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.
This study employs Fairclough's three-dimensional framework for Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)... more This study employs Fairclough's three-dimensional framework for Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to analyze the short story Overcoat by Pakistani writer Ghulam Abbas. The analysis penetrates into how language, social identity, power relations, and ideological structures intersect in the story's narrative to expose fundamental societal structures in Pakistani postcolonial society. By presenting a comprehensive textual, discursive, and social analysis of the narrative, this study unwraps how the elegant attire of the protagonist acts as a semiotic device to exhibit class identity, and how institutions like the hospital function serve as ideological disseminators. The findings reveal that the protagonist's identity in Overcoat is socially negotiated and fluctuating, constructed and reconstructed through discourse. The findings suggest that CDA turns out to be an insightful lens to reveal the socio-political functions of the narrative.
This qualitative study explored how AI-Powered pronunciation tools affect the fluency development... more This qualitative study explored how AI-Powered pronunciation tools affect the fluency development of Pakistani ESL learners, particularly undergraduate students studying English Literature. Through semi-structured interviews with 15 students who actively used AI-Powered tools like Speechling, ChatGPT and Google Assistant etc., the research investigated learners' perceptions, experiences, and perceived changes in their English fluency due to the use of these tools. The findings revealed that Pakistani ESL learners gained increased confidence, noticed clearer speech production, and appreciated the immediate corrective feedback offered by AI-powered tools. However, limitations such as internet dependency, lack of contextual explanations, and unfamiliar accents in AI models were also highlighted. The study suggests integrating AI-powered tools into English language curricula to enhance autonomous pronunciation practice while maintaining teacher guidance for contextual learning of Pakistani ESL learners.
Effective feedback plays a critical role in enhancing the writing skills of English as a Foreign ... more Effective feedback plays a critical role in enhancing the writing skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. This study examines the comparative effectiveness of three feedback approaches-Teacher e-feedback, AI-based feedback, and a hybrid model-in enhancing the writing performance of Iranian intermediate-level EFL learners. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 88 intermediate-level EFL learners, who were randomly assigned to one of three feedback groups: (1) teacher e-feedback, (2) AI-generated feedback using tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly, and (3) a hybrid approach that combined both feedback types. Writing proficiency was assessed using IELTS writing tasks and the Oxford Placement Test before and after the intervention. Significant differences were observed between the groups, with the hybrid feedback group showing the most substantial improvements, particularly in task achievement, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. AI feedback was most effective in enhancing lexical resources. Qualitative reflections supported the quantitative findings, with participants in the hybrid group reporting increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and appreciation for the balanced, dual-source feedback. These results highlight the pedagogical potential of integrating human and AI feedback to enhance EFL writing instruction.
A Study of Gender Discrimination in Honor by Elif Shafak, 2025
The aim of this paper was to study gender discrimination in the novel Honor by Elif Shafak. Gende... more The aim of this paper was to study gender discrimination in the novel Honor by Elif Shafak. Gender discrimination is a type of practice in which men and women are treated differently on the base of their gender. Women suffer more than men as a result of this prejudice, and they have to live under patriarchal system. Despite the fact that the world is moving towards postmodernism, many women are forced to limit themselves to exclusively serving their male family members because of gender inequality. In this paper, many female characters have been discussed, such as Naze, Aisha, Pembe, and Hediye who had to endure discrimination due to patriarchy. Gender studies have served as a theoretical framework for this study. Gender studies is a sociological subject that promotes gender equality and combats prejudice towards women and other marginalized groups. In this paper, the perspectives of gender studies pioneers Judith Butler, S. Gupta, Moore, and Vannemen were utilized to investigate several aspects of gender discrimination, including its major institutes, its forms, and discrimination against women in the educational environment. It was concluded that discrimination affects not just individuals but also the entire nation and it should be eliminated at any cost.
This study examines the transformative effects of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream... more This study examines the transformative effects of Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech on societal changes. The analysis delves into how the speech catalyzed the civil rights movement by scrutinizing its key rhetorical strategies and King's adept use of ethos, pathos, and logos to engage and persuade his audience. Delivered during the 1963 March on Washington, the speech stands as a significant moment in American history, encapsulating King's vision of racial equality and justice in the United States. Employing a critical discourse analysis, this study explores the speech's immediate impact on listeners, its role in spurring action, and its enduring influence on modern social justice movements both in the USA and globally. The results highlight the powerful role language plays in societal change and affirm the continuing relevance of King's messages of hope and equality.
