Present study examines pedagogically the effect of blended learning activities to augment listeni... more Present study examines pedagogically the effect of blended learning activities to augment listening and speaking at tertiary level. Teachers provided content online that allowed measuring the students' engagement, satisfaction, teacher's role, and content and examination. Using the tools online on Blackboard®, discussion on forums and listening activities, the teacher provided the blended learning activities. The three-step strategy (3SS) framework was adopted for language learning.It provided students strategies that generated, supported and manipulated the blended learning activities for learning in the face to face sessions. The study investigates how blended learning activities motivate the engagement of students, their satisfaction, the role of the teacher, content and assessment from the students' point of view. The study uses a population of 38 students from two sections of a listening and speaking class (control G1 n = 20 and blended G2 n = 18), a placement test, examination results and responses from a questionnaire as instruments for examining the effect of blended learning activities on the students' engagement, satisfaction, teacher's role, content and examination. The results using descriptive statistics demonstrate positive effects of using blended learning activities in supporting the improvement of students' learning on listening and speaking at elementary level.e. In brief, using the evidence from the study reveals that exposing foundation year students to blended learning activities have positive effects on students' engagement, satisfaction, teacher's role, content and examination when learning English. The paper situated itself in the discussion of providing enriched language learning content online for supporting and measuring learning through the objective measurement of the content from the opinion of the students.
The present paper accentuates the need for innovation in pedagogical theory and practice of the d... more The present paper accentuates the need for innovation in pedagogical theory and practice of the day. It elucidates the linguistic dilemma of the present times and identifies space for bilingualism and pluriculturalism. To make the readers acquainted with Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), the authors corroborate the detailed theoretical framework by establishing links with growing trends of cross continent migration, rising globalisation and expansion of multicultural and multiethnic contexts in the educational arena. A brief prehistory of CLIL has also been explored to justify its birth in helping out the linguists and educationists in Europe and beyond. The paper delineates the theory of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) diagrammatically employing content, cognition and communication in a linguistic culture. It explicates the various nomenclatures, dimensions, functions and the developmental stages of CLIL pedagogy at the dawn of the new millennium. After exploring the theoretical, functional and futuristic facets of CLIL, it is concluded that CLIL is an apt, economical and timely framework of bringing diverse cultures and languages closer to one another and can help build cosmopolitan identity of learners in the Knowledge Age.
Exposure to Two Languages Never Impedes L2 Acquisition
SSRN Electronic Journal
The present study investigates that similar amount of exposure to two languages at early age does... more The present study investigates that similar amount of exposure to two languages at early age does not impede child's L2 acquisition. L2 acquisition endures tenaciously encompassing early learners. They not only speak new language with concern but also acquire it inextricably. They are never diffident like adults enterprising new language. They replicate their age-mates and teachers without malevolence and successively develop linguistic contrivance themselves. It reveals that exposure is undoubtedly efficacious in L2 acquisition but not subservient to L2-exposure. The study elucidates that English language is a contagious language. Children learn it without any justification and special assistance. Besides, the study entails the details of L2 acquisition at early age and acquaints with techniques which collaborate in L2 acquisition. Three kindergarten classes were randomly selected at a community public school and were observed thrice a term for data collection. Likewise, a questionnaire was distributed amongst 10 teachers and 100 parents whose children were studying at school. Interviews of three parents are also part of this study.
Smartboards, which are now widely used in the teaching and learning process in Saudi Arabia, have... more Smartboards, which are now widely used in the teaching and learning process in Saudi Arabia, have turned the traditional environments of the classrooms, especially the EFL classrooms to be more interesting and encouraging. Literature reviews suggest that Saudi students usually lack motivation for studying English as a foreign language. This study tends to investigate the impact of Smartboards on preparatory year EFL learners motivation at a Saudi university. Two intact groups were selected, in which one was termed as experimental and the second as control group. The experimental group was taught using the Smartboard while the control group was taught with the traditional whiteboard, pen and book method. The treatment was given for seven weeks. A questionnaire was administered to both the groups at the beginning and the end of the study. The data was analysed using the SPSS and the results showed that there was significant difference between the experimental and control groups in ter...
Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has emerged as a potential tool in the instruction of En... more Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) has emerged as a potential tool in the instruction of English as a foreign language (EFL). Meta-analysis of 13 studies published between year 2008 and 2015 was conducted. Four point criteria for the selection of studies for analysis is based on the year of publication, quasi-experimental design, pretest and posttest method and finally use of mobile device for intervention. Findings of the analysis suggest that MALL has fostered the EFL instruction. Overall effect size was (d = 0.8) which is considered a large effect size.
International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 2017
The aim of the present study was to understand the reasons of MA TEFL students’ silence and unwil... more The aim of the present study was to understand the reasons of MA TEFL students’ silence and unwillingness to participate in class discussions as perceived by their professors. A qualitative method was conducted to understand the issue from teachers’ perspectives at three different Iranian universities (Alzahra University, Tehran University and Azad University). Qualitative data were collected through observational check-list, field notes and semi-structured interviews with 12 professors to reflect their understanding of students’ silence and the ways of involving them in class activities. Then, thematic analysis was run to answer the related research questions. The results of professors’ perspective through thematic analysis have mirrored four different reasons including affective, lingu-cognitive, sociocultural and pedagogical reasons. Some further strategies were proposed by the professors for breaking the wall of silence. The study ended with a number of pedagogical implications.
