research paper
Houman Bijani; Salim Said Bani Orabah
Abstract
Literature in the field of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) recruitment practices suggests that the myth of monolingual speakerism has impacted the employment methods in various countries in the world. The monolingual (native) speaker has a privileged position in English language ...
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Literature in the field of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) recruitment practices suggests that the myth of monolingual speakerism has impacted the employment methods in various countries in the world. The monolingual (native) speaker has a privileged position in English language teaching, representing both the model speaker and the ideal teacher. Bilingual teachers of English are often perceived as less competent than their monolingual counterparts in Oman. The aim of the research was to critically explore and problematize the workplace and recruitment matters that discriminate between bilingual and monolingual English teachers in Oman. This research reports the findings of a small-scale qualitative study conducted at the English Language Centre (ELC) at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Oman through obtaining data via face-to-face oral interviews from six participants who were selected based on their personal willingness to get involved in this research. The results demonstrated that the native speakers’ fallacy is “alive and kicking” in Oman. The results of the study indicated that there is also a huge discrimination based on salary range between native and non-native teachers, despite doing same job. Colonial impact is another reason behind monolingual speakers’ preference. The impact of discrimination is that bilingual teachers of English are left feeling inferior. Hence it is essential to adopt policies, which install greater sense of job security to enhance motivation and innovation. The study suggests that recruitment practices in Oman must be reviewed to establish equality and to create a healthy working environment.
research paper
Zari saeedi; Hossein Jajarmi
Abstract
Even though interactional competence (IC) has been in the center of attention recently, its constructs/sub-components and influencing factors still require a profound scrutiny. The features associated with IC have indeed been probed in various realms of language learning and teaching. However, the effect ...
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Even though interactional competence (IC) has been in the center of attention recently, its constructs/sub-components and influencing factors still require a profound scrutiny. The features associated with IC have indeed been probed in various realms of language learning and teaching. However, the effect of language learners’ gender on their perception of IC remains to be addressed. To bridge this gap, the present research, as one of the stages of development and verification of the Learners’ Interactional Competence Questionnaire (LICQ) investigated how gender may affect IC and its sub-constructs as perceived by males and females. A total number of 407 male and female intermediate-level Iranian EFL learners, selected through convenience sampling from several language institutes, participated in the study and responded to LICQ. Subsequently, a two-group Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to measure the potential effects of students’ gender on perceived interactional competence, including conversational management, speech acts, register, nonverbal semiotics, and requests and complaints. The results showed that gender did have a small significant effect on learners’ perceived interactional competence as a whole; while scrutinizing sub-components, it was also revealed that this effect is not visible in conversational management. The study findings provide learners with a self-assessment scale to identify their present state of IC perception. Besides, language teachers could consider the different perceptions of male and female learners of IC as an influential aspect of IC realization and development in the language classroom setting.
research paper
Farhang Daneshfard; Mahboobeh Saadat
Abstract
The integration of reading and writing has recently been of interest to researchers. This study investigated the effectiveness of instructing integrated writing (IW) strategies to EFL learners. In addition, the changes in writing self-efficacy, anxiety, and motivation were examined. To gain a deep understanding ...
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The integration of reading and writing has recently been of interest to researchers. This study investigated the effectiveness of instructing integrated writing (IW) strategies to EFL learners. In addition, the changes in writing self-efficacy, anxiety, and motivation were examined. To gain a deep understanding of the issues, a convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A convenient sample of 30 students of English Literature studying in an EFL context participated in an IW course and their performances before and after instruction were compared using a rubric. Interviews and think-aloud protocols were also conducted to find themes regarding the effectiveness of the course. Moreover, the changes in the learners’ self-efficacy, anxiety, and motivation were measured through questionnaires administered at the beginning and the end of the course, and the interviews and think-aloud protocol themes regarding the changes were examined. The results of the analysis of the quantitative data by paired-samples t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests indicated an improvement in the learners’ IW ability and strategy use, especially in source use. The qualitative data also revealed that the learners found the instruction and strategies effective. However, while the learners’ self-efficacy improved and their anxiety diminished largely due to learning, their motivation remained statistically stable. The results were interpreted from an activity theory perspective. The implications of the study for the theory, pedagogy, and research methodology of IW were also presented.
research paper
Mohammad Zeinali; Manoochehr Jafarigohar; Mahmood Reza Atai; Hassan Soliemani
Abstract
The empirically-validated link between teachers’ professional role identity and explicit manifestations of teacher efficacy has resulted in a burgeoning literature on educational programs/settings influential in teacher identity formation. In an attempt to expand on this strand of research, the ...
