درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The primary objective of this research was to explore how the mindsets and perseverance of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Iran impact their well-being. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), data from 375 EFL teachers, selected through convenience sampling, were analyzed. The results revealed a direct and positive correlation between a teacher's growth mindset and their well-being. Additionally, the study found that the relationship between a teacher's growth mindset and well-being was influenced by their level of grit. These findings suggest that educators can significantly contribute to fostering growth mindsets and perseverance among EFL teachers, thus improving their well-being. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of these teacher characteristics in enhancing the well-being of EFL instructors and offers practical guidance for educators aiming to support them.  

The following paper was designed to focus on how learners’ process different communication inputs (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) and secondly, how gender differences play a significant role in this process. However, materials and instruction methods must also affect individual responses to given tasks. A study on these issues will necessitate the development of gender sensitive instructional materials with a special focus on improving individual comprehension strategies. First year graduate students with English as a compulsory subject of the two selected institutions were taken for our study. In this paper we have reported the differences between the male and female attitudes of the learners and their beliefs in acquiring LSRW skills for learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Survey questionnaires (through Google forms) and interview questions were designed. One sample T-test and paired sample test were taken whereas, interview question responses were analysed to validate the data. The findings revealed that average responses regarding the difficulty of listening skills are statistically significant and correlation between male students learning listening skills are better in the collaborative learning environment whereas the female students depict a positive and moderate correlation for the same. However, it is also found that there is no significant difference between the overall performance of female and male students and the implications have been discussed in the paper.

This article investigates language assessment literacy (LAL), among tertiary EFL teachers in Indonesia, a crucial area that remains under-explored within the context of EFL education. LAL is conceived as knowledge, skills, and competencies required in designing, administering, and interpreting language assessments, contributing to high quality learning and teaching practices. Despite their importance, there has been little knowledge of Indonesian EFL teachers with regard to LAL levels, particularly in higher education. This study bridges the gap and investigates teachers' knowledge of the fundamental assessment principles (validity, reliability and practicality), their ability to put assessment practices into a classroom, the challenges they face in interpreting assessment data to inform instruction, and experience in assessing language skills and components. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, using surveys and interviews with 297 EFL teachers at various higher education institutions (102) in Indonesia. It points out that EFL teachers in Indonesia face common obstacles to LAL training, especially in the practical application of assessment knowledge. This finding underlines the need for well-rounded professional development programs to improve teachers' LAL, focusing on some aspects of language assessment practice. The study concludes with some recommendations on how teacher education programs and assessment practices can be improved in the EFL context in Indonesia. A key recommendation is that institutions and policymakers should integrate comprehensive LAL programs into teacher education curricula for both pre-service and in-service training.

To identify the effectiveness of online observation for teaching, this study explored teachers’ conceptions of online classroom observation, focusing on the key components, instructional design considerations, and delivery strategies in virtual teaching environments. More particularly, in this multi-method qualitative research design study, the researchers did document analysis of a number of available classroom observation sheets to derive some themes and sub-themes regarding the components of online classroom observation. Subsequently, based on the derived themes, semi-structured interview items were composed. Through purposive sampling, eight Iranian experienced online classroom observers were selected to be interviewed. Using MAXQDA to do content and thematic analysis, the researchers found the eight components of instructional design and delivery, technology integration, student engagement and interaction, professional development and support, feedback provision, assessment of students’ learning and achievement, inclusive practices, and instructor presence and support in the data. Moreover, it was found that the integration of technology was highlighted to optimize observation experiences, student engagement, and instructional support. These findings have implications for professional development programs, re-evaluation of assessment practices, instructor presence, and technology integration in online learning contexts, all of which are crucial for equipping EFL instructors with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective online teaching.

This article examines the evolution of teacher education in Iran, with a specific focus on English language teacher training. Utilizing a qualitative analysis of historical documents, the study identifies six distinct periods in this evolution. The first period marks the foundation of teacher education with the establishment of the Dar al-Fonun School. The second period saw the formalization of teacher education through the Central and Higher Teacher Training Colleges. In the third period, teacher training expanded with the creation of Preliminary and Higher Colleges, focusing on multidisciplinary fields, including the French language. The fourth period introduced specialized programs, such as English language teaching, which replaced French. During the fifth period, teacher training centers reached their peak and then declined. Finally, the sixth period marks a shift in the educational system’s approach to teacher education, highlighted by the establishment of Farhangian University. Throughout these periods, English language teacher curricula evolved from classical and structural approaches to communicative and interactive methods. This shift not only highlights the changing pedagogical landscape in Iran but also underscores the need for curricula that better prepare teachers for contemporary classroom dynamics. The findings showcase the developmental trajectory of teacher education in Iran, emphasizing the need to address future challenges.

