مطالب

Research within EFL education highlights specific challenges in fostering critical reading and collaborative learning skills among students, extending to the implementation of Virtual Literature Circle (VLC). Notable issues include persistently low engagement levels and limited participation observed within conventional instructional methods. Moreover, there exists a substantial gap in providing meaningful collaborative learning experiences in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts, emphasizing the need for alternative approaches. This study investigated the impact of VLC within a Critical Reading class tailored for EFL students. Through a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design involving a cohort of 25 EFL students at STKIP PGRI Sidoarjo, the study examined their engagement with VLC and subsequent skill development. The findings revealed promising advancements, with students demonstrating increased engagement and active participation during VLC sessions. Additionally, students reported enhanced critical reading skills and a deeper understanding of literary texts through collaborative discussions within VLC. However, challenges persist, including the importance of diversified group dynamics, structured facilitation, and support mechanisms. Notably, students expressed a preference for the collaborative learning format facilitated by VLC over traditional instructional methods. These findings underscore the critical importance of VLC in addressing challenges and enhancing collaborative learning experiences for EFL students.

Novel viewpoints see the façade as a multi-functional component that should simultaneously meet functional and aesthetic requirements. These requirements need to be evaluated using a state-of-the-art approach. Although façade performance assessments are seen in the literature, studies that investigate the aesthetics and performance of façades rarely can be found together. Reviewing the approaches, methodologies, and criteria utilized to assess façades can draw a vision of the background for those who intend to develop a method for façade evaluation based on a novel perspective. This study aims to investigate recent research to discover approaches to façades. An exploratory case study methodology was applied to implement this aim, while the data collection method was library-based. Content analysis was employed via logical reasoning to determine the approaches, methods, and criteria of façade evaluations. Also, open and axial coding was used to organize the criteria extracted. The found approaches were "sustainability," "buildability," "life cycle assessment," "competing objectives," "performance," and "general," while the most frequent ones were "performance" and "sustainability" after "general." Previous façade-focused research methodologies were concentrated on five methodologies: multicriteria decision-making (MCDM), simulation, optimization, library-based, and hybrid. The most popular method was MCDM. Extraction of criteria demonstrated that "Costs," "Thermal performance," “Environmental impacts,” and “Durability” are respectively the trend ones with the highest frequency of presentation. To conclude, the façade as a multi-functional element needs to be assessed with state-of-the-art methods that consider all the required functions of a façade, including aesthetics. In contrast, Conventional methods cannot provide such a service.

SUBJECT & OBJECTIVES: This article examines the moral principles and norms required by legislators, particularly parliamentarians, from the perspective of Islamic teachings, which is significant for crafting appropriate codes of conduct. It aims to differentiate the unique professional ethics requirements for parliamentarians within a religious democratic context like the Islamic Republic of Iran. Additionally, it identifies potential conflicts or synergies between Islamic ethics and global ethical standards. METHOD & FINDING: The approach includes a comparative analysis, looking at contemporary practices of ethical code development, alongside a focused review of Islamic religious texts and their interpretations regarding moral governance. Key findings suggest that trustworthiness, confidentiality, consultation, and adherence to the law stand out as crucial ethical obligations. Moreover, the article highlights the potential pitfalls of not adhering to these ethical standards, such as the loss of public trust and the erosion of the legislative body's effectiveness. The approach includes a comparative analysis, looking at contemporary practices of ethical code development, alongside a focused review of Islamic religious texts and their interpretations regarding moral governance. Key findings suggest that trustworthiness, confidentiality, consultation, and adherence to the law stand out as crucial ethical obligations. Moreover, the article highlights the potential pitfalls of not adhering to these ethical standards, such as the loss of public trust and the erosion of the legislative body's effectiveness.CONCLUSION: The development of a comprehensive moral framework for parliamentarians is not only a foundational step in enhancing the integrity of governance but also crucial for maintaining public trust and accountability. Islamic teachings provide a robust foundation for these ethical norms, emphasizing the importance of moral conduct in leadership roles. By adhering to these principles, legislators can ensure more effective governance and a greater alignment with the public's interests, which ultimately strengthens the overall democratic structure.