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The empirically-validated link between teachers’ professional role identity and explicit manifestations of teacher efficacy has resulted in a burgeoning literature on educational programs/settings influential in teacher identity formation. In an attempt to expand on this strand of research, the present study explored how taking part in an academic multi-faceted teaching practicum may contribute to professional role identity construction/reconstruction among Iranian EFL student teachers. To this end, 45 third-year undergraduates majoring in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) were traced throughout a two-year (four-semester) teaching practicum held by Farhangian University, Iran. Based on a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design, the participants’ identity was gauged at five different time points: At the outset of the practicum and after every practicum semester. The quantitative data were gathered through the repetitive administration of a standard Likert-scale questionnaire developed based on Farrell’s (2011) tripartite model of professional role identity. Coincident with the surveying process, the qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured interview held at the beginning of the practicum and four integrative reports developed by the participants at the end of every practicum semester. Within-group comparison of the survey data in tandem with content analysis of the qualitative data based on the focus framework revealed that the multi-faceted practicum helped the student teachers strike a balance in their identity as a manager and a professional. Additionally, the results called into question the contribution of the practicum to acculturator identity development. The influential role of a multi-faceted practicum in promoting professional role identity among student teachers calls for an investment of cost and time to exploit the full potential of practicums of the same quality.
research paper
Hanieh Azizi; Neda Hedayat; Neda Gharagozloo
Abstract
The importance of studying teachers’ identity is to guide teachers to choose an appropriate methodology to teach as well as to lead learners to learn the target language which is related to notion of identity. The present study was an attempt to develop and validate an identity questionnaire regarding ...
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The importance of studying teachers’ identity is to guide teachers to choose an appropriate methodology to teach as well as to lead learners to learn the target language which is related to notion of identity. The present study was an attempt to develop and validate an identity questionnaire regarding English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers. In doing so, 350 Iranian EAP teachers from Azad and State universities of Tehran, Qazvin, and Zanjan were selected. Semi-structured interviews were randomly done with 100 teacher participants. In order to develop the EAP Teachers’ Identity Questionnaire (EAPTIQ) in the Iranian context through individual, pedagogical, and social dimension, the related literature was taken into account. A total of 51 items were extracted to develop raw factors of EAPTIQ. They were then factor-analyzed in order to remove the communalities and develop the final version of the questionnaire and determine the main components. Factor analysis resulted in the development of 44-item EAPTIQ with three components: 1) Identity and EAP Teachers’ Self-Efficacy, 2) Identity and EAP Teachers’ Pedagogical Issues, and 3) Identity and EAP Teachers’ Social Issues. Findings of the study can be useful for some people who can benefit from the results namely EAP teachers and researchers. The results contribute to researching EAP teachers’ identity and inform teacher education to provide them with the sufficient and adequate raised awareness to self-develop their identity.
research paper
ASTERIA GABRIEL NGAIZA
Abstract
Although many ESL university students know grammar rules, most cannot write competently. Meanwhile, effective writing would affect students' overall academic performance. This article examined the written errors of the Indian Tamil learners of English as their Second Language (ESL). The study adopted ...
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Although many ESL university students know grammar rules, most cannot write competently. Meanwhile, effective writing would affect students' overall academic performance. This article examined the written errors of the Indian Tamil learners of English as their Second Language (ESL). The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and collected data through written essays. The participants were studying Master of Arts in English second-year integrated class. The participants were purposely selected. The study assessed errors as they occurred in students' written essays. Data were descriptively analysed in which they were categorised based on the themes. The findings showed several errors, categorised as subject-verb errors, word order patterns, spelling errors, and omissions. Findings have depicted error cases in word order errors, unnecessary insertion, misplaced inversion and sentence fragment errors. The results have shown that some students made apparent errors that could be termed as negligent ones, while others could be associated with transfer from the first language. In addition, other errors are associated with the way the English language is taught. Based on the results, this study recommends that ESL teachers focus their teaching on these problematic areas and provide the students with many writing tasks that would improve the writing of the Tamilians, whose English is their second language.
research paper
Reza Bagheri Nevisi; Mahmood Safari; Rasoul Mohammad Hosseinpur; Reyhaneh Mousakazemi
Abstract
Recent research favors specific academic word lists over a general academic word list for preparing university students to read and publish academic papers in English. Although researchers have developed word lists for various disciplines, some academic fields do not enjoy a well-developed technical ...
