Number 2 Volume 3

Open Access Article

1 - Investigating the Level of TPACK among Iranian EFL Teachers in Relation to their Educational Background and Teaching Experience
Afshin Mansouri Qadikolaei Amir Marzban Ebrahim Fakhri Alamdari

This survey research looked at Iranian EFL teachers’ level of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) in connection to their educational background and teaching experience. The survey included 104 Iranian EFL teachers from several branches of the Iran More

This survey research looked at Iranian EFL teachers’ level of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) in connection to their educational background and teaching experience. The survey included 104 Iranian EFL teachers from several branches of the Iran Language Institute (ILI). The TPACK Self-Assessment Questionnaire (Baser et al., 2016) was used to measure the participants’ scores in different TPACK Questionnaire components (TK, CK, PK, PCK, TCK, TPK, and TPCK). The results showed that among the participants at different educational levels, there was no significant difference considering their scores in TK, CK, PK, PCK, TPK, and TPCK. However, when it comes to TCK scores, the MA participants outperformed the BA ones. The findings also showed that the more experienced participants outperformed the less experienced ones in terms of their obtained scores in PK, PCK, and TPCK. However, there was no significant difference between the more experienced and less experienced participants’ TK, CK, TCK, and TPK scores. The study’s findings indicated the importance of hosting TPACK workshops for language teachers who require more training in this area. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

2 - A Content Analysis of Multicultural Representations of Textbooks in Expanding Circle Countries: A Case of Vision Series in Iran
Mahdieh Sadeghzadegan Mojtaba Mohammadi Abdollah Baradaran

With the dissemination of the concept of intercultural citizenship and the growing demand for citizens to communicate in settings with a kaleidoscopic array of cultural diversity, EFL textbooks should reflect these multicultural values besides their attention to languag More

With the dissemination of the concept of intercultural citizenship and the growing demand for citizens to communicate in settings with a kaleidoscopic array of cultural diversity, EFL textbooks should reflect these multicultural values besides their attention to language. This study examines cultural contents/themes from written passages and pictures of Vision series, the Iranian senior high school textbooks. To this end, the cultural contents (source, target, international cultures) and cultural themes (big ‘C’ and little ‘c’) were qualitatively extracted. The results of the quantitative content analysis revealed that there were not any significant differences among the three books in terms of cultural categories. However, source cultural content gained higher frequency as compared to others; Big ‘C’ themes gained statistically more frequency than the little ‘c’ which could be the aftermath of the authors’ sole focus on L1 communicative competence. The study further concludes that the textbooks failed to foster intercultural communicative competence and intercultural communication. The findings have implications for syllabus designers and material developers to integrate the principles of English as an international language in their practice by further including target and international cultural content types. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

3 - Hidden Reasons behind the Plagiarism of Iranian TEFL University Students in Their Written Studies: A Qualitative Study
Vahid Ghorbani Mehrnoosh Mashmool Golshad Daliche Ata Hamed Zarabi

In recent years, the issue of plagiarism has received a lot of attention from the academic world. However, few studies have been conducted in the area of detecting why students will be drawn into such a hateful action. The factors that overtly or covertly contribute to More

In recent years, the issue of plagiarism has received a lot of attention from the academic world. However, few studies have been conducted in the area of detecting why students will be drawn into such a hateful action. The factors that overtly or covertly contribute to the growth of plagiarism among graduate TEFL students in Iran were investigated in this study. In order to accomplish this, the researchers conducted a semi-structured interview with 20 graduate students studying English language teaching to ascertain their perceptions of the underlying causes of plagiarism. Based on the data collected from the content analysis procedure, the main causes of plagiarism among TEFL students include ‘low English proficiency’, ‘lack of time’, ‘lack of support from the instructor’, ‘lack of interest in the topic, ‘laziness or a lack of motivation’, and ‘the use of science as a market for money making. The current study is of high significance since it has vital implications for academics teaching in higher education, TEFL university students, curriculum developers, and EAP/ESP specialists. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

