درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The present explanatory mixed methods study was designed to investigate the difference between the effects of using the pyramid model of Willingness to Communicate (WTC) and Communicative Tasks (CTs) on reducing Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' speaking barriers. The participants were 57 Iranian EFL learners selected based on convenience sampling from a language institute in Tehran. The Preliminary English Test (PET) results verified their homogeneity. To foster a stronger spirit of cooperation among the participants, they were placed in three different classes based on their tendencies; hence, the researchers could consider them as three groups: the Pyramid Model Group (PMG), the Communicative Tasks Group (CTsG), and the Conventional Approach Group (CAG) each including 19 participants. The PMG received instructions pertaining to the six levels of PM in willingness to communicate (WTC), while the CTsG received instructions based on information gap, reasoning gap, and opinion gap activities. The CAG relied on the Audio-Lingual Method (ALM), which the institute regularly followed. Accordingly, the three groups went through pretesting, intervention, and post-testing. The participants completed a speaking barriers survey as pre- and post-tests. Then, ten participants from the three groups were randomly selected and interviewed about the impact of the methods they had experienced on their speaking barriers. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed the priority of the pyramid model of WTC over communicative tasks and conventional teaching in reducing learners' speaking barriers. The interview results also confirmed the quantitative findings indicating that anxiety, learners' low self-confidence, along with linguistic and instructional barriers could be reduced through being exposed to the pyramid model instructions. The results can be helpful for ELT professionals, EFL teachers and learners, and other stakeholders to hold more thriving L2 speaking classes.

This study investigates the role of euphemistic strategies in the manipulation of realities and persuasion within political discourse, focusing on speeches by American and Iranian politicians during the 2013-2015 nuclear negotiations. Employing Van Dijk's socio-cognitive model, the research conducts a comparative discourse analysis to identify and categorize euphemistic expressions used to justify policies, address controversial issues, and influence public opinion. The analysis reveals distinct patterns in the use of euphemistic strategies, with American politicians, such as John Kerry, frequently employing polarization and burden/topos, while Iranian politicians, like Mohammad Javad Zarif, emphasize evidentiality and positive self-presentation. These differences reflect varying rhetorical styles and objectives, highlighting how euphemisms serve as tools for ideological manipulation and audience persuasion. The study underscores the importance of understanding euphemistic language in political communication, offering insights into the mechanisms of public perception shaping and the legitimization of political agendas. By comparing English and Persian political discourses, this research contributes to cross-cultural discourse analysis and enhances critical discourse awareness, equipping audiences to deconstruct political rhetoric and recognize underlying persuasive techniques.

Task-based language assessment (TBLA) is a framework for language testing that takes the task as the fundamental unit for assessment and testing. This study was designed to investigate the impact of TBLA on Iranian Male and Female EFL learners’ idiomatic knowledge. To fulfill the objective, 40 learners ranging from 18 to 25 in age and studying at Bayan English Institute in Rasht, Iran, were selected from among 100 participants based on their performance on quick placement test (QPT). The study employed a true-experimental design in which the participants were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and two control groups. First, a pretest of idioms was administered. Then, the experimental groups received a sixteen-session treatment that was the treatment of Task-Based Assessment. Meanwhile, the control groups received a sixteen-session placebo. A posttest of idioms was then administered to all the participants. The use of UNIANOVA revealed that the experimental groups outperformed the control groups in learning idioms. Based on the findings of the present study, all stakeholders, particularly material developers and teachers are proposed to include idioms in language teaching so that remarkable opportunities for improving idiomatic knowledge among learners would be provided.

This study investigates EFL teachers’ perceptions of ChatGPT as a tool for English language instruction, focusing on its perceived benefits, challenges, and pedagogical implications. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten EFL teachers currently working in different language-related educational centers in Iran. Participants represented diverse educational contexts, including universities, public schools, and private language centers. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that while teachers generally expressed positive attitudes toward ChatGPT, recognizing its flexibility, time-saving capabilities, and potential to enhance students’ writing skills and learner autonomy, they also voiced concerns regarding overreliance, inaccuracies, ethical challenges related to academic dishonesty, and limitations in supporting listening and speaking skills. The findings suggest that ChatGPT is viewed as a supplementary educational tool rather than a replacement for traditional pedagogy. Teachers emphasized the necessity of critical supervision, ethical guidelines, and professional development to ensure effective and responsible integration of AI technologies in EFL instruction. This study contributes to the growing body of research on AI integration in education, offering practical insights for teachers, policymakers, and researchers seeking to harness the potential of AI in language learning while mitigating its challenges.