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Recent research favors specific academic word lists over a general academic word list for preparing university students to read and publish academic papers in English. Although researchers have developed word lists for various disciplines, some academic fields do not enjoy a well-developed technical word list. The present study aimed at developing and evaluating a specific academic word list for political sciences. A 3.5-million-word corpus of political sciences research articles was created and analyzed in order to develop the Politics Academic Word List (PAWL). The list consists of 2000 word families which were selected across and beyond the BNC/COCA word list based on frequency and range criteria. The word families enjoying an aggregate frequency of a hundred or more in the corpus and a minimum frequency of 10 in at least four of the seven sub-corpora were incorporated into the word list. The PAWL accounted for over 88% of the running words in the Politics Academic Corpus (PAC) and outperformed the list of GSL plus AWL words in coverage by 3 percent, despite containing 556 fewer word families. The study corroborates the value of a subject specific word list as a more fruitful source for academic vocabulary learning. Pedagogical implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
research paper
Afshin Mansouri Qadikolaei; Amir Marzban
Abstract
There seems to be a link between the type of corrective feedback students receive in the classroom and their personality styles. The current study investigated the effect of peer corrective feedback on the reading comprehension of extroverted and introverted Iranian elementary L2 learners. At first, ...
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There seems to be a link between the type of corrective feedback students receive in the classroom and their personality styles. The current study investigated the effect of peer corrective feedback on the reading comprehension of extroverted and introverted Iranian elementary L2 learners. At first, a Quick Oxford Placement Test (QOPT) was used to select thirty-three elementary EFL students as participants. Then, based on their responses to the Persian translation of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) questionnaire, the participants were classified as extroverted and introverted learners. The participants were also divided into two groups; peer corrective feedback–extroverted learners and peer corrective feedback–introverted learners. In terms of the quantitative part of the study, a pre-test (a reading comprehension test), eight treatment sessions (peer corrective feedback sessions), and a post-test (the same as the pre-test) were administered in reading comprehension classes over the course of a semester. As the qualitative part of the study, there was an interview session to assess the participants’ attitudes towards the provision of peer corrective feedback. The quantitative data analysis results revealed that both groups benefited from the intervention. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, introverted students outperformed extroverted ones. The findings of the qualitative data analysis revealed that the majority of the participants agreed with the provision of peer corrective feedback in reading comprehension classes. According to the study’s findings, using peer corrective feedback in reading comprehension courses improved both extroverted and introverted L2 learners’ reading comprehension.
research paper
Hajar Ghafarpour; Reza Biria
Abstract
The writing process is founded principally upon language learners’ decision making behaviors that are believed to be under the influence of their first language (L1) experiences. Hence, the main objectives of this study are (a) to investigate the extent to which activating cognitive processing ...
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The writing process is founded principally upon language learners’ decision making behaviors that are believed to be under the influence of their first language (L1) experiences. Hence, the main objectives of this study are (a) to investigate the extent to which activating cognitive processing strategies can improve second language (L2) learners’ writing skills, and (b) to explore whether L1 writing experiences are transferable to L2 writing situations. Therefore, a class of 33 sophomore students, in Advanced Writing course was selected. They were asked to write a short Persian paragraph on six different topics using different methods of paragraph development such as comparison and contrast, description, cause and effect, narration, process, and classification. Then, the whole term was divided into two main teaching periods, i.e. the Baseline and Treatment phases. Each teaching period consisted of three 2-week time intervals during which a particular type of paragraph development was practiced. To avoid order effect, the paragraph types assigned to Baseline and Treatment phases were randomly selected and assigned. Hence, paragraph types narration, classification, and comparison and contrast were administered during Treatment intervals and description, process and cause and effect were used for the Baseline intervals. The results indicated that triggering the proper cognitive processing and planning strategies would ameliorate the quality of written texts with various rhetorical purposes. However, the findings did not support the second objective of the study, i.e. L1/L2 transferability. This can indicate that teachers should focus on developing a number of strategies, keeping in mind that resorting to L1 composing abilities may not be the only and the best solution.
research paper
Iran Kashanizadeh; Saeed Ketabi; Mohsen Shahrokhi
Abstract
Abstract Technological innovation creates new opportunities for teachers to practice new method of language teaching. During the last twenty years, increasing attention has been devoted to the notion of technology and education .Innovative teachers try to find different new methods for language teaching ...
