Development in Language Studies (DILS) is a periodical that provides opportunities to educators and researchers to publish articles of their related fields and areas of interests. It encourages quality publication of articles associated with Language Studies. This periodical accepts articles in English and Malay Language (Bahasa Melayu)
Comparative Analysis of Traditional vs Online Learning in Second Language Acquisition: The Case of Uzbekistan
Second language acquisition (SLA) in Uzbekistan has undergone significant transformation with the integration of digital technologies into education. This study compares traditional face-to-face learning and online learning methods in SLA, specifically analyzing their effectiveness, advantages, and challenges within the Uzbek educational context. The research reviews key linguistic theories, examines empirical studies conducted in Uzbekistan, and evaluates factors such as student engagement, retention, and interaction in both modalities. Findings indicate that while traditional learning in Uzbek schools and universities provides structured and immersive language experiences, online learning offers flexibility and access to diverse digital tools, especially in remote regions where traditional classroom resources may be limited. The study concludes with recommendations for hybrid learning models that combine the strengths of both approaches, ensuring effective and inclusive language education in Uzbekistan.
Copyright (c) 2025 Development in Language Studies
Dreams, Danger and Escapism in Stevenson’s Treasure Island: A Literary Reflection
Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island is not merely a children’s adventure novel but a deep exploration of escapism and the struggle between dreams and reality. This paper analyzes how Stevenson constructs a narrative that allows readers to immerse themselves in a thrilling world of pirates, treasure maps, and high-seas adventures while simultaneously grappling with the harsh truths of life. The study explores the psychological impact of escapism on both the protagonist, Jim Hawkins, and the readers, highlighting how the novel reflects a universal human desire to escape mundane reality in pursuit of excitement and purpose. The discussion also examines Stevenson’s use of vivid storytelling and character development to balance the allure of adventure with the inevitable confrontation of real-world dangers.
The Impact of Social Media on Language Proficiency and Writing Skills in Uzbekistan
Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate, learn, and express themselves in written and spoken language. This paper explores the impact of social media on language proficiency and writing skills, analyzing both its benefits and challenges. While social media provides increased exposure to diverse linguistic inputs, enhances communication skills, and fosters creativity, it also contributes to the decline of formal writing, grammatical inaccuracies, and dependency on informal expressions. The study highlights the role of social media in shaping digital literacy, the effects of code-switching, and the influence of platform-specific language conventions. Future recommendations emphasize the importance of integrating social media into language education while promoting structured writing and linguistic accuracy. This paper is based on a literature review and theoretical analysis. Recommendations include integrating social media into language education while promoting structured writing practices and improving digital literacy.
digital literacy, linguistic accuracy, code-switching, language learning
The Role of Virtual Reality (VR) in Improving English Language Speaking Skills in Uzbekistan
With the advancement of technology, Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a transformative tool in English language education, particularly in enhancing speaking skills. Traditional language learning methods often fail to provide an immersive, interactive, and anxiety-free environment for learners to practice speaking. However, VR offers a dynamic platform that mimics real-life communication, allowing learners to practice conversations in diverse settings without the fear of judgment. This study explores the role of VR in improving English-speaking proficiency, focusing on its impact on pronunciation, fluency, confidence, and engagement. The paper also highlights key challenges in the adoption of VR-based learning and suggests future directions for integrating this technology into language education.
The Influence of Addressee Gender on Spoken Fluency among EFL Learners
This research investigates the impact of addressee gender on the spoken fluency of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The study examines how interactions in same-gender and mixed-gender contexts affect three key aspects of fluency: Automaticity, lexical density, and lexical diversity. A sample of 10 intermediate-level Pashto-speaking students (5 males and 5 females) was selected for the study. Data was collected through audio recordings of spoken corpora in four different contexts: female-female, female vs. mixed gender, male-male, and male vs. mixed gender interactions. The findings reveal significant differences in fluency based on the gender composition of the interaction. Female participants demonstrated higher automaticity and lexical density in same-gender interactions, while male participants exhibited greater fluency, lexical density, and diversity in mixed-gender contexts. These results suggest that the gender of the addressee influences not only the speed and content richness of speech but also the variety of vocabulary used. The study underscores the importance of considering gender dynamics in EFL teaching and offers recommendations for educators to enhance fluency through gender-aware pedagogical strategies. Further research is suggested to explore the impact of addressee gender on other language skills and in various communication settings.
