Papers by Muhammad Shahbaz
Register Journal, 2025
Vocabulary learning is an essential aspect of language acquisition, and providing effective feedb... more Vocabulary learning is an essential aspect of language acquisition, and providing effective feedback on vocabulary instruction is key to achieving learning objectives, particularly in language education. A significant challenge in this area is vocabulary retention, which plays a key role in developing various language skills. This study aims to assess the role and impact of AI-driven feedback in EFL
Journal of Arts and Linguistic Studies, 2025
The present study is aimed at investigating the level and sources of foreign language enjoyment o... more The present study is aimed at investigating the level and sources of foreign language enjoyment of foreign language teachers. The focus is to probe into foreign language enjoyment of teachers' foreign language learning as well as foreign language teaching practices. The current research study has a mixed-method approach, and the research instrument is an online questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative items shared with foreign language teachers to fill out. We analyzed quantitative data through SPSS by applying descriptive and inferential statistics. The results highlighted a higher level of enjoyment in foreign language learning in comparison to foreign language teaching and there is no significant difference found in foreign language teaching enjoyment among all studied variables. Teachers' positive attitude and positive FL learning environment in the classroom are the major ingredients for an enjoyable foreign language learning experience. The implication of the study lays stress on the versatile role of the teacher who is central to the whole learning process. Future researchers are prompted to probe into the insightful experiences and gain in-depth knowledge from foreign language teachers to identify and determine the areas that tend to render more foreign language learning and teaching enjoyment.
Journal of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, 2025
Categorizing languages goes a long way toward helping us understand language universals and how t... more Categorizing languages goes a long way toward helping us understand language universals and how they develop in the human language acquisition process, what roles are there for the structural and functional characteristics. Typology is a comparative linguistic approach in which shared patterns and constraints across languages can be identified and how human cognition can shape linguistic structures studied as a comparative linguistic. Knowledge of language universals, whether they are absolute or implicational, serves to analyze recurring grammatical, phonological and syntactic features in various linguistic systems. Linguistic typology provides, in turn, a basis for classifying languages according to their respective morphological, syntactic, and phonological types, thus revealing deep seated principles organic to the diversity and convergence of languages. Linguists can through typological analysis find out why some linguistic features are more widespread among languages and if the explanation for these features lie in historical, cognitive or environmental factors. Moreover, linguistic typology plays a role in linguistic relativity more generally as it relates to how structural variations affect cognitive processing and communication strategies. Linguistic typology is not simply a concern for theoretical linguistics but has also far reaching implications for fields such as artificial intelligence, language acquisition, and translation studies. Through an investigation of cross-language patterns, natural language processing models can be optimized and language pedagogy can be tuned, while supporting multilingual communication in the international context. A strong argument is made in this study for the importance of linguistic typology in understanding universally shared principles of language evolution and structure, leading to a more integrated understanding of linguistic diversity.
Journal of English Language, Literature and Education, 2025
Language assessment has been integral to language teaching for decades, and its importance has la... more Language assessment has been integral to language teaching for decades, and its importance has largely increased in recent years. As a result, research in applied linguistics has focused on developing more effective and efficient language assessment methods. This research aims to explore the relationship between English language teaching and classroom assessment, focusing on how language assessment can be used to improve language teaching and learning outcomes. The study was qualitative in nature; the data was collected through semi-structured interviews with English language university teachers and analysed through thematic analysis. The findings of the analysis showed that no assessment practice was inherently good or bad. The efficacy of any formative assessment technique was directly proportional to where, when, how and with whom to use it. The maximum benefit could be obtained only when the language assessment practices are situation-based and context-specified. There was nothing that can be called 'tested, tried and perfect' in all situations. Since applied linguistics and second language acquisition are expanding areas of research, the field is wide and open for future researchers to explore new dimensions of language assessment that facilitate language learning. The findings may be helpful, particularly for university administrations and policymakers who will gain insights into language assessment through this study and make improvements accordingly.
Journal of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, 2024
The purpose of this study is the exploration of undergraduate English language learners' percepti... more The purpose of this study is the exploration of undergraduate English language learners' perceptions about different aspects of formative assessments and practices being conducted in English language classrooms in universities of Central Punjab. English language learners from different departments of different universities shared their perceptions and served as research participants for this study. This research used quantitative research method to gauge effectiveness of formative assessment in second language acquisition as perceived by English language learners. Data was collected from language learners through a survey questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using SPSS. Different statistical analyses were conducted along with one way ANOVA to answer research questions and test hypotheses. Different scales of survey questionnaire related to formative assessment practices were overall perceived well by language learners. English language teachers' Communication with students was the most positively perceived scale. Feedback was perceived as a scale which needed improvement whereas peer and self-assessment comparatively received little recommendation from language learners. The study implied that students' voice needs to be heard. The study would be helpful for English language teachers and authorities devising classroom assessment policies. The study recommended to enhance the effectiveness of scales perceived well by language learners. Efforts should also be made by all involved in the process of second language acquisition to improve formative assessment scales perceived low in outcome by language learners.
