4,980 results
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2. Investigating the Role of Formative Mobile Based Assessment in Vocabulary Learning of Pre-Intermediate EFL Learners in Comparison with Paper Based Assessment
- Author
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Yarahmadzehi, Nahid and Goodarzi, Mostafa
- Abstract
Throughout this study technology and especially mobile phones was utilized in EFL classrooms in order to see whether it can influence the process of vocabulary formative assessment and consequently improve vocabulary learning of Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners or not. Two groups of pre-intermediate EFL learners participated in this study. Regarding the first group (FMA) the vocabulary learning of learners was assessed formatively during ten sessions using Socrative mobile application. The vocabulary learning of the second group (FPA) was also assessed formatively but paper and pen were the instruments used by instructor and students to take the tests. After applying quasi-experimental research design including pretest, treatment and posttest and after running independent sample t tests to posttest scores, the results showed that those pre-intermediate EFL learners attending in the group where vocabulary gain was assessed formatively using mobile application named Socrative performed significantly better in posttest than group assessed formatively based on paper and pen (Sig=0.03<0.05). The analysis of attitude questionnaire distributed among participants of the group assessed formatively using mobile phone exhibited that they possessed a positive attitude towards mobile based testing.
- Published
- 2020
3. Computer-Based (CBT) vs. Paper-Based (PBT) Testing: Mode Effect, Relationship between Computer Familiarity, Attitudes, Aversion and Mode Preference with CBT Test Scores in an Asian Private EFL Context
- Author
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Khoshsima, Hooshang, Hashemi Toroujeni, Seyyed Morteza, Thompson, Nathan, and Reza Ebrahimi, Mohammad
- Abstract
The current study was conducted to investigate whether test scores of Iranian English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners were equivalent across CBT and PBT modes, with 58 intermediate learners studying at a private language academy located in Behshahr city in northern Iran. Moreover, test takers' computer familiarity, attitudes, aversion, and testing mode preference were regarded as the potential issues to influence CBT test scores. Data were collected using CBT and PBT versions of Nelson Proficiency Multiple-Choice Tests and Computer Aversion, Attitudes, and Familiarity Index (CAAFI) questionnaire as well as a simple testing administration mode preference question. The participants produced similar scores across modes, although they insignificantly outperformed on the CBT version. Additionally, analysis of the overall scores on the CAAFI and mode preference question obtained from CBT testing session indicated no statistically significant correlation between computer familiarity, attitude, aversion, and mode preference variables and test takers' CBT scores. The qualitative findings of this study obtained by semi-structured interview revealed that most of the participants showed high preference and more advantages for CBT over PBT to rationalize why they preferred this mode of testing.
- Published
- 2019
4. The Technological Impact of Papers Published by Iranian Institutions: A Scientometric Analysis
- Author
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Nadia Saniee and Homa Arshadi
- Subjects
patent-cited papers ,technological impact ,citespace ,patents ,iran ,Information resources (General) ,ZA3040-5185 ,Transportation and communications ,HE1-9990 - Abstract
Besides scientific impact, papers can also achieve a technological impact that remains less known in the scientific community. Cited papers in the patents are considered as the index to measure the technological impact. This study aimed to analyze the technological impact of Iranian publications using co-authorship and co-word map, their evolution, the journals, and the subject areas of these publications. This applied research focuses on the quantitative study and visualization with a scientometric approach. The research population was all studies (4554 records) that were published during 2011-2020 in one of the Iranian institutions and had been cited by one of the international patents. The data collection tool was the SciVal database. CiteSpace and Excel spreadsheets were used to analyze the data. Of the 4,554 papers cited by the scholarly outputs that have been cited in patents e patents, most of them were published in collaboration with the USA (9%). Islamic Azad University and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (13% each) were the most active Iranian universities. The number of Iranian papers cited in patents had a downward trend from 686 in 2011 to 57 in 2020. RSC Advances journal was the first top journal to publish these papers. Of 27 subject areas, engineering (24.1%) was the first popular subject that patents cite in their publications. The cluster analysis of keywords identified 8 clusters, including “x-ray diffraction,” “animal,” “adult,” “escherichia coli,” “tissue engineering,” “coronavirus infection,” “neural network,” and “methane.” The technological impact of Iranian research has declined in recent years. It is suggested that research policymakers should consider scholarly outputs that have been cited in patents, which, in a way, shows the flow of knowledge to the industry and encourages researchers to produce such papers.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Cross-Mode Comparability of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) versus Paper-Pencil Based Testing (PPT): An Investigation of Testing Administration Mode among Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners
- Author
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Khoshsima, Hooshang, Hosseini, Monirosadat, and Toroujeni, Seyyed Morteza Hashemi
- Abstract
Advent of technology has caused growing interest in using computers to convert conventional paper and pencil-based testing (Henceforth PPT) into Computer-based testing (Henceforth CBT) in the field of education during last decades. This constant promulgation of computers to reshape the conventional tests into computerized format permeated the language assessment field in recent years. But, enjoying advantages of computers in language assessment raise the concerns of the effects that computerized mode of testing may have on CBT performance. Thus, this study investigated the score comparability of Vocabulary in Use test taken by 30 Iranian undergraduate students studying at a state university located in Chabahar region of Iran (CMU) to see whether scores from two administrations of testing mode were different. Therefore, two similar tests were administered to the male and female participants on two testing mode occasions with four weeks interval. Employing One-Way ANOVA statistical test to compare the mean scores and Pearson Correlation test to find the relationship between mode preference and performance revealed that two sets of scores were not different and gender difference was not also considered a variable that might affect performance on CBT. Based on the results, computerized version of the test can be considered a favorable alternative for the state undergraduate students in Iran.
- Published
- 2017
6. A Comparative Study of Paper-Based and Computer-Based Contextualization in Vocabulary Learning of EFL Students
- Author
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Ahmadian, Mousa, Amerian, Majid, and Goodarzi, Ahmad
- Abstract
Vocabulary acquisition is one of the largest and most important tasks in language classes. New technologies, such as computers, have helped a lot in this way. The importance of the issue led the researchers to do the present study which concerns the comparison of contextualized vocabulary learning on paper and through Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). To this end, 52 Pre-university EFL learners were randomly assigned in two groups: a paper-based group (PB ) and a computer-based (CB) group each with 26 learners. The PB group received PB contextualization of vocabulary items, while the CB group received CB contextualization of the vocabulary items thorough PowerPoint (PP) software. One pretest, posttest, along with an immediate and a delayed posttest were given to the learners. Paired samples t-test of pretest and posttest and independent samples t-test of the delayed and immediate posttest were executed by SPSS software. The results revealed that computer-based contextualization had more effects on vocabulary learning of Iranian EFL learners than paper-based contextualization of the words.