Making the EFL Reading Class Effective and Paperless: A Quantitative Study on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Traditional English as a Foreign Language (EFL) reading classrooms are heavily reliant on printed materials, including textbooks, photocopied articles, and workbooks. This practice contributes significantly to paper consumption, leading to deforestation and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed to (1) quantify the perceived reduction in paper usage by transitioning academic reading activities for an undergraduate Functional English course to the WhatsApp platform, and (2) measure undergraduate students' perceptions of the effectiveness of this paperless approach for their reading comprehension and engagement. A quantitative methodology was employed. Data were collected via an online survey questionnaire from a sample of 250 undergraduate EFL students enrolled in a Functional English course who used WhatsApp as the primary medium for receiving and discussing reading materials for one academic semester. Data were analyzed using SPSS software for descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations). The findings indicate an overwhelming perceived reduction in paper usage (estimated at over 90% by respondents). Furthermore, a strong majority of students (M > 4.0 on a 5-point Likert scale) perceived the WhatsApp-based reading class as effective, citing benefits such as increased accessibility, convenience, and enhanced peer interaction. The integration of widely available mobile technology, specifically WhatsApp, presents a viable and effective strategy for creating paperless EFL reading classes. This approach not only fosters a modern and engaging learning environment but also aligns with global sustainability goals by offering a tangible solution to reduce the educational sector's carbon footprint through minimized paper consumption.
Learning English Proper Names: A Case Study on the Challenge Faced by Russian-Speaking English Language Learners
Anthroponyms, as a rule, are not given enough attention in the process of teaching English. As a result of the author’s practical experience in teaching English to Russian-speaking students, a number of learning difficulties faced by students have been identified. The research aims to determine which linguistic aspect deserves special attention in the mastering of anthroponyms. To achieve this, quantitative testing was conducted using a multiple-choice test on Google Forms to collect data and median measures to analyse the results. The results revealed the need to teach extralinguistic properties (name gendering and diminutives), while grammatical and phonetic properties of proper names did not prove to be very problematic, which is related to the presence of phonetics and grammar as separate subjects on the syllabus.
Communication Apprehension, Willingness to Communicate, and Communication Competence: A General Review
This paper explores the interrelated concepts of communication apprehension (CA), willingness to communicate (WTC), and communication competence, providing a general review of their dynamics and implications. The relationship among these concepts is cyclical and interdependent. People with high levels of CA tend to reduce WTC. Conversely, lower levels of CA often stimulate higher WTC, promote individuals to engage more freely in interactions, thus leading to better competence. Communication competence, in turn, builds confidence and reduces anxiety, strengthening the individual’s readiness to communicate.
Feminist Perspectives in the Poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai: A Narrative Literature Review
Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, one of the most revered Sufi poets of Sindh, presents a unique and progressive portrayal of women in his poetry. His exhibits highlight female autonomy, challenge patriarchal norms and emphasize female empowerment, agency, strength and self-determination. This literature review explores the feminist concepts embedded in Bhitai’s poetry, particularly through his depiction of legendary heroines such as Marvi, Sassui and Suhni, who embody strength, devotion and boldness against oppression. Using a narrative review approach, this research examines various research studies available in separate research databases that how Bhitai’s poetry aligns with feminist principles, advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment within the cultural and mystical framework within Sindhi literature. The study discusses the research conducted on feminist vision of Bhitai. This study highlights the relevance of Bhitai’s poetry in shaping progressive narratives about women empowerment, Gender Equality and finding the research gap in connection with modern feminism therefore, this study will open the new doors of research on feminist concepts of Bhitai exist in his poetry.
