|
|
|
 |
Search published articles |
 |
|
Showing 49 results for Efl
Leila Hassanzadeh, Saeideh Ahangari, Nasrin Hadidi Tamjid,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
In educational psychology, mindsets refer to a set of core beliefs about intelligence and its role in successful learning in a specific domain. This study investigated the extent to which, the EFL learners’ mindsets might predict their English achievement considering the mediating roles of engagement and self-regulation. The data were collected by means of three questionnaires: The Language Mindset Inventory (LMI), the University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI), and the Academic Self-Regulated Learning Scale (A-SRL-S), as well as the institutes’ reports on their English achievement. We analyzed the data quantitatively using the SPSS 20 and Amos 8 Software. The results revealed that there was a significant direct relationship between language mindsets and English achievement of the EFL learners. Besides, this relationship was significantly mediated by the learners’ engagement and self-regulation. Drawing on the findings of this research, the challenge for teachers is to cultivate in students the mindsets that emphasize growth and potentials rather than constraints and stagnation.
Ali A. Ariamanesh, Hossein Barati, Manijeh Youhanaee,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2020)
Abstract
This study compares three integrated tasks of the TOEFL iBT speaking subtest in terms of complexity, accuracy, and fluency. To this end, a group of TOEFL iBT Iranian candidates took a simulated TOEFL iBT some days prior to their real exam. The collected oral responses were first transcribed and then quantified using software such as ‘Syllable Counter’ and ‘Coh-Metrix3’ for fluency and complexity, respectively. For accuracy, however, the responses were tallied manually. The results revealed the responses to the three speaking tasks were significantly different in terms of fluency. The difference in the accuracy index also turned significant, though the pairwise comparisons showed some inconsistencies. As for the selected complexity measures, lexical diversity, the mean number of modifiers per NP, and latent semantic analysis all showed significant differences between tasks 2 and 3 on the one hand and task 4 on the other. Left-embeddedness, however, revealed no significant difference among the three tasks. The results may support the influential role of prompting texts in such integrated speaking tasks
Hamid Allami, Mohsen Ramezanian,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
People are constrained by their culture and social life when telling stories. A second language learner then cannot be expected to tell stories in the target language without cross-cultural effects that influence the way of narration. The present study examined the role of the first language (L1) and second language (L2) in the organization of narratives by focusing on Persian speakers’ and EFL learners’ lived narratives. For this purpose, 125 oral stories were voice recorded. Seventy-five EFL learners’ narratives and 50 Persian narratives as told by Iranian native speakers were collected via classroom discussions and interviews. To examine the substantive effect of L2 knowledge, the EFL learners were selected from pre-intermediate and upper-intermediate proficiency levels. The Labovian analytical narrative model was employed for the analysis. The findings indicated that EFL learners’ narratives were mostly affected by L1 rather than L2. Furthermore, English linguistic knowledge, rather than the English narrative structure itself, affected the organization of EFL narratives
Fatemeh Chaghazardi, Nouroddin Yousofi, Nouzar Gheisari,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (9-2021)
Abstract
| Supervising teachers, as a basic component of an educational plan, has positive effects on teachers’ classroom behaviors. Following the tenets of Sociocultural theory of mind, this qualitative study delvd into the perception of EFL teachers regarding their worldviews of what supervision is and what it must be like. For this purpose, 25 participants (10 supervisors,10 in-service teachers, and 5 pre-service teachers) were recruited and interviewed. Their responses to a semi-structured interview were recorded by mobile phone, transcribed, and then translated into English for ease of interpretation. To analyze the data, thematic analysis was used. The emerged themes showed that the participants preferred supervision with feedback which is constructive, timely, with effective solution in challenging situations, effective in identifying tecaher’s strengths and weaknesses, suggestive and non-judgemental. They also believed that supervision must be with no imposition, with prior notice, with a checklist, in a relaxed atmosphere, with a competent supervisor and without supervisor presence. Criticizing the running model of supervision, they believed that the feedback offered is judgemental and inappropriate, offers no solution to the problems, and has no purpose for improvement. Finally, some valuable implications for TTC holders, supervisors, and on-the-job mentors, and also several recommendations for further research are presented. |
Masoumeh Ghamoushi, Zohre Mohamadi Zenouzagh, Mohammad Hashamdar,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
The growing literature on teacher professional development emphasizes the positive contribution of teacher engagement to the professional development of teachers. However, scant attention was given to the relationship between this concept and teacher ecological agency as one of the potential factors influencing teacher engagement and in turn professional development. To fill this research gap, a sample of 369 EFL teachers from different institutes in Iran selected through convenience sampling participated in this study. The required data was collected by administering two questionnaires: The teacher ecological agency questionnaire and the teacher engagement questionnaire. The relationship between teachers’ ecological agency and teachers’ engagement and their underlying components were investigated through structural equation modeling (SEM) and Pearson correlation. The outcomes of SEM revealed a significant association between teachers’ ecological agency and engagement. The Pearson correlation results indicated that all three components of teacher ecological agency are correlated significantly with all five components of teacher engagement. The highest degree of correlation was found between emotional engagement and practical-evaluative agency (.711), agentic engagement, and practical-evaluative agency (.705) and cognitive engagement and practical-evaluative agency (.692). The pedagogical implications of this study enhance the efficiency of the educational system and teachers’ professional development.
