A Linguistic Ethnography of Discursive Identities of an English for Medical Purposes (EMP) Teacher
Authors : Omar Ali Al-Smadi , Radzuwan Ab Rashid , Baderaddin Yassin , Hadeel Saad
Abstract : This study is a linguistic ethnographic investigation of teacher identities in an English for Medical Purposes (EMP) classroom at one of the medical colleges in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the discursive shifts of teacher identities in his classroom interactions. An eclectic qualitative methodology that incorporated principles of Linguistic Ethnography was employed in this study. Classroom observation was the main method for data collection. When necessary, an informal conversation with the teacher was carried out after classroom observation to obtain further clarification of what had happened during the observation. The class was observed for 13 times during the first semester of the academic year 2019/2020. Five salient identities were constructed by the teacher: the expert, the counsellor, the student, the storyteller and the controller. These identities were found to be fluid and multiple and became temporarily salient in different classroom interactions. The teacher mediated classroom discourses by constantly shifting relationships and identities along the inclines of power. This study concludes that teacher’s discursive identities portray positive self-image and account for students’ active engagement and involvement in the learning process
Keywords : classroom interaction, discursive identity, English for medical purposes, learning, linguistic ethnography, teacher
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A Phenomenological Study of Educators’ Experience After a Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors : Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Radzuwan Ab Rashid, Hadeel Saed, Omar Ali AlSmadi , Baderaddin Yassin
Abstract : This phenomenological study investigated educators’ lived experiences of teaching online in higher institutions in Malaysia. Data, which was generated through semistructured interviews with 20 lecturers from three universities in the country, was analysed based on the thematic analysis approach guided by the Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK)-self-efficacy framework. The findings revealed that after a year of teaching online, the potential of technology has been acknowledged by the educators after some trials and 3constraints were addressed. The domains related to Technology Content Knowledge (TCK), Technology Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), and TPACK were evident in the findings. However, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) was not given emphasis, hence this manuscript argues that educators need to be constantly reminded of the significance of PCK. The findings discussed in this manuscript can be a helpful guide for educators when there is a need for them to teach online
Keywords : TPACK, phenomenology, COVID-19 pandemic, ICT tool, online learning (OL), online teaching and learning
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Developing an Interactive University Orientation App: Potential Users’ Feedback
Authors : Radzuwan Ab. Rashid, Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Hadeel Saed, Baderaddin Yassin, Omar Ali Al-Smadi
Abstract : The use of apps has become increasingly common in higher institutions and often linked with the needs of the current generation. This qualitative study investigates the perception of undergraduate students at a university in Malaysia as part of a need analysis to develop a university orientation app. Fifteen participants were interviewed and the findings suggest that the participants have positive perception of having the app. The positive perception is mainly based on the needs to navigate around the campus where the apps will help to make the navigation easier and effective by serving as ‘one-stop information center’. In addition to the navigation purpose, the potential users request for gamification elements to keep them interested in using the app. This paper concludes that an appealing orientation app for the students should expose them to the university surrounding and at the same time contain gamification elements.
Keywords : smartphone apps, higher institution, gamification, orientation app
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Establishing a COVID-19 lemmatized word list for journalists and ESP learners
Authors : Hadeel Saed , Riyad F Hussein , Ahmad S Haider, Saleh Al-Salman, Iyad M. Odeh
Abstract : The aim of this research is two-fold; first, to explore the most frequent COVID-19 inspired words in medical news reporting contexts, and second, to classify them into different categories. This paper adopts a corpus-based approach to build a lemmatized academic word list (AWL) inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factiva was used to retrieve the pandemic-related articles published in News Rx from January 1 - October 31, 2020. A total number of 18,249,093-word corpus was compiled. The corpus linguistic software program Wordsmith (WS-6) (Scott, 2012) was used to generate a word list based on the complied corpus. Subsequent to compiling, lemmatizing, and analyzing the AWL, six categories were identified, namely, acronyms and abbreviation, diseases, COVID-19, biology, medicine, and scientific disciplines, all of which are of essential use for media workers, ESP learners of journalism, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health sciences. Building such a discipline-specific glossary will be of special pedagogical value for health journalists, textbook writers and curriculum designers, instructors, and ESP learners in the health sciences field. One of the major contributions of this research is establishing lemmas of a large set of AWL. This set can be utilized by news media workers, health communication specialists, and ESP learners. Lemmatization will ensure rapid dissemination of the word list and its integration in the linguistic system through derivation and other word-formation processes.