- Published
- 2015
7. The Technological Impact of Papers Published by Iranian Institutions: A Scientometric Analysis.
- Author
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Saniee, Nadia and Arshadi, Homa
- Abstract
Besides scientific impact, papers can also achieve a technological impact that remains less known in the scientific community. Cited papers in the patents are considered as the index to measure the technological impact. This study aimed to analyze the technological impact of Iranian publications using co-authorship and coword map, their evolution, the journals, and the subject areas of these publications. This applied research focuses on the quantitative study and visualization with a scientometric approach. The research population was all studies (4554 records) that were published during 2011-2020 in one of the Iranian institutions and had been cited by one of the international patents. The data collection tool was the SciVal database. CiteSpace and Excel spreadsheets were used to analyze the data. Of the 4,554 papers cited by the scholarly outputs that have been cited in patents e patents, most of them were published in collaboration with the USA (9%). Islamic Azad University and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (13% each) were the most active Iranian universities. The number of Iranian papers cited in patents had a downward trend from 686 in 2011 to 57 in 2020. RSC Advances journal was the first top journal to publish these papers. Of 27 subject areas, engineering (24.1%) was the first popular subject that patents cite in their publications. The cluster analysis of keywords identified 8 clusters, including "x-ray diffraction," "animal," "adult," "escherichia coli," "tissue engineering," "coronavirus infection," "neural network," and "methane." The technological impact of Iranian research has declined in recent years. It is suggested that research policymakers should consider scholarly outputs that have been cited in patents, which, in a way, shows the flow of knowledge to the industry and encourages researchers to produce such papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. Using Paper Presentation Breaks during Didactic Lectures Improves Learning of Physiology in Undergraduate Students
- Author
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Ghorbani, Ahmad and Ghazvini, Kiarash
- Abstract
Many studies have emphasized the incorporation of active learning into classrooms to reinforce didactic lectures for physiology courses. This work aimed to determine if presenting classic papers during didactic lectures improves the learning of physiology among undergraduate students. Twenty-two students of health information technology were randomly divided into the following two groups: 1) didactic lecture only (control group) and 2) didactic lecture plus paper presentation breaks (DLPP group). In the control group, main topics of gastrointestinal and endocrine physiology were taught using only the didactic lecture technique. In the DLPP group, some topics were presented by the didactic lecture method (similar to the control group) and some topics were taught by the DLPP technique (first, concepts were covered briefly in a didactic format and then reinforced with presentation of a related classic paper). The combination of didactic lecture and paper breaks significantly improved learning so that students in the DLPP group showed higher scores on related topics compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001). Comparison of the scores of topics taught by only the didactic lecture and those using both the didactic lecture and paper breaks showed significant improvement only in the DLPP group (P < 0.001). Data obtained from the final exam showed that in the DLPP group, the mean score of the topics taught by the combination of didactic lecture and paper breaks was significantly higher than those taught by only didactic lecture (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of paper presentation breaks and didactic lectures improves the learning of physiology.
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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9. Through the lens of Henry Viollet: an undisclosed photographic and paper archive on Islamic monuments (1904-1913)
- Author
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Sandra Aube and Martina Massullo
- Subjects
islamic architecture ,islamic art ,archival material ,photographs ,glass plates ,syria ,iraq ,iran ,Arts in general ,NX1-820 ,Anthropology ,GN1-890 - Abstract
A pioneer in the study of Islamic architecture, Henry Viollet (1880-1955) travelled from Egypt to Central Asia between 1904 and 1913. From his missions, the French architect and archaeologist brought back more than 4,500 written and photographic documents, today kept at the Bibliothèque universitaire des langues et civilisations orientales in Paris. These archives document Viollet’s excavations at Samarra and his surveys of Islamic monuments, particularly in Iraq and Iran. In 2021-2022 a scientific project funded by the GIS CollEx-Persée and co-partnered with BULAC and CeRMI has been set up to study part of the iconographic materials stored in these archives (EpiPOM project). In the frame of this project, an international conference was organized in Paris on 23 June 2022 to bring together a network of researchers in the arts of Islam into a collaborative study of this partly undisclosed archival material.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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10. Curricular Content for Pupils' Mental Health
- Author
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Ebadi, Seyed Hossein, Keshtiaray, Narges, Aghaei, Asghar, and Yousefy, Alireza
- Abstract
Present-day curricular designs have to take the pupils' psychological needs in account, thus becoming melodies of mental health and happiness for the next generation. Emphasizing the findings from previous investigations using the research synthesis methodology, the present study has been conducted aiming at achieving some integrative knowledge under the inclusive title of "Mental Health Improvement-based Curricular Content." Goal-oriented homogeneous sampling method was applied in order to select 100 research papers from Iranian scholars on the subject of pupils' mental health improvement using accredited databases between 2005 and 2016. Data analysis using open subject coding encompassing three stages, namely open, axial, and selective coding, indicated that a curriculum with contents in two overall categories of mental health literacy (optimism and positive thinking; socialization; monotheistic life; happiness; self-efficacy; self-awareness and self-actualization & …) and mental health skills (emotions management, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, adaptability, tolerance, and finally & …) has to be designed in order to improve the pupils' mental health.
- Published
- 2016
11. Critical CALL: Proceedings of the 2015 EUROCALL Conference (22nd, Padova, Italy, August 26-29, 2015)
- Author
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Research-publishing.net (France), Helm, Francesca, Bradley, Linda, Guarda, Marta, and Thouësny, Sylvie
- Abstract
The 22nd EUROCALL conference was held at the University of Padova from the 26th to the 29th of August 2015, the first time that EUROCALL has been held in Italy. The event was organized in collaboration with the University Language Centre and the support of the Department of Political Science, Law and International Studies. Over 300 delegates travelled from over 37 different countries to attend. The theme of the conference this year was Critical CALL, drawing inspiration from the work carried out in the broader field of Critical Applied Linguistics. The term "critical" has many possible interpretations, and as Pennycook (2001) outlines, has many concerns. It was from these that the conference theme was decided, in particular the notion that assumptions that lie at the basis of a field's praxis should be questioned, ideas that have become "naturalized" and are not called into question. Another concern of Critical Applied Linguistics is the relationship between the macro and the micro, an engagement with issues of power and inequality and an understanding of how classrooms and conversations are related to broader social, cultural and political relations. Over 200 presentations were delivered in 68 different sessions, both in English and Italian, on topics related specifically to the theme and also more general CALL topics. 94 of these were submitted as extended papers and appear in this volume of proceedings. An author index is included. (Individual papers contain references.)
- Published
- 2015
12. A Comparative Analysis of Fraction Problems within the Iranian Curriculum and Go-Math Textbooks
- Author
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Seyedehkhadijeh Azimi Asmaroud
- Abstract
Textbooks play an important role in teachers' instructional decisions (Jones & Tarr, 2007), which consequently affects students' learning. This paper reports on a comparison of the elementary mathematics textbooks used in Iran and the United States, the Go-Math textbook. I analyzed topic sequences, frequency of the tasks, and cognitive demands of the fraction task in second and third-grade textbooks, employing the framework developed by Smith and Stein (1998) regarding the Levels of Cognitive Demands (LCD). Findings showed that Iran's textbooks devoted more percentage of pages to fractions in second grade than Go-Math textbooks. LCD of the tasks in second grade in both courtiers were in lower levels. Also, the presentation of the fraction concepts varied in different countries and Go-Math covered more fraction concepts in third grade. Recommendations for future research were offered. [For the complete proceedings, see ED657822.]