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Abstract Technological innovation creates new opportunities for teachers to practice new method of language teaching. During the last twenty years, increasing attention has been devoted to the notion of technology and education .Innovative teachers try to find different new methods for language teaching to improve their quality of teaching. Having sufficient information about the level of teachers' technological innovation is an effective predicator of language learners’ achievements. Therefore, current research sought to assess Iranian English language teachers’ level of technological innovation. The main data were collected from 375 EFL teachers compromising 125 university teachers, 125 high school teachers and 125 institute teachers through a predesigned and validated questionnaire and interview. The results from the MANOVA indicated no significant differences between the high school, language institute and university EFL teachers’ overall means on technological innovation. Findings also revealed that most of the teachers are almost at the same level and have some information about technological innovations and try to apply them in their process of teaching in the classroom. The findings could provide implications for EFL materials developers, policy makers, teachers, and syllabus designers.Keywords: Computer - based Technology, Mobile- based Technology, Multimedia, Technological Innovation, Web- based Technology© xxxx Imam Khomeini International University. All rights reserved.
research paper
Rajab Esfandiari; Mohammad Ahmadi; Aynur Ismayilli Karakoç
Abstract
There is currently a growing tendency to a meaning-based approach to the analysis of syntactic complexity in academic writing. While previous studies have offered illuminating insights into linguistic realizations of rhetorical structures in relation to syntactic complexity, they have typically analyzed ...
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There is currently a growing tendency to a meaning-based approach to the analysis of syntactic complexity in academic writing. While previous studies have offered illuminating insights into linguistic realizations of rhetorical structures in relation to syntactic complexity, they have typically analyzed lexicogrammatical features in a decontextualized manner. Drawing on a corpus-based cross-sectional design, this study takes a function-first approach to investigating the rhetorical functions of syntactically complex structures in research article (RA) abstracts in applied linguistics. To that end, a corpus of 270 texts from leading applied linguistics journals was constructed. Based on the model proposed by Pho (2008), we manually annotated the texts for the moves, and measured their syntactic complexity using phrasal, clausal, and global metrics. SPSS (version 25) was run for the analysis of data. Results of one-way MANOVA (multivariate analysis of variance) and Chi-square tests revealed significant variations among rhetorical moves in terms of clausal and phrasal complexity measures. The findings also showed that academic writers varied the complexity of their written structures according to their rhetorical goals. The results establish form-meaning mappings between syntactically complex structures and rhetorical functions. The findings carry pedagogical implications for student writers to adjust their prose using functionally appropriate complex structures following expert writers through comparing their own writing with that of expert writers to notice the gaps.
research paper
Saeede Esmaeeli; Hooshang Yazdani
Abstract
Developing Techniques to Improve L2 Learning Motivation and Willingness to Communicate through Utilizing Johari Window Model in Foreign Language ContextsAbstractThis study deciphered whether increasing learners’ L2 self-awareness using ‘Johari Window Model’ (JWM) as a self-regulatory ...
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Developing Techniques to Improve L2 Learning Motivation and Willingness to Communicate through Utilizing Johari Window Model in Foreign Language ContextsAbstractThis study deciphered whether increasing learners’ L2 self-awareness using ‘Johari Window Model’ (JWM) as a self-regulatory model ended in higher levels of motivation and WTC. It also argued that learners’ L2 Possible Selves, through guided imagery and vision-building treatments, promote their L2 motivation and Willingness to Communicate (WTC) in the Iranian English language learning environment. Fifty-eight L2 learners, homogenized at the intermediate level, from both genders and with an average age of 22, were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. They were Persian-speaking university students majoring in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Translation Studies (TS). Researchers initially established different arenas of JWM for each L2 learner based on their answers to the pretest, L2 Possible selves, and WTC questionnaires and using their narrative writings on pre-planned scenarios. In 12 weeks-intervention and via semi-scripted interviews, researchers utilized guided visualization to train learners to use their L2 self-awareness via JWM protocols to increase their L2MSS and WTC. Two questionnaires were re-administered after the intervention as a post-test to see the significant effects of treatment. Findings of descriptive statistics revealed that the treatment had significant positive impacts on L2 learners’ ideal self, learning experience, self-awareness, and WTC, but not on ought-to self. The implications show avenues for studies on L2 learners’ self-awareness and motivation and suggest the uses of JWM as a guideline in teacher training courses.Keywords: Johari Window Model, L2 motivational Self-system, L2 self-awareness, vision, Willingness to Communicate
research paper
Gastor Cosmas Mapunda; Elizabeth Kyara
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating teachers’ behaviours that co-occur with the oral corrective feedback strategies and their influence on the students’ responses to oral corrective feedback (OCF) in teaching English in Tanzanian secondary schools. In Tanzania English is a foreign language, ...
