent perfectionists are discussed in terms of the approach-avoidance conflict as it relates to worry about mistakes and pressures to be perfect. It is evident that adolescents who are vulnerable must learn cognitive and emotional regulation techniques to effectively manage mistakes and the pressure to be perfect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In an age of educational reform which incentivises increased digitisation and standardisation, teachers are expected to embrace the rise of 'new' tools and pedagogies with limited agency to inform, question or direct what 'newness' must be brought into their classrooms. Drawing on my research with English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educators in South Africa and using an 'excessive entitlement' lens, I showcase how teachers' lack of agency can result in 'defensive' and 'coercive' practices in the classroom which are a far cry from the education transformation imagined according to either global and local imaginaries for teaching and learning. If we are interested in an educational revolution, I argue that a fundamental reorientation in education recognising teachers' agency in informing change is necessary. To do so requires theoretically driven intervention methodologies which view the competing demands placed on teachers as entry points to developing their agency and volition to find practices which work for them and their students in the classroom. To that end, I illustrate how Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) informed interventions like Change Laboratories could aid in this fundamental repositioning for teachers regarding transformational efforts and their far-reaching potential for educational revolution becoming conscious of and overcoming their feelings of excessive entitlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined how scaffolding techniques can affect the writing skills of Thai students who are learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The study utilised purposive sampling to select participants, who were divided into two groups: five experts and five novice learners. The study employed a collection of instructional materials consisting of five lesson plans implemented at different stages of the writing process. In addition, a writing rubric was used to assess the quality of written outputs. It was found that implementing scaffolding strategies during the writing process significantly improved the writing abilities of ten EFL students. The scaffolding technique can create a supportive environment where educators can offer guidance and motivation to students as they write. On the other hand, the writing process can be divided into two parts: collaborative efforts that encourage group participation and individual work that promotes independence by gradually reducing the need for help and guidance. Thus, it can be inferred that offering scaffolding strategies during the writing process leads to more substantial enhancements in the writing skills of EFL learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and engagement in English as a foreign language (EFL) learning among 362 Saudi adult learners. Data were collected using the Emotional Intelligence in Language Learning Questionnaire (EILLQ) and the Language Learning Engagement Questionnaire (LLEQ), which were specifically developed for this study, along with semi-structured interviews and learners’ reflective journals. The findings revealed that the learners exhibited moderate to high levels of EI across all its five components, with motivation receiving the highest mean score, followed by self-awareness and social skills. Self-regulation and empathy also showed moderate levels, suggesting a well-rounded emotional foundation among the learners. Similarly, the participants displayed moderate to high levels of engagement across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions, with mean scores that reflected a balanced engagement profile. Additionally, the study found a strong positive correlation between EI and engagement in EFL learning. Both EI and engagement significantly impacted English language proficiency, with engagement showing a slightly stronger influence. These findings highlight the critical role of EI in enhancing learner engagement and language proficiency, which suggests that educational strategies focused on developing EI could significantly improve EFL learning experiences and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined 150 emails sent by Saudi female English as a foreign language (EFL) undergraduate students to their instructor. Greetings (opening moves) and farewells (closing moves) were investigated, exploring how social and interactional factors affected the politeness strategies and language formality employed. The study analyzed the types of opening and closing moves and the students’ ability to use formal forms, considering the formality of the context and their awareness of social distance. Most of the emails did not include opening and closing moves, suggesting a low awareness of politeness strategies. Opening moves were used more frequently than closing moves and when greetings were used in the opening moves, formal greetings were more frequent than less formal ones. Moreover, the use of greetings was affected by the students’ first language. The paper concludes with recommendations to enhance EFL students’ knowledge of politeness strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the possible efficacy of input enhancement as one of the form-focused instruction (FFI) techniques for developing Jordanian English as a foreign language learners’ (EFL) writing. Fifty university students of English language literature and translation participated in the study. The participants were divided randomly into two groups, a control group of (24) which received traditional teaching of paragraph writing and conjunctions; and an experimental group of (26) which received instruction on conjunction using input enhancement. Descriptive statistics, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) were used to examine the data. The findings demonstrated that input enhancement developed students' writing abilities and had a favorable impact on their learning of conjunctions. Thus, many pedagogical implications and recommendations which emerged from the current study can be used by language instructors, curriculum designers, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning English has always been valued highly in Thailand at all educational levels. Supporting students' reading comprehension ability is crucial when studying English, particularly for undergraduate degrees. Although Thai students have been learning English for years, they are kept from meeting the curriculum goals and obtaining high grades. The study included 24students from the Faculty of Education at Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University, Thailand, and their English reading comprehension ability was investigated. The study examines the effects of employing a GFOS (Grouping, Foreseeing, Obtaining, Summarizing) model based on Collaborative Learning (CL), built for the GFOS teaching process, considering literal, interpretive, critical, and creative comprehension levels. The research findings show that the models' processes and theories are beneficial in encouraging EFL students to improve their reading comprehension. It is an effective way for English educators to improve learners' reading comprehension at the same or different levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]