AssessingEnglishinSouth Asia

This study examines the level of Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) of English language teachers at the university level in Pakistan by adopting a mixed-methods explanatory approach. The study offers a comprehensive analysis of language assessment awareness among English language teachers in the Pakistani context along with their language teaching-learning experiences. Likewise, English language teachers shared their perspectives regarding the role of LAL in enhancing language teaching and learning processes at the university level. The theoretical framework of the study, which is comprised of three seminal theories, viz. Classical Test Theory, Generalizability Theory and Item Response Theory, has informed the interview protocol used for qualitative data collection. In the same vein, the current study investigates three core areas including the current level of LAL among university English teachers, the challenges they face while assessing their students’ language proficiency, and the possible solutions for these challenges for the improvement of language assessment, teaching and research practices. For the said purpose, data is collected from 15 English language teachers who are currently serving at five different public sector universities including Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) Kohat, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Islamabad, FATA University, Kohat, and Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad, through semi-structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Correspondingly, quantitative findings of the study reveal that most of the participants (73.33%) are PhD degree holders but many of them lack professional language assessment trainings both pre-service and post-service. The study highlights that English language teachers have limited exposure to standardized testing frameworks like CEFR, IELTS, and ELLT. Among them, only 13.33% had studied language assessment as a course at the PhD level while 46.66% of language teachers had not attended any training in the last five years of their professional life. Given the gaps between language teaching and assessment practices as the qualitative data highlights, language assessment trainings need to be offered to teachers and students at the university level with a view to enhance their theoretical as well as practical knowledge regarding language assessment which will furnish their language assessment skills. The major findings of the study also have significant implications for English Language Teaching (ELT) and assessment practices and language policies with a view to bridge the gulf between language teaching and assessment practices in multilingual contexts like Pakistan.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has constituted a major part of the curriculum in private and public institutions in Saudi Arabia for over eight decades. More recently, the emergence of English as a global language has made it a socially desirable language in Saudi society, as elsewhere in the world. However, despite the long history of English teaching in Saudi Arabia and the growth of the profession over the years, the overall English proficiency level of the majority of students is low and unsatisfactory. Saudi researchers have reported many reasons for the ineffectiveness of English Language Teaching (ELT) including, but not limited to, low levels of student motivation, negative attitudes toward English, a substandard English as a Foreign Language (EFL) curriculum, and inefficient teacher pedagogical practices. These problems fall into two major categories: problems related to the lwhyr of teaching and learning of EFL, and problems related to the lhowr of teaching and learning EFL. In investigating these issues, much of this research has been carried out within individual/psychological/structuralist/positivist frameworks, which has failed not only to problematize the complexity of such constructs but also to appreciate the fact that all realities are produced/(re)produced via ldiscourser. Hence, the present study investigated EFL teaching and learning practices by employing Foucauldian and poststructuralist frameworks. This study used poststructuralism not only as a theoretical lens per se, but also established it through the implemented analytical tools and textual representations of the collected data. Employing a poststructuralist discursive perspective made it possible to view EFL teaching and learning as complex social practices, interacting with the discourses of English and ELT practices available in the global as well as the local context(s). These discourses create the nexus between power and knowledge and impact on what an EFL teacher/ learner does within a classroom setting by constructing perspectives of reality through which he or she comes to understand the EFL teaching and learning process in certain ways which constitute epistemological spaces and generate particular practices. Drawing on policy documents, EFL textbooks, classroom observations, interviews with two Saudi EFL teachers, and focus group discussions with Saudi EFL students in two rural areas, the study identified seven discourses circulating within and competing across the examined discursive spaces. The first three discourses are related to English and its values, including: English as a universal language; English as the language for better employment opportunities; and English as the language for spreading religion. The remaining four discourses centred around ELT with exams as an important aspect of EFL learning and ELT; CLT as the key to success in ELT; L1 as a barrier to successful EFL learning; and EFL textbooks as an essential aspect of the processes of EFL learning and ELT. In exploring the production and (re)production of these discourses through the examination of how visibilization, normalisation, exclusionary/inclusionary acts, classification, and subject positioning as discursive strategies are employed, it was found that whether a particular discourse was made visible or invisible depended on other discourses operating across the examined discursive spaces: the social context, the policy, the textbook, the classroom, and the teachers and students. The analysis of the connection(s) and misconnection(s) between these discursive spaces demonstrated that the interplay between the different discourses constructed discursive battlegrounds, which impacted the processes of EFL teaching and learning. Through the investigation of this interplay, it was found that there was a disconnect and an ambivalent relationship between the study participantsr espoused discourses of English and their EFL teaching and learning practices, suggesting that EFL teachers and learners should not be considered lstabler figures, but rather as social agents with discursively constructed ever changing subjectivities. Furthermore, the analyses of the constructions of the discourses operating within the examined policy texts demonstrate an intra disparity and fragmentation. This was manifested in the difference between the ideals of the EFL curriculum and the institutionally imposed regulating techniques, that is, examinations and teachersr assessment practices which had negative effects on EFL teaching and learning dynamics. Additionally, as a consequence of the competition between the different sources of discursive constructions, I found that there was a gulf between the EFL policies and the enactment of these policies in EFL teaching and learning dynamics in the observed EFL classrooms. The findings of this study also indicate that if a discourse promoted through the policy is mediated by discourses operating in the larger societal context, it became more visible in teaching and learning practices as compared to other discourses that did not have social moorings. This suggests that taking the prevailing social expectations into account at the stage of developing any policy is of paramount importance.nThe study concludes with a discussion of the implications of the interplay of connections and misconnections between competing discourses across different spaces in Saudi educational settings for improving the EFL teaching/learning environments in Saudi Arabia and other similar contexts.n