Shanakhat Journal, 2024
The present study aims to examine the modules (exercises and activities) within compulsory Englis... more The present study aims to examine the modules (exercises and activities) within compulsory English textbooks (grades 6-10) in order to elucidate the balance between fundamental cognitive (lower-order thinking skills) and metacognitive abilities (higher-order thinking skills). The objective of this study is to explore the balance between fundamental cognitive abilities and higherorder critical thinking skills-based modules. Compulsory English textbooks were selected as the focus of evaluation to assess the levels of criticality, with the modules within these textbooks (grades 6-10) serving as a representative sample for examining the aforementioned balance between fundamental cognitive and metacognitive abilities. To present the findings in a quantitative manner, a data analysis approach was employed, yielding numeric results. The research design adopted for this study was expository, which facilitated the analysis of the modules within compulsory English textbooks (grades 6-10). The Critical Thinking Evaluation Model was utilized to highlight the modules that focused on fundamental cognitive and metacognitive abilities. The overall results demonstrate that compulsory English textbooks (grades 6-10) do not equally enhance learning in accordance with both fundamental cognitive and metacognitive abilities. There is a greater emphasis on modules that target fundamental cognitive abilities compared to those that foster metacognitive skills. This study holds significant importance for the development of the education system as a whole, benefiting curriculum designers, syllabus designers, examination paper setters, lesson planners, and individuals involved in crafting course outlines for specific subjects. Its findings contribute to maintaining a balanced approach to learning that encompasses both fundamental cognitive and metacognitive abilities. The findings indicate that there is a need for further training among syllabus designers to effectively manage the balance between fundamental cognitive abilities and modules that promote metacognitive abilities in compulsory English textbooks.
Register Journal, 17(1), 2024
Mobile device use is common in language learning development, and it has remarkable effects on im... more Mobile device use is common in language learning development, and it has remarkable effects on improved engagement, accessibility, interaction, and learners' autonomy. The present study is a qualitative attempt to determine the learners' attitudes towards integrating m-learning to develop speaking vocabulary.
International Journal of Innovation in Learning and Teaching, 9:1, 75-90, 2023
The goal of conducting this study was to acquire the perceptions and practices of ELT practitione... more The goal of conducting this study was to acquire the perceptions and practices of ELT practitioners to finalize the scope of e-portfolio based assessment in the country. This study included a survey research of 54 participants (EL teachers K-6) that were chosen through simple random sampling technique. The theoretical framework of the study was Kirkpatrick's assessment theory that has been used to achieve the objectives and analyze the results of the study. The data were collected by maintaining the research ethical decorum. The results claimed that the positive perceptions of e-portfolio had an average score of 3.07 while supportive practices and utility had an average rating of 2.95. The results provided that Pakistani English language teachers have positive perceptions regarding electronic portfolios. Thus, there is a high scope of implementing eportfolios for the language assessment. It was recommended to obtain further clarification of ideas and promote training in the particular domain.
European Journal of Educational Research, 11:1, 353-363, 2022
The outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has shaken the world, forcing countries to impleme... more The outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has shaken the world, forcing countries to implement a state of emergency, including the education system. Students have been forced to remain in hostels or houses since they cannot get to university campuses. As a result of this predicament, university authorities have no option but to implement an online learning environment. Specifically, Saudi universities have faced numerous difficulties in bringing the online learning systems to continue the educational process. On the other hand, students faced difficulties to cope with such circumstances (complete online learning) without any preparation or backup plan. According to the findings of the literature research, students experienced difficulties that were difficult to overcome. The aim of this study was to determine the challenges that first-year students of the University faced. The present research got a total of 234 valid responses from the participants. The findings indicate that respondents were not fully prepared in this situation in terms of physical, environmental, and psychological readiness, with some variances in viewpoints depending on their gender and age. Respondents expressed concern about the effect of lockdown on their ability to perform well academically. In this study, the researchers found that switching suddenly to an all-online alternative cause significant obstacles for students. It was determined that the present blended learning model, which utilizes online learning to support face-to-face instruction, has encountered a critical challenge when it comes towards replacing it, particularly with underprepared learners.