4 - Developing and Validating a Model of Classroom Management Literacy for Iranian EFL Teachers
Zohreh Jafari Leila Anjomshoa Neda Fatehi Rad

The researchers noticed the empty place of a model of classroom management literacy for Iranian EFL teachers in the extant literature. By employing a mixed-methods design, this research developed a model of classroom management literacy for Iranian EFL teachers. To achi More

The researchers noticed the empty place of a model of classroom management literacy for Iranian EFL teachers in the extant literature. By employing a mixed-methods design, this research developed a model of classroom management literacy for Iranian EFL teachers. To achieve this aim, 30 Iranian EFL teachers who were experienced and Ph.D. holders in TEFL, participated in the qualitative phase via random sampling method from virtual groups of high school EFL teachers in WhatsApp or Telegram. Moreover, 300 Iranian EFL teachers as the participants of the qualitative phase were conveniently selected to participate in the quantitative phase. Data collection was done via a closed-ended questionnaire, an open-ended questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview. In the qualitative stage, a model of classroom management literacy was developed, involved the grounded theory-based data analysis. In the quantitative phase, using Structural Equation Modeling (SPSS and AMOS 24 software), the developed model of classroom management literacy for Iranian EFL teachers was exposed to validity and reliability analysis. According to the qualitative and quantitative results, a model of classroom management literacy for Iranian EFL teachers developed in two main categories, including knowledge resources of classroom management and classroom management practices. These two categories consisted of some sub-categories. At a more specific level, these two categories were sub-categorized into some strategies. Moreover, the results showed that the developed model of classroom management literacy for Iranian EFL teachers was of high validity and reliability. The findings have some implications for EFL teacher education researchers, policymakers, curriculum developers, and teachers. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

5 - Complementary Relationship between Dynamic Assessment and Traditional Testing
Ogholgol Nazari

There have been different approaches to assess students’ learning in language teaching classes. Traditional standardized testing and dynamic assessment have been used in language classes. While traditional testing is considered a product-oriented approach, dynamic More

There have been different approaches to assess students’ learning in language teaching classes. Traditional standardized testing and dynamic assessment have been used in language classes. While traditional testing is considered a product-oriented approach, dynamic assessment is believed to focus on the process of learning and assist it. Existing literature is replete with different definitions of dynamic assessment. However, different attempts in defining dynamic assessment mainly contrast it with traditional testing. This has resulted in the conception that these two approaches are contradictory and their complementary relationship is not well acknowledged. This article, taking a postmodernist perspective, in general, chaotic/complexity view point in particular, and advocating a relativistic perspective, is an attempt to highlight the complementary relationship between these two approaches i.e., traditional testing and dynamic assessment. In so doing, it deals with defining and comparing these two approaches and considers two views on their relationship including their contradictory and complementary relationships. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

6 - Mobile Assisted Language Learning: Investigating Receptive and Productive Vocabulary Knowledge of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners
Abbas Pourhossein Gilakjani Seyede Fateme Khodashenas

This study investigated the impact of mobile-assisted language learning on mastering receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge by Iranian EFL learners. The sample of this study included 140 male and female learners from Andisheh Language Institute, Langroud, Iran. F More

This study investigated the impact of mobile-assisted language learning on mastering receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge by Iranian EFL learners. The sample of this study included 140 male and female learners from Andisheh Language Institute, Langroud, Iran. Following a Quick Placement Test, 100 intermediate learners were randomly divided into two groups of 50 to conduct the research. Then the treatment began, the experimental group received Beelinguapp as an educational app, whereas the control group used paper word cards. Finally, learners in both groups were given a posttest of CAT and VKS to see if there were any differences in receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge between the experimental and control groups. The data were statistically analyzed using Paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test, ANCOVA, Wilcoxon signed, and Mann Whitney tests. The findings revealed that there is a significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in terms of receptive vocabulary knowledge in the post-test. That is, the participants in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group in receptive vocabulary knowledge. It was also observed that there is no difference between using mobile applications and paper word cards in terms of productive vocabulary knowledge. Pedagogical implications for integrating technology tools in enhancing learners’ vocabulary knowledge are discussed. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

