1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Mahmoud Nabilou; Abbas Ali Zarei
Abstract
Flipped instruction has been shown to be effective in improving learning. However, this improvement might come at a cost. Since the responsibility for preparing is shifted to students, there is also a risk of augmenting learners’ anxiety. This study was an attempt to check the effects of flipped ...
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Flipped instruction has been shown to be effective in improving learning. However, this improvement might come at a cost. Since the responsibility for preparing is shifted to students, there is also a risk of augmenting learners’ anxiety. This study was an attempt to check the effects of flipped instruction through shad application on foreign language classroom anxiety among Iranian English learners. 120 male pre-intermediate English language learners constituted the main participants of this study. The participants were randomly assigned to one control and three experimental groups based on their performance on an Oxford Placement Test (OPT). The instruction provided for the control group was conventional instruction while the first experimental group received traditional flipping, the second group received demonstration-based instruction, and the third experimental group received double-flipped instruction for eight sessions, each lasting for 45 minutes. Data collection was done using pretests and posttests of foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA); the results of ANCOVA revealed that all the three types of flipped learning had more positive effects than conventional instruction on reducing the learners’ anxiety level; however, there were no meaningful differences among the three types of flipping. The results of this study might be valuable for English learners and teachers, materials writers, and curriculum developers. The choice of the right kind of teaching materials and instructional techniques can help reduce learners’ anxiety.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Parisa Rajabi; Farhad Mazlum; Mahdi Dasta
Abstract
Given the key role communication plays in L2 learning, studies addressing students’ (un)willingness to communicate (WTC) and factors contributing to it are of pedagogical and theoretical relevance. Although studies on Iranian students’ WTC and its relationship with different variables are ...
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Given the key role communication plays in L2 learning, studies addressing students’ (un)willingness to communicate (WTC) and factors contributing to it are of pedagogical and theoretical relevance. Although studies on Iranian students’ WTC and its relationship with different variables are available, no research has been conducted on how Kuhl’s (1994) Action Control (AC) theory—proposed to carry explanatory potential regarding WTC—relates to it or its pertinent variables. The current study aims at investigating the predictive power of three variables (preoccupation, hesitation, and volatility) underpinning Kuhl’s AC theory and two high-evidence key factors (perceived competence and communication apprehension) vis-à-vis Iranian English students’ WTC in class. To collect data, Willingness to Communicate in L2 Questionnaire, Perceived Competence Questionnaire, Communication Apprehension Scale, Preoccupation, Hesitation, and Volatility Scales were given to four hundred and fourteen English students. Structural Equation Modeling was utilized to analyze the data and test the hypothesized model. Findings indicated that volatility, an AC variable, coupled with perceived competence and communication apprehension are significant predictors of students’ WTC. Results also suggested that hesitation and preoccupation predict WTC indirectly. Findings are used to maintain that Kuhl’s AC theory can help with explaining WTC with reference to a new argument, i.e. state and action orientation. The paper ends with pedagogical suggestions.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Farahman Farrokhi; Yaser Hadidi; Parya Tadayyon
Abstract
Considering the overwhelming nature of Pre-Task Planning (PTP) in writing for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a factor of PTP called Strategic Planning (SP) on lexical complexity of Iranian EFL learners. The data collection procedure ...
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Considering the overwhelming nature of Pre-Task Planning (PTP) in writing for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a factor of PTP called Strategic Planning (SP) on lexical complexity of Iranian EFL learners. The data collection procedure in this mixed-method research, which took 5 weeks, utilized the Oxford Quick Placement test (OQPT) to separate the sample of upper-intermediate learners. Following OQPT, the participants with a high working memory capacity (WMC), measured by the Operation Span Test (OST), were selected as the members of the final sample. They were categorized into three SP groups: form-focused (FF), content-focused (CF), and no planning (NP). After administrating the pre-tests of descriptive and argumentative tasks, each group received a different form of SP guidance, either FF or CF, in two different writing tasks for 4 sessions, whereas the NP group acted as the control group without any intervention. Then the post-tests were run in all three groups. The lexical sophistication of the post-tests was analyzed using the CELEX data center on the Coh-Metrix website. Based on ANOVA tests, FF instruction led to better and highly sophisticated writings in terms of lexis in both descriptive and argumentative tasks. The results can be helpful for syllabus designers, educators, and EFL learners to consider the type of SP in the PTP stage according to the WMC, in the case of different task types.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Samira Farahani; Mohammad Ali Heidari Shahreza; Mohsen Shahrokhi
Abstract
Mobile-mediated flipped scaffolding strategies have been documented as effective for language acquisition in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, collecting data through both quantitative and qualitative methods, to investigate the effectiveness ...