- Published
- 2023
13. Learning L2 Pronunciation with Google Translate
- Author
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Khademi, Hamidreza and Cardoso, Walcir
- Abstract
This article, based on Khademi's (2021) Master's thesis, examines the use of Google Translate (GT) and its speech capabilities, Text-to-Speech Synthesis (TTS) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), in helping L2 learners acquire the pronunciation of English past -ed allomorphy (/t/, /d/, /id/) in a semi-autonomous context, considering three levels of pronunciation development: phonological awareness, perception, and production. Our pre/posttest results indicate significant improvements in the participants' awareness and perception of the English past -ed, but no improvements in production (except for /id/). These findings corroborate our hypothesis that GT's speech capabilities can be used as pedagogical tools to help learners acquire the target pronunciation feature. [For the complete volume, "Intelligent CALL, Granular Systems and Learner Data: Short Papers from EUROCALL 2022 (30th, Reykjavik, Iceland, August 17-19, 2022)," see ED624779.]
- Published
- 2022
14. Is the Ratio of Retracted Iranian Papers Compatible With Their Research Growth Rate? An International Database Survey
- Author
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Mohamad Amin Pourhoseingholi, Farshid Rahimibashar, Masoum Khosh Fetrat, and Amir Vahedian-Azimi
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retracted publication ,scientific misconduct ,academic integrity ,iran ,Medicine ,Internal medicine ,RC31-1245 - Abstract
Background: Retraction of articles occurs as a result of scientific misconducts or honest errors. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the frequency of retracted Iranian publications, compared to those of other countries and adjust them with influential parameters. Methods: All publications that were indexed on the Scopus database from 2008 to 2017 and then retracted, due to scientific misconduct were extracted through the Retraction Watch database and selected as the research community. To calculate the growth of retraction for each proposed country (or region), first, the rate of an absolute number of retracted papers for the years 2013-2017 was divided by the similar number for years 2008-2012, then this rate was adjusted to the retracted rate which is similarly computed for the total retracted statistics of the world. Results: Overall, 545 Iranian retracted publications from 2008 to 2017 were identified, of which 240 and 305 retracted articles were related to the first five years and the second five years of the study, respectively. The results showed that less than 1% (0.82) of all scientific articles published by Iranian researchers were retracted. However, the rate of retracted scientific articles in Iran compared to this rate in the world was significantly higher. Conclusion: Although retracted Iranian publications make up a small percentage of all Iranian publications, the number of retracted publications is increasing. It is important to recognize the reasons for scientific misconducts and to provide researchers with proper education.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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15. EFL Teachers' Perceptions of Continuing Professional Development: A Case of Iranian High School Teachers (La percepción de docentes de inglés como lengua extranjera acerca del desarrollo profesional continuado: el caso de profesores iraníes de bachillerato)
- Author
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Alibakhshi, Goudarz and Dehvari, Najibeh
- Abstract
English, particularly regarding a foreign language teachers' professional development, has been studied in depth. However, it is not known how Iranian English as a foreign language teachers perceive continuing professional development. This study explored the perceptions of Iranian English as a foreign language teachers of continuing professional development and identified their main professional development activities. For the study, a phenomenological research design was applied. Twenty English teachers were interviewed. The data were content analyzed in line with the Randor model. The results showed that the participants perceived continuing professional development to entail skills development, continuous learning, keeping up to date, learning for interest, and professional revitalization. Additionally, they developed professionally through work, formal education, and attending and presenting at continuing professional development events.
- Published
- 2015
16. A scientometric study of the scientific output of top Iranian researchers in medical sciences.
- Author
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Yaminfirooz, M., Esbakian, S., Karimkhani, Z., and Gholinia, H.
- Subjects
SCIENTOMETRICS ,REGRESSION analysis ,CHI-squared test ,PEARSON correlation (Statistics) ,DATA analysis - Abstract
Scientometrics indicators are used to assess scientists, universities and research institutes for scientific policy-making. The aim of this research was to assess the status of top Iranian medical researchers using scientometric indicators. The study was carried out using scientometric methods. The statistical population included the top 500 Iranian researchers in the field of medicine who were ranked in the Iranian Scientometric Information Database (ISID) based on some scientometric indicators. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and Pearson's correlation coefficient, stepwise regression analysis and Chi-square tests were applied for data analysis. Findings revealed that each researcher had an average h index of 24.04, g index of 40.15, and i10 index of 90.79. There was a positive significant relationship between the number of internationally-collaborated papers and the number of citations received (r = .606, p < .01). The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the three variables of paper number, citation counts and mean citation rate determined 72 % of the changes in the h-index. It can be concluded that researchers publishing more papers are more likely to be cited. However, their scientometric indexes are not always better than those of other scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. An Evaluation of Educational Iranian Papers on the Application of EvidenceBased Medicine
- Author
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Shahrzad Saravani, Maryam Yazdandoost, and Hamed Basir-Ghafouri
- Subjects
evidence ,based medicine ,application ,educational papers ,iran ,Education - Abstract
Background & Objective: Nearly two decades have passed since the establishment of evidencebased medicine (EBM) EBM is of great importance due to its ability to fill the information gap between medical research and clinical practice The aim of the present study was to evaluate the existing evidence of the application of EBM in published Iranian educational papers Methods: This is a systematic review of Iranian papers published in both Iranian and international journals The results were reviewed by two researchers separately to assess the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluate the level of evidence We used the Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) guideline for conducting the systematic review and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) flowchart to present the selection process In addition the Medical Education Research Quality Index (MERSQI) was used for the evaluation of the quality of the studies Results: EBM was used in 11 fields which can be categorized as the 4 clinical educational research and policymaking groups The educational group consisted of 3 domains of holding a journal club case discussions and teaching and learning Only 6 studies were found to report the effect of education on the application of evidencebased medicine The evaluation of their quality showed average quality Conclusion: Although there are a limited number of studies on the effect of education on EBM application they present satisfactory and average quality evidence Despite the existence of various educational courses on EBM in Iran no high level and high quality evidence exists to show the effectiveness of education on knowledge attitude practice and behavior of healthcare professionals especially in the longterm Thus the designing and performing of high quality research is required in this field
- Published
- 2015
18. Medical Researchers React to Peer Review: Attitudes Towards and Challenges of Iranian Surgeons Publishing in English
- Author
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Masoumeh Hassanpour, Mahmood Reza Atai, and Esmat Babaii
- Abstract
Despite the recent growth of attention to English for research publication purposes, little is known about how researchers view the role of peer review in their success of publication. In light of this gap, the present study investigated Iranian surgeons' attitudes towards peer review and the challenges they face in getting their papers published. To this end, 26 Iranian surgeons were interviewed, and the transcribed data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The results revealed that firstly the surgeons attested to the positive and negative contributions of peer review in terms of changing or unchanging their attitudes, respectively. Secondly, the authors faced a myriad of challenges related to editors, reviewers, and socio-political-linguistic factors in getting their papers published. Moreover, they associated these challenges with positive and negative effects in being connected to their career-stage development and motivating them to conduct and submit more papers. The study concludes with implications for research and practice in how researchers can craft more quality papers to enhance their chance of publication in high-quality journals.