Journal of Applied Linguistics and TESOL (JALT), 7:4, 1337:1335, 2024
The purpose of this study is the exploration of undergraduate English language learners' percepti... more The purpose of this study is the exploration of undergraduate English language learners' perceptions about different aspects of formative assessments and practices being conducted in English language classrooms in universities of Central Punjab. English language learners from different departments of different universities shared their perceptions and served as research participants for this study. This research used quantitative research method to gauge effectiveness of formative assessment in second language acquisition as perceived by English language learners. Data was collected from language learners through a survey questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using SPSS. Different statistical analyses were conducted along with one way ANOVA to answer research questions and test hypotheses. Different scales of survey questionnaire related to formative assessment practices were overall perceived well by language learners. English language teachers' Communication with students was the most positively perceived scale. Feedback was perceived as a scale which needed improvement whereas peer and self-assessment comparatively received little recommendation from language learners. The study implied that students' voice needs to be heard. The study would be helpful for English language teachers and authorities devising classroom assessment policies. The study recommended to enhance the effectiveness of scales perceived well by language learners. Efforts should also be made by all involved in the process of second language acquisition to improve formative assessment scales perceived low in outcome by language learners.
International Journal of Language Education, 2021
Technology integration has a great impact on learners’ learning styles and everyday life, where v... more Technology integration has a great impact on learners’ learning styles and everyday life, where various encouraging responses come across in language learning institutions through the use of mobile technology. WhatsApp application instantly transfers information in different modes. At the present time it can be effectively used as a platform to engage learners with conventional classroom setting. The present study is an attempt to investigate learners’ attitudes towards WhatsApp application and their intention for future use. 32 EFL learners were exposed to learn vocabulary by the use of WhatsApp application for a period of 6 weeks. Data were collected by using questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The result exhibited higher levels (M= 4.4 and Mode 4.37) of the mean scores of the learners’ perception and (M= 4.3) on WhatsApp Usage attitudes. The finding of the study indicated that learners expressed positive attitudes in using WhatsApp applications for vocabulary developm...
Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 2015
In) this) study,) language) attitudes) of) the) Pahari) speakers) towards) Punjabi) language) in)... more In) this) study,) language) attitudes) of) the) Pahari) speakers) towards) Punjabi) language) in) district) Bhimber) were) investigated.) District) Bhimber) is) a) city) of) multidimensional) civilizations.)Here)two)groups)of)people)namely)Pahari)people)and)Punjabi)people)are) inhabitants.) Pahari) people) have) been) living) among) Punjabi) people) for) more) than) 65) years)now,)but)they)still)hold)a)distinct)identity.)However,)this)identity)appears)to)be)in) danger) because) of) the) changing) socio[linguistic) scenario) of) the) area.) Questionnaires) were)the)research)methods)employed)to)collect)the)data.)The)sample)comprised)of)Six) families)of)Pahari)people)from)Bhimber)city.)Descriptive)as)well)as)inferential)analyses) were)carried)out)to)measure)the)attitudes)of)the)population)of)this)study.)The)language) attitudes) were) examined) through) four) domains:) family,) friendship,) transaction) and) religion.) The) results) from) the) analysis) demonstrate) that) Pahari) people) have) positive) attitudes)towards)Punjabi)language)and)a)process)of)language)shift)is)taking)place)in)the) Bhimber)city.
Willingness to communicate in a second or foreign language has a lot to do with student achieveme... more Willingness to communicate in a second or foreign language has a lot to do with student achievement in second language classro oms. This paper investigates the willingness of male and female students to communic ate in English rather than their native or national language. Focusing on McIntyre’s model of Willingness to Communicate in second/foreign languages, the data w ere collected using questionnaires from 353 BS final year students of BS (Undergraduat e) from a public sector university in Pakistan. Descriptive analyses show that there are no major differences in the use of language inside and outside of classroom. Overall, there are no major differences in willingness to communicate, however, in some situat ions, boys and girls have arguable differences and this helps us to understand that wh ile teaching a foreign language activities should be organized based on different i ndividual variables like gender.
There has been a great deal of discussion about the history and traditional ways of teaching Engl... more There has been a great deal of discussion about the history and traditional ways of teaching English in Pakistan. However, this paper departs from tradition and argues for teaching of different varieties of global lingua franca (English) of post-modern era. Pakistani nation is facing a worst tsunami of economy and we suggest that a possible way to deal with this issue is the learning and teaching of global language and education, where English with different varieties is a must. We don’t underestimate the importance of English speaking countries but at the same time we urge for giving due respect to the rest of the world which includes Europe, Africa and many Asian countries. Hence, global as well as local varieties of the language should be incorporated in learning and teaching of English to develop a better understanding of uses of English across different socio-cultural settings. Mostly, English is discussed in political scenario but we advocate for the economic benefits of teach...