Multicultural education in English Language Teaching (ELT) has gained significant attention, although challenges still persist in its classroom implementation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate challenges and strategies associated with implementing multicultural education in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes within Islamic higher education institutions in Indonesia. A case study method was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six teachers actively involved in EFL teaching to explore the complexities and nuances of integrating multicultural education in this context. The results showed various challenges, including the need to balance cultural sensitivity with standardized curriculum requirements, addressing potential resistance or discomfort among students during discussions of culturally sensitive topics, and mitigating resource limitations hindering comprehensive multicultural education. Furthermore, teachers emphasized the importance of enhancing mutual respect, improving intercultural understanding, and integrating diverse cultural content into the curriculum. Future studies were recommended to emphasize collaborative efforts, institutional support, and ongoing professional development to help teachers adapt teaching methods effectively. Despite limited resources, teachers remained committed to creating inclusive learning environments that prepared students to become proficient English speakers and global citizens capable of appreciating and thriving in a diverse world. In conclusion, this study provided valuable insights for teachers, institutions, and policymakers to improve multicultural education in similar educational contexts.

This chapter discusses a shift in perspective in English language education in Indonesia from English as a foreign language (EFL) to English as a lingua franca (ELF). The chapter reviews the historical background of English language education, outlining the curricular alterations affecting the teaching and learning of the language in the country. It argues that despite the suggestion to embrace an English as a second language perspective, English language education in Indonesia is currently making a transition to ELF. Further, the chapter demonstrates that the changing landscape of English education, the importance of character building and a shift in language attitude make up the reasons for the transition to ELF in the wake of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration. The chapter finally outlines implications for teacher education.

Integrating local languages in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching has become a significant area of inquiry within Indonesia's multicultural educational landscape. This literature review explores the role and impact of local languages in supporting English language acquisition among Indonesian students. By examining fundamental studies and theoretical perspectives, this review addresses the challenges and benefits of incorporating local languages in EFL classrooms, including the potential for enhancing students' cultural identity, cognitive development, and linguistic skills. Findings from various studies highlight the pedagogical value of translanguaging and other multilingual approaches that leverage Local languages as a bridge for understanding English. However, the review also underscores obstacles such as lack of teacher training, limited resources, and institutional constraints. This study emphasizes the need for a more inclusive EFL curriculum that respects linguistic diversity and promotes sustainable language practices in Indonesia. Recommendations for future research are provided, focusing on effective strategies for balancing local and global language competencies within EFL pedagogy.

