ethanporcaro/eric-fulltext-meta huggingface dataset:
Using Emoji to Improve Female Students&apos; Coherence in Writing at Qassim University
Author: Al Qunayeer, Huda Suleiman
Date: 2019-08-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Females,Writing Skills,Foreign Countries,Pretests Posttests,Content Area Writing,College Students,Language Usage,Form Classes (Languages),English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Nonverbal Communication,Computer Graphics,Writing Processes,Comparative Analysis,Writing Improvement,Writing Instruction,Teaching Methods

Writing is considered a very important learning tool for all content areas. There is no doubt that writing skill is essential for any kind of learning either at the school or the university level. Therefore, the present study attempted to explore the possibility of improving university students' one of writing sub-skills, known as coherence through emoji. Coherence in the students' writing was measured according to the students ability to (a) use repetition to link ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, (b) use transitional expressions to link ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, (c) use pronouns to link sentences, (d) use synonyms to link ideas and create variety, and (e) use parallel structures to link ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. The sample of this study was randomly selected from the Third Level female students joining the Department of English at one Saudi public university. The selected subjects were assigned randomly into control group and experimental group. After administrating the pretest for the two groups, the experimental group was given a six-week treatment of emoji meant for improving the writing sub-skill, while the control group was taught writing without using emoji. One week after the treatment, a posttest was administered to the two groups. Results revealed significant difference between the students' scores in writing in favor of using emoji to improve students' writing skills. Thus, the findings show the effectiveness of using emoji in improving students' coherence in writing. The results were used to draw some conclusions and to suggest some recommendations for teaching writing using emoji. The results also recommend further researches to be done on using emoji to improve other language skills and sub-skills.
Age, Gender, Attitudes and Motivation as Predictors of Willingness to Listen in L2
Author: Akdemir, Ahmet Selçuk
Date: 2019-08-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Age Differences,Gender Differences,Learning Motivation,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Student Attitudes,Listening,State Universities,College Students,Scores

The aim of the current research is to investigate the relationship between the attitudes and motivation of EFL learners and their willingness to listen (WTL); possible effects of age and gender on EFL learners' WTL, attitude and motivation. A quantitative study was designed in which 239 participants, intermediate level EFL learners at a public university, took a set of instruments, namely a reduced version of the AMTB, mini-AMTB, and WTL scale in Likert type. The participants were also asked to specify their gender and age during data collection procedure. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.0. Percentage and frequency analyses, independent samples t-test, Kruskal Wallis H test, Pearson correlation analysis and simple linear regression analysis were employed in data analysis phase. The results of the study showed that gender affects EFL learners' attitudes and motivation while age has no effect on attitudes and motivation; also it was found that there is a positive and meaningful relationship between mini-AMTB and WTL scores of the participants. According to the findings of the current study the predictive power of mini-AMTB of WTL has been found statistically meaningful. The findings have revealed that there is a positive and meaningful relationship between mini-AMTB and WTL scores of the participants. Gender affects EFL learners' attitudes and motivation as female participants' miniAMTB scores were found higher than those of male participants. Also a meaningful relationship between mini-AMTB and WTL has been found according to regression analysis. The paper concludes with implications for further research to investigate the WTL in various contexts with other personal variables.
The Impact of Blended Learning on Medical Students&apos; Reading Performance in a Saudi University
Author: Al Roomy, Muhammad
Date: 2019-08-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Foreign Countries,Outcomes of Education,Blended Learning,Medical Students,Reading Achievement,Reading Comprehension,College Freshmen,Vocabulary Development,Reading Attitudes,Electronic Learning

This study examined the effect of an extensive reading online program implemented in a blended learning format to increase students' reading comprehension. The participants were Saudi freshmen students in a medical university, and the data were collected from two sources: pre- and post-test scores and an open-ended questionnaire. The results indicated students' significant progress in reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge in the post-test stage. Similarly, students had positive attitudes and experiences after the intervention toward learning reading. Students reported that the extensive reading online program helped them to read more efficiently with maximum comprehension and work at their pace to develop their learning skills. It also was found that extensive reading created a motivating environment for learning. Students changed their views of reading as solely as an academic activity into seeing it as a personal interest and a lifelong learning activity. Finally, the study offered some pedagogical implications and recommendations for further research that will help teachers attempting to improve students' reading comprehension via blended learning modes.
An Investigation of Turkish Language and Turkish Language and Literature Teacher Candidates&apos; Critical Reading Self-Efficacy (The Case of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University)
Author: Bagci, Hasan
Date: 2019-08-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Self Efficacy,Turkish,Language Teachers,Literature,Preservice Teachers,Foreign Countries,Native Language Instruction,Reading Comprehension,Critical Reading,Measures (Individuals),Gender Differences,Student Attitudes,Reading Habits