Drawing upon the data from 547 ESL learners in Pakistan, this study presents a complex picture of... more Drawing upon the data from 547 ESL learners in Pakistan, this study presents a complex picture of L2 learning motivation by means of descriptive as well as inferential analyses. The results show that no single factor predicts L2 learning motivation for the target population. Language learning experience, international orientation, ideal L2 self and instrumentality all work interconnected to motivate ESL learners. English as an international language has a strong influence on ESL learning for Pakistani learners with their colonial past. This study suggests that teachers have to focus on attitudinal, situational and self-related factors to keep their students motivated for a long time process of L2 learning. Keyword: L2 learning motivation, Dynamic process, Pakistan, EIL
Smart phones have an essential role in day-to-day lives. Mobile phone applications have several a... more Smart phones have an essential role in day-to-day lives. Mobile phone applications have several and wide ranging features. The use of these smart phone applications provides new insights for innovation and opportunities in language teaching and learning process. The present study intended to examine the efficiency of a mobile application on teaching 40 phrases from Nation and Martinez phrase test 1-5 compared to conventional activities. Quasi-experimental research design with pre-test and post-test was employed to determine the differences between the scores of the control group (N=20) and the experimental group (N=20) developed by using random sampling. Results indicated that participants in the experimental group performed significantly better in the post-test, demonstrating the effectiveness of the mobile application used in this study on learning idioms. The results showed that learners in the experimental group achieved considerably better development in the post-test, represen...
JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN LINGUISTICS, 2014
This study is based on extraversion vs. introversion and their relation with academic achievement... more This study is based on extraversion vs. introversion and their relation with academic achievements. It is conducted to find effects of these two personality types in SLA. It is a qualitative type of research and descriptive method is used for this research. Eysenck's theory of personality is used as a theoretical framework. Data is collected through interview from twenty students studying at a public sector university. After analyzing the data, this research supports the claim of applied linguists who believe that extraversion has the advantage in second language learning and extroverts obtained higher marks. This research is beneficial for those future researchers who want to conduct research on personality types and achievement in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world.
The Role of Societal and Contextual Factors in Second Language Learning Motivation: A Perspective from Tertiary Students in Pakistan
Chinese Journal of Applied Linguistics, 2015
In recent years, SLA and L2 learning motivation have received extensive attention of researchers ... more In recent years, SLA and L2 learning motivation have received extensive attention of researchers and teachers across the globe but the issue remains underdeveloped and there are only some small-scale studies on this subject in Pakistan. Among different factors that affect L2 learning motivation, the current study focuses on exploring differences in L2 learning motivation by college type (private vs. public) and major subject of study (Arts vs. Sciences). Analyzing the questionnaire data from 547 first year college students, the study singles out different situation-specific factors that account for variation in ESL learning motivation. Results indicate that private college students have a higher motivation level and better achievements in ESL learning as compared to public college students. Public college students have strong instrumental motivation while private college students show preferences for an ideal L2 self. L2 motivation does not differ a great deal between students with ...
Journal of Educational and Social Research, 2016
McCroskey and his colleagues, the current study draws upon quantitative data using three question... more McCroskey and his colleagues, the current study draws upon quantitative data using three questionnaires from 88 language learners in a public sector Pakistani university and attempts to understand the role of SPCC and CA in enhancing the WTC of learners in multiple formal and informal contexts. Results suggest that acquaintance level with the participants and contexts of language use may be the important factors to effect WTC of learners for first/foreign language use. Findings of this research in formal context offer strong evidence that strong CA in one language can result in positive SPCC in the other language and becomes a reason to enhance WTC in that particular language. For informal context, there exists a positive relationship between SPCC and WTC in any particular language. If learners have a positive SPCC in one language, they demonstrate a strong WTC in the same language. Moreover, relationship of SPCC, CA and WTC depends a lot on degree of acquaintance that interlocutors share in formal context, however, there is lack of evidence in informal context to suggest any possible directions.
Education and Linguistics Research, 2015
The aim of this paper is to investigate errors made by second and foreign language (L2) learners ... more The aim of this paper is to investigate errors made by second and foreign language (L2) learners so as to understand the strategies and techniques used in the process of second and foreign language learning. Error analysis is a very important area of applied linguistics as well as of second and foreign language learning. It is also a systematic method to analyze learners' errors. Errors are not always bad, rather they are crucial parts and aspects in the process of learning a language. They may provide insights into the complicated processes of language development as well as a systematic way for identifying, describing and explaining students' errors. Errors may also help to better understand the process of second and foreign language acquisition. This study tries to investigate why Pakistani ESL and Iranian EFL learners fail to produce grammatically correct sentences in English, in spite of having English as a compulsory subject at all levels in their learning institutions and schools. What are the reasons for their poor English written performance? In the present study, the writing assignments of university students as well as intermediate English learners were analyzed for
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Papers by Muhammad Shahbaz