7 - The Effect of Genre-Based Instruction on Iranian Middle School Students’ Argumentative Writing: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Aliakbar Tajik Neda Hedayat Neda Gharagozloo

Acquiring writing skills is more difficult compared to other three skills because writing skills require mastery of many different linguistic elements of the language that are beyond what is just taught in the standard curriculum. Therefore, EFL teachers should adopt ef More

Acquiring writing skills is more difficult compared to other three skills because writing skills require mastery of many different linguistic elements of the language that are beyond what is just taught in the standard curriculum. Therefore, EFL teachers should adopt effective strategies and techniques to develop the students' proficiency to write well. This study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of genre-based instruction as a teaching strategy on the Iranian middle school students' proficiency in argumentative writing. To do so, a mixed method design was adopted in which 40 EFL students were selected based on a multi stage sampling procedure form high schools in Varamin, Iran. A researcher-made writing test and a perception questionnaire were used to collect the quantitative data. Cronbach's alpha was used to check the internal consistency of the questionnaire. The participants were grouped into genre-based instruction class (GBIC) and control class (CC). Before they began the writing lessons, the students were given a pretest so their initial writing ability would be similar. After undergoing the 12-session treatment, they were given a writing assessment to gauge if the treatment had been effective. Additionally, the perception questionnaire was administered to collect data on students' attitudes towards the genre-based instruction (GBI). This study also collected qualitative data through an interview and in-classroom observation. The experimental findings of this current study revealed that GBI had a significant effect on the development of argumentative writing ability among EFL students. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

8 - Designing Image Processing Software to Probe into EFL Learners’ Mental Presence and Examining its Application in their Reading Achievement
Arezou Shahmoradi Omid Mazandarani Ghasem Barani Behzad Ghonsooly

It is a general belief that learning management systems (LMSs), especially smart ones, can better learning outcomes. Accordingly, information-age educational centers have to be designed and prepared to adopt these technological developments, sooner or later. The purpose More

It is a general belief that learning management systems (LMSs), especially smart ones, can better learning outcomes. Accordingly, information-age educational centers have to be designed and prepared to adopt these technological developments, sooner or later. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a smart reading instruction management system (RIMS) on the reading ability of Iranian EFL learners. A mixed-methods design was adopted. Accordingly, forty learners selected via convenient sampling took part in the quantitative stage of the study in which a quasi-experimental design was adopted. The results of statistical analyses also showed that RIMS had a significant effect on reading comprehension so the participants (n = 20) made improvements after the course and outdid their counterparts in the control group. Additionally, the qualitative analysis of mediation episodes that occurred in the experimental group showed that RIMS is perceived to be flexible in terms of meeting learners’ needs and interests. It is motivating and provides chances for storing teacher-learner interaction for future formative assessment, incompetency diagnosis, and feedback provision. Moreover, it is perceived to be a suitable timesaving breakthrough for promoting individualized learning methods. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

9 - The Impact of Topic Interest and L2 Proficiency on EFL Incidental Vocabulary Learning Across Genders
Shaban Najafi Karimi Mokhtar Haghnia Amir Marzban

The current study attempted to investigate the impact of topic interest and L2 proficiency on Iranian EFL learners’ incidental vocabulary learning in terms of their gender. There were 107 (F = 56, M = 51) EFL learners of English at the pre-intermediate and interme More