This research was conducted to explore the application of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG... more This research was conducted to explore the application of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4 Quality Education) in the BS English Language & Literature curriculum of the University of the Punjab. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid down by the United Nation (UN) General Assembly encapsulate the need of the present challenges without mocking the capacity of the stakeholders to cope up with the emergent needs of this century. The findings of this study helped to synthesise whether the BS-English curriculum is aligned with the 21st century skills for imparting the lifelong learning sustainability or not?. The study adopted the qualitative approach and used document analysis technique to evaluate the content of course books taught in BS-English Language & Literature Program at the University of the Punjab. A checklist was developed based on the SDG4 targets to analyse the course contents. The findings revealed that there is the need to review the BS-English Language & Literature curriculum in line with the SDG4 targets for imparting inclusive skills for sustainability in future with the incorporation of the 21st century skills in Pakistan.
This research examines the impact of in-service training programs on the teaching practices of ES... more This research examines the impact of in-service training programs on the teaching practices of ESL instructors at the higher education level. Employing a qualitative data analysis approach, data from surveys and insights from inperson interviews were combined to generate the study's findings. A random sample of forty ESL teachers from various regions of Punjab, Pakistan, was selected, with ten teachers from Lahore participating in interviews following the completion of online surveys. Thematic Analysis was performed on the data, offering a comprehensive understanding of the teachers' overall perceptions. The findings of this study contribute to the existing knowledge on the effectiveness of in-service training programs for ESL instructors in the higher education context. The qualitative analysis provides an overview of the sample's general perceptions, delves into the intricacies and specific experiences of the instructors. These research findings have implications for ESL education policy and teacher professional development programs. They will inform educational institutions and policymakers about the effectiveness of in-service training programs and highlight areas for improvement.
Higher education is experiencing a shift at a rate never previously seen, owing to a global chang... more Higher education is experiencing a shift at a rate never previously seen, owing to a global change in higher education theory and practices that have become more learner centred. As the value of higher education has increased, education has also become an ongoing activity. Transformative learning theory is widely used in higher education because it explains how people might discover meaning in their lives. Teachers can improve their theory and practice of instruction through transformational learning by critically assessing and revising their assumptions and expectations to promote successful learning among higher education students. Higher education institutions need help adapting to changing facilities brought about by digitization, technological innovations, increased technological connectivity, workplace diversity, mobility and migration, and global market expansion. This paper delves deeply into digital transformation and transformational learning practices to help readers understand their importance and function in effective teaching and learning in transforming higher education. The primary contribution of this paper is the delivery of transformative learning strategies and a comprehensive approach to effectively integrating digital technologies into the teaching and learning process to increase student engagement, knowledge retention, and the development of critical thinking skills.
The study “Exploring Linguistic Identities of Pakistani University Students” investigated the typ... more The study “Exploring Linguistic Identities of Pakistani University Students” investigated the types of linguistic identities prevalent amongst Pakistani university students and how they perceive their new linguistic identities. Five types of linguistic identities were explored in this study, historic, educational, social, cultural, and political linguistic identities. The research delved into gaps in language and its inherent relationship with identity in the Pakistani Higher education context, in a backdrop of English as a second language and the underlying postcolonial mindset of the people and how it contributes to the formation and students’ perception of new linguistic identities. The study developed and used a self-reporting questionnaire by following a quantitative research approach. The responses were collected against a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree). The study sample consisted of 400 undergraduate students enrolled in different disciplines in various faculties of fourpublic sector universities. A descriptive analysis of the data was done and percentages and mean scores were tabulated. The findings highlighted the significant impact language has on university students’ self-perception and understanding of their environment. English language proficiency is frequently considered a prerequisite for academic achievement and potential employment opportunities in the globalized world. English acquires a symbolic meaning that goes beyond simple communication and becomes a signof social mobility and future economic success holding promise for a better life. On the contrary, low English competence might cause sentiments of marginalization and isolation in academic and social settings.
Exploring Teachers’ Perceptions of Student Engagement in Pakistani ESL Classrooms, 2024
The aim of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of student engagement in English ... more The aim of this study was to explore teachers’ perceptions of student engagement in English as a second language (ESL) classrooms in university.Several studies have been conducted on teachers’ perceptions of student engagement globally. However, there is a dearth of such research in Pakistani context. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 teachers teaching English to undergraduate students of semesters II and IV in public-sector universities of Lahore. The findings revealed that students from both prior Urdu and English medium of instruction (MOI)engage differently in an ESL classroom. However, students from prior Urdu MOI face more challenges in engaging in the ESL classroom. It is recommended that teachers should devise different strategies to engage students of both Urdu and English MOI to help them reach a level of autonomy where they can use English language in appropriate contexts in the best possible way.
