Integrating mobile assisted language learning (MALL) into EFL classes at a tertiary level

Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) practices have gained increasing popularity thanks to the advancements in mobile technologies. Accordingly, a growing number of initiatives have been taken to integrate it into language learning process. However, a gap in the literature has been observed to measure the effects of MALL on students’ writing competence at a tertiary level in Iraq. To this aim, it was sought to pinpoint the influence of MALL on 60 Language Preparatory School students’ writing competence at TISHK International University by employing snowball sampling technique within 12 weeks in 2021-2022 Academic Year. The study was conducted in an Academic Writing course that required the students to write an essay weekly. The data were collected via exams, a questionnaire, an interview and a survey which were analyzed either by SPSS 23. or MAXQDA software applications in this mixed methods design study. Control group students received a traditional instruction, while experimental group students were trained based on the procedure of MALL. The findings unearthed that MALL practices increased students’ marks dramatically, boosted students’ motivation and increased students’ overall attitudes towards learning English. The findings of this study can have some implications for the educators who consider the implementation of MALL practices at educational institutions

Integration of web 2.0 tools in EFL classes: Barriers and solutions

Technology is in the center of all disciplines including education thanks to the rapid development of information and communication technologies. Accordingly, the influence of Web 2.0 tools has increased exponentially in education. However, a gap in literature has been observed to define the barriers and get sensible resolutions from the educators as a career saving endeavor. In this regard, this study was carried out to highlight the barriers to the integration of Web 2.0 tools in EFL classes and provide rational solutions. Thirty English teachers who have been working actively at different educational institutions abroad were chosen via convenience sampling method in this qualitative study. The participants were the members of a knowledge sharing page on Facebook for English teachers. The data were collected within 6 weeks via a comprehensive questionnaire and interview which were analyzed by Microsoft Excel and NVivo. The collected data revealed that teachers encountered problems related to lack of time, competence, infrastructure and support. They expressed that reserving a certain amount of time for training, receiving the support of the parents, administrators and colleagues, assigning mentors for novice teachers and teaching how to use time in the activities wisely can be of greatest importance to remove these barriers completely

Determining the Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning through Educational Games: A Case Study in A Primary School

Game-based learning has become an indispensable part of modern education. In particular, games that address the cognitive, affective, and psycho-motor aspects of students are important tools for effective learning. Games have some advantages in educational settings as well as some disadvantages. But for young learners, games have very vital functions. By adding the suspension factor to the content of the game used in this study, a game was played to the students and the test results and observations were evaluated. While this study draws attention to the positive aspects of the game, it also revealed some potential problems

Using Google Play Applications to Improve Language Preparatory School Students` Pronunciation Skills (A Study on Tishk International University Students in Erbil, Iraq)

Mobile phone applications have gained more momentum since Google Play (formerly known as Android Market) was launched in 2008. Apart from Google Play, Apple App Store and Amazon App Store have offered billions of applications for users in different fields as well as education. Having this fact in mind, this study was conducted to measure the effects of two Google Play applications on students` pronunciation improvement. To this aim, 40 students who were studying at Tishk International University Language Preparatory School in 2021-2022 Academic Year were chosen by systematic sampling method. Over a 10-week timespan, control group students followed the curriculum traditionally, while experimental group students` curriculum was enriched by Google Play applications including Learn English by Short Stories and Cambridge English Dictionary. The data were collected by two exams and the interview as in line with a mixed methods design research. The former ones were analyzed by SPSS 27 through independent sample t test, while the latter one was transcribed and analyzed by MAXQDA software program. The findings of the study revealed that chosen audiobooks and e-dictionary applications improved students` pronunciation scores significantly. In addition, students` attitudes towards e-books and e-dictionaries by Google Play applications have changed positively. The findings of this study may have some implications for stakeholders of education who consider integrating mobile assisted language learning (MALL) into the curriculum systematically

Learner Autonomy: A Central Theme in Language Learning

Learner autonomy has been considered as a crucial affective variable in language learning. It is important for language learners to be responsible for their own learning. Recently, learners are placed at the core of language learning process. Within this context of education, learner autonomy enables learners to take active role in their own learning process. When learners take control over their learning, they develop an ability to determine their goals and objectives. Moreover, they can independently set goals, and direct their learning. Autonomy in the context of language acquisition refers to an ability to act independently and communicate in the target language in real situations. This paper endeavors to present the characteristics of autonomous learners and sets forth the relationship between autonomy and language learning

The Perception of the Teachers about the Children with Specific Learning Disability as a Special Education Need: Brayaty Primary School Case in Erbil

Students with special learning difficulties are categorized as people in need of special education. The field of special education is very wide, and it also covers specific learning disability. Specific learning disability is mistakenly perceived as a lack of intelligence because it is considered as the main reason behind students’ failures to a large extent. These students have the potential to be integrated into society with special education. This study was conducted to reveal how this situation is perceived by the teachers

Psychological Effects of Online Education during Covid 19 Process on Students: Tishk International University Case

The Covid-19 process has deeply affected people psychologically as well as in many different ways. This pandemic, which spread from China to the whole world, has caused increasingly important psychological problems over time. This pandemic, which caused great anxiety, fear and panic on the masses of the people, also had an impact on students. Online education, which emerged as a result of this process, also caused psychological problems. In order to determine how effective these were in the sample we discussed, a Likert scale questionnaire was applied. While the results obtained are generally in harmony with the problems mentioned in the literature, some contradictory results have also emerged