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Mobile-mediated flipped scaffolding strategies have been documented as effective for language acquisition in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, collecting data through both quantitative and qualitative methods, to investigate the effectiveness of a flipped classroom model in enhancing upper-intermediate EFL learners' grammatical writing skills and self-regulation. Additionally, the study explored the treatment group's attitudes towards the strategy. The Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT) was completed by 74 female upper-intermediate English language learners. 58 subjects (one standard deviation above and below the mean) were selected for the experimental and control groups. The study used a semi-structured interview, the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) by Brown et al. (1999), and pre- and post-tests in grammar. The results showed that the treatment group did better than the control group in terms of self-regulation and grammar writing abilities. The interview results corroborated these findings, suggesting that students appreciated the strategy's engaging and educational elements. The study offers insightful proof for the effectiveness of flipped classrooms in addressing challenges faced by EFL learners in Iran. The mobile-mediated flipped scaffolding strategy demonstrates promise for improving grammatical writing skills and self-regulation. The study's implications highlight the importance of equipping learning environments with new resources and Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) guidance, enabling learners to develop autonomy and accountability in their learning.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Ehsan Namaziandost; Tahereh Heydarnejad; Afsheen Rezai
Abstract
The mental health of teachers is an important issue in education. However, few studies have examined how self-efficacy (S-E), emotion regulation (ER), reflective teaching (RT), and mindfulness in teaching (MT) affect teachers' teaching style (TS). This study aimed to explore the correlation between S-E, ...
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The mental health of teachers is an important issue in education. However, few studies have examined how self-efficacy (S-E), emotion regulation (ER), reflective teaching (RT), and mindfulness in teaching (MT) affect teachers' teaching style (TS). This study aimed to explore the correlation between S-E, ER, RT, and MT with TS in EFL teachers in Iran. The Teaching Style Inventory (TSI), the Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), the Language Teacher Emotion Regulation Inventory (LTERI), the English Language Teacher Reflective Inventory (ELTRI), and the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS) were used to measure S-E, ER, RT, MT, and TS. The results showed that S-E, ER, RT, and MT were positively correlated with TS. The findings indicated that EFL teachers who had high S-E, high ER skills, high RT practices, and high MT awareness were able to use more effective TS strategies to facilitate students' learning. The study suggests that enhancing S-E, ER skills, RT practices, and MT awareness among EFL teachers can improve their TS preferences and outcomes. The study also provides some pedagogical implications for relevant stakeholders and opens up new avenues for further research.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Sanaz Sabermoghaddam Roudsari; Behrooz Azabdaftari; Zohreh Seifoori
Abstract
A controversial issue in language teaching is the extent to which engaging learners in the learning process may enhance various aspects of learners’ writing. The current study set out to examine the impact of employing evaluation rubrics as self-assessment devices on advanced EFL learners’ ...
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A controversial issue in language teaching is the extent to which engaging learners in the learning process may enhance various aspects of learners’ writing. The current study set out to examine the impact of employing evaluation rubrics as self-assessment devices on advanced EFL learners’ writing features. The current study probed the interactive effect of criteria-referenced self-assessment and task type on the accuracy, lexical resources, and coherence. The participants included 60 advanced EFL learners distributed into two experimental groups (30 male and female learners each). The instruments were two writing tasks as pre-test and post-test, assessed based on IDP rubrics evaluating lexical resources, task response, grammatical range and accuracy, and cohesion and coherence. Two-way ANCOVA was administered to analyze the data. The findings revealed significantly more accurate and coherent writing of the criteria-referenced self-assessment group compared to the teacher-assessment group with no significant difference in lexical resources. Moreover, the findings indicated that the participants performed significantly better on shared tasks compared to independent tasks. However, task and assessment types were found to have no significant interactive effect on the writing features in question. The findings emphasize the practical benefits of criteria-referenced self-assessment and shared tasks in promoting Iranian advanced EFL learners’ writing accuracy and coherence. The implications will be discussed.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Parviz Ajideh; Mohammad Zohrabi; Roqayeh Mohammad Pour
Abstract
Misuse of technology and lack of enough skill and knowledge about using technological devices may lead to several complications; thus, it could appear mandatory to offer citizenship education and digital knowledge. Hence, individuals are expected to gain the knowledge about their position in the world ...