Naser Rashidi, Mehrnoosh Dehbozorgi,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding how cognitive skills influence second language acquisition. Cognitive control, a set of mental processes that include attention, inhibition, and working memory, has been shown to play a significant role in language learning. This study examines the impact of cognitive control skills on language development among adult Iranian English learners, comparing it both in online and in person settings. Forty adult EFL learners were divided into two groups and underwent a 9-week instructional period, with cognitive control skills assessed using the Attention Network Task (ANT), working memory tasks, and a Raven’s IQ test. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, regression, and ANCOVA to determine relationships between variables. The results of the study revealed that while aspects of cognitive control like orienting and altering do not have a significant impact on language development, the more complex, controlling aspect exhibits a positive relationship (F=4.937, p=0.033). This relationship was contingent upon controlling for differences between post-examination and primary examination of ANT results, indicating that controlling attention is a stronger predictor of language outcomes. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the mode of instruction—online or in-person—has no significant impact on this relationship (F=0.009, p=0.925), suggesting that cognitive control operates independently of teaching mode. The study’s findings suggest that educators and curriculum developers should emphasize activities targeting the controlling component of cognitive control in language learning, as this is linked to better language development. Additionally, since the mode of instruction does not significantly impact this relationship, effective language instruction can be delivered in both online and in-person settings, providing flexibility in course design.
Gholamhossein Shahini, Mohammad Hakani,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Given the link between parental involvement and children’s academic outcomes, the current research set out to redress the imbalance created by the almost nonexistence of research evidence on the impacts of simultaneous presence of mothers beside their children in an EFL class. To this end, following a mixed-method approach (a quasi-experimental design and semi-structured interviews), 35 starter-level female children, aged 4-6, selected via convenience sampling were randomly assigned into an experimental group (N=18) in which mothers attended the class with their children, and a control group (N= 17) in which mothers did not. Findings unraveled that mothers’ in-class presence enhanced children’s English language vocabulary, increased their class attendance, provided a feeling of affection and safety to help them relax and get motivated, caused their in-class behaviors to be closely monitored, and created rapport and solidarity between home and school. Mothers’ in-class presence also provided a unique opportunity for mothers to co-teach with the teacher the new vocabularies to their children. The findings also suggested that teaching English to mothers prior to their children’s course of instruction assisted them in scaffolding their children in classes. The implication is that as a result of their ongoing in-class presence, mothers may become more vigilant influential agents in educational meetings and school board decision-makings. Also, stakeholders need to be encouraged to devise plans allowing them to harness more efficiently the positive impacts of mothers’ in-class presence and provoke parents’ active participation in classrooms.
Sepideh Khalili, Shahab Moradkhani,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Although reflective teaching is believed to be a significant feature of effective teachers, there is little empirical evidence to demonstrate its influence on learners’ evaluation. This study examines the relationship between EFL teachers' degree of reflection and learners’ evaluation of teacher effectiveness. Data were collected from 71 Iranian EFL teachers teaching at the private language institutes and 296 language learners. Reflective teaching inventory designed by Akbari, Behzadpour, and Dadvand (2007) was administered to the teachers and their learners’ evaluation was elicited through Murdoch’s (2000) checklist. The statistical analysis revealed significant positive relationships between reflection subscales and learners’ evaluation. It was thus assumed that understanding how reflection can change language learners’ evaluations can shed light on the role of reflection in improving teachers' performance and consequently learners’ appraisal. Hence, 10 teachers with the highest degree of reflection participated in follow-up interviews. Analysis of the interview data, indicated how reflection subscales contribute to teachers' in getting higher ratings from learners. In line with these findings, the implications for teachers, administrators and teacher education are discussed.