Keywords : COVID-19; ESP; journalism; lemmatization; pedagogy
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Jordanian University Instructors’ Practices and Perceptions of Online Testing in the COVID-19 Era
Authors : Ahmad S. Haider, Riyad F. Hussein, Hadeel A. Saed
Abstract : It is widely known that exceptional circumstances inevitably call for the use of matching procedures. As there has been a change in face-to-face teaching methods, there have also been parallel changes in student evaluation and assessment plans or strategies during the COVID-19 era. This study investigates how COVID-19 affected online testing in higher education institutions in Jordan. For this purpose, the researchers developed a five-construct Likert-type questionnaire with 20 items and distributed it to a sample of 426 university instructors. The constructs were the internet and technology, technical and logistic issues, types of questions, test design, and students’ awareness. The results showed that the Internet and technology are essential to guarantee the successful performance of online testing. The study also showed that this type of testing affected the test design and types of questions in a way to eliminate or at least reduce the spread of online cheating. The study recommends that higher education institutions provide instructors with on-the-job training, not only in e-learning techniques and procedures but also in preparing and conducting online exams.
Keywords : online testing, internet, question types, exam security, test design, cheating (education)
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Recursion of Phonological Phrase: Views from the Jordanian Arabic dialect of Irbid
Authors : Hadeel Alsaed , Abdulazeez Jaradat
Abstract : In the original model of Prosodic Hierarchy (Selkirk 1984, 1986; Nespor &Vogel 1986), the prosodic representation was partly autonomous from the syntactic structure, and prosodic recursion was not possible. Recently, it has been proposed in Match Theory (Selkirk 2011) that each prosodic unit has a corresponding syntactic constituent, and prosodic recursion exists, as proposed in some recent empirical studies (Féry and Truckenbrodt 2005;Wagner 2005, 2010, Selkirk 2009, 2011, Itô &Mester 2012, 2013; Elfner 2012among others).This paper empirically investigates the phonological phrase construction in Jordanian Arabic as spoken in Irbid. The empirical results indicate that phonological phrases match XPs and are marked by low phrase accents and pre-boundary lengthening. They also suggest that syntactic nesting motivates prosodic recursion: a nested XP matches a recursive phonological phrasewhich is cued by gradient pre-boundary lengthening. However, a recursive phonological phraseis limited to two subcategories, i.e. a minimal and maximal layer. In accord with that, prosodic recursion is neither prohibited as proposed in the early version of Strict Layer Hypothesis (Selkirk 1984, 1986; Nespor &Vogel 1986), nor freely allowed to perfectly mirror syntactic nesting as in Match Theory (Selkirk 2011).
Keywords : phonological phrase, prosodic recursion, syntactic nesting, Match Theory
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The use of YouTube in developing the speaking skills of Jordanian EFL university students
Authors : Hadeel A. Saed, Ahmad S. Haider , Saleh Al-Salman, Riyad F. Hussein
Abstract : This study examines the effectiveness of using YouTube videos in teaching the speaking skills among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in Jordan. The study sample comprised 80 students attending Oral Skills classes in the English Language and Literature Department at a private university in Jordan. The participants were equally divided into a control group and an experimental group of 40 students each. The experimental group was taught through the use of YouTube videos, while the control group was taught the speaking skills using the traditional approach. A pre-test and a post-test were administered to the two groups. Four TEFL experts were asked to rate the participants’ performance using the IELTS speaking band descriptors, which consist of four main categories: fluency & coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, and pronunciation. The findings showed that the performance of the two groups was improved. However, compared to the traditional group, the experimental group demonstrated a relatively better improvement. The results also showed significant progress in the speaking performance of the students subjected to the YouTube experiment. Of all the four constructs under investigation, pronunciation and fluency & coherence were the most noticeably advanced in the performance of the YouTube experimental group. The present study recommends that YouTube videos be embedded into the EFL classroom to improve students' speaking skills.