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Misuse of technology and lack of enough skill and knowledge about using technological devices may lead to several complications; thus, it could appear mandatory to offer citizenship education and digital knowledge. Hence, individuals are expected to gain the knowledge about their position in the world as global citizens and be able to understand intercultural issues. The aim of the current study is to inspect the effect of global digital citizenship on EFL learner’s intercultural communicative competence and examine their perceptions toward the applicability of global digital citizenship. The participants of the quantitative phase comprised 60 female EFL learners classified randomly into one experimental group and one control group. For the qualitative phase, 20 learners were interviewed. The instruments included the Oxford Quick Placement Test to ensure the homogeneity, Intercultural Communicative Competence questionnaire, and a researcher-made questionnaire to provide qualitative data. Cronbach’s alpha was used ensure the reliability. The validity of the questionnaires was ensured through content validity. The quantitative data was analyzed through MANCOVA test. The results revealed that global digital citizenship has significant effect on EFL learner’s intercultural communicative competence. The results of semi-structured interview revealed five main themes including the most important qualities of global digital citizenship, the general advantages and disadvantages of global digital citizenship, the benefits and shortcomings of digital literacy, strategies to stay safe in social media environments, and the popular applications used for learning English. The findings have significant theoretical and practical significance for teachers, teacher educators, curriculum designers and researchers.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Shahab Moradkhani; Maryam Salari
Abstract
It is utterly proclaimed that the effectiveness of teachers in their professional roles is deeply intertwined with psycho-emotional constructs such as reflective practice and immunity. Given the notable significance and scarcity of research on the correlation between reflective practices and immunity ...
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It is utterly proclaimed that the effectiveness of teachers in their professional roles is deeply intertwined with psycho-emotional constructs such as reflective practice and immunity. Given the notable significance and scarcity of research on the correlation between reflective practices and immunity among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers, this study investigated whether Iranian EFL teachers' reflective practice exhibited a significant association with their immunity. To accomplish this objective, the convenience sampling method was employed to select a group of 204 EFL teachers (78 males and 126 females) from private language institutions across various provinces in Iran. Data were collected through surveys and subsequent interviews conducted with the participating teachers. The correlational analysis revealed significant positive relationships between teachers' immunity and all reflection subscales, except for critical reflection. The multiple regression analysis further confirmed that metacognitive and cognitive reflection strongly predict EFL teachers' immunity. Interviews emphasized the contribution of specific subcomponents of reflective practice to teachers' immunity. These findings emphasized the significance of merging reflective approaches and bolstering immunity within teacher growth schedules. Furthermore, they provided new opportunities to implement positive psychology criteria in foreign language teacher education.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Farzane Deliery Moghadam; Javad Gholami
Abstract
Publishing research in English poses linguistic challenges for non-native English speaker scholars (NNSS). To prepare their manuscripts for submission, peer review, and post-acceptance stages, they may receive linguistic assistance and editing from different individuals, such as field specialists or ...
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Publishing research in English poses linguistic challenges for non-native English speaker scholars (NNSS). To prepare their manuscripts for submission, peer review, and post-acceptance stages, they may receive linguistic assistance and editing from different individuals, such as field specialists or EFL / ESL teachers, collectively called text-shapers. To the best of our knowledge, there is no recent comprehensive portrayal of text-shaping practices in the literature on English for research publication purposes (ERPP). This overview introduces the text-shaping community’s practices by reviewing the most significant and relevant studies on this realm in the leading journals on ESP / EAP and ERPP. We used the Web of Science database to make the review as inclusive as possible. Several search terms were used to compile the mainstream literature on the topic, including text shaper, literacy broker, language editor, author’s editor, convenience editor, editor, and copy editor. In this thematic review, we describe text-shapers' editing practices and strategies, outline their characteristics and techniques in providing linguistic services to NNES authors, and highlight the benefits and challenges text-shapers experience in the scholarly publishing industry. Moreover, text-shaping services in Asia, with mounting demand for publication in English, were examined explicitly along with other contexts to comprehensively depict its status quo geographically. As EFL teachers are one of the most active agents in delivering text-shaping services to the NNES authors, especially in contexts like Iran, this review could help the EFL community in Iran and similar contexts to get familiar with the bigger picture of text shaping and its dimensions.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Sasan Baleghizadeh; Arman Jula
Abstract
The present study sought to explore the predicting power of sense of self-efficacy (SE) and emotional intelligence (EI) on the Iranian EFL teachers’ job satisfaction (JS). To this end, 125 EFL teachers were selected from private language institutes. The participants were asked to complete three ...