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This study aimed at investigating teachers’ behaviours that co-occur with the oral corrective feedback strategies and their influence on the students’ responses to oral corrective feedback (OCF) in teaching English in Tanzanian secondary schools. In Tanzania English is a foreign language, even though it serves in various government domains such as secondary and post-secondary education, international trade, and the High Court, among others. The study was qualitative, and applied classroom non-participant observation and interviews to collect data which were analysed thematically. It involved 901 students from two secondary schools (at the general certificate level) in Form I to Form IV classes and six English language teachers. Using the the Vygotskyan Sociocultural Model, the findings of the study showed some teachers’ behaviours that frequently accompanied the oral corrective feedback strategies which then influenced students’ uptake in the classrooms. These behaviours include nonverbal actions; oral corrective feedback implementing styles, translanguaging, and the use of negative comments. These behaviours influenced students’ uptake by leading to no uptakes, hesitations in response to feedback, repetition of the same errors, random peer-responses which subsequently discouraged self-repair of errors. Findings contribute to knowledge on OCF and the students’ uptake in to ELT classrooms especially on students’ error treatment atmosphere.
research paper
Dariush Aliakbari; Mortaza Aslrasouli; Davud Kuhi
Abstract
Considerable research has been conducted on the advancement of types of tests to facilitate a second language vocabulary improvement. However, whether types of tests (receptive vs. productive) lead to a comprehensive mastery of L2 active vocabulary knowledge has seldom been addressed in previous literature. ...
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Considerable research has been conducted on the advancement of types of tests to facilitate a second language vocabulary improvement. However, whether types of tests (receptive vs. productive) lead to a comprehensive mastery of L2 active vocabulary knowledge has seldom been addressed in previous literature. This study investigated the effects of receptive (multiple-choice tests) and productive (C-tests) vocabulary instruction on L2 active English vocabulary learning in an EFL context like Iran. To this end, a sample of 60 English learners from one of the private language institutes in Maragheh, Iran, were divided into experimental and control groups. The data gathering tools were the Oxford placement test, a pretest in vocabulary in the form of the Test of Academic Lexicon (Scarcella & Zimmerman, 1998), a posttest in vocabulary, and a semi-structured interview. The learners in the first treatment group took a series of multiple-choice tests, whereas the second group used C-tests during the treatment. The results of ANOVA and post hoc showed that while both C-tests and multiple-choice tests were effective in enhancing L2 active vocabulary knowledge, C-tests were more effective than the multiple-choice test. The results of the interview with the learners in the productive vocabulary instruction approved the results of data analysis, as the students expressed positive attitudes toward the use of C-tests as effective means for improving their active vocabulary recall. The findings of this study provide new insights for language teachers and curriculum designers to apply C-tests in EFL courses.
research paper
Mohammad Aliakbari; Fatemeh Fadaeian
Abstract
Acknowledging the difference in the lexical backgrounds of students and teachers aids in having a realistic picture of how learning happens. Translanguaging promotes learning by exploring the multilingual capabilities of students. However, it is not sufficient to only account for the learner aspect of ...
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Acknowledging the difference in the lexical backgrounds of students and teachers aids in having a realistic picture of how learning happens. Translanguaging promotes learning by exploring the multilingual capabilities of students. However, it is not sufficient to only account for the learner aspect of the matter. One way of considering the influence of educators is to start conversations about teacher immunity. Language teacher immunity allows teachers to function effectively at school and to appreciate new approaches. A few studies have been carried out to evaluate the association between Translanguaging and teacher immunity. This study tried to fill the gap in the literature by surveying 207 Iranian EFL teachers’ perceptions toward translanguaging. This study aimed at finding connections between Translanguaging and teacher immunity in order to potentially develop teacher resilience by utilizing the full potential of the students’ lexicon. Participants were from both genders and were different in terms of their experience, native language, and their current field of study. Findings indicate that Iranian EFL teachers have a moderate sense of immunity in their pedagogies. Approximately 61% of the participants chose to teach English using both Persian and English and 54% think using Persian to teach English is beneficial for students. Mostly, participants reported that they sometimes encourage and personally use Persian to teach English in different activities. Finally, the educators’ views of taking advantage of the full range of language resources of students by translanguaging techniques could not be clarified by their competence in dealing with complicated work conditions.
research paper
sepideh rafiei sakhaei; biook behnam; Zohreh Seifoori
Abstract
Despite all efforts rationalized around the significance of grammar instruction, it remains a contentious issue in the fields of second and foreign language teaching. Grammar teaching requires the design of both implicit and explicit approaches. One of the main features of grammar is English passive ...