Keywords : YouTube Speaking EFL ESL Jordan Experimental group
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Towards the Sustainability of English Language Teachers Professionalism: Extrinsic and Intrinsic Satisfactions
Authors : Radzuwan Ab Rashid, Sarah Yusoff, Hanita Ismail, Hadeel Saed, Baderaddin Yassin, Omar A. Al-Smadi
Abstract : Understanding the satisfaction of teachers is essential in designing and improving professional development programs. This study attempts to investigate intrinsic and extrinsic aspects of satisfaction of Malaysian ESL Primary school teachers after following their first-degree program. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the survey research data collected from 30 secondary school English language teachers in Kuala Terengganu, east coast of Malaysia. The findings revealed that personal gains did not contribute much to professional development (PD) activities in relation to the level of the teacher's extrinsic satisfaction after following their first-degree PD program. The study indicates that teachers differ from each other in terms of the source of their motivation for PD, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, and the type of development they aim for. This is hoped to show direction to the policymakers and organizers of the PD program in enhancing the program by taking into consideration of the teachers’ satisfaction, seniority, and professional background
Keywords : Intrinsic satisfaction, Extrinsic satisfaction, Teacher professional development, ESL, Motivation, Primary School Teacher
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Young Adult Literature (YAL): An Analytical Study Among Selected EFL Teachers in Jordanian Public Schools
Authors : Baderaddin Yassin, Hadeel Saed
Abstract : The purpose of this study is to shed light on Young Adult literature (YAL) in Jordan. Eleven English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers and 62 EFL students in Jordanian public schools participated in this research to first measure their awareness of the YAL and to evaluate the academic benefits of integrating English YA literature into the Jordanian public school curricula. A group of EFL instructors and EFL learners were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. The instructors' interview questions focused on demographics, definitions of YA literature, age classification of YAL, benefits, and challenges of using YA novel in Jordanian English curricula. Questions for the learners centered on demographics, definition and age classification of YAL, and the use of YA novels in the EFL classroom. The study revealed that EFL teachers' reliance on the official curriculum tends to remove innovation and creativity from their teaching and limit their opportunities to adapt the curricula to the competence and interest of their EFL students. The research also revealed that EFL students who read English YA novels developed necessary competencies in both the English language and daily life experiences. The results showed that most EFL teachers in this research paper asserted that English YA novels positively affected EFL students in Jordan. This effect led to increased motivation and engagement in EFL classrooms>
Keywords : culture, EFL (English as a foreign language), Middle East; education, (YAL) young adult literature
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The psychological impact of COVID-19’s e-learning digital tools on Jordanian university students’ well-being
Authors : Saleh Al-Salman , Ahmad S. Haider, Hadeel Saed
Abstract : Purpose – This study aims to depict and probe into the building tension, stress and depression to which Jordanian university students have been vulnerable after the compulsory shift to online learning and their prolonged use of digital tools. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers used a five-construct questionnaire, namely, use of digital tools in e-learning, sleeping habits, social interaction, psychological reactions and academic performance, to elicit the responses of university students in Jordan concerning the psychological impact of COVID-19’s e-learning digital tools on their well-being. In total, 775 university-level students representing Jordanian public and private universities were asked to fill in the questionnaire, and their responses were statistically analyzed. Findings – The results showed that the prolonged use of digital tools, lack of face-to-face interaction and heavy load of assignments have led to anxiety, change of sleeping habit, distraction and a stressbuilding environment, perhaps resulting in depression. This was aggravated by COVID-19’s strict regulatory measures of social distancing, lockdowns, health threats and eroding family income. The prolonged and escalating social, psychological, loss of affection and worsening economic conditions have increased the number of psychological disorders and a drop in students’ academic performance. Practical implications – This study is useful for educational leaders and policymakers, providing guidance and insights on how higher education institutions can support students’ mental health and psychological well-being, especially in times of crisis. Consequently, the higher education sector should be prepared to function more efficiently and effectively in future emergency situations. Originality/value – While different studies have investigated the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector globally, little attention has been given to developing countries in the Middle East. By focusing on the Jordanian example, the present study will fill a gap in the research endeavors addressing the prolonged use of e-learning digital tools.
Keywords : E-learning, Mental health, Anxiety, Emotional well-being, Digital tools, COVID-19, Stress
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Teachers and Students Code-Switching: The Inevitable Evil in EFL Classrooms
Authors : Riyad F. Hussein , Hadeel A. Saed, Ahmad S. Haider
Abstract : Code-switching has been primarily investigated in a variety of sociocultural contexts, especially in foreign and second language settings. The majority of code-switching instances, whether in teacher-initiated activities or teacher-student interaction, seem to suggest that these interactions reflect a sophisticated language use and serve a variety of pedagogical purposes. This study aims to find out the main functions and roles of code-switching among EFL high school teachers and students in Jordan. For this purpose, classroom observation and a questionnaire were used as instruments. Two EFL teachers were regularly observed, and notes of their code-switching behaviour over four weeks were taken, examined, classified, and finally analysed. A questionnaire was used for 330 students from two secondary schools in Jordan. The students were asked to fill in a Likert-type questionnaire. From the classroom observation, the results showed that teachers code-switch for several reasons including affective function, giving instructions and directions, and linguistic incompetence. The questionnaire administered to students showed that students code-switch for non-linguistuc purposes such as maintaining rapport and interpersonal relationships as well as keeping the line of communication without interruption to avoid any sort of conflict or misunderstanding. This study concludes by recommending that teachers should improve students’ English language skills in non-linguistic domains such as the affective and interpersonal ones.