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The present study sought to explore the predicting power of sense of self-efficacy (SE) and emotional intelligence (EI) on the Iranian EFL teachers’ job satisfaction (JS). To this end, 125 EFL teachers were selected from private language institutes. The participants were asked to complete three questionnaires: Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale (TSES), and Emotional Quotient inventory (EQ-i). Significant positive relationships between EI and JS and between SE and JS were observed and independent variables significantly predicted JS. More experienced teachers had a significantly higher mean than novice teachers on JS. Finally, it was revealed that there was not any significant difference between less and more experienced teachers with regard to the correlation between EI and JS and between sense of SE and JS. It is concluded that providing teachers with some interventions such as coaching and mentoring seems necessary.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Abbas Mehrbakhsh; Gholam-Reza Abbasian; Mojtaba Mohammadi
Abstract
Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) is both decisive—as it helps to formulate and present subject matters—and glocally relative as it is prone to the specificity of curricula of varying socio-cultural contexts. This study developed and validated a PCK questionnaire by focusing on data obtained ...
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Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) is both decisive—as it helps to formulate and present subject matters—and glocally relative as it is prone to the specificity of curricula of varying socio-cultural contexts. This study developed and validated a PCK questionnaire by focusing on data obtained from Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher-education programs. PCK questionnaire items were extracted out of an in-depth literature review (globally) and interviews with 80 student-teachers (locally) and 120 student-teachers attending the pilot phase. Then, 180 other student-teachers completed a glocalized Likert-scale PCK questionnaire. Next, the final questionnaire, which was supposed to accommodate glocal aspects and subjected to both expert judgments as well psychometric measures like reliability estimation and factor analyses, enjoyed acceptable reliability index and validity measures including those of content and construct validity. The valid measure characterized as a 39-item is ultimately represented by nine factors including: Teaching Language Skills, Language Teaching Strategies, Classroom Management, Curriculum Designing and Materials Development, Assessment Literacy and Abilities, Course book Evaluation, Language Teachers' Technological Knowledge, Language Teachers' Professional Development, and Internship effect on Practical Teaching. The results underscore the significance of PCK in shaping effective teaching practices and provides the scholars with both instruments and context-sensitive practical model of EFL program evaluation.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Rajab Esfandiari; Sahar Saleh
Abstract
In the last two decades, citation behaviour in academic research writing has been highlighted in English for academic purposes. This concordance-informed, corpus-based study has focused on cross-disciplinary analysis of citations by English and Iranian academic writers in English Economics and Industrial ...
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In the last two decades, citation behaviour in academic research writing has been highlighted in English for academic purposes. This concordance-informed, corpus-based study has focused on cross-disciplinary analysis of citations by English and Iranian academic writers in English Economics and Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering research articles published in international and Iranian national English-medium journals. To that end, research articles in Economics and Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering were developed and divided into four sub-corpora: English corpus and Iranian corpus. Thompson and Tribble’s (2001) classification and Thompson and Ye’s (1991) framework were used to analyse citations. The computer program AntConc (version 3.5.7) was used to identify 1,032 citations. The results of data analysis showed more frequent uses of citations by Economics than Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering writers. In terms of citation structures, more integral citations were utilised by Economics writers, and more non-integral citations were used by Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering writers. In addition, the citation analyses of native and non-native writers revealed that English writers employed more citations than Iranian writers. The findings imply that the cultural context of publication, in addition to the linguistic background and knowledge structures of their disciplines, seems to shape the writers’ citation choices when writing their research articles.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Esmaeel Ali Salimi; Omid Ostad
Abstract
In the present climate, Critical Literacy has become an area gathering momentum more than ever before, tantamount to an ‘invisible gem’ as almost many education systems have attempted, but failed, to incorporate it into their curricula. To address this elusive notion, this study aimed to ...