The basic purpose of native language teaching is ensuring that students develop their skills in four basic language skills at an adequate level. For this purpose, Turkish Language and Turkish language and literature teachers who work in different teaching levels, especially classroom teachers, have important duties. Reading, which is among basic language skills, is a comprehension ability for individuals to reach new information and improve themselves. The thing that is important in reading is combining new information with previous information, and making sense of new information through previously learned information. A good reader should be able to make evaluations about text in a critical manner, in other words, s/he should be able to read critically. Turkish Language and Turkish Language and Literature teachers, who have the responsibility of giving students reading skills in formal education institutions, must have improved critical reading skills. In this study, the purpose was to determine the critical reading self-efficacy levels of Turkish Language and Turkish Language and Literature teacher candidates through some variables. The study data were collected by using the &quot;Critical Reading Self-Efficacy Scale&quot;. The SPSS 21.00 Program was used to analyze the data. From the analysis of the data, it was found that Turkish Language and Turkish Language and Literature teacher candidates have moderate critical self-efficacy levels. It was also observed that the critical reading self-efficacy perceptions of teacher candidates do not change according to gender; however, the reading self-efficacy perceptions of Turkish Language teacher candidates were found to be higher than that of the Turkish Language and Literature teacher candidates. It was also concluded that the critical reading self-efficacy perceptions of the teacher candidates, who said that they had reading habits, were higher than the teacher candidates, who said that they did not have reading habits.
E-Collaborative Tasks and the Enhancement of Writing Performance among Iranian University-Level EFL Learners
Author: Azodi, Nazli
Date: 2020-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Writing Achievement,English Language Learners,English (Second Language),Foreign Countries,Collaborative Writing,Accuracy,Social Media,Writing Skills,Undergraduate Students,Young Adults,Instructional Effectiveness,Process Approach (Writing)

The prevalence of using social software in foreign and second language settings has caused a resurgence of interest in collaborative writing. This study investigates the benefits of collaborative and e-collaborative tasks on writing performance of the students in a process-oriented approach. It, in fact, examines the effects on the accuracy, complexity, and fluency of the written text produced by the learners. To this end, the quasi-experimental design was employed and 74 intermediate students at Islamic Azad University (Isfahan Branch) in Iran participated in the study. They were divided into three groups by random assignment in which two experimental groups were required to perform their tasks in collaboration while only one of them had access to Telegram Application outside the classroom. The control group followed the conventional method of learning how to write. The Measures of One-way ANCOVA, having compared the pretests and posttests results, showed a significant change in the accuracy and complexity of the written texts produced by the students in the experimental group applying e-collaboration. It also revealed that there was no significant change in the fluency of the written texts produced by the students.
Engagement in Distance Education Settings: A Trend Analysis
Author: Bagriacik Yilmaz, Ayse
Date: 2020-01-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Distance Education,Learner Engagement,Educational Principles,Research Reports,Foreign Countries,Health Sciences,Research Methodology,Educational Research,Electronic Learning,College Students

This study examined studies focusing on student engagement in distance education using a trend analysis technique. 154 studies published in web of science database were included in the study. Analysis showed that there is an increasing effort to understand student engagement. Researchers are mostly focusing on instructional design and educational technology. More effort is needed in the area of distance education systems and theories. The findings offer support for Chickering and Gamson's Seven Principles of Good Practice as important in promoting student engagement in distance education. However, six new components were added to these principles: media properties, student characteristics, teaching method, course/content design, innovative techniques, and instructor competencies.
UNESCO&apos;s Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Teachers from the Perspective of Structural Considerations of Information
Author: Alcolea-Díaz, Gema
Date: 2020-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: International Organizations,Media Literacy,Information Literacy,Curriculum,Critical Thinking,Teacher Education,Information Dissemination,Deception,Curriculum Evaluation