Keywords : Code-switching; English as a Foreign Language (EFL); Arabic-English; Roles and Functions; High-school
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Scaffolding Oral Fluency Mediating the Target Language in ELT to Tertiary-Level Students: A Follow-up Scheme
Authors : Mohammed Abdulgalil Abugohar, Dalal Alfadhil, Attaher Salheen, Baderaddin Yassin, Hadeel A Saed, Kamariah Yunus
Abstract : One of the tasks for language teachers is to create an interactive environment to help learners communicate globally in the 21st century. Employing a case-study design, this research is aimed to explore how far using the target language (L2), as the main language of classroom interaction, can affect students’ oral fluency through the technique of Challenge, Action, and Result. Attempting to accomplish the assigned purpose, this study was carried out for four weeks to obtain qualitative data using an observation checklist in following 31 students at the university level. Through this paper, we share our experience to provide instructors in higher education with one of the solutions to learners’ oral inefficiency. The study findings proved that there was a emarkably positive influence of mediating English in classroom interaction on improving learners’ fluency. Implications of the research are further discussed in the conclusion section.
Keywords : Keywords: oral fluency, mediating target language (L2), tertiary-level students, English Language Teaching (ELT), follow-up scheme
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The Impact of English Proficiency on University Students’ Use of One-word or Phrasal Verbs
Authors : Ahmad S Haider, Hadeel A Saed, Riyad F Hussein , Linda S. Al-Abbas , Samah R. Meqdadi
Abstract : Second language learners encounter some challenges and difficulties in learning and using English phrasal verbs. This study examines whether the subjects’ English proficiency levels influence their use of phrasal verbs. For this purpose, 480 male and female students enrolled in the departments of English Language and Translation at three Jordanian private universities were asked to translate 15 Arabic sentences into English. Using an English Proficiency Test, the subjects were categorised into three levels; advanced, upper-intermediate, and intermediate. The findings show the relatively high use of phrasal verbs when translating Arabic verbs into English among the advanced group (42%), followed by the upper intermediate (27.4%) and intermediate groups (21.9 %). The study concludes with the suggestion that more attention should be paid to idiomatic language use by second language learners to render their translations idiomatic and correct.
Keywords : College students, Arabic and English, One-word verbs, Phrasal verbs, Translation
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The Representation of Women in Arab Media: Evidence From Jordan‟s News Agency (PETRA) in 2017
Authors : Hadeel A Saed
Abstract : Arab women have recently made significant achievements in the fields of science and education in addition to contributing to political, social, and economic aspects. Despite so, they still face different obstacles and have limited opportunities to take leading positions in the Arab community. This study uses a corpus of 1329 articles (562,501 words) published by Jordan News Agency (PETRA) to examine how women are defined and constructed in 2017. Carrying out a Critical Discourse Analysis qualitative analysis and Corpus Linguistic quantitative analysis, the researcher found that although Jordan is making progress with regard to women‟s rights, women are still seen as a weak part in the society. The article concludes that representing women as dominated party helps to perpetuate negative stereotypes.
Keywords : Arab women, Critical discourse analysis, Corpus linguistics, Jordan news agency, Stereotype
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Jordanian Undergraduate Students' Use of English Prepositional Verbs: Analytical Study
Authors : Hadeel Ali Saed, Baderaddin Yassin
Abstract : This study investigates the difficulties of English prepositions that face Arab English language learners (ELLs) at the university level. It attempts to unfold the factors that cause these problems and to help English as foreign language (EFL) teachers to come up with effective teaching methods in teaching English prepositions. Many studies have been conducted on the ELLs when it comes to English prepositions. However, this study explains what causes these problems in the first place, and what EFL teachers can do to avoid those problems especially for Arab ELLs. The results show that using preposition collocation in teaching Arab ELLs is proved to be better than teaching prepositions individually
Keywords : Preposition; ELLs (English language learners); EFL ( English as a foreign language)
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