- Published
- 2023
19. Assessing ESL University Students' Metacognitive Online Reading Strategies
- Author
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Ruhil Amal Azmuddin, Nurul Nadia Muhammad, Arulselvi Uthayakumaran, and Hamizah Zahari
- Abstract
Extracting information through online reading has become second nature to ESL students in higher institutions. Although online reading is indispensable among ESL university students, they lack the ability to read effectively. The present study examines students' metacognitive online reading strategies and how those strategies reflect understanding of scientific online reading materials for academic purposes. This was conducted through an online survey and semi-structured interviews. Data was collected among 55 university students enrolled in various Science and Technology courses. Out of the same sample, ten students were selected to participate in the interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis with the use of SPSS and NVivo respectively. Thematic analysis was validated using inter-rater reliability analysis through Cohen Kappa analysis that yielded substantial results, indicating that the findings were reliable. Although the findings from the survey revealed that problem-solving strategies were used mainly by students, semi-structured interviews found contradicting results where support reading strategies were believed to reflect understanding by students. Implications that can be drawn are two folds. Students are motivated to use metacognitive online reading strategies depending on the type of texts; two, the need to use different reading strategies to elicit purposeful information based on the subject matter. [For the full proceedings, see ED654100.]
- Published
- 2023
20. Research Paper: Communicable Diseases Surveillance System in Iran: Strengths and Weaknesses 30 Years Following its Implementation
- Author
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Reza HabibiSaravi, Hamidreza Khankeh, Arash Azar, and Fariba Ghasemihamedani
- Subjects
communicable disease ,infection ,control ,surveillance ,iran ,Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid ,RC86-88.9 - Abstract
Background: Communicable diseases are one of the main health problems in Iran. This study aimed at demonstrating the progress of communicable diseases management in more than 30 years of its implementation and pointing out its strengths and weaknesses, as well. Materials and Methods: This interview-based study using content analysis method was conducted in 2014. Data were collected through deep interviews. Fifteen interviews were conducted with all experts and health system managers at Iran’s communicable diseases management center. The collected data were analyzed using the principles suggested by Strauss and Corbin. Results: The establishment of the communicable disease surveillance system was a revolution in the health system of Iran. The strengths of the system are as follows: network-based and integrated health services, well-organized and knowledgeable personnel, national and international supports, strategic and operational plans, and expanded programs of immunization. On the other hand, its weaknesses mentioned by the participants were: disease-based case definition, poor public awareness, poor inter-sectoral collaboration and coordination, insufficient resources, delayed or no notifying target diseases, lack of district laws or incomplete implementation of legislation, failure to provide feedback or ignoring for the results of the analysis, and lack of performance evaluation. Conclusion: Although the implementation of the communicable diseases surveillance system was a huge achievement in the health system of Iran, however, it needs more improvements based on the present situation. Revision of the rules, restoration and strengthening of the existing structure, the use of modern information and communication technologies, and the establishment of the monitoring and evaluation system are helpful to increase its success.
- Published
- 2019
21. Evaluating Iranian L2 Teachers' Assessment Literacy for L2 Pragmatics by Applying the CEFR's Pragmatic Competence Model: Possible Sociocultural-Informed Solutions
- Author
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Ayad Kamalvand and Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Abstract
Nearly all multidimensional models of communication competence have pragmatic competence at their core. Proper assessment of second language (L2) pragmatics makes many demands on L2 teachers, both in terms of understanding the construct and in language test development. Therefore, being assessment literate helps teachers in developing effective tests geared toward educational outcomes. Despite the importance of assessment literacy (AL) for pragmatics, the field is still under-researched. Mindful of this fact and the significance of pragmatics in L2 learning and assessment, this study adopted the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) model of pragmatic competence to examine Iranian L2 teachers' AL for L2 pragmatics and linked the results to the Sociocultural Theory (SCT) for formulating theory-informed answers to the problems in the teachers' assessment of L2 pragmatics. Group interviews were run with 67 participants and then qualitative and quantitative content analyses were performed. The paper discusses the identified problems in the assessment of L2 pragmatics and offers recommendations for raising L2 teachers' AL for L2 pragmatics.
- Published
- 2024
22. Sustainable Development Goals in EFL Students' Learning: A Systematic Review
- Author
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Ni Luh Putu Ning Septyarini Putri Astawa, Made Hery Santosa, Luh Putu Artini, and Putu Kerti Nitiasih
- Abstract
Involving the global issues as listed in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education is necessarily done in the education process, especially in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. Exposure to global issues is known to improve students' understanding, awareness, and ability to solve urgent issues faced by global society. This paper aims to find out the trend of research on the coverage of SDGs in students' learning process. This systematic literature analysis was done by applying Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Method. A total of 25 studies were recognized through a systematic search by using Sustainability, SDGs, and EFL as keywords. The result shows that the trend of associating SDGs with EFL settings was done mostly in Indonesia. In the recent year 2022, it reached the highest number of studies in the particular matter with 7 total of research. It was also found that the study involving SDGs on EFL learning was mostly done in the tertiary setting, compared with K-12, junior high school, secondary, high school, and other educational institutions. It was also discovered that the specific area of study enhances EFL students' learning achievement, environmental awareness, global citizen values, as well as students' levels of self-norms, beliefs, and self-value.
- Published
- 2024
23. EFL Listening Log: A Conceptual Replication of Kemp's (2010) Study on Motivating Autonomous Learning
- Author
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Hossein Bozorgian, Meysam Muhammadpour, and Raheleh Qara
- Abstract
We conceptually replicated Kemp (2010), who investigated the effect of keeping a listening log, a journal or learner diary, on ESL students' motivation toward autonomous learning. Her research suggested that keeping a listening log can aid ESL listeners to self-monitor their performance and reflect on their listening process independently. Besides, it was found that it would raise their metacognitive awareness of the listening process and motivate them toward autonomous listening. Her study deserves replication due to its theoretical motivation, which is the explicit teaching of a group of listening skills and strategies and the success of the listening skills module designed for study-abroad ESL students. However, almost no previous studies replicated the related research with a phenomenological perspective to examine its robustness and transferability, particularly in an EFL context. Thus, our conceptual replication used Kemp's (2010) materials and procedures to highlight the possible effects of keeping a listening log on EFL learners' motivation to become autonomous listeners in an EFL context. To serve this purpose, 30 freshmen Iranian TEFL students participated in this study. The data were collected through students' listening logs in eight sessions. Results suggested that keeping a listening log can motivate and encourage EFL learners to engage with and reflect on their listening experiences in potential learning situations, thus assisting them with becoming good listeners in real-life situations. Further discussions and pedagogical implications are provided in the paper.