This study aimed to explore the key components of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to examine the lived experiences of adolescents with sensory impairments. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 31 participants recruited via online platforms. Theoretical saturation was reached, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of identity development in this population. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, with NVivo software facilitating the identification of core themes and subthemes. The results highlighted four primary themes shaping identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments. Personal identity formation was influenced by self-perception, emotional regulation, autonomy, and future aspirations. Social identity was shaped by peer relationships, family dynamics, social stigma, and the presence of mentors. Cultural and community belonging emerged as a significant factor, with participants emphasizing the role of cultural engagement, media representation, and community participation in shaping their identity. Coping strategies, including the use of assistive technologies, psychological resilience, and adaptive social skills, were found to play a crucial role in navigating identity-related challenges. These findings align with existing literature emphasizing the intersection of self-perception, social interactions, and cultural narratives in identity formation. The study underscores the complexity of identity development in adolescents with sensory impairments, highlighting the interplay between personal, social, cultural, and adaptive factors. The findings suggest that fostering inclusive educational environments, providing mentorship opportunities, and improving media representation can positively impact identity formation in this population. Further research is needed to explore identity development across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to develop targeted interventions.

mathematical resilience and academic achievement in mathematics among students in the humanities. The study employed a descriptive correlational design. A total of 282 eleventh and twelfth-grade students in the humanities (138 girls and 144 boys) from Tehran were selected using convenience sampling. Participants completed the Asher and Pajares Mathematical Self-Efficacy Scale, the Kooken et al. Mathematical Resilience Scale, and their mathematics academic achievement was assessed based on the average of their previous final grades. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. The results revealed that mathematical resilience and mathematical self-efficacy have a direct impact on the academic achievement in mathematics among students in the humanities. Furthermore, data analysis results indicated a significant relationship between mathematical resilience and academic achievement in mathematics among students in the humanities, mediated by mathematical self-efficacy. Therefore, mathematical resilience and mathematical self-efficacy play crucial roles in the academic advancement of students in the humanities, and incorporating these components into mathematics education can be effective in enhancing the academic achievement in mathematics among students in the humanities.

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of emotional self-regulation training on assertiveness skills and motivational beliefs in students.The research method was a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test type with a control group.From the statistical population, which included all sixth grade female students of Mirjaveh in the academic year of 1997-1998, using the purposeful sampling method, 40 people were randomly replaced in two experiment and control groups.The tools used were Gambrill and Ritchie's Daring Questionnaire (1975) and Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (1990).Covariance analysis method was also used to analyze the data. The results of the research showed that emotional self-regulation training was effective on students' assertiveness skills and motivational beliefs (p<0.01). Also, the effect of emotional self-regulation training on the components of motivational beliefs such as increasing self-efficacy and reducing exam's anxiety has also been positive and significant (p<0.01). But the results of the effect of emotional self-regulation training on internal valuation were not significant (p<0.05).Considering the negative consequences of weak motivational beliefs and assertiveness skills in students; Therefore, in order to strengthen these variables, it is suggested that emotional self-regulation be taught to students by teachers and education planners in the form of class discussions or empowerment workshops.

Exploring the disciplinary interface between English for specific purposes (ESP) and World Englishes (WEs), regarding the potential contributions of both disciplines to research on areas of shared interest, including TEFL and ESP Teachers’ attitudes are the center of current study. This investigation examines Iranian EFL and ESP teachers’ views on integrating WEs into ESP classes and assesses the English-speaking needs of ESP students. The study comprised 32 TEFL, 17 EFL, and 15 ESP teachers (16 male and 16 female, aged 30–67), using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach with quantitative questionnaires. Analysis of the data showed that subjects in both groups largely held remarkably positive views on WEs and felt ESP teaching should align with student objectives. More than two-thirds of participants disliked the current ESP syllabuses; however, only ESP teachers were unhappy with the teaching methods, cultural content, and textbook. The participants also showed complete dissatisfaction with their ESP students’ speaking abilities. It can be inferred that ESP course does not fully prepare the students to embark on their studies because it does not sufficiently consider learners’ speaking needs