The current study attempted to investigate the impact of topic interest and L2 proficiency on Iranian EFL learners’ incidental vocabulary learning in terms of their gender. There were 107 (F = 56, M = 51) EFL learners of English at the pre-intermediate and intermediate levels of linguistic proficiency, selected through convenience sampling in this quasi-experimental study. The participants were divided into four experimental groups based on their proficiency level and gender, that is, Male Intermediate High-Interest Topics (MIHIT), Male Pre-Intermediate Low-Interest Topics (MPILIT), Female Intermediate High-Interest Topics (FIHIT), and Female Pre-Intermediate Low-Interest Topics (FPILIT) groups. The adapted version of the Topic interest survey by Ebbers (2011) was utilized to determine the participants’ interests. Also, reading passages were taken from British Council’s texts, and two vocabulary tests were given as a pretest and a posttest. The independent samples t-tests and paired samples t-tests run on the four groups revealed a statistically significant difference. Results suggested that topic interest had a statistically significant effect on the incidental vocabulary learning of Iranian EFL male and female learners. Besides, unlike the male group, there was a statistically significant difference in female posttest scores, indicating that L2 proficiency had an effect on their EFL incidental vocabulary learning. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

10 - Effects of Explicit Instruction of Metadiscourse Markers on Persuasive Writing Ability and the Learners’ Attitude towards Teaching Academic Writing with Online Modality
Majid Fatahipour Mozhdeh Tahmasbi Neda Gharagozloo

Persuasive writing is considered a complex genre for EFL learners to master and yet vital for academic arguments. As metadiscourse markers are recognizable and familiar devices to persuade, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of their explicit onlin More

Persuasive writing is considered a complex genre for EFL learners to master and yet vital for academic arguments. As metadiscourse markers are recognizable and familiar devices to persuade, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of their explicit online instruction on Iranian EFL learners' persuasive writing. The participants were homogenous EFL learners at the intermediate level, divided into two groups: experimental (n=40) and control (n=40). An official e-platform used in Iranian state-run schools was used for online instruction. According to a regular schedule, the participants received different passages containing metadiscourse markers. The teacher assigned the experimental group to notice and discuss the markers in small groups. Then, a passage-related topic was assigned and the learners wrote a persuasive essay in each session. For the control group, the same procedure was adopted except for the explicit focus on metadiscourse markers. Finally, a writing test demonstrated the significant effect of explicit instruction on persuasive writing of EFL learners, through statistical analysis explaining participants’ attitude and high frequency of - interactive type markers. Learners’ attitudes were also examined through interviews. Pedagogical implications are suggested to include explicit focus on metadiscourse markers in writing courses. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

11 - Neuro-Linguistic Programming for Improving Language Learners’ Affection and Proficiency
Nader Rostami Mohammadreza Khodareza Ramin Rahimy

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is an approach that tries to enable the individuals to make major changes to their behaviors in order to achieve their objectives. The present study strived to determine the degree to which (NLP) influenced Iranian EFL learners’ More

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is an approach that tries to enable the individuals to make major changes to their behaviors in order to achieve their objectives. The present study strived to determine the degree to which (NLP) influenced Iranian EFL learners’ language proficiency and self-efficacy. To this end, first, the researchers non-randomly selected 50 intermediate-level male EFL learners from among the learners of two intact classrooms of a private language institute in Rasht (Iran) as the participants based on their results on a placement test. Second, they randomly appointed one of these classes as the NLP group and the other class as the control group. Third, they administered Fowler and Coe’s (1976) Nelson English Language Proficiency Test, and Wang, Kim, Bai, and Hu’s (2014) Self-Efficacy Questionnaire to the NLP group and the control group as the pretests prior to the onset of the treatment of the study. Fourth, they provided the NLP group with NLP treatment in 10 sessions during a 5-week period. Notwithstanding, the control group did not receive the above-mentioned NLP treatment. Finally, subsequent to the end of the treatment sessions, the researchers administered the above-mentioned proficiency test and self-efficacy questionnaire to the participants the posttests. SPSS 24 was used to perform the data analysis of the present study. The result of the study highlighted the fact that NLP significantly ameliorated the participants’ language proficiency and self-efficacy. The results may provide EFL teacher educators, syllabus designers, and teachers with guiding principles regarding NLP in foreign language contexts. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

12 - The Myth of L1-L2 Metacognitive Reading Strategy Transfer: Actual and Perceived Strategy Use in Focus
Somayeh Nilforoushan Mojgan Rashtchi Gholam-Reza Abbasian

