Digital representation for assessment of spoken EFL at university level: A case study in Vietnam

Assessing the speaking performance of students who are studying English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has mainly been conducted with face-to-face speaking tests. While such tests are undoubtedly interactive and authentic, they have been criticised for subjective scoring, as well as lacking an effective test delivery method and recordings for later review. Technology has increasingly been integrated into speaking tests over the last decade and become known as computer-assisted or computer-based assessment of speaking. Although this method is widely acknowledged to measure certain aspects of language speaking effectively, such as pronunciation and grammar, it has not yet proved to be a successful option for assessing interactive skills. An effective testing method is deemed to maintain the interactivity and authenticity of live speaking tests, able to deliver tests quickly and efficiently, and provide recordings of performances for multiple marking and review. This study investigated digital representation of EFL speaking performance as a viable form of student assessment. The feasibility of digital representation has previously been examined in relation to authenticity and reliability in assessment of different subjects in Western Australia, including Italian, Applied Information Technology, Engineering Studies, and Physical Education Studies. However, as far as the researcher is aware, no studies have yet assessed EFL speaking performance using digital representation. In an attempt to bridge this gap, this study explored the feasibility of digital representation for assessing EFL speaking performance in a university in Vietnam, the researcher’s home country. Data collection was undertaken in two phases using a mixed methods approach. In Phase 1, data related to English teachers’ and students’ perceptions of Computer- Assisted English Speaking Assessment (CAESA) were collected. Their perceptions were analysed in relation to the outcomes of a digital speaking assessment trial using the Oral Video Assessment Application (DMOVA). In Phase 2, student participants took an English speaking test while being videoed and audio recorded. English teachers invigilated and marked the trial test using the current method, followed by the digital method. Data were collected via Qualtrics surveys, interviews, observations and databases of student performance results. The feasibility of digital representation in assessing EFL speaking performance was analysed according to the Feasibility Analysis Framework developed by Kimbell, Wheeler, Miller, and Pollitt (2007). The findings from Phase 1 indicated that both teachers and students had positive attitudes towards computer-assisted assessment (CAA). They were confident with computer-assisted English assessment (CAEA) and preferred this testing method to the current paper-and-pencil process. Both cohorts believed that CAEA enhanced the precision and fairness of assessments and was efficient in terms of resources. However, some participants were sceptical about the authenticity of computer-assisted EFL speaking tests because it failed to foster conversations and interactions in the same way as face-to-face assessments. In spite of their scepticism, teachers and students indicated their willingness to trial DMOVA. Phase 2 identified the feasibility dimensions of DMOVA. This method of digital assessment was perceived to enhance fairness, reliability and validity, with some correlations between the live interview and digital tests. Teachers found it easy to manage the speaking tests with DMOVA and recognised the logistical advantages it offered. DMOVA was also credited with generating positive washback effects on learning, teaching and assessment of spoken English. In addition, the digital technology was compatible with the existing facilities at the university and required no support or advanced ICT knowledge. Overall, the benefits of the new testing method were perceived to outweigh the limitations. The study confirmed that digital representation of EFL speaking performances for assessment would be beneficial for Vietnam for the following reasons: (a) it has potential to enhance the reliability and accuracy of the current English speaking assessment method, (b) it retains evidence of students’ performance for later assessment and review, and (c) it facilitates marking and administration. These changes could boost EFL teaching, learning, and assessment, as witnessed in the trial, leading to increased motivation of teachers and students, and ultimately, enhancement of students’ English communication skills. The findings of the study also have implications for English speaking assessment policies and practices in Vietnam and other similar contexts where English is taught, spoken and assessed as a foreign language

Verdsettelse av Statoil ASA - Ved bruk av den driftsrelaterte super-profittmodellen