Kobra Tavassoli, Marjan Oskouiefar, Masoumeh Ghamoushi,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of mobile-assisted learning-oriented assessment (LOA) on the writing ability of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. A total of 60 intermediate Iranian EFL learners were selected through convenience sampling and divided randomly into two groups: control and experimental. Both groups completed pretests and posttests, and the experimental group received nine 90-minute sessions focused on teaching descriptive essay writing using LOA syllabi and mobile applications related to the tasks. The control group followed a traditional writing syllabus without any LOA-related treatments. Both groups used the Adobe Connect mobile application for their online classes. Two open-ended questions were administered to the experimental group at the beginning and end of the course to measure their attitudes toward mobile-assisted language learning (MALL). The data were analyzed using a repeated-measures two-way ANOVA, revealing that mobile-assisted LOA significantly improved the EFL learners’ writing ability. The results of the two open-ended questions indicated that the learners had a positive attitude toward MALL in general but a somewhat negative attitude toward online classes. The findings have important implications for teachers, materials developers, and teacher educators.
Mohammad Shahin Taghaddomi, Mahdi Madadkar Shandi,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
English cartoons have become increasingly popular as a resource for language learners worldwide. While the literature has primarily focused on their impact on English language skills and sub-skills in EFL education, less attention has been given to their influence on cognitive and affective aspects such as emotion regulation and self-efficacy. This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design to explore the impact of watching English cartoons on the emotion regulation and self-efficacy of adolescent Iranian EFL learners. 120 Iranian learners, aged 12 to 18, were recruited from English institutes in Tehran and randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group watched two 30-minute episodes of selected American-produced animated cartoons per week for eight weeks, totaling 16 episodes, while the control group did not. The MANCOVA analysis revealed significant differences in self-efficacy and emotion regulation between the experimental and control groups, indicating that exposure to English cartoons positively influences learners' emotional responses and self-efficacy. Thematic analysis of the interview data highlighted positive evaluations of the experience, identifying five themes: enhancement of language skills, positive emotions leading to increased motivation, the prominence of comedy, contribution to sustained learning, and varying effects on self-efficacy. These findings hold valuable theoretical and practical implications for the field.
Ahmadreza Eghtesadi Roudi,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Reading is the main language skill in English as a Foreign Language (EFL)contexts, and the key to the reading skill is the knowledge of the alphabet. Although there are various approaches to teaching early reading and the alphabet in L1, such as whole language, language experience, literature-based, whole word, alphabetic method, and analytic and synthetic phonics, the topic of teaching alphabet and early reading is almost missing in language teaching methodology textbooks, and the few sources which deal with the subject seem to be mainly concerned with English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts where the learners’ mother tongue also uses a Latin alphabet. Early reading and alphabet teaching in EFL contexts has also received little research attention, and many aspects of literacy teaching in these contexts such as the effectiveness of different approaches for different age groups are still a mystery. ELT community, hence, needs to pay more heed to the needs of teachers and learners in EFL contexts. This paper intends to sensitize the international ELT community, including the researchers, teachers, and publishers to the importance and necessity of taking early literacy in EFL contexts into account.
Ghasem Barani , Zari Sadat Seyyedrezaei, Forough Aliabadi, Mohsen Davarzani,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Many significant psychological antecedents accompany second/foreign language (L2) teachers in the classrooms. Most recent studies show that spiritual intelligence, happiness, job performance, and psychological well-being are among these antecedents; however, the relationship between these constructs is still underexplored in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Therefore, this research aimed to explore the relationship among EFL teachers’ spiritual intelligence, happiness, and job performance considering the moderating role of psychological well-being. This study applied a correlational design. Iranian EFL teachers (n:103) were invited to participate in this study through convenience sampling. They were requested to fill out four questionnaires at work. The structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used through PLS software to analyze the collected data. Therefore, it was concluded that both spiritual intelligence and happiness positively influence EFL teachers’ job performance with psychological well-being only moderating the latter association. The findings of this study contribute to the knowledge on the teacher antecedents influencing their performance which can consequently result in enhancing the teachers’ job performance.
Ms. Aysen Chokani, Dr Hossein Navidinia,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
The current study examines the interplay of Iranian EFL teachers' assessment literacy and self-efficacy. Therefore, firstly, it sought to examine whether these variables are significantly correlated. Secondly, it attempted to probe the demographic factors potentially influencing teachers' assessment literacy. To achieve this aim, a sample comprising 100 Iranian EFL teachers participated in this study by simultaneously filling out two questionnaires: Tschannen Moran and Hoy's (2001) teachers' self-efficacy scale and an abridged version of Teachers' Conceptions of Assessment Inventory-III (TCoA), validated by Brown (2006). The findings obtained from the study indicated a statistically significant relationship between Iranian EFL teachers' assessment literacy and their perceived self-efficacy, thereby highlighting the interconnectedness of these constructs within the context of educational practice. Furthermore, among the demographic variables examined (participants' gender, level of education, field of study, and age), teachers' assessment literacy is most significantly influenced by their level of education, suggesting a strong link between educational background and assessment competencies. The implications of these results for English language teachers are discussed.
