About the journal
The Journal of Studies in Learning and Teaching English of Shiraz Azad University welcomes the contribution of interested scholars and researchers in the field.
Name: Journal of Studies in Learning and Teaching English (JSLTE)
ISSN: 2251-8541
eISSN: 2476-7727
Publication Frequency: Quarterly
Language: English
Editor-in-Chief: Prof. Firooz Sadighi
Director-in-Charge: Dr. Mohammad Javad Riasati
Owned and Published by: Shiraz Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
Address: Km. 5, Sadra Road, Shiraz Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
Tel: +987136191431
Website: https://jslte.shiraz.iau.ir/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Recent Articles
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Open Access Article
1 - A Gender-Based Investigation into the Relationship between Test Method and Iranian EFL Test-Takers’ Grammar Performance
Shokouh Rashvand Semiyari Amir Reza AliakbarIssue 1 , Vol. 13 , Spring 2024In the domain of educational assessment, comprehending the elements that shape test-takers' achievements is quite significant. This research delved into how test method and gender might affect grammar performance. To this end, 274 intermediate EFL learners in the 18-30 MoreIn the domain of educational assessment, comprehending the elements that shape test-takers' achievements is quite significant. This research delved into how test method and gender might affect grammar performance. To this end, 274 intermediate EFL learners in the 18-30 age range, studying in Qotb Ravandi Institute in Tehran took a grammar test in four different formats specified to comparatives, superlatives, and present perfect tenses. The results of the correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation between total score (grammar performance) and error correction, word changing, word order, and completion scores. The results of regression analysis also indicated that gender was a significant predictor of grammar performance. There was a negative statistically significant correlation between gender and grammar performance, indicating that male students tended to score lower than their female counterparts. Furthermore, the predictor variable of grammar performance could accurately classify 63.6% of females and 31.3% of males in their groups, with the overall precision of the regression model being 50%. Therefore, it can be argued that there would be a statistically significant relationship between test-takers' gender and their grammar performance. The implications and suggestions for further studies were also highlighted. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - The Effect of Different Educational Contexts on Iranian Teachers’ Perception and Implementation of Task-based Language Teaching (TBLT)
Maryam DelfarianTurk Firroz Sadighi Leila AkbarpourIssue 1 , Vol. 13 , Spring 2024The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different educational contexts (institutes and high schools) on Iranian teachers’ perceptions and implementation of task-based language teaching (TBLT). This mixed-methods research through quantitative and qua MoreThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different educational contexts (institutes and high schools) on Iranian teachers’ perceptions and implementation of task-based language teaching (TBLT). This mixed-methods research through quantitative and qualitative methodology tried to shed light on why TBLT was practiced or avoided. The data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and observation from 60 Iranian teachers working at some English language institutes and high schools. The participants were divided into two groups. The results of the study were examined using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics determined the central tendency of teachers’ answers to the questionnaire, and inferential statistics was employed as well to use an independent samples t-test to compare the mean scores of the two groups. Questionnaires were distributed among teachers and collected individually. The collected data was tabulated for analysis, assessing teachers' perceptions and implementation of TBLT. Ten teachers were randomly selected for interviews, exploring their reasons for adopting or avoiding TBLT and gaining insight into their practices and beliefs. The ten-minute individual interview sessions were recorded and evaluated by the researcher. The quantitative results of the study indicated that first, institute and school teachers had different perceptions about the TBLT method. Second, there was no significant difference between institute and school teachers’ attitudes toward implementing this language teaching method. Third, although there was no significant difference between institute and school teachers in applying this method, the results claimed that these two groups are significantly different in avoiding TBLT in their classes. In the qualitative study, the observation results indicated that the majority of institute teachers implemented all phases of TBLT. On the other hand, the instructors mostly avoided implementing TBLT in their junior and senior high school classes. Classroom size, lack of time, improper textbook materials, and students’ lack of prior knowledge as the hindrances of TBLT implementation were among the main reasons that teachers avoided TBLT. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - An Investigation into the Effect of Online Group Dynamic Assessment on EFL Learners' Grammar Achievement
Giti Komeishi Hamidreza FatemipourIssue 1 , Vol. 13 , Spring 2024The academic discourse surrounding Dynamic Assessment (DA) acknowledges its significance within the realm of language testing, yet expresses reservations regarding its practicability when applied to larger groups of individuals. The aforementioned limitation of dynamic MoreThe academic discourse surrounding Dynamic Assessment (DA) acknowledges its significance within the realm of language testing, yet expresses reservations regarding its practicability when applied to larger groups of individuals. The aforementioned limitation of dynamic assessment has prompted the utilization of Online Group Dynamic Assessment (GDA). Regarding the role of GDA and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ problems with grammar learning, the present study attempted to investigate the effect of GDA on EFL learners’ grammar achievement. To this end, 70 students participated in this experimental research and were given the Oxford Placement Test (OPT). As a result, a total of 52 participants were chosen through a selection process involving the OPT with subsequent random assignment to both the experimental and control groups. Subsequently, a grammar test was administered as a pretest for both groups. The former were taught through online GDA through Adobe Custom while the latter had their own conventional method of explicit instruction. After 10 sessions of treatment instructions, both groups sat for the grammar posttest, parallel to the pretest. The application of the independent samples t-test revealed that there were significant differences in the post-test grammar achievement between the participants in the experimental group and the control group. Specifically, the individuals in the experimental group exhibited superior performance compared to their counterparts in the control group. The results of this study can shed light on the effectiveness of GDA, in grammar achievement among Iranian learners. In line with these findings, some implications for language stakeholders were provided. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - The Impact of Flipped Instruction on Developing Iranian EFL Speaking Skills