Barriers to Using Effective Teaching Strategies by English Teachers at Primary Level for Language Learning Engagement
Language learning is based on provision of effective guidance for enhancing student learning engagement. This research aimed to examine barriers to using effective instructional approaches by teachers in English lessons at the primary level in UC Kamala District Lower Dir. The research described in this paper applies descriptive methods. The research was conducted in nine major primary schools within UC Kamala Tehsil Adenzai. Data were collected through questionnaire from teachers selected according to their seniority qualifications and teaching experience. The analysis of the data showed that the schools practiced student engagement practices. The teachers were properly trained. However, outdated instructional methods dominated the teaching practices while teachers failed to develop listening and speaking abilities among their students. The study showed the problems of student engagement mostly arose from teachers' non-participation in training sessions, insufficient educational tools, and low quality of educational materials. The researcher recommends that government support should focus on offering refresher classes and audio-visual educational resources to schools. Different communicative classroom activities combined with appropriate motivational approaches from the teacher will assist student learning engagement.
A Qualitative Case Study in Korean Language Learning Motivations of Filipino Hallyu Fans
This qualitative study explores the influence of Hallyu, or South Korean popular culture,, on the indirect acquisition of the Korean language among Filipino fans. Through a focus group discussion, the study examines participants’ motivations, learning behaviors, and perceptions of Korean language acquisition through media consumption. Findings reveal that repeated exposure to Korean dramas, K-pop, and other cultural products facilitates passive learning, enabling participants to recognize vocabulary, sentence structures, and pronunciation patterns. While some learners actively pursue formal instruction, most rely on informal methods such as peer discussions, digital resources, and incidental exposure. The study also highlights the role of social interactions and personal motivations in sustaining interest in language learning. While participants acknowledge their familiarity with Korean, most do not consider their skills sufficient for practical communication. The study suggests that integrating engaging media-based learning strategies into formal education could enhance language acquisition among young Korean language learners. Future research should explore long-term learning outcomes and intercultural influences of Hallyu in the Philippines.
Potential Benefits and Challenges of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tool, ChatGPT
The study proposes the potential benefits and challenges of the Generative-AI tool, ChatGPT, for learning writing skills in educational sectors. The study thematically compares and evaluates 26 research articles published in Science Direct and Springer Open from 2023 to 2025. It offers a systematic literature review to compile, integrate and analyze the available data. The articles are divided into two categories: category A) potential benefits (CA) and category B) challenges of ChatGPT (CB). Each category covers three to four themes found in these articles. CA presents that ChatGPT assists its users through ‘feedback’, ‘writing skills’, and ‘personalized learning’. Whereas CB discusses the challenges and limitations of ChatGPT in the form of four themes: ethical consideration’ of AI tools by the researchers, its disruptive impacts on ‘critical thinking’, and it can cause impairment of ‘creativity’ and ‘academic integrity’—furthermore, the proposed major themes present sub-themes which cover several other promises and drawbacks of ChatGPT. Keeping in view the proposed categories and themes, the study concludes that the Generative-AI tool, ChatGPT, facilitates its users on a larger level and may not be overlooked due to its requirement in different sectors, especially in educational institutions, for learning writing skills.
The Role of Code-switching in Classroom Interaction: A Study in a Malaysian Public University
Code-switching as a linguistic phenomenon has been extensively studied. However, it remains a grey area of research. This paper presents the findings and discussion of a preliminary study where a survey on code-switching practices in classroom interactions was conducted among the students of a public university in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a public university where English Language is its medium of instruction as well as the expected language of interaction. This survey was conducted to find out the usage and frequency of code-switching in classroom teaching and learning as perceived by 420 respondents. Findings indicate that despite English being the medium of instruction at the university, Malay Language was used interchangeably with English Language during classroom interaction. The findings also indicate that the usage of English Language is generally in the category of Intermediate, not High. Apart from that, the findings reveal that the practices of code-switching were quite frequent across the faculties, which ranged from 25% to 53%. This implies that code-switching is a means needed in classroom interaction. An in-depth study exploring the reasons for code-switching as well as the patterns of code-switching is recommended to further understand how it contributes to language learning.