- Published
- 2024
24. Maintaining Productive Patterns of Teacher-Student Interactions in Mathematics Classrooms
- Author
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Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia and Siahgorabi, Sara Haghighi
- Abstract
In preparing to study teacher-student interactions in mathematics classrooms in Iran, this paper as a literature review considers relevant mathematics education literature. I explore which aspects of classroom environments orient researchers to judge patterns of classroom interactions as productive. I examine patterns of classroom interactions that were empirically linked to student understanding. This paper highlights the importance of productive patterns of teacher-student interactions in promoting student learning, examining authoritative and dialogic teaching as two opposing approaches.
- Published
- 2018
25. Effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccination on travel intentions: case of Iran
- Author
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Qezelbash, Amir Hossein, Makian, Sarasadat, and Shahabi Sorman Abadi, Rasoul
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
26. Contestations over Hijrat and Postcoloniality: Forming a Theoretical Framework for the Doctoral Journey
- Author
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Hosseini, Hossein
- Abstract
My PhD study explored the experiences of a cohort of Iranian doctoral candidates in New Zealand. This paper presents my response to the unexpected challenge I faced as I collected data and formed my theoretical framework. I found that Western interpretations of non-Western international students largely ignored social-cultural specificities. I navigated this challenge by drawing from the postcolonial concepts of ambivalence, uncertainty and cultural hybridity to make sense of the way Iranian doctoral candidates' experiences in a Western university were analysed and understood. First, I conceptualised the knowledge journey of the research participants as a Hijrat -- an Islamic and Persian cultural metaphor that refers to the experience of departure from one's homeland. Second, I drew from postcolonial theory to manage the West/non-West binary. This paper offers non-Western doctoral candidates and their Western supervisors an example of how cultural congruence can be understood when completing a PhD study in the West. In a general sense, it is important to acknowledge and critically explore the impacts of past socio-political experiences and practices (e.g., colonisation) and historical knowledge traditions (e.g., Islamic) on present thinking and practices.
- Published
- 2022
27. Lower Secondary Students Using Mathematical Modeling for Managing Water Consumption: The Case of Asma
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Rafiepour, Abolfazl and Abdolahpour, Kazem
- Abstract
The main purpose of the current study is modifying students' daily drinking water and managing waste water through modelling activities as context and modelling cycle as tool. In this study, 12 students (13-14 years old) from the lower secondary school were participated. These students were participated in two sessions (60 minutes) each week for three months. Three modelling activities had been designed for this study. These modelling activities were related to the amount of water consumption. Classroom activities were video recorded and used as data in this study. In some cases, interviews conducted and used as complementary data. Tension which happened during the implementation of these two activities analyzed with activity system as a theoretical framework. The results of this study show that students were able to manage and modify their daily water consumption through doing modelling activities. Results of this study also show that power of mathematics could help students to solve their real-world problems and help them to have better life. [For the full proceedings, see ED630948.]
- Published
- 2022
28. The SPOC+ Platform: Evaluation and Perspectives
- Author
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Hamed Asgari and Georges Antoniadis
- Abstract
Mobile artifacts are the objects that increasingly surround us in life. They provide us with the opportunity to engage in activities outside the traditional context and at our own pace. In this article, we present the results of the tests of our mobile application intended for the learning of the French language with the concept of SPOC with a methodology of teaching pedagogy by project founded based on MIRTO by using the NLP tools. [For the complete proceedings, see ED639262.]
- Published
- 2022
29. Promotion of physical activity to prevent non-communicable diseases: An advocacy paper
- Author
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Maryam Amini, Abolghassem Djazayery, Maryam Khosravi, and Mehrnoosh Shafaatdoost
- Subjects
advocacy ,iran ,non-communicable diseases ,physical activity ,women ,Medicine - Abstract
Background: Recent studies show that Iranians, especially women, do not have enough physical activity and if serious measures are not taken to resolve this problem, the consequences will be harmful to the society. The purpose of this advocacy paper was to determine and explain the responsibilities of all organizations and institutions responsible for promoting physical activity to root out the problem. Methods: After a thorough library search we conducted nine in-depth interviews with the relevant policymakers and government officials, managers, and practitioners in promoting physical activity. All interviews were recorded. To analyze, all of voice files were typed, saved as Word files, and exported to MAXQDA10 software by the research team. To find the main themes, all the files were read carefully several times. Then they were coded, categorized, and organized based on the main objectives of the study. In this way, themes and subthemes were emerged. Results: According to the participants in the study current state of physical activity in the country, especially among women, is not promising. The participants explained about the main obstacles for promotion of physical activity in the country and recommended practical strategies for its promotion. The strategies were suggested in three areas: Promoting culture, social protection, and adjusting current policies to overcome the existing barriers. Conclusion: Regarding the unfavorable state of physical activity in the country presentation of this advocacy document can be an effective step in promoting physical activity, thus reducing chronic diseases and improving general health in the country.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Research Paper: Presenting a Model for Telemedicine in Earthquake for Iran.
- Author
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Kheyrati, Leila, Keshvari, Hamid, Fatehi, Farhad, Hemmati, Masoud, Khankeh, Hamidreza, Habibisaravi, Reza, and Kheyrat, Mohammadreza
- Subjects
TELEMEDICINE ,DISASTER relief ,EARTHQUAKES ,DELPHI method ,INFRASTRUCTURE (Economics) ,NATURAL disasters ,LITERATURE reviews ,DISASTERS - Abstract
Background: Iran is a country with a high rate of natural disasters like earthquake. The environmental conditions slow down the delivery of health services, especially in the event of disasters. The modern technologies such as telemedicine are appropriate for facilitating disaster relief operations after an earthquake. This study aimed to develop a model for the implementation of telemedicine in an earthquake. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out using a mixed-methods research in three phases: 1. Review of the literature; 2. Qualitative study (modeling); and 3. Delphi method (validation of the model). Databases of Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were searched from 1990 to 2019 with the keywords of "telemedicine" AND "disaster" OR "emergency" AND "earthquake". After screening of the retrieved records, 13 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review study. Ten experts extracted all key elements of telemedicine in the disaster from the articles and categorized them in 6 themes with 38 subthemes. The model of telemedicine in the earthquake was finalized with 2 rounds of Delphi with groups of selected volunteer experts. Results: In the first phase of the study, 6 key themes (telecommunication infrastructure, technical infrastructure, financial infrastructure, health infrastructure, organizational infrastructure, social infrastructure, and cultural infrastructure) with 38 subthemes of telemedicine for implementing in the disaster were obtained. At the conclusion of the third phase of the study, 6 key themes with 33 subthemes contributed to the model of telemedicine in the earthquake. Telecommunication infrastructure with a maximum score of 9.24 earned the priority, and social and cultural infrastructure themes with the minimum score of 7.53 came in the end. Conclusion: The model derived from this study can be used as an applied telemedicine model in an earthquake. We suggest that the results of this study be implemented as a theoretical model, or in a pilot study in a region of the country, and to be evaluated by regarding mortality reduction. We also recommend that a comparative study for using telemedicine in other types of disasters be undertaken. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. Cultural Historical Analysis of Iranian School Mathematics Curriculum: The Role of Computational Thinking
- Author
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Rafiepour, Abolfazl and Farsani, Danyal
- Abstract
In this paper, six mathematics curriculum changes in Iran will be reviewed, spanning from 1900 until the present time. At first, change forces, barriers, and the main features of each curriculum reform will be represented. The first five curriculum changes are described briefly and the sixth and most recent curriculum reform will be elaborated. In this paper, we call the last reform as contemporary school mathematics curriculum change. This recent (contemporary) curriculum reform will be explained in more detail, followed by a discussion of the effect of globalization and research finding in the field of mathematics and mathematics education (in the Iranian mathematics curriculum). In total, three key ideas are distinguished as an effect of globalization which is "New Math", "International Comparative Studies", and "Computational Thinking". Finally, the paper comments on the necessity of paying more attention to information and communication technology as part of globalization; in particular, recall policy-makers to consider "Computational Thinking" as an important component of future curriculum design.
