Journal of Applied Studies in Language

Current studies in local-culture based ELT materials development evaluation instruments: Systematic review

2023-11-05T20:42:52+07:00

This systematic literature review was completed to investigate the status quo of evaluation instruments utilized in the development of local-culture based ELT materials in Indonesia. The main concern in this review is the validity of the evaluation instrument. This research used the PRISMA 2020 model to review the existing studies in the intended area. The data were collected from the Garuda database an official database to index articles published in Indonesia. There are 2.394 studies obtained and only 76 of them fulfil all criteria for analysis. Out of 76 studies reviewed, the results show that there are no studies that have validated their evaluation instruments. In addition, 56 studies prefer to use self-made evaluation instruments in the materials development process. Only 10 studies chose to adapt the available evaluation instrument from other sources in their development process. This review found that there is a gap that lies between the available local culture-based ELT materials evaluation instruments and the need of validity to be applied to materials development. It suggested the need of more studies in instrument development and validation to support Indonesian local-culture based ELT materials development. In the long run, the local culture will be globally well-known and accepted if the materials are available and accessible world-wide.

Balinese diglossia shown by public signs as language vitality symbol from linguistic landscape perspective

2023-10-04T14:12:05+07:00

This study is aimed to identify and analyze Balinese diglossia from the perspective of linguistic landscape. Balinese language used in public signs consists of two variations, namely alus and andap. The use of the two variations resembles the culture of Balinese people. Therefore, this study is also intended to provide a new way to view Balinese culture from seeing the Balinese language through non-interactive public signs because there are patterns on each variation used. Furthermore, the use of Balinese variations on signs can be a measurement to acknowledge its vitality; thus, this study is also aimed to measure Balinese language vitality in general and the vitality of its variations. The data of this study were 12 signs collected from banners, billboards, and information signs found in Bali through observation and documentation method. The data were analyzed by using referential identity method with a descriptive-qualitative approach. This study combined the theories of diglossia, context of situation, function of linguistic landscape, Balinese speech levels, and UNESCO vitality level. The result shows that Balinese language signs in public space are able to characterize the diglossia situation of the Balinese people by indicating four features, namely sign makers, participants receiving messages, caste and social status, and domains. The diglossic situation of the Balinese language is indicated by the variation of the Balinese alus, which is the high variety, and the Balinese andap, which is the low variety. The level of language vitality of Balinese high and low is 4, whereas in general is 5.

Utilization of neurological dominance science (NDS) to enhance students’ creativity in communication as implementation outcome based education (OBE)

2023-10-03T13:24:17+07:00

This study aims to investigate the contribution of the Neuro Dominance Science (NDS) program in improving students' creative communication skills and the completion of six tasks as a result of the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework called KKNI, with six (6) tasks of KKNI. This study uses qualitative and quantitative method in analyzing the data. The participants in this study were 50 students of English language and Literature Department, Universitas Negeri Medan that completed NDS workshop as one of the programmed of Creative Innovative Communication (CIC) subject at the fourth Semester. Data was collected through a questionnaire made in the form of a Google form to measure students' creative communication abilities and completion of KKNI assignments. The results of this study indicate that the NDS program has a significant contribution to improving students' creative communication skills. Quantitative data analysis shows an increase in scores on creative communication assessment after students join the NDS program. In addition, the NDS program also assists students in completing the six tasks required by the KKNI, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. This research provides valuable insight into the contribution of the NDS program in improving students' creative communication skills and completing KKNI assignments. The results of this study can be used by policymakers and educators to consider implementing the NDS program in schools as an effort to improve students' skills in creative communication and achievement of KKNI tasks.