Undergraduates’ Perceptions of Job Interview Assessment for Career Readiness of a University English Language Course
This study focuses on the career readiness among the final year undergraduates through job interview assessment in an English language course. Issues related to the lack of preparation, language incompetency and poor self-confidence are some factors of unemployment among Malaysian graduates. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the aspects that the participants could improve as reflected by themselves and other components that could be integrated into the course for future reference. This study was conducted by distributing an open-ended survey to 80 participants comprising local and foreign. The analysis highlighted three aspects including the significance of job interview assessment for career readiness, self-reflection from the participants on their job interview assessment and other components that can be included in the course in the future. The findings show that the participants find the job interview to be very helpful for their career readiness. Furthermore, they would like to improve themselves in terms of their fluency, self-confidence, answering skills, and body language. The implication of this study is for the higher institutions to be more aware about the importance of having mock job interviews as part of the undergraduates’ preparation for their future career.
Copyright (c) 2024 Development in Language Studies
Strategic Verbal Humour in Political Leadership: A Case Study of Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamed
This research is a pioneering exploration into the strategic use of verbal humour by Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, a prominent figure in Malaysian politics renowned for his tenure as the twice-elected Prime Minister. Through qualitative content analysis, this study examines excerpts from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed's first press conference after being sworn in as Malaysia's seventh Prime Minister to classify the types of verbal humour he employs. The analysis reveals a multifaceted use of humour, encompassing self-deprecating humour, sarcasm, hyperbole, and irony, each serving distinct communicative and rhetorical functions. Importantly, these forms of humour are not used haphazardly but strategically. Self-deprecating humour, for instance, emerges as a tool for humanising the leader, making him more relatable and approachable despite past criticisms of his authoritative leadership style. Sarcasm and hyperbolic humour are identified as mechanisms for critiquing media representation and emphasising political support, effectively challenging prevailing narratives with wit and satire. The irony, interwoven with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed's discourse, subtly underscores the complexities of political communication, media interactions, and public engagement in the Malaysian context. The findings emphasise the complexity of humour as a strategic communication tool in leadership, illustrating its potential to enhance relatability, negotiate public image, and engage in political critique. This paper makes a significant contribution to the existing literature on political communication and leadership by highlighting the nuanced role of humour in political discourse, demonstrating how it can be skillfully deployed to navigate the intricacies of leadership and public perception. Through the lens of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed's political career, this study provides valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between humour, politics, and leadership in a diverse socio-political landscape.
Improving Students’ Level of Confidence in Oral Presentation via Video Recording Task
Anxiety has significantly impacted students’ speaking performance in classrooms. Implementing a video recording task as a teaching and learning option, not only reduces anxiety, but would also positively influence students’ speaking abilities. Therefore, this research aimed to explore how employing a video recording task could alleviate students’ anxiety in oral presentation. The informants were Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Kor SUKSIS trainees attending UTHM Kor SUKSIS Public Speaking Course 2023. The research implemented a descriptive qualitative approach, and the data were gathered through interview sessions. Interview sessions revealed that students felt notably more confident during task presentations. In conclusion, incorporating video recording tasks could effectively mitigate students’ anxiety in oral presentation performances.
Beyond the Hive Mind: Leveraging the Artificial Bee Colony Model for Collaborative Learning in English Language Teaching
Innovative teaching strategies that support a variety of learning styles and promote productive collaboration are desperately needed, as the number of ESL students enrolled in university courses rises. This study conceptualizes the integration of the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) model with constructivist principles to enhance collaborative learning in English Language Teaching (ELT). The expected outcomes from the proposed Design and Development Research (DDR) study include improved group formation, enhanced student engagement and participation, more effective task allocation, and better academic performance.