This study employed a mixed methods approach to investigate Iranian EFL learners’ perceived and actual use of metacognitive reading strategies (MRS) while reading English and Persian. The study examined the actual and perceived MRs across three categories: global More

This study employed a mixed methods approach to investigate Iranian EFL learners’ perceived and actual use of metacognitive reading strategies (MRS) while reading English and Persian. The study examined the actual and perceived MRs across three categories: global (GLOB), problem-solving (PROB), and support (SUP). In the quantitative phase, 133 intermediate EFL learners studying TEFL at Islamic Azad University and Farhangyan University were selected as participants. In the qualitative phase, 40 students from high and poor reading ability levels (20 from each group) were selected as the focus group participants. The instruments employed in this study included the Persian Reading Comprehension Placement Test, the Oxford Placement Test, the Reading Section of the PET, Perceived Reading Strategy Questionnaires in English and Persian, semi-structured interviews, and think-aloud protocols. The data analysis involved using chi-square, MANOVA, and theme-based analysis. The findings indicated a statistically significant difference between the frequency and type of perceived PROB but no statistically significant disparity between the frequency or type of SUP and GLOB. The qualitative data revealed a discrepancy between the participants’ actual usage in practice and their subjective perception particularly in relation to the GLOB and SUP. Finally, the theoretical and pedagogical implications of this study were highlighted. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

13 - The Impact of Online Teacher Mediation and Learner Scaffolding on the EFL Learners’ Depth of Reflectivity in Writing
Leila Behrahi Payman Rajabi Hamid Reza Khalaji

Abstract It is believed that success in learning to a great extent depends on reflective thinking. Accordingly, the present study sought to explore the extent to which Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners involve in reflection. It also investigated whic More

Abstract It is believed that success in learning to a great extent depends on reflective thinking. Accordingly, the present study sought to explore the extent to which Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners involve in reflection. It also investigated which of the three groups of teacher mediation, learners’ scaffolding, and the control group outperform others on learners’ reflectivity in writing. Based on the findings, only the learners’ scaffolding group performed at the understanding and reflection level and by so doing, it outperformed other groups namely experimental group 1 and the control group. The second research question sought which of the three groups of experimental 1, experimental 2, and the control group outperforms the others regarding learners’ reflectivity in writing. Based on the results, the progress of reflection and all its dimensions has become statistically significant only in the learners’ scaffolding group, while in the first experimental group, progress has also been seen, but it is not statistically significant. Implications for EFL courses are discussed in the paper. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

14 - The Effect of Watching Musical Movies on English Language Learners’ Listening Comprehension and Happiness
Mohammad PurRezaii Mehry Haddad Narafshan Massoud Tajadini

The link between education and happiness has been a topic of inquiry among social scientists for a considerable period. However, prior studies have not dedicated sufficient focus to the influence of educational approaches on the happiness of English language learners. C More

The link between education and happiness has been a topic of inquiry among social scientists for a considerable period. However, prior studies have not dedicated sufficient focus to the influence of educational approaches on the happiness of English language learners. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of musical movies on the happiness and listening comprehension of English language learners. The current study was implemented within the context of English listening comprehension, involving a sample of participants aged 10 years (N=52). The study was carried out at a private primary school located in Kerman, Iran. To procure quantitative data and monitor any plausible changes in the listening comprehension of the students, pre- and post-listening tests were administered. Additionally, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire developed by Hills and Argyle (2002) was used to assess the participants’ happiness levels in English language classrooms at both the beginning and end of the project. The results of the post-listening tests indicated that the experimental group exhibited superior performance compared to the control group participants. Furthermore, it was observed that the implementation of songs from animated movies resulted in heightened levels of happiness among the participants. Briefly, when the process of learning English becomes a pleasurable and satisfying experience, it has the potential to enhance the happiness and listening comprehension of the students. Manuscript profile

XML

List of Articles