- Published
- 2021
32. Report Summarizes Breast Cancer Study Findings from Yazd University (Flexible Electrochemical Paper-based Device for Detection of Breast Cancer-derived Exosome Using Nickel Nanofoam 3d Nanocomposite).
- Abstract
A study conducted at Yazd University in Iran has developed a new method for detecting breast cancer-derived exosomes using a flexible electrochemical paper-based device. Exosomes are biomarkers that are released by tumor cells and can be found in various biological fluids. The device, called Exo-sensing paper, is a three-electrode system that utilizes a nanocomposite of nickel nanofoam, graphene oxide, and gold nanoparticles to increase antibody loading on the sensor surface. The device has a wide linear range of detection and shows potential for use as a point-of-care testing tool for minimally invasive liquid biopsy. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
33. Institutional view of corporate social responsibility in the Iranian context
- Author
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Ghazinoori, Amir, Sandhu, Manjit Singh, and Sarker, Ashutosh
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Is the Ratio of Retracted Iranian Papers Compatible With Their Research Growth Rate? An International Database Survey
- Author
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Farshid Rahimibashar, Masoum Khosh Fetrat, Amir Vahedian-Azimi, and Mohamad Amin Pourhoseingholi
- Subjects
Absolute number ,Scopus ,Library science ,RC31-1245 ,academic integrity ,scientific misconduct ,International database ,Research community ,Political science ,Medicine ,retracted publication ,iran ,Scientific misconduct ,Internal medicine - Abstract
Background: Retraction of articles occurs as a result of scientific misconducts or honest errors. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the frequency of retracted Iranian publications, compared to those of other countries and adjust them with influential parameters. Methods: All publications that were indexed on the Scopus database from 2008 to 2017 and then retracted, due to scientific misconduct were extracted through the Retraction Watch database and selected as the research community. To calculate the growth of retraction for each proposed country (or region), first, the rate of an absolute number of retracted papers for the years 2013-2017 was divided by the similar number for years 2008-2012, then this rate was adjusted to the retracted rate which is similarly computed for the total retracted statistics of the world. Results: Overall, 545 Iranian retracted publications from 2008 to 2017 were identified, of which 240 and 305 retracted articles were related to the first five years and the second five years of the study, respectively. The results showed that less than 1% (0.82) of all scientific articles published by Iranian researchers were retracted. However, the rate of retracted scientific articles in Iran compared to this rate in the world was significantly higher. Conclusion: Although retracted Iranian publications make up a small percentage of all Iranian publications, the number of retracted publications is increasing. It is important to recognize the reasons for scientific misconducts and to provide researchers with proper education.
- Published
- 2021
35. Analysis of citation rate of papers with titles containing a country name.
- Author
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Moradi, Shima and Asnafi, Amir Reza
- Subjects
TITLES of publications ,SCIENCE publishing ,CITATION analysis ,SCIENTOMETRICS - Abstract
Choosing the right title for a paper is essential attracting readers and receiving citations, and various studies have been done on this subject. This research sought those papers citation rate with the country name 'Iran' in their title published during 2010-2014 using Web of Science citation index. It tried to identify highly cited papers, disciplines, distribution of papers by type and geography of the paper with this feature. Moreover, it observed the relationship between Iranian and international authors in the production of such papers and their citation rate. Using scientometric method, 12,026 papers with the word 'Iran' in the titles were examined, and their Web of Science database citations were analyzed from 2010 to 2014. Citation rates of papers written by Iranian researchers and researchers from other countries were compared according to the research questions. The results showed that the majority of these papers were produced in Iran, and among foreign countries, the United States had the highest share in producing such papers. Most of these papers were in geology, occupational health, and environmental science. Moreover, it was revealed that citation rate for papers containing 'Iran' in the title has decreased over the years and the downward trend has been similar for national and international studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
36. Modelling and Applications in Iran School Mathematics Curriculum: Voices of Math Teachers
- Author
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Rafiepour, Abolfazl and Farsani, Danyal
- Abstract
In this paper, six mathematics curriculum changes in Iran are reviewed, spanning from 1900 to 2021. Change of forces, barriers, and the main features of each reform are represented. Specifically, the first five curriculum changes are described briefly and the sixth and most recent one is elaborated upon, with more detail as contemporary school mathematics curriculum change. This recent curriculum reform will be then analyzed using an application and modeling approach, followed by reflections from five teachers of mathematics' voices about how they implemented recent curriculum reform after passing modelling course in their master's program. These teachers shared their professional beliefs about the role of the modelling course in shaping their classroom practices. We believe that the practical aspects of this paper can have enormous implications for other mathematics teachers in developing countries.
- Published
- 2021
37. The Effects of Electronic Feedback on Medical University Students' Writing Performance
- Author
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Noordin, Nooreen and Khojasteh, Laleh
- Abstract
This study was designed to see whether electronic feedback positively affects medical students' academic writing performance. Two groups of medical university students were randomly selected and participated in this study. In order to see whether the provision of electronic feedback for the compulsory academic writing course for medical students is effective, the researchers divided 50 medical students to the traditional (n=25) and intervention groups (n=25). Pre-test and post-test were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the semester. Electronic feedback was given to the medical students in the intervention group, while the medical students in the traditional group received the traditional pen and paper feedback. By comparing the scores of two written assignments at the beginning and the end of the semester, regarding the application of electronic feedback, the results showed that not only medical students' overall writing performance improved after providing them electronic feedback, but every single writing component was also enhanced after the intervention. There was a significant difference in the post-test academic writing scores between the traditional and intervention groups (P < 0.001). This difference was not significant in our control group who was given pen-and-paper feedback. In terms of specific writing components, the most affected components in this approach were content followed by organization, language use, vocabulary, and sentence mechanics, respectively. Although this study focused on medical students' academic writing ability and reported the effect of electronic feedback on medical students' writing performance, electronic feedback can be equally beneficial for enhancing student-practitioners' practical clinical skills.
- Published
- 2021
38. Psychological Factors Influencing on the Motivation to Study of Students of TEI
- Author
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Aprielieva, Iryna V., Demchenko, Viktoriia A., Kovalevska, Anastasiia V., Kovalevska, Tetiana Yu, and Hladun, Tetiana S.