The present study is an attempt to examine the impact of flipped language learning (FLL) on vocabulary learning and retention, focusing both on concrete and abstract words. In addition, the learners’ attitudes towards implementing FLL were surveyed. To this end, drawing on the mixed-methods design, a group of 40 intermediate language learners (n=20 for each gender), within the age range of 12 to 16, was selected through convenience sampling from Parseh English Institute in Zanjan, Iran. In line with the quantitative strand, the results of the pre-knowledge test and learning test for experimental and control groups were compared to evaluate their achievement. After a two-week interval, the participants’ scores were compared with the scores obtained in the retention test. After applying the treatment, a questionnaire about learners’ attitudes considering FLL was distributed to the experimental group. A semi-structured interview was also conducted to triangulate the survey results. The data were analyzed using a paired samples t-test, ANCOVA, and descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that FLL improved the performance of the experimental group in learning and retention of concrete and abstract words. The results of the analysis, nevertheless, do not substantiate the role of gender as a moderating variable. The analysis of the questionnaire and the interview also suggested learners’ favorable views regarding this kind of learning. Finally, it was concluded that FLL was efficiently applicable in English vocabulary didactics.

Assessing language skills in an integrative form has drawn the attention of assessment experts in recent years. While some research data exists on integrative listening/reading-to-write assessment, there is comparatively little research literature on listening-to-speak integrated assessment. Also, little attention has been devoted to the role of individual attributes within the context of integrated assessment. The objective of the current research was to investigate the relationship between integrated listening/speaking assessment and individual characteristics of ambiguity tolerance (AT), use of cognitive/metacognitive strategies, and foreign language anxiety (FLA). Oxford Quick Placement Test was used to homogenize 60 EFL learners in terms of language proficiency (B2-C1). Additionally, integrated listening/speaking performances were collected using sample TOEFL-iBT tests. The transcribed spoken samples were evaluated by two raters using TOEFL-iBT rubrics in terms of overall description, delivery, language use, and topic development. Additionally, information on individual characteristics was gathered by means of 3 different questionnaires. Data analysis revealed that FLA had a negative relationship while AT and the use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies had a positive correlation with integrated listening/speaking test performance. Individual differences have generally been neglected in the assessment literature, but this study revealed that performance on integrated listening/speaking tests can be affected by language-irrelevant constructs such as individual attributes in addition to test-takers’ language competence.

Extensive research has been conducted on the intersection of digital games and AI, exploring how it impacts the diverse variables of education, such as proficiency, vocabulary, and motivation. However, there is a lack of studies that have comprehensively assessed the combined impact of digital games and AI applications on enhancing six aspects of vocabulary. This study focused on finding the possible effect of using the combination of digital games and the Artificial Intelligence Chat GPT application technique (AIGames) on developing the 7th-grade EFL learners’ vocabulary acquisition and their attitude toward such a technique. Based on an experimental and descriptive design, a quantitative approach was used. The participants were assigned to two groups randomly: the experimental group, which studied using this technique, and the control group, which was taught using the regular instruction method. The study used two instruments: a pre-posttest and an attitude scale (questionnaire). The findings revealed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in vocabulary learning due to using the AIGames technique in favor of the experimental group. The post-test results (Table 2) revealed significant improvements across all six vocabulary aspects, with the largest gains in denotation (experimental group: M=7.82 vs. control: M=4.56) and spelling (M=7.59 vs. 5.38). Pronunciation showed the slightest improvement (M=5.41 vs. 3.69), suggesting that the AIGames technique was less effective for this aspect. The study also showed that most participants in the experimental group had a positive attitude towards using the new technique in learning vocabulary. Moreover, the study revealed no correlation between the experimental students’ achievement in vocabulary and their perception of using the AIGames technique.

This quasi-experimental study, grounded in cognitive theory, examined the impact of written corrective feedback (WCF) on specific components of writing: grammar, vocabulary, and mechanics. The research aimed to determine the effectiveness of targeted WCF on A2-level English language learners' writing proficiency. Participants comprised 110 students enrolled in online English classes at a secondary school, delivered via the SHAD application over a nine-month period. Students were randomly assigned to three treatment groups, each receiving WCF focused on either grammar (n=46), vocabulary (n=32), or mechanics (n=32). To measure writing improvement, all participants completed the A2 Key examination as both a pre-test and a post-test. Analysis of gain scores indicated that technology-mediated WCF was generally effective in enhancing writing skills across all three categories. Specifically, improvements were observed in grammar (4.32), vocabulary (4.84), and mechanics (3.81) following the intervention. However, statistical analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of WCF across the three error categories (F (1,107) = 1.92, ρ = .151). This suggests that while WCF improved writing performance in all areas, the degree of improvement did not vary significantly depending on whether the feedback focused on grammar, vocabulary, or mechanics. These findings offer valuable insights for educators, students, teacher training programs, and curriculum developers, informing the design and implementation of targeted feedback strategies in online language learning environments.