Zahra Mohammadi Salari,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
The current study explored the status of rating scales among Iranian EFL raters. It appeared that EFL/ESL assessment environments were significantly influenced by the perceived authority of native assessment groups. Consequently, examining the realities of rating practices in EFL/ESL settings could offer a more accurate understanding of how assessment is viewed and implemented. To assess this, the present study conducted a comprehensive survey within the Iranian EFL writing assessment framework. A carefully designed eight-item interview guide was created to investigate various aspects of the rating task, including the rating scale. This guide was administered to ten raters from various universities and institutions in Iran, all of whom possessed either a Master's or Doctorate degree in TEFL. The raters participated in 40 minutes interview sessions, and the audio-recorded interviews were transcribed by the researcher for qualitative analysis. Through a thorough content analysis of the interview data, some general patterns emerged. Results of interviews with Iranian EFL composition raters revealed that rating scale in its common sense did not exist. In fact, raters relied on their own internalized criteria developed through their long years of practice. Therefore, native speaker legitimacy in the design and development of scales for the EFL context was challenged and the local agency in the design and development of rating scale was emphasized.
Dr Hossein Siahpoosh, Phd Candidate Elnaz Hoseinpour,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Abstract
Due to the significance of assessment in language education, this investigation aimed to inspect the influence of models of dynamic assessment (DA) on intermediate EFL learners' interactional and interactive metadiscourse use regarding TOEFL independent writing task fluency. The participants were 105 EFL learners Jahad university in Ardabil. Based on the random assignment, two experimental and one control group were established. To measure TOEFL iBT independent writing task fluency, during eight sessions, the first experimental groups received interactional metadiscourse instruction using interventionist interactionist DA and the second experimental group received interactive metadiscourse instruction using interventionist interactionist DA. The control group was instructed conventionally. After the treatment, all participants were administered a modified version of the TOEFL iBT independent writing task as the post-test. The obtained data were examined through Kruskal-Wallis tests. The outcomes indicated notable variations across the different groups in terms of writing fluency. The interventionist group outperformed the other two groups showing that interactional metadiscourse contributed to writing fluency. However, regarding the contribution of interactive metadiscourse to writing fluency, both interventionist and interactionist groups performed better than the control group. This means that DA plays a facilitative role in improving TOEFL iBT independent writing task fluency considering metadiscourse use, irrespective of DA classifications. This study may suggest some implications for educators, learners, and curriculu
Dr Asghar Moulavinafchi,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
This mixed-methods study explored the relationship between teacher commitment and classroom justice among Iranian EFL instructors, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide comprehensive insights. The quantitative phase involved 198 EFL teachers, selected through convenience sampling, and employed the English Language Teacher Commitment Scale (ELTCS) and Teacher Classroom Justice Scale (TCJS) to assess the constructs. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship (r = .777, p < .05) between teacher commitment and classroom justice, underscoring the interconnectedness of these constructs. The qualitative phase, involving 9 purposefully sampled participants, employed semi-structured interviews analyzed through Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework, facilitated by NVivo software. Findings highlighted teacher commitment as a multifaceted construct shaped by emotional, professional, and contextual factors, with themes such as emotional connection to teaching, professional identity, and motivation for growth emerging as key drivers. Classroom justice was similarly found to be multidimensional, encompassing strategies for fairness, challenges in implementation, and its impact on teacher-student relationships. Cultural influences played a significant role in shaping teachers’ perceptions and practices in both constructs, reflecting the sociocultural context of Iranian EFL classrooms. This study emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between teacher commitment and classroom justice, suggesting that fostering one enhances the other. It advocates for teacher training programs and institutional policies that address both ethical and professional dimensions of teaching, while also calling for future research to explore these dynamics longitudinally and across diverse cultural contexts.