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In the present climate, Critical Literacy has become an area gathering momentum more than ever before, tantamount to an ‘invisible gem’ as almost many education systems have attempted, but failed, to incorporate it into their curricula. To address this elusive notion, this study aimed to investigate the obstacles in the way of possible dilemmas, challenges, constraints, and limitations Iranian EFL teachers face in the process of implementing critical literacy in their online classes. This qualitative research study was conducted in two phases. First, an open-ended set of questions was developed after reviewing the literature, scrutinizing the existing questionnaires, and collecting data from experts in the field. To do so, after reviewing the literature, a list of questions was composed. Subsequently, qualitative data were collected (and analyzed) from 29 EFL teachers through an open-ended questionnaire and interview. The framework and elicited data led to the development of 23 items for the interview part. Accordingly, the online classes of all the teachers were observed by the researchers for an entire term. From what has been discussed, the following conclusion may be drawn that critical literacy needs to be part of the language teaching curricula in Iran. The finding can potentially aid the key educational stakeholders, including second/foreign language (L2) policymakers, teacher educators, authorities in charge of recruiting teachers, and materials developers, to take appropriate measures to increase pre- and in-service L2 teachers’ critical literacy and, as a result, encourage the implementation of this key concept in the instructional contexts.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Ali Akbar Ansarin; Masoud Yaghoubi Notash; shalaleh Javadi
Abstract
Syntactic priming has been suggested to be an efficient paradigm in studying mental language representations. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Recently it is suggested that argument-based constructions are present at both the syntactic and discourse levels of ...
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Syntactic priming has been suggested to be an efficient paradigm in studying mental language representations. However, further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Recently it is suggested that argument-based constructions are present at both the syntactic and discourse levels of representation predicting that priming effect does not occur in the absence of shared semantic content. The study used a pre-test and post-test approach within a quasi-experimental design to investigate whether sentences with no shared semantic content, but similar syntactic structure, could prime one another in L2 written production tasks. Ninety students at the University of Tabriz participated in the study and were divided into intermediate or upper-intermediate groups based on their proficiency test performance. Both groups narrated a silent movie in the pre-treatment phase. In the treatment phase, the participants were primed with motion phrasal verbs by reading and rating a booklet including pictures followed by phrasal motion verbs describing them. Immediately afterward, they were required to narrate a silent movie. It was hypothesized that if semantically unrelated structures could prime one another as is supported by some reported findings, priming participants with motion phrasal verbs would boost non-motion phrasal verb usage in the treatment phase. However, the authors failed to find a significant difference between the performance of participants in the pre-treatment vs. post-treatment phase. The findings support the claim that syntactic similarity is not sufficient to trigger structural priming, and shared semantics seems to be required, and are justified with regard to semantic roles and compositional vs. non-compositional meaning.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Roghaiyeh Eslami; Mahnaz Saeidi; Touran Ahour
Abstract
Collaborative content learning (CCL), as a process of learning that contributes to effective learning of the content of the courses in EFL contexts, has recently gained prominence in the research literature; however, the male and female students’ perceptions regarding CCL’s efficacy and their ...
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Collaborative content learning (CCL), as a process of learning that contributes to effective learning of the content of the courses in EFL contexts, has recently gained prominence in the research literature; however, the male and female students’ perceptions regarding CCL’s efficacy and their challenges in experiencing it are open questions. Thus, this mixed methods research investigated the contribution of CCL to Iranian TEFL students’ learning of the content. It focused on their perceptions and challenges across gender. Sixty male and female participants in the master’s program participated in the study. To collect the data, a questionnaire and interviews were used. The findings of the study, using quantitative data analysis, showed that more than half of the learners believed that CCL is effective in EFL teaching and learning context, especially, in terms of negotiation and problem-solving. Moreover, the results showed no statistically significant difference between male and female students’ perceptions of the efficacy of CCL. Finally, the analysis of the interviews’ data qualitatively revealed that male learners had methodological challenges in CCL, while female learners had communication challenges. The findings of the study suggest the beneficial role of CCL in raising students’ awareness of skillful collaboration for maximum learning of the content.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Maryam Soleimani; Zahra Aghazadeh; Amin Bolourchi
Abstract
Critical thinking (CT) is extensively considered to be a prevalent notion in teaching and learning processes. Thus, this paper set out to pinpoint the association between EFL pupils’ CT capabilities as well as their vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) across gender. To do this, 140 Iranian male ...