Jeg utfører en fundamental verdsettelse av Statoil ASA. Som første steg i den fundamentale verdsettelsen foretar jeg en strategisk analyse. Med strategisk analyse kartlegger jeg styrker, svakheter, muligheter og trusler til selskapet. Dette gir grunnlag for estimering av vekst for selskapet. Deretter omgrupperer jeg regnskapet slik at det blir tilpasset investorperspektivet og jeg gjennomfører en regnskapsanalyse. Poenget med regnskapsanalysen er å regne ut nøkkeltall for lønnsomhet, vekst og risiko. Ved verdsettelse av selskapet benytter jeg den driftsrelaterte superprofittmodellen med WACC som diskonteringsrente, og kommer fram til at verdien per aksje er NOK 179,47 mot en markedspris på NOK 178,6 (20. mai 2014). Avslutningsvis gjennomfører jeg en sensitivitetsanalyse for å avdekke hvordan estimert aksjepris reagere på endringer i nøkkeltall.Master i okonomi og administrasjo

Nonlinear analysis for proposing limit state criteria of reinforced concrete road bridge superstructures

In the research of long-time operating road bridge superstructures, it should note that when the internal forces in the beam elements reach specific values, the stiffness of the cross-section of these elements should decrease. Besides that, if there are damaged places in the beam-element of the road bridge superstructures, the element could not work normally, and the redistribution of internal forces between elements in the whole system would happen. This phenomenon was not taken into account in the initial design calculation. In practice, it shows that many road bridges are subjected to greater loads than the calculated loads in the design process, but they still normally operate. This article proposes the other limit state criteria in evaluating the load capacity reserve of road-bridge superstructures using nonlinear analysis based on nonlinear deformational models of modern construction codes. The proposed calculation procedure is established to explain the load capacity reserve of long-time operating road bridge superstructures in the case of the lack of experimental evaluation. From the obtained results, the suitable limit state criteria for road bridge superstructures are suggested, and the conclusions about the accuracy of the proposed approach of nonlinear structural analysis are recommended

Nonlinear post-buckling of thin FGM annular spherical shells under mechanical loads and resting on elastic foundations

This paper presents an analytical approach to investigate the nonlinear buckling and post-buckling of thin annular spherical shells made of functionally graded materials (FGM) and subjected to mechanical load and resting on Winkler-Pasternak type elastic foundations. Material properties are graded in the thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of constituents. Equilibrium and compatibility equations for annular spherical shells are derived by using the classical thin shell theory in terms of the shell deflection and the stress function. Approximate analytical solutions are assumed to satisfy simply supported boundary conditions and Galerkin method is applied to obtain closed-form of load-deflection paths. An analysis is carried out to show the effects of material and geometrical properties and combination of loads on the stability of the annular spherical shells

Perspectiva de administradores e professores de ensino médio dos critérios de avaliação para pesquisa-ação na área da educação