Innovative Approaches in ESL to Enhance Motivation and Attitude Through Technology Integration
The study was conducted to identify major problems students of a tertiary institution in the Southern part of Malaysia face in learning the English Language. A survey via Padlet was conducted to find out students' opinions on the current classroom teaching and learning instructions. Most respondents stated that they find the conventional method of classroom instruction uninteresting and dull. The students also mentioned that they wished to have more technological tools incorporated into the classroom. Therefore, a lesson that incorporated the use of Quizizz and Kahoot was conducted on the topic of Job Interview. Students responded positively to the lesson. This suggests that educators should consider the incorporation of technological tools in the classroom, such as Quizizz and Kahoot, to boost students' motivation and positive attitudes towards English language learning.
Implementation of English as Foreign Language Teaching during Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review
This study explores the implementation of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching practices pre-covid and post-Covid pandemic. This paper employs a narrative review of selected articles that shed light on instructional challenges and opportunities in the transition from traditional classroom teaching to online and hands-on learning. The methodology employed in this study used the Google Scholar database to select pertinent studies with keywords within the title field, spanning the years 2019-2022. This study acknowledges the impact of the pandemic on English language teaching, highlighting the need for creative teaching methods and a hybrid of online and face-to-face learning for effectiveness. This paper also stresses the significance of ongoing support to address technical challenges and ensure a smooth learning experience for students. The findings highlight the shift from traditional EFL teaching to remote teaching post-COVID, stress challenges such as digital literacy, and limited resources. This necessitates ongoing support for educators to navigate online and blended learning, integrate technology, and adapt to developing teaching methodologies.
Selected Poems and Letters of Sylvia Plath’s: Constructions of Depersonalization
This article examined Sylvia Plath’s hysterical symptoms through the lens of depersonalization. This article investigated Plath’s “Daddy”, “Mirror” and some selected letters that reflect her hysteria. The study adopted two methods which are the American Psychiatric Association approach in which depersonalization is classified as a hysteric psychoform of consciousness and awareness and Attitude analysis from the Systemic Functional Linguistics. The texts were analyzed using thematic analysis to obtain the results. As discovered in the study, many poems and letters of Plath illustrated how she was treated as an object or a commodity under male domination during her time. One of the significant depersonalization disorders is associated with detachment from oneself, highlighted in Plath's selected literary works. In sum, Plath represented depersonalisation as a memorable response to suffering situations such as emotional abuse, stress, and imprisonment in her life.
Gerontological Variations on the Language Use and Attitudes of Southern Philippine Plurilingual Communities
This pioneering research explores the correlation of gerontological factors in sociolinguistics in the intergenerational language attitudes of Southern Philippine plurilingual communities on the Cebuano, Filipino, and English languages. Specifically, viewpoints of Cebuano speakers from the cities of Cebu and Davao in southern Philippines were investigated in this study. Utilizing mixed methods research, results found that the elder generation may prefer their children to learn the Cebuano language but this does not result in fruition as their beliefs in the English language prevent this from happening. Generation Z emphasized that the English and Filipino languages affected their fluency in the Cebuano language. They ended up speaking English for formal communication as the elder generation accentuated its role as an international language. While a majority of the respondents from both generations preferred the use of the Cebuano language for everyday communication, the actual count of their results deviated from the expected count that coincides with the null hypothesis. Consequently, this study confirms that gerontological variations affect the respondents’ language attitudes on everyday communication. Lastly, no significant differences were in their views that English should be used for formal communication and the maintenance of Filipino as the Philippine national language
The Use of GAMLET Pictionary to Improve English Vocabulary Acquisition among a Group of ESL Learners in a Chinese National-Type School in Malaysia
English vocabulary is a fundamental component of the English language and is essential for ESL learners to master. However, many ESL learners in Malaysia cannot spell English vocabulary correctly due to limited exposure to English as posited by Gu and Lornklang (2021). To address this issue, a self-directed learning module called GAMLET Pictionary was developed to help ESL learners acquire targeted vocabulary using context clues, namely definitions, visuals, and descriptions. The module is aligned with the latest format of the Final Academic Session Test (UASA), which requires pupils to understand the definition of words. GAMLET Pictionary was implemented with five pupils in a Chinese national-type primary school for a month. The findings showed that their English vocabulary mastery improved after the intervention. The findings from the questionnaire found that they held positive perceptions of GAMLET Pictionary. They enjoyed the activities designed in the module and hoped to use it to acquire more English vocabulary in the future. Overall, GAMLET Pictionary is a promising innovation that can help ESL learners improve their English vocabulary mastery. It is engaging, effective, easy to use, and aligned with the latest format of the UASA.