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Critical thinking (CT) is extensively considered to be a prevalent notion in teaching and learning processes. Thus, this paper set out to pinpoint the association between EFL pupils’ CT capabilities as well as their vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) across gender. To do this, 140 Iranian male and female intermediate students studying at Iran Language Institute (ILI) in Urmia, Iran were chosen randomly. The study was conducted in the form of a survey with data being gathered via using Preliminary English Test (PET) to homogenize the students, Schmitt’s VLSs questionnaire to recognize the kinds of the strategies employed by students, as well as Ennis' Cornell Critical Thinking Test (CCTT) to ascertain the students’ CT capabilities. The data was subjected to analysis using the Pearson correlation. The findings indicated a significant association between CT abilities and VLSs. Furthermore, male learners showed more CT skills and VLSs compared to female students. Thus, identifying the students' preferred VLSs would help them overcome the difficulties in learning words. Also, instructors should design classroom activities that encourage learners’ reflective thinking.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Mohammad Reza Khaksar; Mohammad Saber Khaghaninejad
Abstract
This study investigated how English semantic and syntactic awareness contribute to the sentence comprehension of beginner, intermediate, and advanced EFL learners. Consequently, 188 Iranian EFL learners were recruited for the study and, pertinent to their English proficiency levels, were divided into ...
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This study investigated how English semantic and syntactic awareness contribute to the sentence comprehension of beginner, intermediate, and advanced EFL learners. Consequently, 188 Iranian EFL learners were recruited for the study and, pertinent to their English proficiency levels, were divided into three groups. To elucidate the possible contribution of semantic and syntactic awareness for comprehending English sentences, five sets of sentences were constructed controlling the frequency, length and difficulty of their comprising words: 20 syntactically correct / semantically incorrect, 20 syntactically incorrect / semantically correct, 20 syntactically / semantically incorrect, 20 syntactically / semantically correct, and finally 20 Garden-Path sentences (which are both semantically and syntactically correct but difficult to comprehend by the first attempt). With the aid of a software application (Com-Chron) designed specifically for this study on the UX platform, the participants’ comprehension was checked both in terms of their success-rate and their reaction-time. Through a multiple-choice online task, the participants were asked to select the option which showed the correct understanding of the constructed sentence in 30 seconds. Statistical analyses revealed that semantically-incorrect sentences were the most challenging and syntactically-incorrect sentences were the least demanding for the participants of three proficiency levels. The findings affirmed the dominance of semantics over syntax when it came to the comprehension abilities of EFL learners across different English proficiency levels.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Sepideh Rafiei Sakhaei; Biook Behnam; Zohreh Seifoori
Abstract
It is commonly agreed that grammar is so important that it should not be ignored. The English passive voice can be a challenging aspect of grammar learning for Iranian EFL learners. The aim of this study was to comparatively and empirically investigate the effect of the Input Enhancement Technique (IET), ...
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It is commonly agreed that grammar is so important that it should not be ignored. The English passive voice can be a challenging aspect of grammar learning for Iranian EFL learners. The aim of this study was to comparatively and empirically investigate the effect of the Input Enhancement Technique (IET), Guided Discovery Approach (GDA), and Explicit Instruction Method (EIM) on Iranian EFL learners’ passive voice production. It sought to determine the individual effectiveness of these methods and identify the most efficient one. To this end, 70 Iranian EFL learners from the Payam Nour University of Tabriz were chosen and divided into three groups, including GDA (N = 22), IET (N = 25), and EIM (N = 23). The research data were obtained based on three validated, researcher-designed computerized activities. Pretest and posttest were used to elicit information on the learners’ production of passive voice. The results of the data analysis revealed that both IET and GDA had significant effects on the production of passive voice. However, EIM did not significantly influence the production of passive voice. Meanwhile, GDA was found to be the most efficient teaching technique compared with the other methods. This study has some important implications for teachers, students, and syllabus designers.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Saeed Karimi-Aghdam; Rémi A. van Compernolle
Abstract
In this article, we first discuss the rationale behind opening up a dialogic space between sociocultural theory and other compatible theories. In the second section, a brief sketch of sociocultural theory in the field of second language acquisition (SLA) is provided. In the third section, exploring the ...