This research aims to evaluate the possible positive aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in English language teaching that occur when training learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL). The study seeks to understand how AI technology and methodologies enhance language learning and teaching, including the unique possibilities that arise when considering learners and educators with an evolving role in increasingly larger education systems and educational environments. It seeks to understand the potential of AI for personalizing English language training. Also, by asking the question study, if there are methods including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and AI-based analytics or tools, can they personalize learning experiences for EFL-ESL learners? A qualitative study was completed through interviews with learners from different experience levels engaged in EFL or ESL programs that used AI-based tools in the pedagogy. The results demonstrate that AI has positive opportunities for personalized language education in the EFL and ESL contexts, the ability to enhance language skills in specific domains, and offer customized language learning experiences. This research has indicated challenges that surround cultural elements, technical challenges, and distinctly human teaching and learning elements. The research also offers helpful information for English language learning and recognizes the shifting nature of personal learning experience whether enhanced through AI, the practical requirement of incorporating AI will also provide a unique lens and perspective in English language learning and teaching, recognize the affordances AI can offer, alongside students and language learning never being exclusively cultural or human.

Educators and teachers generally use a traditional approach in English language teaching. They use books, flashcards, and whiteboards to organize a lecture. However, at present times, teaching through traditional methods is not considered effective. We live in the advanced technology age, where teaching through a blended method is more practical and effective. For this reason, a teacher should be acquainted with the various technology tools to be used effectively in the classroom. The use of technology plays playing a significant role in English language teaching and learning (ELTL). In this paper, the authors will explore the uses of technology such as the internet, websites, electronic dictionaries, softwares and social networking technologies in English language teaching and learning.

English as an international language (EIL) is considered by applied linguists to be a new paradigm for research, practice and English language teaching (ELT). However, it appears that English language teachers have little voice in these discussions, and the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom has remained largely unaffected by EIL, hinging upon the native speaker (NS) ideal. This is hardly surprising as insufficient attention has been devoted to EIL pedagogy, and to helping teachers integrate theoretical understandings of EIL into their teaching. This paper aims to address this gap by examining EFL teachers’ (non-native speakers - NNS) perspectives on the implications of EIL for classroom practice. Through an analysis of data gathered from an online questionnaire and 10 semi- structured interviews, this study examined the attitudes of 53 EFL teachers working in Croatian public schools towards: a) the EIL paradigm, b) NS/NNS models in ELT, and c) the implications of EIL for language teaching. The findings show that although the teachers are familiar with and open to the notion of EIL, when conceptualized as a paradigm for teaching, it becomes a rather elusive concept, and a second best NNS English. Overall, the teachers are largely unaware of the potential of EIL for ELT, and rely on the NS as the benchmark and authority. They maintain that the EIL theory-ELT practice link is complex and difficult to operationalise. It is argued that, if EIL is to become a new paradigm for teaching, greater collaboration is required between applied linguists and ELF teachers, and explicit guidelines are needed to help teachers integrate EIL into ELT.

In the context of rapid educational development, understanding students’ learning styles has become increasingly important for improving the effectiveness of English language teaching, particularly in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) setting where exposure to the language is limited. This research investigates the learning style preferences of EFL students in the English Education Program at Universitas Esa Unggul. The study was motivated by the fact that many students are not fully aware of their own learning styles, which may influence the effectiveness of their English language learning. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected from 10 participants through questionnaires and interviews based on the VARK framework (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinesthetic). The findings revealed that students demonstrated varied preferences across the four categories, with some showing a dominant single style and others displaying multimodal tendencies by combining two or more styles. These results indicate that identifying students’ learning styles can provide valuable insights for improving teaching strategies in EFL classrooms. The study contributes to learner-centered English language education by encouraging teachers to integrate diverse instructional methods that address different learning preferences.

In recent years, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been emphasised, specifically in English language teaching. Therefore, investigating English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ perceptions of ESD is a fundamental first step in developing effective EFL curricula and teaching policies. Consequently, this study delved into the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ perceptions of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), examining its role in EFL teaching methodologies and identifying the challenges faced in integrating ESD within the Turkish educational context. In-depth interview data (IDI) was collected from 28 in-service Turkish EFL teachers. Utilising qualitative content analysis (QCA) with open, axial, and selective coding, we found out that Turkish EFL teachers’ perceptions of ESD are multifaceted and shaped by the interdisciplinary nature of EFL teaching, which is fed by Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). The findings showed that EFL teachers: (1) conceptualised ESD as being related to learning for sustainable practices addressing social, economic and environmental dimensions, and linked ESD to a lifelong learning process that should be implemented at all education levels and supported by critical thinking and problem-solving skills; (2) thought English classes provide ideal venues to teach multiple topics including sustainability, thus reported it as a key responsibility for them to instil in their students, and (3) felt that ESD has yet to be sufficiently reflected in EFL curriculum due to some obstacles such as narrow focus on ESD, limited contact hours of English and lack of parental awareness of ESD. The findings mainly emphasised the significance of an extensive and holistic coverage of ESD at all education levels through engaging and hands-on in-class activities. Further practical suggestions are also provided regarding how EFL teaching policies may be developed to better integrate ESD.