The discipline Structural Considerations of Information explores the interests underlying communicational dynamics and information strategies, as well as the ways in which they correlate with messages. Considering this knowledge to be key in Communication Education, and having confirmed its close relationship with the dimensions of media competence, its presence is analyzed in the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) curriculum for teachers, whose training is crucial for the success of the process, developed by UNESCO, an organization that is a global referent in the field. A semantic content analysis reveals, from a quantitative perspective, a strong presence of thematic areas covered by the Structural Considerations of Information subject within the competencies and contents of the curriculum. However, at a qualitative level, there are fundamental weaknesses in its relationship with the structural approach to information. This occurs when the critical spirit of the text declines, starting with a definition of the media as sources of reliable information. The ubiquity of disinformation, and the key role played by stakeholders' knowledge, as well as the development of critical thinking to address it requires an update of this curriculum--the present review contributes to this development--highlighting the current necessity to address it from a structural vantage that fosters critical citizenship and a democratic process.
What Makes an Effective English Language Teacher? The Life Histories of 13 Mexican University Students
Author: Bremner, Nicholas
Date: 2020-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Mexicans,College Students,Educational Experience,Student Attitudes,Personal Narratives,Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,English (Second Language),Instructional Effectiveness,Foreign Countries,Teacher Effectiveness,Language Proficiency,Teacher Characteristics,Teaching Methods,Language Teachers,Teacher Student Relationship,Decision Making

This study examined the educational life histories of 13 students at a Mexican university in order to gather their perspectives of effective language teaching. Most previous studies on students' perspectives of language teaching have used quantitative and deductive methods, whereas this study employed qualitative and inductive methods. The main methodological approach was the 'life history' approach, and the specific methods were two extended interviews and an innovative 'timeline' activity. In total, 77 examples of effective (and ineffective) teachers emerged from the 13 students' life histories. The study revealed three major findings. Firstly, teachers' language knowledge and proficiency were not mentioned as important characteristics of effective language teaching, although several students did make reference to teachers' command of language when it was perceived to be missing. Secondly, students generally favoured more 'modern' approaches (engaging, active, real-life skills, immersion in the target language), as opposed to more 'conservative' approaches (unappealing, passive, overly theoretical, lack of immersion in the target language). Thirdly, students emphasised the importance of a positive student-teacher relationship, and greatly appreciated the teacher being there to provide them with personalised attention. Notably, the students tended not to value autonomous learning, preferring teachers to be close to them to help them with their problems in class. Two main implications for practice were suggested. Firstly, a general consensus has been reached regarding several key characteristics of effective language teaching, strengthening the argument that these characteristics should be listened to, and acted upon, by teachers and educational decision-makers. Secondly, the study makes a strong case for future research to utilise more qualitative, inductive methods when investigating students' perspectives.
Translating the Islamic Religious Expressions in &quot;Taha Hussein&apos;s Novel &apos;Al Ayaam&apos;&quot; by &quot;E. H. Paxton&quot;
Author: Abdo, Ibrahem Bani
Date: 2020-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Translation,Religion,Semitic Languages,English,Language Processing,Cultural Differences,Islam,Novels,Religious Factors,Contrastive Linguistics,Accuracy

Translating religious expressions from Arabic into English seems problematic where the cultural backgrounds must be known for the translator to choose the appropriate equivalence and to help bridging the cultural gap between two cultures. As a result, this paper investigates to what extent have Venuti's strategies (domestication and foreignization) been successfully implemented in rendering the religious expressions in &quot;Taha Hussein's The Days&quot; (&quot;al' ayam&quot;) by &quot;E. H. Paxton&quot; in the translating process. It also asserts the challenges involved in translating the Islamic religious expressions in this novel. Consequently, this paper has randomly chosen, discussed, and compared 10 Islamic expressions of Hussein's novel with their English equivalents. In addition, two Arabic raters were consulted. Venuti's (2004) domestication and foreignization method was used to analyse these examples. The study concludes that the translator uses the two methods in rendering the religious expressions. The foreignization strategy was used more than domestication. Six examples have been foreignized; whereas, four of them were domesticated. The study also reveals that the use of both strategies supplements and supports the translation accuracy. Finally, the different cultural backgrounds, religions, expressions, costumes, traditions have to be the ultimate concerns of the translators in translating the Arabic religious expressions into English language.
The Washback of the New Writing Tasks in China&apos;s National Matriculation English Test
Author: Yu, Chongni
Date: 2020-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Testing Problems,English (Second Language),Second Language Learning,Second Language Instruction,Task Analysis,High School Students,Language Proficiency,Foreign Countries,College Entrance Examinations,Language Tests,Writing Tests,Teacher Attitudes,Student Attitudes,Educational Change,Writing Skills,Teaching Methods