Benefactive declarative sentences in Indonesian: The role of the beneficiary in social behavior representation

2023-09-30T08:31:54+07:00

Language shows a nation's character. Can Indonesian sentences with the predicate benefactive verbs show the character of the Indonesian nation? Benefactive sentences are sentences that have a subject argument as the beneficiaries and an object argument as the agent or vice versa. Subjects as agents and objects as beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can be oneself and can also be other people or personal things. In the Indonesian language by the beneficial declarative sentences, it can be determined the dominance of the beneficial. The problem is, what is the impact of the dominance of the beneficiary role on the behavior of Indonesian language users and what is the agent's relationship with our social beneficiaries and its social impact? The purpose of this study is to reveal the impact of dominance of the role of beneficiary in the benefactive verb on the declarative sentence of the Indonesian language, and the relationship of the agent with the beneficiary of circumstances or other people and their social impact. This research is qualitative research. The research data is in the form of declarative sentences in Indonesian which are predicated of benefactive verbs in people's speech, elementary-high school Indonesian language books, middle school economics books, and research data exploration. Research data was collected using observation and documentation methods using note-taking techniques and analyzed using distributional methods, interpretation, and analysis of meaning components. The results of this research can be concluded that beneficial declarative sentences in Indonesian show the behavior of the Indonesian people which is selfish, liberalist, and hedonistic, not socialist. The implications of these characteristics are for the nation's behavior, including corrupt public officials (only concerned with personal, family, and group profits)

Indonesian EFL students’ perceptions of TikTok utilization in EFL learning

2023-09-10T11:32:50+07:00

Despite its increasing popularity among young adults, TikTok has been very slow in finding its way into the English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching profession. Yet before introducing the application into the EFL classrooms, it is no doubt imperative to discern what is preferable among EFL learners. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the extent to which EFL learners perceive TikTok as facilitating their learning. To this end, the participants (N = 31) were asked to fill out a short, online questionnaire to gather information about (i) whether they utilized TikTok as an affordance for their EFL learning and (ii) whether they perceive its integration into the EFL classrooms as facilitative of their learning. The findings revealed that although they did not explicitly mention that they used TikTok as an affordance for their EFL learning, they held a belief that TikTok is effective in promoting their English proficiency. According to the students, there were three factors of note which contribute to the effectiveness of TikTok, namely abundant authentic input availability, easy-to-grasp information and availability of free tuition related to English language learning. Pedagogically, it implies that TikTok is worth integrating into the EFL classrooms.

English learning model based on social media

2023-09-03T05:00:08+07:00

This research endeavours to address the pressing need for a tailored English language learning model for students enrolled in Polytechnic institutions specializing in Food and Beverage studies. Recognizing the pivotal role of English proficiency in global culinary communication, we aim to design a comprehensive learning model. This model harnesses the potential of social media as an innovative pedagogical tool to enhance language skills, equipping students with the linguistic competence essential for success in their field. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Initially, a thorough needs analysis was conducted to determine the specific language requirements of Food and Beverage students. Subsequently, an adaptive learning model was designed, incorporating social media platforms as supplementary tools for language acquisition. The model was tested within the curriculum of a Polytechnic institution, utilizing a pre-test/post-test design to assess the impact on students' language proficiency. The results of our study indicate a significant improvement in the English language proficiency of students following the implementation of the learning model. Quantitative analysis of pre-test and post-test scores revealed a statistically significant increase in language skills. Moreover, qualitative feedback from students and educators highlighted the model's efficacy in enhancing engagement and motivation, thereby fostering a more dynamic and effective learning environment. This research contributes to the intersection of language education and the Food and Beverage industry by providing a specialized English language learning model. The innovative integration of social media platforms as supplementary tools demonstrates the adaptability and effectiveness of this approach. The findings affirm the model's potential to bridge the gap between industry-specific language requirements and educational curricula, empowering students with the linguistic competence necessary for global success in the Food and Beverage sector. This study underscores the transformative potential of technology-enhanced language learning in specialized fields and lays the foundation for future research and pedagogical innovation. Ultimately, this research seeks to empower students, educators, and the industry at large, enriching the landscape of culinary education and communication on a global scale.