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In this article, we first discuss the rationale behind opening up a dialogic space between sociocultural theory and other compatible theories. In the second section, a brief sketch of sociocultural theory in the field of second language acquisition (SLA) is provided. In the third section, exploring the constitutive relationality that ineluctably holds between a given SLA theory and its putative worldview, we enunciate implications and categorical influence of worldviews on day-to-day research inquiries and scientific practices of the SLA scientific community. Then, we set out to delineate scientific development in SLA invoking a Kuhnian perspective with a honed focus on the theory-laden nature of empirical evidence as well as the key notions of paradigm, disciplinary matrix, and incommensurability of competing theories. In the fourth section, we specifically settle our attention on the issue of incommensurability of, and inter-theory dialogues between, SLA theories with a view to the articles which are included in the special issue and discuss their theoretical and practical implications. We conclude with some remarks on the importance of adopting a weltanschauung-centered perspective about doing research activities, theory choice, and scientific development in SLA for advancing a principally unified and scientifically coherent understanding and explanation of second language developmental processes.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Michael Amory; Mariana Lima Becker
Abstract
Research on motivation in second language (L2) learning has progressed tremendously over the last several decades. Within the recent trend to investigate the socially situated context of motivation and the role of social processes in shaping individual L2 motivation, Sociocultural Theory (SCT) and Complexity ...
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Research on motivation in second language (L2) learning has progressed tremendously over the last several decades. Within the recent trend to investigate the socially situated context of motivation and the role of social processes in shaping individual L2 motivation, Sociocultural Theory (SCT) and Complexity / Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) stand out in their contributions. Although researchers have attempted to combine SCT and CDST, there is an ongoing debate in the field of Applied Linguistics regarding the general compatibility of these two traditions. This article consists of a critical literature and theoretical review concerning how SCT, focusing on Activity Theory (AT), and CDST, focusing on the L2 Motivational Self System, address L2 motivation. We argue that SCT and CDST appear to be compatible superficially, since both portray L2 motivation as dynamic, complex, and arising through interactions between individuals and their environments. However, through a more in-depth examination, fundamental differences emerge not only in the context of L2 motivation, but also in the guiding theoretical principles of each research tradition. Ultimately, and arguing from an SCT perspective, we offer a critique of CDST and posit that these theories are not commensurable in their view of L2 motivation or in general.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Elizabeth Maria Kissling
Abstract
Concept-Based Language Instruction (C-BLI) is rooted in Vygotskian sociocultural theories (SCT) of learning and modeled after Systemic Theoretical Instruction. Investigations of C-BLI have reported positive instructional outcomes such as increased conceptual awareness and control for a variety of targeted ...
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Concept-Based Language Instruction (C-BLI) is rooted in Vygotskian sociocultural theories (SCT) of learning and modeled after Systemic Theoretical Instruction. Investigations of C-BLI have reported positive instructional outcomes such as increased conceptual awareness and control for a variety of targeted concepts in a variety of languages, including aspect in Spanish. This study followed suit, by exposing novice Spanish learners (n = 26) to the concept of viewpoint aspect as a matter of boundedness. It also directly tested the learners’ ability to form nonprototypical associations between preterite-imperfect morphology and lexical aspectual categories, which is the kind of learner development most of interest to scholars working in semantic theoretical perspectives outside of SCT such as the Aspect Hypothesis (AH). Comparisons with corpus data (n = 75) suggested that the C-BLI learners were able to use the Spanish preterite and imperfect non-prototypically, more like advanced learners than novices. The results suggest that C-BLI can facilitate aspectual development applied to disassociating viewpoint aspect from lexical aspect. It is argued that C-BLI and other approaches rooted in SCT principles could be enriched by engaging with new ways of examining learner development, and thereby perhaps garner the interest of scholars working outside of SCT. It is further argued that research on the AH could be enriched by considering data that elucidates effects of specific instructional approaches.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Benjamin White; Kyoko Masuda
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in bringing together Vygotskian sociocultural theory and cognitive linguistics for research on second language (L2) instruction. This paper explores the compatibility of the two theoretical orientations and finds that certain key assumptions within cognitive ...