- Abstract
The importance of psychological factors is manifested in the ability of students to acquire knowledge, gaining skills, perception of educational information, attitude to others, mutual understanding with people around. Taking this into consideration, the purpose of the academic paper is to study the basic aspects of the development of teachers' professional competence in the context of transformational processes in education. Such methods as: theoretical analysis, description, comparison, synthesis, grouping, measurement, observation and experiment, have been used in order to achieve the purpose and objectives outlined in the academic paper. It has been established that the motivation of students to carry out educational and professional activities is a set of psychological factors, through the influence of which the interconnection between the motivation and desire of the student to study is conducted. In the course of the investigation, it has been found that the influence of psychological factors is quite effective in the case of motivating students to study. It has been proven that increasing the motivation of students to study is possible through: a common learning environment in the students' collective; students' participation in discussions, conferences, competitions; work in groups; application of innovative technological methods of studying educational material.
- Published
- 2021
39. A Review of Research on the Use of Social Media in Language Teaching and Learning
- Author
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Istifci, Ilknur and Dogan Ucar, Asiye
- Abstract
The various possibilities that social media offers to language learners and teachers have long been recognized by researchers within the field of language instruction, and many studies have been carried out in an attempt to address and unpack its potential contributions. This paper aims to review such research on the use of mainstream social media in language teaching and learning published in "Computer Assisted Language Learning," a top tier (i.e., Q1) journal indexed in major citation index systems (e.g., Arts & Humanities Citation Index, the Social Sciences Citation Index and Scopus), between the years 2016-2020 inclusive. For the purposes of the study, a total of 23 articles that meet the selection criteria is reviewed and presented in five sections. The first section deals with the majority of the articles, which are found to be on the use of social networking in language teaching and learning. In the following sections, studies on the use of videoconferencing, wikis, blogging and forums are discussed. Collectively, the studies reviewed in this paper outline a critical role for the use of social media in language instruction and the study aims to provide valuable insights for researchers, teachers and learners.
- Published
- 2021
40. Gender Differences in Engagement and Self-Regulation in an Online Constructivist Learning Design and Learning Analytics Environment
- Author
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Banihashem, Seyyed Kazem, Noroozi, Omid, and Khaneh, Marzieh Parvaneh Akhteh
- Abstract
There is a growing body of research on using learning analytics in an online constructivist learning environment to improve students' engagement and self-regulation. However, little is known to what extent female and male students differ in their engagement and self-regulation in an online Constructivist Learning Design and Learning Analytics (CLDLA) environment. This study was conducted to explore gender differences in engagement and self-regulation in a constructivist learning design and learning analytics environment. To do this, 50 female and male graduate students from Allameh Tabataba'i University participated in a Moodle course called "Teaching skills" and they were asked to fill out Agentic Engagement Scale and Self-Regulation Questionnaires in two phases as pre-test and post-test. The findings showed that female students received a higher score for engagement and self-regulation scale compared to male students from pre-test to post-test. These findings suggest that female students found the online CLDLA environment more engaging and self-regulative than male students. Based on the results, recommendations for future research and educational practice are presented. [For the complete volume, "Proceedings of International Conference on Studies in Education and Social Sciences (Antalya, Turkey, November 11-14, 2021). Volume 1," see ED625228.]
- Published
- 2021
41. Using Edmodo in Language Learning: A Review of Research
- Author
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Aydin, Selami
- Abstract
Edmodo has a significant role and place in the language teaching and learning contexts. However, there is no conclusive evidence on how Edmodo affects the language learning process. This study aims to present a review of the studies to make recommendations for teachers and researchers for further research. The study concludes that learners and teachers mainly have positive perceptions of and attitudes towards the use of Edmodo in the language learning process. It is also concluded that the use of Edmodo is efficient for fostering basic language skills, overall language proficiency, and communication skills. On the other hand, there are several drawbacks encountered during the utilization of Edmodo in language classes.
- Published
- 2021
42. A comparative study of the performance of Iran and G7 countries in the management of COVID-19
- Author
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Pourshahabi, Vahid
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Developing EFL Elementary Learners' Writing Skills through Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
- Author
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Gharehblagh, Nasibeh Mahi and Nasri, Najmeh
- Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) as compared to paper-based instruction in the development of Iranian EFL elementary learners' writing skills. The research purpose was threefold: 1) to investigate the effect of MALL on elementary learners' writing skills; 2) to make a comparison between the obtained results of MALL and pencil-and-paper methods, and 3) to assess elementary students' attitudes about learner involvement in collaborative learning (CL) settings through mobile phone (MPh) interactions. For this purpose, 30 Iranian EFL elementary students were selected and randomly assigned to two groups: one experimental and one control. While the experimental sample received mobile-based instructions on their writing assignments, the students in the placebo group were provided with only paper-based instruction. The findings revealed that the participants in both groups showed considerable improvement on the immediate and delayed writing post-tests; however, on average, those in the experimental MALL group were shown to have outperformed the students in the control group significantly. Not surprisingly, the learners in the treatment group had made fewer errors on the targeted grammatical structures like the use of adjectives, possessives and simple present tense compared to those in the control sample. Finally, the results of the post hoc interview reflected that MALL learners felt positively about the utility of mobile technology in writing classes. Essentially, the findings could be of great help to EFL teachers, EFL learners, and course designers.
- Published
- 2020
44. Sensitizing Citing Practices of Graduate Students of TEFL in Academic Summary Writing
- Author
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Rezvani, Reza and Miri, Parisa
- Abstract
This study investigates how sensitizing graduate L2 students about source-text use might affect their citation practices. Two summary writing tasks involving two similar published articles, one irrelevant and one pertinent to source-text use, were assigned individually to 16 graduate English language teaching students from Iran. After completing the tasks, the students participated in retrospective interviews about their source-text use. Recursive thematic data analysis indicated that while they were inclined towards more direct source-text use in the first summary, they opted for more indirect and academic source-text use that involved their contribution and interpretation in the sensitizing task. The paper discusses the significance of sensitizing students to source-text use.
- Published
- 2023
45. Are TEFL vs. Non-TEFL Graduates Teachers' Experience, Creativity, Mindfulness, and Instructional Competency Different?
- Author
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Tohidifar, Fatemeh and Faravani, Akram
- Abstract
Recent advancement in educational systems have fostered the significance of language teachers' responsibilities to improve their qualities and competences since students' development is directly related to teachers' qualities and profession. The current study aims at finding the interrelationships between TEFL graduates vs. Non TEFL graduates EFL teachers' Teaching Experience, Sense of Creativity, Sense of Mindfulness, and their Instructional Competency. 318 EFL teachers were selected through convenience sampling from different institutes. Participants filled three questionnaires of Teaching Creativity Quotient, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and Instructional Competency Questionnaire by using both paper-based and online methods. To analyze the data, two models for interrelationships among the variables of the study for the two groups of TEFL and Non- TEFL graduates were proposed and tested using path analysis. The findings showed that the proposed model in TEFL group perfectly fit with the data. In non-TEFL group the goodness of fit indices was not within the acceptable range. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two groups (TEFL and Non-TEFL teachers) regarding instructional competency. This study can be beneficial for teachers, learners, and supervisors.
