Contemporary Educational Researches Journal

Addressing intercultural language teaching issues in EFL settings

Mohamed Toufik Ghaffour, Youcef Chehri — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Globalization has made intercultural competence essential for EFL learners, yet traditional approaches like grammar-translation and communicative language teaching remain prevalent in Algeria. These methods focus primarily on language mechanics, lacking a foundation for developing intercultural skills. This study advocates for adopting an intercultural language teaching approach in Algerian EFL classrooms to better prepare students for effective communication in multicultural contexts. Through literature analysis and classroom observations, the study finds that current practices inadequately address students' intercultural needs. In contrast, ILT fosters critical cultural awareness, empathy, and adaptability, providing a more comprehensive framework for building intercultural communicative competence. It is recommended that policymakers and educators support ILT integration, especially in oral expression classes where students actively engage. Emphasis on teacher training and curriculum reform would help embed this intercultural framework in the classroom, thereby developing EFL learners who are both linguistically skilled and culturally adaptive communicators.

Keywords: Communicative competence; English as a foreign language; intercultural; language teaching

Language learning model exploration in the transformation era

Setyawan Pujiono, Maman Suryaman — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The key to successful learning is strongly influenced by the use of an effective learning model. Redesigning language learning models is necessary for teachers so that they can contribute positively to the achievement of student competencies in the 21^st century. In this regard, this study aimed to describe the exploration of language learning models in high-ranking schools in Yogyakarta. The focus of this research was on the use of learning models in the planning and implementation of language learning by teachers. The subjects of this qualitative descriptive research were the Indonesian Language teachers in Yogyakarta. Data were obtained through documentation, observation, and interviews. Data analysis techniques included identification, classification, reduction, and conclusion. The results show that teachers prepare a learning model planning in the form of lesson plans in learning texts on official letters and non-fiction. The lesson plans are equipped with the model components such as learning syntax, support systems media, and instructional impacts, that is basic competencies and objectives. The implementation of the language learning models in Yogyakarta is varied and able to create an active, critical, and creative learning atmosphere.

Keywords: Language; learning; learning model; transformation

Graduate school's impact on careers: Insights and implications from master of arts in education graduates

Adriano Jr. Patac, Louida P. Patac , Julius G. Caadan — Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study explores the impact of a graduate education strategy in mathematics education, focusing on how graduation rates and student outcomes are influenced and managed. Employing an inductive thematic analysis and descriptive quantitative methods, the research reveals that program graduates experience significant professional growth, enhanced teaching practices, and increased self-confidence. These gains underscore the program’s critical role in advancing graduates' careers. Additionally, graduates actively engage in professional networks and organizations, furthering their career development. Their constructive feedback and engagement in program improvements highlight a commitment to continuous enhancement. Quantitative analysis shows the program's high relevance to graduates’ professional roles, resulting in higher salaries and a positive impact on mathematics education practices. Regardless of enrollment year, the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education program consistently benefits its graduates. These findings offer valuable insights for program administrators seeking to enhance program quality and effectiveness for current and future students. Moreover, the study acknowledges that individual abilities, research focus, and external opportunities may also influence graduate performance.

Keywords: Education; graduate education; Mathematics; network building.