In this state-of-the-art review, we aim to build on Alptekin & Tatar's (2011) article covering research conducted in Turkey between 2005 and 2009, and survey published research in 31 Turkey-based journals between 2010 and 2016. As the second review paper on Turkey's English language teaching (ELT) agenda, our goal is twofold: first, to introduce the research of those researchers whose high-quality, Turkey-based work may not be known outside Turkish academia; and second, to point to recent scholarly developments that have occurred in Turkey and set these in the context of recent shifts in language teaching research worldwide. This paper presents approximately 140 articles that appeared in locally published peer-reviewed academic journals, and clearly demonstrates that Turkey as an English as a foreign language (EFL) context presents a vibrant research scene in language teaching. The reviewed works cover a wide spectrum of timely topics (e.g., computer-assisted language learning (CALL), the European Portfolio for Student Teachers of Languages (EPOSTL), language assessment, affective factors), and present findings that have much to contribute to current discussions in the field. Nevertheless, our review also reveals some concerning trends, including an almost exclusive emphasis on practical concerns over conceptual development; shortcomings in locating research within broader disciplinary debates; and few efforts to bring together and build on local research in a manner that might allow for original and creative influences on the broader discipline. It is therefore the further aim of this article to spark debates on these issues among Turkish scholars and contribute to the strengthening of the local disciplinary community.

In Vietnam, the history of the English language and English education has a direct bearing on politics, economy and social affairs (Wright, 2002), and is particularly tied up with the reform policy known as Doi Moi, which was adopted by the sixth National Congress of the Communist Party in 1986. Doi Moi has brought about huge achievements in terms of gross domestic product growth and foreign direct investment attraction (Thanh & Duong, 2009). These achievements have had a profound impact on the development of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Vietnam.

Literature on English Language Teaching (ELT), particularly in ELT curriculum in Indonesia, suggests a paradigm shift in the role of teachers from being a curriculum implementer to becoming a curriculum developer or curriculum maker. This thesis examines the perspectives of ten English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Padang, West Sumatra province, Indonesia, on how they negotiate their practices and ELT curriculum guidelines within their sociocultural contexts. Within the dilemmas and tensions, the teacher participants have creatively negotiated with the curriculum mandates.

This work undertakes a study of Hausa Interference on English Language Teaching: The Case of Some Selected Schools in Bauchi State. For many years, there have been expressed concerns about the problems faced by most of Hausa native students in learning English as a second language. The problems of teaching English language are not recent issues but, have existed since the introduction of the subject in the school curriculum. However, Hausa affects the usage of English in terms of phonology, which has to do with sound (e.g. /p, v/ which is replaced by /f/ & /b/ in Hausa) morphology, is the word formation process, grammar, semantics and syntax. Therefore, the focus of this study is to investigate how the use of prepositions in Hausa and how they affect the use of English. A preposition is a word that expresses the relationship of one word with another. But people tend to misuse the use of these prepositions. This is because of the influence of mother tongue interference (Hausa) when speaking English as a second language. This study investigated the errors committed by Hausa native students on the use of prepositions, by use of questionnaire and test in some selected Bauchi State secondary schools, Nigeria.

While leveraging students’ first language (L1) has been gradually gaining ground in the field of intercultural education, it still has limited acceptance in English as a foreign language (EFL) instruction. The present study reports on young learners’ beliefs on the use of L1 in learning EFL through metaphor elicitation in the Greek context. The participants were 133 students aged 10–12 attending primary education in Greece, who described and explained their L1 (Greek) in learning EFL using a metaphor. The metaphorical representations were categorized and analyzed through thematic interpretation. As identified in the metaphor analysis and together with few responses that did not involve metaphorical expressions, more than half of the participants reported a positive view on L1 use in EFL learning, while less than one-fifth expressed a negative view. The findings suggest a reevaluation of monolingual teaching approaches in second language learning, common in English language education, and are discussed in relation to the pedagogy of translanguaging. Considering students’ views, by strategically incorporating practices that involve the L1 in foreign language teaching, educators can promote effective learning and contribute to language equity in a responsive manner.