مطالب

The existence of subjective facts in the epistemic sense defined by Thomas Nagel’s famous article, “What is it like to be a bat?” might be taken to support an anti-physicalist conclusion. I argue that it does not. The combination of nonreductive physicalism and teleo-pragmatic functionalism is not only consistent with such subjective facts but predicts their existence. The notion that conscious minds are self-understanding autopoietic systems plays a key role in the argument. Global Neuronal Workspace Theory is assessed in terms of its potential to answer David Chalmers’ Hard Problem of consciousness. A suggestion is made for augmenting the theory that involves another sense in which facts about conscious experience are subjective. The idea of conscious minds as self-understanding systems again plays an important role.

The study examines the effects of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) on intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ L2 autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived locus of causality. Given the evolving paradigms of language teaching, SDLMI values ​​autonomy, competence and connectedness in teaching instruction and offers a distinctive approach. Drawing on contemporary motivational theories, the study examines how SDLMI impacts these key dimensions in intermediate EFL learners compared to a traditional instructional approach. Participants from four EFL classrooms completed SDLMI in the experimental group and conventional instruction in the control group. Instruments included the Preliminary English Test, motivational questionnaires, and SDLMI-based assessments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests. Descriptive statistics for both groups (mean and SD) were calculated. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare the means between the experimental group and the control group and to examine possible significant differences in the effect of SDLMI on autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, and perceived locus of causality. The study contributes to instructional practices, advocating for autonomy-supportive strategies in fostering holistic language. 

A sustained, school-based approach that offers in-service EFL teachers opportunities for collaboration in creating an environment that promotes their capacity-building and instructional growth is necessary for their professional growth. This study aimed to contribute to the growing body of research on the effect of distributed leadership in teacher professional learning. Specifically, this study scrutinized the connection between distributed leadership and professional learning of teachers, focusing on the mediating role of teacher agency. A cross-sectional survey design was applied, collecting data from 458 teachers in Iran. Teacher Professional Learning Scale, Teacher Agency Scale, and Distributed Leadership Scale were completed by them. Structural equation modelling was run to analyze the relationship between variables. The findings revealed a minimal direct relationship between distributed leadership and the professional learning of teachers, with teacher agency acting as a major mediating factor. These results contribute to existing research by suggesting that distributed leadership may not have a substantial direct effect on teacher learning, but rather indirectly improves teacher agency.

Background: Market strategy design involves the analysis of market position, identification of market opportunities, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of an organization. It aims to create favorable competitive conditions by defining different market segments. In recent years, researchers have made efforts to develop models that can effectively determine ideal marketing strategies and promote their alignment and synergy at the organizational level.Objective: This study aims to design a comprehensive marketing strategy development and alignment model, which has been relatively understudied in academic research.Method: The present research builds upon the Strategic Reference Points (SRP, S) theory and utilizes thematic analysis to formulate a new framework and strategic reference points for an industry-specific marketing strategy. It also addresses the coordination between marketing strategies at both the business and corporate levels, employing the Delta model.Findings: A thematic network analysis was conducted based on interviews with industry experts. The research findings identified key dimensions of strategic reference points and provided theoretical and operational definitions of the power industry concept. These dimensions, namely "customer engagement" and "switching costs," were incorporated into the final model design. Leveraging the Delta model, the study resulted in the formulation of the Lock-in marketing strategy model. The research findings and the proposed model offer valuable insights and practical strategies to overcome current industry challenges, enhance agility, and facilitate effective decision-making in the field.