Evaluating research designs plays a pivotal role in promoting principled Mixed Methods Research (MMR). Although the quality of mixed methods designs has been among the most debated topics, scant attention has been drawn to the investigation of Applied Linguistics (AL) Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC) journals. Informed by this gap, the present exploratory sequential mixed methods study aimed at analyzing the research designs, tools of data collection, and purposes of 303 MMR articles published in 12 leading ISC journals. This involved a qualitative content analysis using a code sheet based on established MMR typologies, followed by a quantitative frequency analysis to determine the prevalence of these coded categories. The findings indicated that sequential designs were more frequently used in the corpus. Moreover, as regards the tools of data collection, questionnaires and interviews were the most commonly utilized ones. Finally, exploration purpose was the prime purpose opted for by the researchers in the study corpus. The study highlights the importance of conducting principled MMR through the reconceptualization of designs from method to methodology level. It further argues for a systemic view of MMR in which there is a cyclic interaction among fully integrated stages of an MMR design. The implications of the findings are discussed throughout the paper.

Modality is a linguistic device used to express concepts such as necessity, obligation, probability, commitment, and assumption in language. To fully describe events, situations, or people's attitudes, the use of verbs or noun phrases alone is not sufficient. Modality serves as an essential tool in all human languages for accurately conveying meaning. This study provides a theoretical analysis of modality in Laki, focusing on the modal functions of the element [maw] within Palmer’s (2001) framework. In addition to its role in forming compound verbs in Laki, [maw] also has a modal function. The analysis demonstrates that this element conveys the modal meanings of possibility and permission. It is a commuting term that takes on different meanings in various contexts. It also appears once in a sentence before the lexical verb and is not inflected. Based on these four criteria, [maw] can be considered a modal auxiliary verb. This element represents event modality of permissive deontic in the Laki language. 

The integration of technology into education, especially in English Language Teaching (ELT), has transformed learning experiences, fostering increased engagement, motivation, and improved outcomes. Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has emerged as a promising tool within this paradigm, offering unique opportunities for language learners. This study examines the impact of MALL on the attitudes, cognitive load, and performance of Iranian EFL learners. The participants were divided into treatment and control groups, with the treatment group using the ELSA app for pronunciation improvement. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and pronunciation assessments. The findings revealed that learners had a positive attitude towards pronunciation learning via MALL, experienced a reduction in cognitive load, and demonstrated a negative correlation between cognitive load and pronunciation performance. The integration of technology into education, especially in English Language Teaching (ELT), has transformed learning experiences, fostering increased engagement, motivation, and improved outcomes. Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has emerged as a promising tool within this paradigm, offering unique opportunities for language learners. This study examines the impact of MALL on the attitudes, cognitive load, and performance of Iranian EFL learners. The participants were divided into treatment and control groups, with the treatment group using the ELSA app for pronunciation improvement. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and pronunciation assessments. The findings revealed that learners had a positive attitude towards pronunciation learning via MALL, experienced a reduction in cognitive load, and demonstrated a negative correlation between cognitive load and pronunciation performance.

This research investigated the immediate and delayed impacts of two types of input instruction, structured input instruction(SII) and consciousness-raising instruction (CRI), on the pragmatic performance of EFL learners in terms of accuracy. For this purpose, 90 intermediate-level students of a language center in Karaj, Iran were selected based on convenience sampling and their performance on Oxford Placement Test (OPT). The participants were then randomly assigned into three groups. Next, after administering a written discourse completion test (WDCT) as their pretest, the participants in the two experimental groups (structured input and consciousness-raising) had eight sessions of treatment. This was followed by an immediate WDCT posttest, and after a two-week time interval by a delayed WDCT posttest to assess their pragmatic accuracy. Two raters scored the participants` pragmatic accuracy on the pre-test, immediate post-test, and delayed post-test. Three repeated-measures two-way ANOVAs were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the participants of the experimental groups performed significantly better on immediate and delayed post-tests regarding pragmatic accuracy. However, no significant difference was found between the structured input instruction and consciousness-raising instruction on improving the EFL learners’ pragmatic accuracy. Discussion of the findings, implications of the results and suggestions for further studies have all been presented at the end of the work.