A research study entails strenuous and hectic work. It is never an individual's effort, although ... more A research study entails strenuous and hectic work. It is never an individual's effort, although the major burden rests on the shoulders of the research scholar. This research conducted by me is no exception. It is, no doubt, my original effort, but at the same time, a lot many friends, colleagues and teachers especially my supervisor, extended their wholehearted cooperation for the completion of this task.
In the present study, the authors deliberate that there are no separate boxes in human brain to r... more In the present study, the authors deliberate that there are no separate boxes in human brain to restrict two different languages to interact with each other. The practice on ground is strongly in favour of allowing L1 to support target language (TL). The paper contests the status quo of maximal input hypothesis and documents enough research in the field of human psychology, code-switching, bilingualism and Socio-Cultural Theory (SCT). The Canadian French Immersion Programme has also been referred to, in the article. The real life teaching and learning experiences have been shared and are connected to the latest theory and research, and it is concluded that this issue has serious sociopolitical and academic dimensions. The study postulates that the extent of L1 to be used is highly context-dependent. A 'judicious' use of L1 should, however, be practiced in target language (TL) class without malign.
International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, 2013
This paper discusses how English came into contact with Urdu language. Moreover, it outlines fact... more This paper discusses how English came into contact with Urdu language. Moreover, it outlines factors involved in borrowing from English to Urdu. It substantiates the influence of English on Urdu and demonstrates the conscious and unconscious shift of vocabulary items from one language to another during the interaction between speakers speaking different languages under any circumstances. The present study also unravels how people came across English in the Sub-continent. Pre-partition and post partition attitude of the people of the subcontinent towards English and the influence of English on Urdu are also bespoken.
International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, 2013
The article explores the use of technology in EFL classes to promote communicative competence. It... more The article explores the use of technology in EFL classes to promote communicative competence. It elucidates communicative competence and explicates obstructions in communicative tasks. Moreover, it interprets the use of technology in fostering and supporting the development of communicative competence and explains how it is pragmatic in maintaining learners' level of motivation and interest in learning a foreign language. The present article identifies the significance and use of mobile phone, camera, computer and internet, tape recorder, projector, and language labs in EFL classes. Besides, it discusses the use of technology as an educational tool in language teaching and learning.
The article presents the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the first part of King Martin Luthe... more The article presents the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of the first part of King Martin Luther's speech "When I Have a Dream" in socio-political context. The study investigates how it lies on the basis of application of Fairclough version of CDA in the first part of the text. Moreover, it explicates the terms like social, cultural and political inequalities in the light of text and framework.
In this article, the analysis of Shakespearean tragedies is presented. It reveals that Shakespear... more In this article, the analysis of Shakespearean tragedies is presented. It reveals that Shakespeare's plays are full of conflicting thoughts, and expression is so convincing that it is not possible to plan a system of philosophy out of them. Each character, from the king to the clown, from the most highly intellectual to the simpleton, judges life from his own point of view and says something that is so deep and appropriate at the playwright's versatility of genius. So is the case with the conception of tragedy.
This study is an investigation into the contribution of the use of bilingualism as an aid in lear... more This study is an investigation into the contribution of the use of bilingualism as an aid in learning/teaching English as a foreign language and bilingualism in EFL classroom does not reduce students' communicative abilities but in effect can assist in teaching and learning process. The study employed a qualitative, interpretive research design involving questionnaires, classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. The data part analyzed the students and the teachers' expressed responses and beliefs about the role of bilingualism in EFL classes. The findings of the study in general are that bilingualism as a resource in teaching facilitates in learning L2 and helps make more people acknowledge the contribution of bilingualism in EFL classes.
English language has become unavoidable being a global language in the present era. Whether it is... more English language has become unavoidable being a global language in the present era. Whether it is a field of business, technology or education, its significance can't be denied. Thus, majority of the world is learning and speaking English owing to its dire need. Unfortunately, despite staining through different reforms, the orthography of English language failed to become learners' friendly as it seems to be a queer language for the beginners. The present study describes the ways how English orthography becomes impediment for EFL learners. It elucidates how learners in general and Urdu learners of English language in particular, are influenced by its deep orthography. The article reviews the interesting history of English orthography. Moreover, it reveals the phonological relationship between Urdu and English Consonants that causes inferences based on grapheme to phoneme conversion. The study highlights problems posed by English vowels resulting in wrong assumptions by L2 learners from English orthography. It sums up showing the significance of phonological awareness of English spellings to avoid wrong L2 phonology.
A research study entails strenuous and hectic work. It is never an individual's effort, although ... more A research study entails strenuous and hectic work. It is never an individual's effort, although the major burden rests on the shoulders of the research scholar. This research conducted by me is no exception. It is, no doubt, my original effort, but at the same time, a lot many friends, colleagues and teachers especially my supervisor, extended their wholehearted cooperation for the completion of this task.
The present paper accentuates the need for innovation in pedagogical theory and practice of the d... more The present paper accentuates the need for innovation in pedagogical theory and practice of the day. It elucidates the linguistic dilemma of the present times and identifies space for bilingualism and pluriculturalism. To make the readers acquainted with Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), the authors corroborate the detailed theoretical framework by establishing links with growing trends of cross continent migration, rising globalisation and expansion of multicultural and multiethnic contexts in the educational arena. A brief prehistory of CLIL has also been explored to justify its birth in helping out the linguists and educationists in Europe and beyond. The paper delineates the theory of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) diagrammatically employing content, cognition and communication in a linguistic culture. It explicates the various nomenclatures, dimensions, functions and the developmental stages of CLIL pedagogy at the dawn of the new millennium. Aft...
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