Action research becomes an appropriate and effective professional development method and strategy to promote inquiry knowledge and solve the problem that leads to action or change. Teachers participating in action research could gain a better insight into themselves as teachers, be motivated to continuous professional growth, and boost their self-confidence as professionals. The main objective here is to examine high-school administrators' and teachers' perceptions of the necessity of evaluation criteria for pedagogical action research. This research surveyed 255 respondents, including 16 administrators and 239 teachers from high-schools in Binh Duong province, Vietnam, with the 11-item questionnaire. The main finding indicated that all high-school administrators and teachers participating fully agree that novelty, effectiveness, and applicability are necessary criteria to evaluate quality of pedagogical action research in Vietnam. Our study contributes to the general discussion about necessary and appropriate criteria for evaluating the quality of pedagogical action research in Vietnam.La investigación-acción se convierte en un método y estrategia de desarrollo profesional apropiado y efectivo para promover la indagación del conocimiento y la solución del problema que lleva a la acción o al cambio. Los docentes que participen en la investigación-acción podrían obtener una mejor percepción de sí mismos como docentes, estar motivados para un crecimiento profesional continuo y aumentar su confianza en sí mismos como profesionales. El principal objetivo aquí es examinar las percepciones de los administradores y profesores de secundaria sobre la necesidad de criterios de evaluación para la investigación acción pedagógica. Esta investigación encuestó a 255 encuestados, incluidos 16 administradores y 239 maestros de escuelas secundarias en la provincia de Binh Duong, Vietnam, con el cuestionario de 11 elementos. El hallazgo principal indicó que todos los administradores y docentes de escuelas secundarias que participaron están totalmente de acuerdo en que la novedad, la eficacia y la aplicabilidad son criterios necesarios para evaluar la calidad de la investigación acción pedagógica en Vietnam. Nuestro estudio contribuye a la discusión general sobre los criterios necesarios y apropiados para evaluar la calidad de la investigación acción pedagógica en Vietnam.A pesquisa-ação torna-se um método e estratégia de desenvolvimento profissional apropriado e eficaz para promover o conhecimento da investigação e resolver o problema que leva à ação ou mudança. Os professores que participam da pesquisa-ação podem obter uma melhor visão de si mesmos como professores, serem motivados para o crescimento profissional contínuo e aumentar sua autoconfiança como profissionais. O objetivo principal aqui é examinar as percepções de administradores e professores do ensino médio sobre a necessidade de critérios de avaliação para a pesquisa-ação pedagógica. Esta pesquisa contou com 255 entrevistados, incluindo 16 administradores e 239 professores de escolas de ensino médio na província de Binh Duong, no Vietnã, com um questionário de 11 itens. A principal descoberta indicou que todos os administradores e professores do ensino médio participantes concordam plenamente que novidade, eficácia e aplicabilidade são critérios necessários para avaliar a qualidade da pesquisa-ação pedagógica no Vietnã. Nosso estudo contribui para a discussão geral sobre critérios necessários e adequados para avaliar a qualidade da pesquisa-ação pedagógica no Vietnã

High school administrators' and teachers' perceptions of their educational action research skills

Educational action research has attracted significant attention from teacher-researchers and school administrators in recent years due to the method's effectiveness in teaching practices. Besides, educational action research skills are regarded as one of the essential aspects of doing action research. The present study aims to examine administrators' and teachers' perceptions of their educational action research skills; compare educational action research skills between the trained and the untrained groups and between the group that conducted the research and the group that did not. Quantitative research was used in this research. The study used the 11-item scale to survey 255 respondents (16 administrators and 239 teachers) from eleven high schools in Binh Duong province, Vietnam. The descriptive analysis was used to assess perceptions of high school administrators and teachers on their educational action research skills. Our results indicate that administrators and teachers assess their educational action research skills at very good. The trained group's educational action research skills are higher than the untrained group. Educational action research skills of the group conducted research are higher than the group that did not. The present findings provide more information on educational action research among administrators and teachers in Binh Duong province. Educational action research training programs, workshops, and educational policies should be implemented to reinforce and promote educational action research skills

A Research on the Quality of Public Transportation Services by Bus in Vietnam

This study was conducted to assess the status of the quality of public passenger transport services by bus in Hanoi. Data were collected from regular passengers using buses as a means of transportation in the city, including passengers standing at stations, waiting shelters and on vehicles to make trips and students of some universities who use buses as a means of transportation. We employ descriptive statistics and hierarchical analysis to learn about the topic of research. The results indicate that the quality of public transport services by buses in Hanoi, which was judged by passengers quite well. In particular, the safety level, convenience, security and hygiene is up to 70%, which was higher than the highest quality level. Quality of fast level and reliability are low. Keywords: quality of services, public passenger transport, buses, Vietnam. DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/10-13-04 Publication date:July 31st 201

Collaboration Between Social Workers and Educational Forces in Schools: Advantages, Objectives, Content, and Form