Cet article examine l’approche de la mise en œuvre des compétences de compréhension de l’écrit dans les cours de langue française en Iran. Les données étudiées dans cette recherche ont été recueillies par le biais de questionnaires, d’entretiens et d’observations en classe. Les objectifs de cette étude sont de comprendre les perspectives et les opinions des apprenants et des enseignants concernant les compétences de compréhension de l’écrit, d’examiner les approches pédagogiques utilisées et d’identifier les obstacles existants dans ce domaine. En conséquence, des suggestions spécifiques pour améliorer l’approche pédagogique de la compréhension de l’écrit sont fournies. Les résultats de cette étude indiquent que les apprenants ont des compréhensions différentes de divers éléments liés à la compréhension de l’écrit, y compris la nécessité de lire rapidement pour accomplir les exercices, de passer du temps pour une compréhension approfondie des textes, etc. De plus, les réponses des enseignants soulignent l’importance de la flexibilité, de l’utilisation de ressources diversifiées et de l’implication active des apprenants. Les résultats obtenus de ces conclusions sont discutés pour l’enseignement de la langue française, mettant en évidence la nécessité de sensibiliser les apprenants et les enseignants à l’importance de la mise en œuvre de stratégies efficaces de compréhension de l’écrit.

The present study aimed to develop a teaching competency framework for Iranian English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers by conducting interviews with 30 teachers and head teachers in the field of ELT across multiple regions in Iran. The study utilized MAXQDA 20.2.1 to conduct a thematic analysis in three phases. Intercoder reliability (ICR) testing demonstrated a significant level of agreement. The findings indicated that an effective contextualized teaching competency framework for ELT teachers should consist of six key components: professional attributes focusing on teaching-specific characteristics, skills representing practical teaching abilities, knowledge encompassing subject-matter expertise, general qualifications including foundational requirements, personal attributes, and goals and values. Fifty-nine indicators were identified and strategically linked to established reference frameworks for ELT teacher competencies. The developed framework contributes to a novel organization of ELT teaching competencies. Key findings revealed that linguistic competency, inclusivity, student bonding, pedagogical knowledge, organizational skills, and teaching passion emerged as critical indicators within the Iranian ELT context. The framework's strength lies in its systematically developed structure based on expert insights and comprehensive literature analysis that offers brevity in design while maintaining comprehensiveness. These features would make it particularly applicable for Iranian ELT settings while providing a replicable model for broader international contexts. Future research should explore longitudinal studies to understand the changes that transpire over time. Moreover, integrating the perspectives of English language learners and high school students could enhance the practicality and applicability of these frameworks.

The common belief regarding the lack of interaction in online education raises some concerns about students’ psychological well-being and the satisfaction of their needs. The relations between teaching and social presences as the two major factors accounting for social-contextual conditions in online education with students' basic psychological needs satisfaction, persistence, and motivation are mostly ignored in the context of teaching English in higher education in Iraq. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the interrelationships between the perception of social and teaching presences and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, persistence, intrinsic motivation, and negative emotions of Iraqi EFL learners in online courses. To this end, 200 intermediate Iraqi university students studying English at the English departments of several institutions of higher education were recruited to participate in the study. Then they were asked to complete self-report questionnaires on their perception of social and teaching presence, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, intention to persist, intrinsic motivation, and negative emotions. The link for questionnaires was shared among the participants via email. SEM analysis showed that the students’ perceptions of social and teaching presence had a positive relationship with their satisfaction of basic psychological needs, persistence, and intrinsic motivation. The results, however, showed that there was a negative relationship between the students’ perceptions of social and teaching presences and boredom, anxiety, and shame. The results imply that providing opportunities for students to interact effectively with their instructors and peers in online classes in a socially supportive environment can lead to positive outcomes. The implications for online teaching and learning are discussed, and suggestions for further research are proposed.

Cette étude voudrait examiner l'impact des textes médiateurs sur la compréhension orale chez les apprenants du français langue étrangère. Deux groupes d'apprenants ont été comparés à travers une série d'exercices de compréhension orale. L'étude vise à évaluer l'effet des textes médiateurs sur l'optimisation de la charge cognitive et l'accès au contenu global. Cet article met l'accent sur le rôle crucial de la médiation cognitive en tant que stratégie clé pour renforcer la compréhension orale et facilite la réception du contenu du document entendu en orientant l'attention vers une compréhension plus approfondie. La cognition, impliquant la mémoire et l'attention, est au cœur de notre approche, en se servant des textes médiateurs préparant cognitivement à l'écoute. La méthodologie comprend une étude sur le terrain avec les groupes expérimental et témoin, et l’analyse de leurs performances. Les résultats révèlent une certaine amélioration chez le groupe expérimental, confirmant que les textes médiateurs optimisent la charge cognitive et facilitent l'accès au contenu. Nous pouvons constater que le nombre croissant de bonnes réponses lors des exercices d’écoute aussi bien que les réponses données au questionnaire illustrent ces améliorations, le tout affirme ainsi le succès des textes médiateurs comme outil de préparation cognitive.