This study aimed to investigate the impact of sensory processing sensitivity on emotional dysregulation in gifted students, examining the mediating role of anxiety sensitivity in this relationship. The research employed a descriptive correlational design, involving a sample of 390 gifted secondary school students from Isfahan city, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sampling table. Participants completed three validated Likert-based instruments: the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS), the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-27 for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, and AMOS-21 for structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess direct, indirect, and total effects among the variables. Model fit was evaluated using standard indices including RMSEA, CFI, TLI, and GFI. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated significant positive relationships between sensory processing sensitivity, anxiety sensitivity, and emotional dysregulation (r = .56 to .67, p < .001). The SEM results showed that sensory processing sensitivity had a significant direct effect on emotional dysregulation (β = .42, p < .001), and on anxiety sensitivity (β = .56, p < .001). Anxiety sensitivity also directly predicted emotional dysregulation (β = .49, p < .001). Importantly, anxiety sensitivity partially mediated the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and emotional dysregulation, with a significant indirect effect (β = .28, p < .001). The model demonstrated excellent fit indices (CFI = .96, RMSEA = .052, χ²/df = 2.07). The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing anxiety sensitivity as a key psychological mechanism linking sensory traits and emotional dysregulation in gifted youth. Interventions that integrate emotional regulation and sensitivity awareness may enhance educational and psychological outcomes for this population.

The present study aimed to determine the impact of the school ethical climate on academic engagement, emphasizing the mediating role of achievement emotions in students. This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of method. The statistical population included all female 11th and 12th-grade students in Zahedan during the 1404-1403 academic year, totaling 29,588 students. Based on the Krejcie-Morgan table, a sample size of 379 students (198 from 11th grade and 181 from 12th grade) was selected. The research tools included the Victor and Cullen Ethical Climate Questionnaire (1988), the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire by Pekrun et al. (2005), and the Academic Engagement Questionnaire by Reeve and Tseng (2011). The validity of the questionnaires was established through content validity, and their reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficients: 0.88 for the ethical climate questionnaire, 0.86 for the achievement emotions questionnaire, and 0.80 for the academic engagement questionnaire. Data analysis involved Pearson correlation coefficient and path analysis tests. The findings indicated that the school ethical climate had a direct positive effect on academic engagement and positive achievement emotions and a direct negative effect on negative achievement emotions. Additionally, positive achievement emotions had a direct positive effect on students' academic engagement, while negative achievement emotions had a direct negative effect. The results also highlighted that achievement emotions play a mediating and indirect role in the influence of the school ethical climate on students' academic engagement.

This study aimed to compare the effects of Automated Writing Evaluation Feedback (AWEF) and Peer Feedback (PF) on the development of self-regulation in writing among Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The participants consisted of 58 intermediate-level Persian-speaking English learners, aged 25 to 30, enrolled in two intact IELTS preparation classes at a private language institute in Tehran. The learners were assigned into two experimental groups: one group (n = 30) received peer feedback, while the other (n = 28) received automated feedback through ProWritingAid. To assess the impact of these interventions, data were collected using the Writing Strategies for Self-Regulated Learning Questionnaire (WSSRLQ), semi-structured interviews, and classroom observations. Quantitative analysis using independent samples t-tests revealed significant improvements in self-regulation scores for both groups post-intervention, with the AWEF group showing a significantly greater increase. Qualitative analysis of interview and observation data further supported these findings, indicating that AWEF participants engaged in more structured and proactive revision practices, while PF participants developed greater reflective awareness and emotional resilience through collaborative interaction. Triangulated results confirmed that both feedback types positively influenced self-regulated writing behaviors, with AWEF demonstrating a stronger overall impact.

This study offers a full symbolic interactionist examination of Anne Tyler's novel A Slipping-Down Life, examining how identity is developed, acted out, and challenged by symbolic movements, emotional labor, and social recognition. With a focus on the protagonist Evie Decker, this study takes up seven primary questions of inquiry about the formation of identity in terms of performance, the influence of gender expectations, the utilization of music and silence as communication, and the intersections of trauma, emotion, and resistance in terms of negotiating identity. Basing itself on the classic theoretical models constructed by Mead, Blumer, Goffman, and Cooley—and recent reformulations and explications provided by Charmaz, Burke and Stets, and feminist theorists such as Butler and Gilligan—this article places Evie's transformation within generic sociological and psychological contexts. Through acts of self-scarification, deliberate silence, and remaking maternity roles, Evie operates within a condition of marginality and misrecognition. Her experience demonstrates identity as an active, networked, and emotional process, with a strong impact of gender roles and social norms. The research points out that literature, and especially texts richly textured with sociological context, such as Tyler's, offers a fertile backdrop for comprehending identity formation as an emotional, symbolic, and performative process. By drawing upon knowledge from narrative psychology, feminist theory, and cultural sociology, this study highlights the benefit of applying interdisciplinary approaches to literary analysis and the sociological imagination.