Cooperation between social workers and educational forces in high schools is viewed as a two-way cooperative effort to assist learners needing intervention. Intervention, emergency support for teachers or students needing intervention or assistance; Organize events to promote student development, community integration, and assistance for teachers and parents in need. The evaluation criteria for the cooperation between social workers and educational forces are based on four coordination components. Includes four scales evaluating the advantages, objectives, contents, and form of cooperation between high school social work personnel and educational agencies. A review of the cooperation between social work personnel and educational forces in high schools is gaining interest, although no research has been conducted on this topic. According to research findings, coordination between social work personnel and educational forces in high schools has been formed, albeit to a low and inconsistent degree across activities. The institution must perfect the organizational structure of its operations, management, and social work divisions. Furthermore, when coordinating with educational forces, social work personnel must emphasize the benefits of cooperation with educational forces. In addition, social workers must be adaptable between forms and activities according to the conditions and nature of their work.Ho Chi Minh City University CS.2021.19.4

Geometrically nonlinear buckling analysis of truss with length imperfection subjected to mechanical and thermal load using hybrid FEM

This paper presents a novel hybrid FEM-based approach to establish the mathematical model for solving the nonlinear buckling problem of truss systems with length imperfection under mechanical and thermal load. due to constant temperature change-based hybrid FEM. The proposed approach deals with establishing hybrid types of truss elements, including perfect truss elements without thermal deformation and truss elements with length imperfection and thermal deformation. The equilibrium equation of both truss elements is established based on compatibility relationships considering geometric nonlinearity. The hybrid global equilibrium equations of truss systems are developed by assembling constructed perfect truss elements without thermal deformation and truss elements with length imperfection and thermal deformation. The incremental-iterative algorithm based on the arc-length method is used to establish calculation programs to solve the hybrid global equilibrium equation for investigating the geometrically nonlinear buckling behavior of the truss system. The numerical test is presented to investigate the buckling and post-buckling behavior of truss systems having some elements with length imperfection under thermal and mechanical load

Transformation Chlorophyll a of Spirulina platensis to Chlorin e6 Derivatives and Several Applications

BACKGROUND: Spirulina platensis contains a large amount of chlorophylls, chlorophyll a, that are starting materials to synthesize functionalized chlorins. Chlorin e6 (Ce6) as well as its derivatives are second generation sensitizers using in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of various cancers. In this study, we transfer chlorophyll a of S. platensis to Ce6derivatives and determine their several applications. AIM: to evaluate the effects of Ce6 derivatives to treat cancer cells. METHODS: Ce6 trimethylester was created from methyl pheophorbide a2 in S. platensis provided by the Hidumi Company, Nghe An province, Viet Nam. Hela cells were incubated with Ce6 trimethylester and the irradiated with the diode laser dose of 1.2 J/cm2/min through the system of filters £ 650 nm. MTT assay and clonogenic assay were used to determine survival rate and cloning efficiency of cells. Antimicrobial effect of Ce6 trimethylester with halogen light were studied with Propionibacterium acnes VTCC 0218 and Staphylococcus aureus VTCC 0173. RESULTS: From dry biomass (700 g) of S. platensis, after extracting chlorophyll a and methanolysis, 4.2 g of methyl pheophorbide a was obtained. The reaction to give Ce6 trimethylester with 82% yield was performed with potassium hydroxide (KOH) in MeOH/THF/CHCl3. After irradiation with a 650 nm laser at 1.2 J, the cell viability in all samples decreased with Ce6 trimethylester treatment, the survival declining trend of Hela cells treated with Ce6 trimethylester were proportional when concentration of Ce6 trimethylester increased. The rate of colony formation was declined as the concentration of Ce6 trimethylester treated was increased. The growth of both S. aureus and P. acnes can be inactivated by Ce6 trimethylester PDT. The MIC99 value against P. acnes VTCC 0218 and S. aureus VTCC 0173 of Ce6 trimethylester with halogen light was 1.25 μg/ml. CONCLUSION: The Ce6 trimethylester from S. platensis cultivated in Viet Nam could be used as a potential photosentizer for photodynamic therapy for treatment of cancer and acne