- Published
- 2023
46. EFL Teachers' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices Regarding Fairness and Justice in Technology-Enhanced Classroom Assessment: A Duoethnography
- Author
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Teymour Rahmati and Musa Nushi
- Abstract
Drawing on duoethnography, the teacher researchers in the present study interacted with the relevant literature, engaged in dialogs, and shared artifacts to examine their knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding fairness and justice considerations in technology-enhanced language classroom assessment. Under the domain of knowledge, they conceptualized fairness and justice and identified their components. Within beliefs, the difference between high-stakes and low-stakes assessments, the significance of students' perceptions, and the role of computer literacy in relation to fairness and justice in technology-enhanced classroom assessment were debated. To operationalize their knowledge and beliefs, the researchers inspected their assessment practices during and following COVID-19. They agreed that fairness was distinct from justice in that the former pertained to test internal characteristics and its administration procedures while the latter referred to test external consequences at a broader social level. They believed that fairness and justice were equally important in high-stakes and low-stakes assessments, and students' perceptions were valuable sources of feedback regarding fair and just classroom assessments. Moreover, the teachers argued that computer literacy cannot yet be considered an aspect of language ability. Finally, it was revealed that although their practice regarding fairness and justice was affected by the pandemic, they learned valuable lessons (e.g., combining online and paper assessment modalities and giving oral exams) in this respect for the future. The findings imply that language teachers should theoretically adopt a clear conception of fairness and justice while being practically prepared for future developments (e.g., technological advances) and unexpected circumstances (e.g., a pandemic).
- Published
- 2023
47. The Effects of Picture Dictionaries in Promoting Vocabulary Development of EFL Learners at Tertiary Level
- Author
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Saban Kara and Turgay Kucuk
- Abstract
A large body of research has been carried out on integrating picture dictionaries in EFL classes globally; however, a gap in the literature has been noticed on their effects at the tertiary level in the Iraq context. To address this issue, this paper, for the first time in the literature, focuses on the effects of the Oxford Picture Dictionary on 50 students' vocabulary expansion at a private university in Erbil, Iraq. Participants were determined through a simple random sampling method. A mixed methods research design was employed to collect data via a questionnaire, two vocabulary exams, and an interview. SPSS 26 and NVivo applications were used to analyze and categorize data accordingly. Quantitative data, via independent and paired samples t-test, revealed that experimental group students increased their marks significantly regarding vocabulary enhancement, while the progress was insignificant in the control group. Likewise, via content analysis, qualitative data unleashed that picture dictionary-enriched instruction sharpened learners' pronunciation, spelling, listening, reading, and speaking skills and drove them to learn more ambitiously. The outcomes indicated that picture dictionaries can be used effectively to reap their benefits in various aspects as supplementary material in main course lessons.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. The Triumph of Human-Robot Interaction: Employing Humanoid Robot to Boost Grammar Acquisition and Retention among Iranian Young EFL Learners
- Author
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Minoo Alemi, Nayereh Bakhtiari Fard, and Atefeh Rezanejad
- Abstract
This paper examines the impact of employing an assistive humanoid robot in acquiring and retaining grammar among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. To this end, forty-eight Iranian young male students (between 11 to 15 years old) were equally divided into three groups: RALL (Robot-Assisted Language Learning), GBLL (Game-based Language Learning), and the control group. While the teacher, the textbook, and teaching materials were identical in all groups, a set of similar games were played only in the RALL (with the participation of the NAO H21 robot) and GBLL groups. A 20-item grammar pre-test was taken at the beginning of the classes. Overall, a total of ten intervention sessions (each lasting for 60 minutes), 15 (each lasting for 90 minutes), and 15 (each lasting for 120 minutes) were respectively administered for the RALL, GBLL, and control groups. At the end of the treatments, the acquisition and retention of grammar were evaluated through immediate (at the end of class) and delayed post-tests (two weeks later), correspondingly. The results of descriptive statistics and ANOVA indicated that the RALL group outperformed the two groups in the immediate and delayed post-tests. The students in the RALL group had a very positive attitude toward robot presence in the class and scored higher on the post-test. This study suggests that RALL can be very beneficial in assisting teaching EFL classes. The results of the current innovative study can equally yield important implications for language education and social robotics fields and further contribute to providing clear evidence of the impacts of RALL on Iranian young learners' English grammar acquisition.
- Published
- 2023
49. Promotion of Physical Activity to Prevent Non-communicable Diseases: An Advocacy Paper.
- Author
-
Amini, Maryam, Djazayery, Abolghassem, Khosravi, Maryam, and Shafaatdoost, Mehrnoosh
- Subjects
- *
PHYSICAL activity , *NON-communicable diseases , *PUBLIC officers , *CHRONIC diseases - Abstract
Background: Recent studies show that Iranians, especially women, do not have enough physical activity and if serious measures are not taken to resolve this problem, the consequences will be harmful to the society. The purpose of this advocacy paper was to determine and explain the responsibilities of all organizations and institutions responsible for promoting physical activity to root out the problem. Methods: After a thorough library search we conducted nine in-depth interviews with the relevant policymakers and government officials, managers, and practitioners in promoting physical activity. All interviews were recorded. To analyze, all of voice files were typed, saved as Word files, and exported to MAXQDA10 software by the research team. To find the main themes, all the files were read carefully several times. Then they were coded, categorized, and organized based on the main objectives of the study. In this way, themes and subthemes were emerged. Results: According to the participants in the study current state of physical activity in the country, especially among women, is not promising. The participants explained about the main obstacles for promotion of physical activity in the country and recommended practical strategies for its promotion. The strategies were suggested in three areas: Promoting culture, social protection, and adjusting current policies to overcome the existing barriers. Conclusion: Regarding the unfavorable state of physical activity in the country presentation of this advocacy document can be an effective step in promoting physical activity, thus reducing chronic diseases and improving general health in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Iranian EFL Teachers' Assessment Literacy Knowledge: The Impact of the Educational System on Teachers' Classroom Assessment Practices
- Author
-
Rezagah, Karim
- Abstract
English language teachers' assessment ability to assess all areas of pupils' learning is important for comprehending how learners advance across the curriculum and guiding them in their development (Livingston & Hutchinson, 2016). The educational system of Iran decided to shift from traditional teaching methodologies toward communicative approaches. This conversion would not turn into reality unless teachers could apply it in practice. However, teachers have certain needs such as expanding and broadening contextual-related knowledge, cooperating with their colleagues, and developing their assessment literacy (Coombe, Vafadar, & Mohebbi, 2020). To identify the teachers' understandings of, practices in, and challenges of assessment, 15 English language headteachers (English language teachers who are responsible for moderating the group of the teachers' activities) participated in the interviews of this study, followed by questionnaires for exploring teachers' needs. The interviews were coded and content analyzed independently by the researcher and an expert in assessment. The main themes and needs were derived from the interview analyses and are presented in eight pivots. The findings of the questionnaires manifested the priorities that teachers felt concerning assessment literacy and classroom-based assessment needs. The paper will discuss the findings concerning assisting teachers' professional development in assessment literacy. Implications are also provided.
- Published
- 2022
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