Similes analysis in Thai literature: A case study of "The happiness of Kati" in the English version

2023-07-23T18:15:36+07:00

As our curiosity has led us to wonder why Thai children's literature with a simple plot, like Jane Vejjajiva's The Happiness of Kati, could actually captivate readers all over the world. By analysing the figurative language in the book, with an emphasis on similes as the scope, we would then try to demonstrate the hypothesis that the writer's story and her writing style have a significant relationship. According to the study's objectives, a list of all the similes used in the novel would be included in the study's findings, along with a list of the most frequently used similes based on the meaning analysis classification and the precise meanings behind them. These sought to establish the connection between the story and the author's writing style. Analysing descriptive data was used in the research. The process of gathering the data implies locating the similes that frequently appear in phrases and sentences and using the conjunctions "like" or "as." Both Richard's (1936) and Fromilhague's (1995) theories—simile analysis and simile meaning analysis—were applied in data analysis. The examined data were reviewed in order to determine the relationship between the story and the writer's writing style. The study found that there are 78 similes in the novel. 63 explicit and 25 implicit similes, or 68% and 32%, respectively, were discovered through meaning analysis. The author's writing style in her novel greatly enhances the plot that she develops in a variety of ways.

Empowering EFL students: A review of student-centred learning effectiveness and impact

2023-07-12T23:06:06+07:00

In the dynamic landscape of education, the paradigm shift towards student-centred learning (SCL) has emerged as a pivotal pedagogical approach, particularly in the context of EFL, the study of English for non-native speakers. This review explores the background and urgency of comprehending the effectiveness and impact of student-centred learning methods in enhancing students' empowerment within the EFL domain. The pressing need for this exploration arises from the imperative to tailor educational practices to meet the diverse learning needs of contemporary students, equipping them for a rapidly changing and complex global environment. Employing a comprehensive review methodology, this study synthesizes insights from a diverse array of prior research on SCL, specifically within EFL settings. Literature spanning various educational contexts, disciplines, and levels is systematically analysed to distil overarching conclusions about the effectiveness and impact of student-centred approaches in EFL instruction. The review critically examines methodologies, sample sizes, and key findings from selected studies, offering a nuanced understanding of the existing body of knowledge within the specific context of English proficiency development for diverse learners. The analysis focuses on key themes emerging from the reviewed literature, including student engagement, motivation, learning outcomes, and the development of critical thinking skills in the EFL context. Through a comparative lens, the review identifies patterns, trends, and gaps in the current understanding of SCL's impact on EFL education. Special attention is given to variations in outcomes based on educational levels, language proficiency levels, and cultural contexts specific to EFL instruction. Drawing on the synthesized evidence, the review concludes with insights into the overall effectiveness of SCL approaches in teaching and studying of English for non-native speakers. It underscores the positive impact on student motivation, language proficiency, and the cultivation of essential skills for lifelong language learning. The review also acknowledges challenges unique to EFL contexts and suggests areas requiring further investigation, contributing to the ongoing discourse on optimizing student-centred methodologies in language education. The pedagogical impact of this review lies in its potential to inform EFL educators, policymakers, and researchers about the nuanced benefits of adopting student-centred learning practices specifically tailored for English language instruction. By synthesizing diverse findings within the EFL context, the study offers practical insights into designing and implementing effective student-centred strategies for teaching English for non-native speakers., thus contributing to the advancement of language education practices.

How about an extensive reading guidebook? A case study in a higher education

2023-06-03T16:00:50+07:00

This study was aimed at investigating the lecturers’ need of a guidebook in the ER enactment within a classroom. The method used in this study was a qualitative research method making use of an online questionnaire and a semi-structured interview as the instruments to compile the data. The participants of this study were six lecturers implementing Extensive Reading in their classroom, three of whom are seniors, and the other three are novice lecturers. The data compiled from an online questionnaire and a semi-structured interview were then qualitatively analyzed and discussed. The result showed that an ER guidebook is, indeed, needed by those who are still lacking of experience in teaching extensive reading in which the contents are about choosing the appropriate books, accessing online repository, conducting ER, ER fun activities, and the potential evaluation, but it is not that urgent though it benefits to some cases for those who have been the so-called ER expert having years of experiences—more than two years—teaching extensive reading at class. However, using extensive reading guidebook might be a stimulus, for both lecturers in teaching, which is still open to innovative teaching invention in teaching extensive reading.