Higher education is experiencing a shift at a rate never previously seen, owing to a global chang... more Higher education is experiencing a shift at a rate never previously seen, owing to a global change in higher education theory and practices that have become more learner centred. As the value of higher education has increased, education has also become an ongoing activity. Transformative learning theory is widely used in higher education because it explains how people might discover meaning in their lives. Teachers can improve their theory and practice of instruction through transformational learning by critically assessing and revising their assumptions and expectations to promote successful learning among higher education students. Higher education institutions need help adapting to changing facilities brought about by digitization, technological innovations, increased technological connectivity, workplace diversity, mobility and migration, and global market expansion. This paper delves deeply into digital transformation and transformational learning practices to help readers understand their importance and function in effective teaching and learning in transforming higher education. The primary contribution of this paper is the delivery of transformative learning strategies and a comprehensive approach to effectively integrating digital technologies into the teaching and learning process to increase student engagement, knowledge retention, and the development of critical thinking skills.
The Application of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) in BS English Language & Literature Curriculum, 2023
This research was conducted to explore the application of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG... more This research was conducted to explore the application of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4 Quality Education) in the BS English Language & Literature curriculum of the University of the Punjab. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid down by the United Nation (UN) General Assembly encapsulate the need of the present challenges without mocking the capacity of the stakeholders to cope up with the emergent needs of this century. The findings of this study helped to synthesise whether the BS-English curriculum is aligned with the 21st century skills for imparting the lifelong learning sustainability or not?. The study adopted the qualitative approach and used document analysis technique to evaluate the content of BS-English course books. A checklist was developed based on the SDG4 targets to analyse the course contents. The findings revealed that there is the need to review the BS-English Language & Literature curriculum in line with the SDG4 targets for imparting inclusive skills for sustainability in future with the incorporation of the 21st century skills in Pakistan.
The shifts and gaps in English language policies and medium of instruction have always been a hur... more The shifts and gaps in English language policies and medium of instruction have always been a hurdle in the achievement of English language and overall education goals in Pakistan. This situation has raised a continuous debate on language-in-education policy and medium of instruction in Pakistan since independence and Pakistani governments to date have been indecisive regarding this. This chaotic situation has caused a great setback to the education system in Pakistan. To understand the issues and challenges pertaining Pakistan's English language education, this paper presents a historical perspective of Pakistan's language in education policy. This paper concludes that there is a dire need of discarding the obsolete colonial language policies and formulating effective language-in-education policy for the achievement of language education goals and ultimately the education goals for the better future of the country. The first step to achieve this goal is to provide Pakistani...
During the post-modern times, a shift has taken place in adult education theories and practices t... more During the post-modern times, a shift has taken place in adult education theories and practices throughout the world that have become more learner-centred now. Moreover, education has become a lifelong activity due to an increase in the significance of adult education. Furthermore, several key concepts are given focus for meeting the educational needs and goals of adult learners. The current paper focuses on three such concepts, transformative learning, andragogy and professional development. Transformative learning theory plays a key role in adult education as it suggests ways to adults to make meaning of their lives. The notion of andragogy is commonly known as the process which helps in engaging the adult learners with the actual structure of the learning process and experience. Lastly, like transformative learning, professional development helps adult educators transform their theory and practice of teaching and learning through reflecting on their assumptions and expectations a...
The worth of online education has been increased to a great extent during Covid 19. The present s... more The worth of online education has been increased to a great extent during Covid 19. The present study investigates the perceptions of Pakistani university students regarding online classes. The data was collected from 300 students of 4 universities in Lahore. The findings specified a sufficient level of satisfaction among the participants, but with an encounter of the hindrances caused by the technology. In contrast, the learners contended with the space they got from the online learning by taking classes from anywhere with all the precision of the materials and syllabus.
This study aimed to explore studentteachers perceptions of their motivation, present concerns, ex... more This study aimed to explore studentteachers perceptions of their motivation, present concerns, expectations and satisfaction with various aspects of the recently developed teacher education program of ADE and B.Ed Hons. in public sector universities in Pakistan. The study employed a qualitative interpretive approach. A semi-structured interview was carried out with 150 prospective teachers. A thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that the participants' perceived social status, that teaching being the most respectable job, was the most described motivational factor. Lack of information and ambiguous rules and regulation on the nature and status of the ADE and B.Ed. Hons program were the key sources of their present concerns. The participants' perceptions showed a significant improvement in overall teaching quality, while teacher cooperation and commitment were the areas of dissatisfaction.
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Papers by Fareeha Javed