You are here
Articles
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 760
Global citizenship and competences certificate was a course provided by Education New Zealand to improve EFL teachers’ understanding and awareness of intercultural communication competencies (ICC). The course was conducted and delivered online both asynchronously and synchronously with the support of platforms, computers, and the Internet. This present article aimed to investigate how that course could enhance or hinder EFL teachers’ intercultural communication competences (ICC) from their perspectives. A total of 29 EFL teachers who came from four different countries (i.e., Vietnam, New Zealand, Thailand, and Japan) participated in the semi-structured interviews to share their perceptions regarding ICC. The interview data was analyzed thematically. As a result, the findings revealed that the teachers had unforgetable experience in terms of ICC. They had much better awareness and understanding of ICC and its components. Besides, they believed that what had been vague about ICC before was clarified when they had chances to read materials, watch videos, and more importantly discuss issues with the facilitators and the international and national peers. More interestingly, what they highly valued from the course was the informal discussions about different personal, academic, and professional issues among people from different cultures. Moreover, the EFL teachers confirmed that the CALL course was an effective way for them to learn cultures, connect with the world, and develop learning communities. Finally, those teachers hoped to integrate the content learnt from the course and the way the course was delivered into their own EFL teaching although they identified several challenges such as their learners’ proficiency, the packed schedule from the curriculum, and the facilities.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 856
GeoGebra’s interactive and dynamic nature is a valuable tool for enhancing mathematics learning outcomes by improving students’ understanding, engagement, and mathematical abilities, particularly in quadratic functions. By integrating algebraic and graphical representations and supporting exploration and problem-solving, GeoGebra helps make abstract mathematical concepts more concrete and accessible to learners. This research aims to determine the impact of GeoGebra as a learning medium on student learning outcomes related to quadratic function graph material. A quantitative research method was used, with first-year students from Al-Falah Islamic High School as participants. The instrument consists of validated test questions to measure student learning outcomes. The research design used is a One-Shot Case Study, a type of pre-experimental design. Based on data analysis, the t-test results show that the calculated t-value (11.571) is greater than the tabulated t-value (2.074). Therefore, the null hypothesis (Ho) is rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted, indicating that using GeoGebra as a learning medium for quadratic functions helps students achieve proficiency in their mathematics learning outcomes.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,506
The Bangladesh education system is undergoing a transformational phase with the introduction of the National Curriculum 2022 (NC 2022). This research investigated teachers’ motivation to implement the NC 2022 in Dhaka city, focusing on its alignment with student development, suitability for the Bangladeshi context, and implementation challenges. This study used semi-structured interviews with fourteen grade 6 and 7 teachers from public and private secondary schools in Dhaka city, each having over five years of teaching experience and training in the new curriculum. The research explored teacher views through the lens of Everett Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation and Hertzberg’s two-factor theory, considering motivator and hygiene factors influencing implementation. Teachers recognized the curriculum’s potential for skill development and global adaptation but highlighted practical challenges, including resource constraints, heavy workload, and classroom environment issues. They also expressed concerns about the implementation procedures and economic struggles affecting their motivation. Despite perceived positive impacts on student involvement and analytical thinking, challenges such as large class sizes hindered willingness to contribute. Teachers emphasized the importance of school readiness and infrastructural improvements for successful implementation of the new curriculum. This study emphasizes the need for policy and administrative adaptations to ensure the effective implementation of NC 2022.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 909
The study adopted an action research design to investigate the effectiveness of output tasks in increasing vocabulary for grade-11 students at a high school in Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam. The study was conducted for 40 participants whose English proficiency was assessed at the levels of A2 or B1. In the study, several output tasks, mostly creative ones that involved prompting students to actively use their vocabulary in spoken or written production, were incorporated into the lessons using the textbook Tiếng Anh 11- Global Success. To assess the impact of the output tasks, the researcher employed multiple data collection tools. Pre-and post-study tests assessed improvement in the students’ vocabulary knowledge, while questionnaires mainly explored their attitudes towards the implemented activities and vocabulary learning. The teacher’s observation also helped provide valuable insights into students’ engagement and learning progress. After the two action research cycles, the results revealed that the students made satisfactory progress in their English vocabulary. The results also indicated that the students held positive attitudes towards the output activities in particular and vocabulary learning in general. This study, therefore, has pedagogical implications for the use of output tasks in facilitating English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) vocabulary acquisition.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 889
This study was designed to explore the effectiveness of the 7E instructional model in teaching the concept of factors affecting the rate of chemical reaction to ninth-grade chemistry students in one of the schools in Bhutan. The research design was quasi-experimental, and the study was conducted over a month. Quantitative data was collected from 62 students using convenience sampling, with 31 students each in the experimental and control groups. In addition, a purposeful sampling method was used to gather qualitative data from six students specifically chosen from the experimental group. Quantitative data for the study was obtained using the test and survey questionnaires, whereas qualitative data was collected using semistructured interviews. The test scores underwent descriptive and inferential analysis, while the survey questionnaires were subjected to mean and standard deviation calculations. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the semi-structured interviews. The study found a significant mean difference in the academic scores of students in chemistry when taught using the 7E instructional model compared to the lecture method. Likewise, the study found students exhibited positive attitudes toward chemistry when exposed to the 7E instructional model. Moreover, the study revealed a significant strong correlation between students’ attitudes and test scores. The findings suggest that the 7E instructional model enhances students’ academic performance and fosters a more positive attitude toward learning chemistry. The researchers recommend adopting the 7E instructional model, as it offers a more engaging learning experience that enhances students’ understanding and application of scientific concepts.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 2,420