Exploring Effective Communication Skills among Local and International Civil Engineering Undergraduates: A Case Study
This study focuses on issues faced by local and foreign undergraduates in communicating in English effectively in a public university in Malaysia. Apparently, there seems to be a gap in effective communication between the local students and the foreign students in speaking in English. This gap disrupts a smooth flow of discussion and understanding between the two groups of students during the course of learning while studying including lectures, lab activities, and projects. Therefore this study was conducted to identify the issues faced by the local and foreign undergraduates speaking in English to enhance the effectiveness of their communication. This case study was conducted by interviewing 10 participants comprising local and foreign. The thematic analysis highlighted three main issues including clarity, academic success, and cultural exchange. The findings also highlighted that the students perceived pronunciation and intonation as important aspects of communicating effectively. This study hopes to be an eye-opener to individuals and institutions with local and foreign students to be more aware of the effective use of English language circumstances within the diverse classroom environment.
The Impact of WhatsApp on EFL Learners’ Reading Skills: A Narrative Literature Review
This review synthesizes existing research on the impact of WhatsApp on EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners’ reading skills. Employing a systematic approach, the study utilizes journal articles retrieved from databases like ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, focusing on publications between 2019 and 2024. Relevant keywords like "technology in EFL classrooms" and "WhatsApp for language learning" guided the search process. The snowballing technique further enriched the literature pool by examining references from identified articles. The review underscores WhatsApp's potential to enhance EFL reading comprehension. Studies demonstrate its effectiveness in promoting reading engagement and improving comprehension scores. Building upon these insights, the review suggests future research directions. These include investigating the specific mechanisms by which WhatsApp and similar platforms contribute to learning outcomes, exploring its effectiveness for different learner demographics, and examining potential drawbacks like information overload and distractions. Finally, the review emphasizes the need to develop best practices for integrating WhatsApp into EFL reading instruction, providing educators with guidelines on content selection, fostering meaningful interactions, and ensuring academic integrity.
Fostering L2 Motivation in ESL: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2017-2021)
Corrective Over the past few years, ESL research on motivation has examined its complexity and multi-dimensionality. From 2017 to 2021, studies examined individual variations, social context, instructional approaches, and learner views as motivators for ESL learners. Research has shown that fostering learner autonomy and self-regulated learning practices motivates ESL students. Social considerations encourage ESL learners in other studies. From 2017 to 2021, ESL motivation research has stressed the need to evaluate numerous individual and environmental elements that affect language learning motivation. Promoting learner autonomy, self-regulated learning practices, positive teacher-student contact, and low language anxiety may motivate ESL learners and improve learning outcomes. Research on motivation in English as a Second Language (ESL) has identified various factors that can influence learners' motivation. These factors can be categorized into individual, social, and contextual factors.