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In recent years, there has been a growing interest in bringing together Vygotskian sociocultural theory and cognitive linguistics for research on second language (L2) instruction. This paper explores the compatibility of the two theoretical orientations and finds that certain key assumptions within cognitive linguistics align well with sociocultural theory. Importantly, both theories hold similar positions on the relationship between language and cognition and on the influence of culture and the external physical world on language. Possible tension between the theories lies namely in their application to L2 pedagogy and research methodology for the classroom. In order to examine how sociocultural theory and cognitive linguistics are being integrated in L2 pedagogy, we review six recent empirical studies that are informed by both theories and that target the instruction of lexicogrammar in four different languages. We identify common themes and note challenges for future research. Finally, we make recommendations for the continued integration of sociocultural theory and cognitive linguistics for L2 instruction.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Sabine Siekmann; Joan Parker Webster
Abstract
This article examines the onto-epistemological-methodological grounding of a conceptualization of praxis in the context of Indigenous language teaching for maintenance and revitalization. We conduct a diffractive reading (Barad, 2007) of cultural historical activity theory (Vygotsky, 1978; Engeström, ...
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This article examines the onto-epistemological-methodological grounding of a conceptualization of praxis in the context of Indigenous language teaching for maintenance and revitalization. We conduct a diffractive reading (Barad, 2007) of cultural historical activity theory (Vygotsky, 1978; Engeström, 2001) and PTAR (Kemmis & McTaggert 2005; Siekmann et al., 2019) and pedagogy of multiliteracies (Cazden et al., 1996; Cope & Kalantzis, 2009) to gain new insights into the commensurability of their ontological assumptions and epistemological underpinnings. First we contextualize of our work with-in Indigenous educational communities. Next, we explain Barad’s diffractive methodology and discuss our three insights: 1) the entanglement of being-knowing-doing grounds theory-practice or praxis; 2) cyclic and iterative design cycles in PTAR foster teacher agency; 3) recognizing tensions and contradictions are necessary to facilitate the transformative action of praxis. Our conclusion explains the entanglement of theory-practice in terms of praxis that is based in intra-action. In our conclusion, we propose using a diffractive methodology to read theories through rather than against one another makes visible the intra-theorical conceptualizations as an alternative to discussing these as inter-actions among theoretical concepts.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Nuria Ballesteros Soria; Rémi Adam van Compernolle
Abstract
Pre-task planning has been extensively studied in task-based language teaching research, but a limited number of studies to date has explored the phenomenon through a sociocultural theory lens. In this article, we report on pre-task planning from a Vygotskian group-as-collective perspective by examining ...
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Pre-task planning has been extensively studied in task-based language teaching research, but a limited number of studies to date has explored the phenomenon through a sociocultural theory lens. In this article, we report on pre-task planning from a Vygotskian group-as-collective perspective by examining its mediational role during dynamic strategic interaction scenario tasks (DSISs) implemented in a first semester elementary-level US university Spanish classroom. DSISs involve pre-task planning, small group performances in front of the class, and post-task debriefings in which peer and instructor comments are immediately provided. Drawing on Vygotsky’s (1978) genetic method of analysis, we first show how turn-allocation emerged as an object of learning during the first debriefing, which was the result of pre-task planning and students’ observations following the first group performance. Second, we provide an account of the microgenesis of the debriefing observations through an analysis of planning tasks and the instructor’s framing and modeling of appropriate feedback, which we contend mediated students’ orientation to turn-allocation as a relevant learnable. In concluding, we discuss our findings, their research and pedagogical implications, and future directions for instructed research on L2 speaking development.
1. Applied Linguistics (Language Teaching and Learning)
Enrico Grazzi
Abstract
The main focus of this article is on the controversial issue of integrating English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) into English Language Teaching (ELT). Particularly, the plurilithic nature of English as an international language in the age of Globalization challenges the long sedimented native-speakerism ...
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The main focus of this article is on the controversial issue of integrating English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) into English Language Teaching (ELT). Particularly, the plurilithic nature of English as an international language in the age of Globalization challenges the long sedimented native-speakerism in the English classroom. Nevertheless, in spite of the extensive academic literature in the area of ELF research, it seems that a balanced pedagogical approach has not yet been developed by applied ELF scholars. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to show how Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory (SCT) and Gal’perin’s Systemic Theoretical Instruction (STI) (which informed the L2 teaching approach called Concept-based Language Instruction, C-BLI) may provide the appropriate scientific framework to bridge the gap between the mainstream English as a Foreign Language (EFL) syllabus, that is based on the native-speaker Standard English model, and the emergent use of non-native-speaker ELF, which results from the contact of learners’ L1 and English. In conclusion, this research intends to propose an integrated approach to teaching English that combines ELF, SCT, and C-BLI. This is expected to give language teachers a conceptual framework and theoretical orientation to carry out the paradigm shift in ELT that most ELF scholars advocate.