This study aimed to investigate the effect of games and simulations on the academic achievement of secondary school students in mathematics. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the study utilized both an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG) to assess the effectiveness of games and simulations in learning mathematics. A total of 62 grade nine students participated. The EG was exposed to quiz games, problem-solving games, polyprod games, and PhET simulations for teaching polynomials, while the CG followed traditional teaching methods. Data were collected using mathematics achievement test scores and a survey questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings indicated that students had positive perceptions of using games and simulations in learning mathematics, with an overall mean score (M = 4.18, SD = 0.71). The EG showed significantly higher mathematics achievement than the CG, demonstrating the effectiveness of games and simulations in learning (p<0.05). Additionally, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.96) was found between students’ perceptions of games and simulations and their mathematics achievement. The study concludes with implications and recommendations for future research.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,319
Reading for pleasure is essential for the students of Samtse College of Education as it helps enhance communication skills, upgrade knowledge, and serve as a role model to inspire students. However, it was found that the reading-for-pleasure habit among students at Samtse College of Education (SCE) is poor. This action research investigated improving the reading-forpleasure habit of the students at SCE. The participants in the action research comprised 16 classes, including students from M.Ed, B.Ed, and BA in Social Work programs. Data for the study were gathered using questionnaires and interviews. A total of 325 students responded to the questionnaire, and 57 students participated in the interview, both in the pre- and post-intervention data collection phases. The baseline and post-intervention data were analyzed using the statistical mean for the questionnaire data and thematic analysis for the interview data. Following the analysis of the baseline data, three intervention strategies-Our Time To Enjoy Reading (OTTER), Self-Indulgence Reading, and Raffle Draw-were used in all 16 classes for eight weeks. The analysis of the two sets of data showed that the intervention strategies were effective in promoting the reading-for-pleasure habits of the students. The findings indicated that, of the three intervention strategies, OTTER was the most effective. The study recommends the continuation of the reading program to further enhance the reading-for-pleasure habits of the students.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 965
The primary aim of this study was to explore the usability of Language Massive Open Online Courses (LMOOCs) from the perspective of Vietnamese learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). To achieve this, the research utilized a qualitative questionnaire to gather data from a purposively selected group of 12 EFL learners. These participants were drawn from five different universities in the north of Vietnam. The outcomes of the study encompass a wide array of positive and negative facets pertaining to LMOOCs. Based on the findings of content analysis, it can be observed that learners exhibit consensus regarding the favorable attributes of LMOOCs. These attributes encompass the learning environment, the applicability of LMOOCs in language acquisition, the inclusive nature of educational technology employed, and the existence of parental involvement. However, the attitudes of the learners exhibited inconsistency when it came to affective variables and feedback in the context of LMOOCs. Ultimately, it was posited that contextual considerations serve as impediments to the adoption of LMOOCs. The study posits that it would be beneficial for EFL authorities in Vietnam and similar contexts to increase the provision of teacher education and professional development courses. This would help EFL instructors to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement teaching methodologies utilizing LMOOCs.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 1,692
This study investigates the impact of reading habits on English academic performance among Bhutanese higher secondary students using a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were collected from 378 participants, while qualitative data were gathered from 16 interviewees and one focus group discussion involving teachers, parents, and students from higher secondary schools. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed for quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that students’ reading habits positively influence academic performance in English. Moreover, the study highlighted the crucial roles of teachers and parents in fostering these habits. However, it underscored that modern challenges such as the pervasive use of information and communication technology threaten to diminish students’ reading habits. The study also identified barriers to regular reading, including difficulty comprehending texts, time constraints, inadequate guidance, unsupportive environments, limited resources, and restricted library access. Consequently, the study recommends collaborative efforts among parents, teachers, and schools to adopt diverse strategies and methods to promote and sustain reading habits among students.
number: /2024
CIT number: 0
Number of views: 6,654
Global learning measurement systems such as Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), and Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) have been widely used to compare the educational performance of different countries. However, these systems have some limitations that need to be considered. After analyzing 1,265 research articles on such measurement agendas, this article highlights blind spots and blackspots surrounding largescale metrics’ development, measurement, and implications. This commentary article emphasizes that essential factors about culture and diversity have yet to be included in such metrics, leading to monochrome paintings of the global education landscape rather than mosaics. Overall, we advocate for a strategic shift in developing and adopting such global measurement agendas.