Copyright (c) 2023 Development in Language Studies
Emotive Language in Political News Articles from The Star and The Washington Post
Emotive language is a powerful tool in reporting engaging and interesting reading material as it can evoke different emotions. However, the use of emotive language in media discourse varies according to culture and target readers. The variation between the use of this persuasion tool motivates this study to analyse the use of emotive language in two different news portals, The Star (Malaysia) and The Washington Post (the United States of America). This study scrutinised political news articles that were published between July 2022 and July 2023. Collectively, ten (10) online news articles that report on current political issues were selected for this study. This qualitative study utilised content analysis, anchored on Martin and White's Appraisal model (2005), in assessing the selected online news articles. The results revealed that the news articles from The Star encompassed a diverse range of emotive words related to affect, judgement, and appreciation, suggesting a greater emphasis on evaluating and critiquing various aspects of the news. Conversely, the selected online news articles from The Washington Post concentrated on the use of specific aspects of judgement and valuation. The attributing factors of the dissimilarities in the findings can be further dissected by future studies to enrich intercultural understanding. Therefore, the difference in the use of emotive language between these two media giants is notable and underlines the importance of knowledge in emotive language to foster a media-literate society.
The Effectiveness of Learning English Online among Second-Year Engineering Undergraduates
English language proficiency is a crucial skill for students worldwide, as it opens doors to global opportunities and facilitates effective communication in various fields. In Malaysia, English is taught as a second language and is widely used for academic and professional purposes. However, concerns have arisen about the deterioration of English language proficiency among Malaysian undergraduates, particularly among those pursuing degrees in engineering. This study was conducted to investigate the challenges faced by university students to study English online. The data were collected from a group of second-year students from an engineering course in a public university in Malaysia. Data was analyzed descriptively. It was found that the majority of the students enjoyed learning English online even though they preferred face-to-face learning. This study provides some suggestions for the challenges faced by students including the use of preferred online platforms such as ‘Author’, having support from family and friends, and sustaining strong mental health for an effective online learning environment.
Design Principles of Mobile Learning Module to Enhance English for Academic Survival Skills
‘Tutor Me’ was developed to assist low proficiency ESL learners who enrol in UHB 10302 course (English for Academic Survival) in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) to develop their English for academic survival skills, which include effective reading, effective listening, paragraph writing and presentation skills. It is crucial for the targeted students to be assisted with a comprehensive module to be used during tutorial sessions and Independent Study Hours (ISH) sessions. As for Phase Two (Design and Development), one of the objectives is to construct the mLearning module design principles. The implication of this study focuses on the development of design principles to develop mLearning module to enhance English for academic survival skills.
Exploring Tertiary Level ESL Students’ Perspectives of Using Self-Assessment for Academic Writing: A Conceptual Paper
Critical thinking in academic writing allows students to present evidence, arguments and conclusions clearly. It also promotes deeper, creative and reflective insights on various matters using the medium of writing. However, Malaysian tertiary level ESL learners have been found to struggle with writing critically for academic purposes. This conceptual paper presents a reflective learning tool, a weekly self-assessment, that has been theorized to help ESL learners to reflect on their academic writing practices and improve on their weaknesses when it comes to writing critically. The methodology proposed is an exploratory qualitative study using thematic analysis and document analysis on semi-structured interviews and students’ written assignments respectively. It is hoped that this paper can provide directions for practitioners looking to incorporate critical thinking via reflective learning practices in ESL classrooms.
Bahasa Melayu dan Penyesuaian Budaya Siswa Antarabangsa di Universiti Swasta
Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi courses have been implemented at the level of Malaysian higher education institutions and are now offered and required for all international students studying in Malaysia. However, the difficulties of applying what they’ve learned in everyday conversation while on campus have hindered and hampered their efforts to improve their command of the language. By using the teaching and learning model that is practiced in Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 1 and 2 courses at higher education institutions, it cannot be denied that bilingualism's delivery technique is necessary to facilitate the teaching and learning process. After completing the 14-week course, international students can read short passages, understand various vocabulary words, and write simple sentences in Malay. However, due to the learning environment and atmosphere in private universities that prioritise English as a communication and knowledge delivery medium, as well as the widespread use of the mother tongue among local students, especially in private universities, learning the Malay language is seen as still incapable of assisting international students in adapting to the Malaysian culture. According to several studies, international students need to be given plenty of space to communicate in Malay with their course mates to ensure that the language is not forgotten once the course is completed.