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Despite all efforts rationalized around the significance of grammar instruction, it remains a contentious issue in the fields of second and foreign language teaching. Grammar teaching requires the design of both implicit and explicit approaches. One of the main features of grammar is English passive voice which is, for various reasons, a difficult subpart of grammar for Iranian EFL learners. This quasi-experimental study was intended to comparatively and empirically investigate the effects and probable differences of Traditional Explicit Instruction (TEI), Implicit Input Enhancement (IIE), and Guided Discovery Method (GDM) on comprehension of passive voice among Iranian EFL learners. To serve the purpose, 70 students from Payam-Nour University of Tabriz were selected and divided into three groups including TEI (N= 23), IIE (N= 25), and GDM (N= 22). The participants were exposed to three different treatments and the pre-test and post-test were used to extract information on the learners’ comprehension. The results of one-way ANCOVA showed that all three teaching approaches had positive effects on the comprehension of passive voice. Meanwhile, the GDM could lead to a better and more efficient contribution compared to the two other instructional techniques. Finally, some pedagogical implications have been presented for EFL teachers, students, and syllabus designers.
research paper
Esmaeel Ali Salimi; Meysam Khazaee Kouhpar
Abstract
Critical Pedagogy (CP) in Iran, among other countries, is still in its early stages, and there are various challenges facing the implementation of problem-posing education. To pinpoint the probable factors impeding transformation in the educational setting, the present research, using a convenience sampling, ...
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Critical Pedagogy (CP) in Iran, among other countries, is still in its early stages, and there are various challenges facing the implementation of problem-posing education. To pinpoint the probable factors impeding transformation in the educational setting, the present research, using a convenience sampling, investigated 64 Iranian EFL teachers’ beliefs and understanding of CP and its fundamental tenets. Furthermore, attempts were made to examine the way these teachers’ understanding of CP informed their beliefs of it. As such, a set of interviews as well as observations were conducted to capture the participants’ statements, intention, and behavior. As a result of a thorough thematic analysis, it was discovered that approximately 89 percent of the 64 EFL teachers participating in this study did not have a profound understanding of this approach. This finding can bear witness to the inefficient or insufficient pre-service teacher education. Regarding their beliefs about CP, these EFL teachers either resisted or disagreed with the fundamental tenets of CP. The findings of the present study hold much to contribute to the related literature, insofar as new doors will be opened for those whose area of interest falls within the purview of CP and student voice.
research paper
Tahereh Movahhedi; Amir Sarkeshikian; Mohammad Golshan
Abstract
Critical English for academic purposes (CEAP) has been an attempt to challenge the status quo in English for academic purposes (EAP) education. However, it has not received due attention in the literature. For the same reason, this study concentrated on how the Iranian EAP teachers and students perceived ...
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Critical English for academic purposes (CEAP) has been an attempt to challenge the status quo in English for academic purposes (EAP) education. However, it has not received due attention in the literature. For the same reason, this study concentrated on how the Iranian EAP teachers and students perceived the three key CEAP modules of needs/right analysis, power, and dialogue/hope. As its secondary aim, this study also focused on how much the instructor practiced what they perceived of CEAP in their classrooms. For gathering the quantitative data, the main components of the CEAP framework formed the basis for the preparation and validation of a Likert-type questionnaire to measure the respondents’ perceptions of CEAP. In order to complement the results of the questionnaire data on the perception of CEAP, a semi-structured interview protocol was developed. The results for the first research question showed that both participating groups' opinions of CEAP were quite similar. The discrepancy between teachers’ questionnaire and interview data demonstrated that a praxis breakdown occurred as a result of an imbalance between the EAP teachers' knowledge and practice of CEAP in their classroom. Additionally, the qualitative data analysis showed that there was little contact between ESP teachers and students while developing the EAP curricula and instructional strategies. Students were also viewed as obedient and passive actors, required to carry out the predetermined institutional requirements established by the departments or curriculum designers. The findings of this study have implications for ESP teachers and material developers.
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