Hamed Badpa,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
The most significant problem for Iranian learners is that they are unable to effectively use their knowledge in communicating their messages. This research was both descriptive and quantitative. The participants were 15 pre-intermediate and 14 intermediate EFL learners between 16-23 years old who had enrolled in Talk Language School in Arak, Iran. The Nelson Proficiency Test was administered to determine the language proficiency level. The researcher recorded 36 sessions to make a permanent record of the learners ‘oral performance for later analysis. Eight sessions of each level were randomly selected, transcribed and then coded in order to provide answers for both questions. The coding categories included 22 types based on an integrated model of taxonomies presented by Dornyei and Scott (1997), which was originally adopted from Tarone‘s (1980), Faerch and Kasper‘s (1983) taxonomies. To answer the first question, the researcher calculated the frequency and means of strategies used by the subjects. For the second question, the relationship between learners' proficiency level, a chi-square test was employed. The findings showed that learners at both pre-intermediate and intermediate levels relied most often on fillers and hesitation devices, code-switching, asking for assistance, and repeating themselves. In contrast, strategies such as creating new words (word coinage), using foreign-sounding terms (foreignizing), and verifying listener understanding (comprehension checks) were the least commonly employed. These findings suggest that Iranian EFL learners heavily rely on basic communication strategies like fillers and code-switching, indicating a need for targeted instruction to expand their strategic competence. Additionally, the lack of significant correlation between proficiency level and strategy use implies that fluency development should focus on practical communication skills rather than solely on linguistic accuracy.
Dr. Mostafa Shahiditabar, Dr. Mohammad Amin Mozaheb, Ms. Motahareh Daghighi,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Discrimination in the education system and curricula is not limited to disadvantaged groups, and this issue is also evident in textbook content. The important role of textbooks in classrooms is undeniable. In this regard, the present study examined Iranian high school English textbooks named the “Vision” and “Prospect” series, as well as one of the localized English textbook series in Iran, the “Eight” series, focusing on the images contained in these books. In this study, Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA), proposed by Machin and Mayr (2012), was employed as the theoretical framework to critically examine the images in these textbooks. The findings of this study showed that a form of neoliberalism, as conceptualized by Fairclough (1993), is present in these books, the consequence of which is the depiction of luxurious and lavish schools instead of ordinary schools; this does not benefit underprivileged groups, as they are unable to afford the costs of privatization and are dependent on government support. In addition, in the “Eight” series, images based on the target-language culture are more frequently observed. This can prompt greater attention to images rooted in Iranian culture, which would help learners better understand the content and make it more tangible for them. This study can offer suggestions for improving and enhancing the “Eight” series.
Sara Ashouri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Abstract
The increasing popularity of AI writing tools raises the question of how students perceive the fairness of automated feedback, particularly in comparison with teacher feedback. The perceived fairness of the feedback is an underexplored subject. This paper investigated the perceived fairness of AI writing feedback among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students compared to teacher writing feedback and the relationship between students’ acceptance of AI writing feedback. The design was quantitative, within-subjects and it was based on 35 B1–B2 EFL students who were enrolled in an English language institute. The participants were given a brief writing assignment and were provided with teacher feedback as well as AI feedback. Subsequently, they completed a survey that assessed perceived fairness, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and acceptance (intention to use) AI feedback. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation, and regression. Findings indicated that teacher feedback was perceived as significantly fairer than AI feedback. The AI feedback was positively evaluated. Perceived fairness was related to students’ acceptance of AI feedback. The regression analyses indicated that acceptance was predicted by perceived fairness, usefulness and perceived ease of use jointly, but usefulness emerged as the strongest predictor. The findings imply that AI feedback is most effective when it is used as a complement to teacher feedback in EFL writing instruction.
Dr Parviz Ahmadi,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
This qualitative study explored how mentoring and reflection can really support the development of preservice EFL teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) at a public teacher training university in Iran. The research which is grounded in an interpretive paradigm tried to understand the lived experiences of eight preservice teachers in their final year of undergraduate study. The data for the study were gathered through semi-structured interviews, reflective journals, and classroom observations. The analysis tried to follow Strauss and Corbin’s coding procedures. It included open, axial, and selective coding. After the analysis, five main themes emerged: the integration of theory and practice, the reflective transformation of teaching beliefs, the impact of mentorship on professional identity, challenges within teacher education programs, and the importance of peer collaboration and communities of practice. The findings clearly showed that mentoring and reflection could be vital in helping preservice teachers to connect pedagogical theory with classroom application, and to create context-sensitive teaching strategies, and to gain confidence in their instructional decisions. However, the study also highlighted the existing shortcomings in the current teacher education system, such as insufficient ongoing mentoring and limited opportunities for peer reflection. The research concludes that developing structured mentorship, reflective engagement, and collaborative professional communities can strengthen preservice EFL teachers’ PCK to a great extent and help close the gap between theory and practice which are apparent in Iranian teacher education.
|
|
Publisher