The reform of National College Entrance Examination in Zhejiang Province, China has aroused widespread attention since it was released in 2014. It is notable that new English writing test types were adopted in the English subtest. The continuation task and summary writing become a challenge as well as a promoter for English writing teaching and learning. This study aims to explore the washback effect of the reformed English writing test on the teaching and learning of English writing in high school in Zhejiang, China. Through the method of questionnaire and interview with both teacher and student participants, it was found that the new types of writing test, especially the continuation task, are better at reflecting students' actual English proficiency and improving students' writing and reading ability, compared with the writing tests before the reform. However, the study also demonstrated that some negative effects might be caused due to practical issues. It is expected that this study will shed some light on the teaching and learning of English writing in high school and become a reference for any further educational reforms in Zhejiang and other provinces in China.
A Simple and Effective Way to Teach the Clinical Importance of the Perineal Body
Author: Newton, Bruce W.
Date: 2019-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Medical Education,Anatomy,Human Body,Obstetrics,Gynecology,Demonstrations (Educational),Medical Schools,Health Occupations

The perineal body is located where four muscles (the superficial anal sphincter, the bulbospongiosus and both superficial transverse perineal muscles) have a common insertion at a nondescript point between the vagina or penile bulb and the anus. Health professions students have difficulty identifying its location and do not have a full appreciation of its function. Clinically, it provides support for the pelvic organs, especially in women. To help clarify the function of the perineal body, a demonstration can be performed which uses three student volunteers and a faculty member. By using one of their hands to represent the perineal muscles, a &quot;perineal body&quot; can be formed. As each person pulls in their respective direction, tension on the &quot;perineal body&quot; is formed; illustrating the concept that the perineal body provides pelvic organ support. During the demonstration, the faculty member discusses the clinical importance of the perineal body. The whole high yield demonstration takes less than two minutes to complete.
A Novel Three-Dimensional Drawing Activity to Learn the Dural Venous Sinuses
Author: Shaia, Jacqueline
Date: 2019-12-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Freehand Drawing,Learning Activities,Anatomy,Human Body,Student Attitudes,Instructional Effectiveness,Spatial Ability,Visual Aids,Medical Education

Drawing as a pedagogical tool in anatomy has been shown to be effective at increasing knowledge and engaging students. Therefore, a three-dimensional drawing activity of the dural venous sinuses was implemented to increase knowledge of the structures and improve understanding of their spatial orientation and drainage. Students were given a pre-test, listened to a lecture, performed the activity, and completed a post-test. For this activity, students working in pairs were given markers and white swim caps and instructed to draw the sinuses on their partner's swim cap with anatomical accuracy. Results from the post-test revealed a significant increase in knowledge related to the structure and drainage of the dural venous sinuses. Students found that drawing was an effective way to learn anatomical structures and strongly agreed that translating a two-dimensional picture into a three-dimensional drawing improved their understanding of anatomical orientation. Overall, this was a quick, effective activity utilizing three-dimensional drawing to solidify the understanding of the dural venous sinuses.
A Comparative Study of Test Takers&apos; Performance on Computer-Based Test and Paper-Based Test across Different CEFR Levels
Author: Yao, Don
Date: 2020-00-00
Type: Journal Articles
Subjects: Language Tests,Computer Assisted Testing,Test Format,Comparative Analysis,Guidelines,Rating Scales,Foreign Countries,Second Language Learning,Difficulty Level,Task Analysis,Academic Language,English for Academic Purposes,High School Students

Computer-based test (CBT) and paper-based test (PBT) are two test modes to the test takers that have been widely adopted in the field of language testing or assessment over the last few decades. Due to the rapid development of science and technology, it is a trend for universities and educational institutions striving rather hard to deliver the test on a computer. Therefore, research on the comparison between these two test modes has attracted much attention to investigate whether the PBT could be completely replaced. At the same time, task difficulty is always a key element to reflect test takers' performances. Numerous studies have laid a solid foundation and guidance about the comparative study of test takers' performance on CBT and PBT, but there still remains a scarcity from the perspective of task difficulties with different Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) task levels in particular. This study, therefore, compared the test takers' performance on both CBT and PBT across tasks with different CEFR levels. A total of 289 principal recommended high school test takers from Macau took the pilot Test of Academic English (TAE) at a local university. The results indicated that there was a difference between test takers' performance on different test modes across different CEFR levels, but only CEFR A2 level showed a statistically difference between CBT and PBT. And since science and technology are continuously developing, it is essential for the university to consider switching the test mode from PBT to CBT.