(Re)defining ecolinguistics in Indonesia’s research

2023-05-16T09:27:19+07:00

The emergence of ecolinguistics in the early 1970s has expanded into various academic discussions, including Indonesia’s context. Many articles of ecolinguistics can be found massively online, yet only few of them are stored in an international database, such as Scopus and DOAJ. This article attempts at (re)defining ecolinguistic concept in Indonesia’s research by taking 19 sample articles indexed in doaj.org. To collect the data, the researches searched the keywords “ecolinguistics” and “Indonesia” and applied the systematic review method by comparing the definition of ecolinguistics, its methods, and findings of ecolinguistic research in Indonesia. There are found some definitions of ecolinguistics: the study of language diversity, local wisdoms, language endangerment, and ecological awareness. Based on those findings, this article tries to redefine the concept of ecolinguistics as an approach that does not only take data from ecological issues, but also use ecological approach to analyze texts. By doing so, it is expected to figure out critical studies that find out ecological effects from the linguistic strands from various sources to offer more ecological understandings.

Improving speaking skill through hypno-teaching in Islamic boarding school

2023-04-12T14:49:57+07:00

This study investigates the potential of e-portfolios to enhance vocabulary mastery and speaking ability in non-English as Foreign Language (EFL) students. Specifically, it explores the impact of e-portfolios on vocabulary acquisition, speaking fluency, and pronunciation accuracy in a non-EFL setting. The study employs a mixed-methods approach. A quantitative design with pre- and post-intervention tests measures vocabulary knowledge and speaking skills. A qualitative strand uses interviews and document analysis to explore students' perceptions and experiences with e-portfolios. Sixty non-EFL students are randomly assigned to an experimental group using e-portfolios and a control group receiving traditional instruction. Quantitative data is analysed using statistical tests to compare pre- and post-intervention performance between groups. Qualitative data is thematically analysed to identify emergent themes related to students' experiences with e-portfolios. The study expects to demonstrate that e-portfolios can effectively enhance vocabulary mastery and speaking ability in non-EFL students. Findings will contribute to the understanding of e-portfolio implementation in non-EFL contexts and inform pedagogical practices for improving vocabulary speaking skills. This study stands out by investigating the efficacy of e-portfolios in a non-EFL setting, addressing a gap in existing research. Additionally, the mixed-methods approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of e-portfolios on both learning outcomes and learner experiences.

Analysis of English lecturer assessment using academic information system (SIAKAD) institution

2023-03-19T20:56:45+07:00

This research describes the English lecturer’s assessment by students in odd semesters in the 2022/2023 academic year using Academic Information System. This research is descriptive qualitative research. This research uses data from questionnaire results from SIAKAD or Sistem Informasi Akademik Institut Teknologi Bisnis AAS Indonesia at siakad.itbaas.ac.id. The finding shows that ITB AAS implements monitoring of lecturers in carrying out their teaching duties by allowing students to fill out questionnaires “Lecturer Assessment by Students” by filling in SIAKAD, especially in the odd semester of 2022. Students must fill in a value, which ranges from 0-4, each questionnaire consisting of 43 questions. The questions used for obtaining lecturer assessments by students in the form of a checklist regarding lecturer performance in daily lecture activities in odd semesters 2022/2023 include aspects of lectures including planning, implementation, evaluation, and lecturer’s personality. There are 32 students from S1 Accounting study program fulfill the questionnaire. From the questionnaire, it is obtained an average rating of 3.83 on a scale of 0-4 or with “Very Good” criteria. It also shows that most dominant students choose the score (4) which shows the students perceive positively about English lecturers in the teaching and learning process. The further research needs to be implemented to know more classes and students about their ‘perception’ toward the English Language Teaching (ELT) process during one semester.