Marzieh Rezaei Khatouni Mohammad Javad Riasati Fatemeh BahjatIssue 1 , Vol. 13 , Spring 2024Today flipped instruction is highly precious in EFL teaching since it provides autonomous learning and more collaboration through technology. Since speaking is the most demanding skill for EFL learners, investigating the effects of flipped instruction on EFL learners’ s MoreToday flipped instruction is highly precious in EFL teaching since it provides autonomous learning and more collaboration through technology. Since speaking is the most demanding skill for EFL learners, investigating the effects of flipped instruction on EFL learners’ speaking is still a nascent area for empirical research which is the aim of the current study. Teachers and researchers try to find new strategies and methodologies of teaching to help learners learn this laborious skill, especially in the EFL context more convenient. To achieve this goal, flipped instruction made the way easier by applying technology and inverting face-to-face and online classes. The current study was an effort to investigate the effect of flipped instruction on Iranian EFL speaking skills development. To this end, 60 Iranian EFL university students were allocated into two experimental and control groups. A pre-test/post-test design was used to elicit the required data. The outstanding results were found after flipped instruction from the experimental group while there was not any significant difference in the post-test of the control group with traditional instruction. This study represents learners' speaking improvements through flipped instruction for being prepared before in-person classes by watching uploaded videos. Also, it provides recommendations and implications for future practice. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - EFL Teachers’ Awareness, Perceptions, and Practices of Implementing Active Learning Methods
Tesfanesh Telore Abebe DamtewIssue 1 , Vol. 13 , Spring 2024This study was mainly aimed at assessing English language teachers’ awareness, perceptions, and practices of implementing active learning methods at Kambata Tembaro zone, Ethiopia. A descriptive survey method in a mixed approach was used to collect, analyze, and interpr MoreThis study was mainly aimed at assessing English language teachers’ awareness, perceptions, and practices of implementing active learning methods at Kambata Tembaro zone, Ethiopia. A descriptive survey method in a mixed approach was used to collect, analyze, and interpret data for the study. Instruments such as classroom observation, questionnaires, and focus group discussions were employed to collect valid data for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to analyze and present the data. Thus, data gathered via classroom observation and questionnaire were quantitatively analyzed by using SPSS, and data gathered via focus group discussion were qualitatively analyzed through narrations. The findings of the study revealed that teachers are not adequately aware of active learning methods. The findings of the study also revealed that teachers view/perceive active learning methods negatively. Likewise, the study ensured that the implementation of active learning methods in the zone was almost nonexistent. The researchers suggested that the teachers should take capacity-building pieces of training on a short and long-term basis. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - Modeling Bipolar EFL Teachers’ Professional Identity Pattern: Investigating the Effectiveness of a Positive Thinking Training Course
Mahdieh Ghalandari Neda Fatehi Rad Peyman SeifadiniIssue 1 , Vol. 13 , Spring 2024Bipolar disorder, as a known disorder throughout the world, negatively affects people personally and socially. In addition, it leads to malfunction and dysfunction in their profession. To help bipolar people, a variety of approaches have been proposed among which positi MoreBipolar disorder, as a known disorder throughout the world, negatively affects people personally and socially. In addition, it leads to malfunction and dysfunction in their profession. To help bipolar people, a variety of approaches have been proposed among which positive thinking training can be mentioned. Moreover, professional identity is of importance in the quality of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ teaching. This study, using a grounded theory design, aimed at modeling bipolar EFL teachers’ professional identity patterns before and after training on positive thinking. The participants consisted of 25 bipolar EFL teachers (16 males and 9 females) who were purposefully selected from EFL teachers teaching in private language institutes in Kerman, Iran. Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale and a semi-structured interview were used to collect the data. Concerning the results, a model was proposed wherein, before positive thinking training, the bipolar EFL teachers had a fear of teaching failure, did not emphasize students’ needs, used mainstream teaching methods, had the fear of being known as unknowledgeable, and had the fear of being known as irresponsible and unaccountable. However, after positive thinking training, the bipolar EFL teachers had good communication, classroom management, and motivational skills, were more willing to reach professional development and more proficient in the English language, used the best teaching methods, and had good verbal skills. The findings have some implications for EFL teacher education administrators and bipolar EFL teachers. Manuscript profile
Most Viewed Articles
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Open Access Article
1 - English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Proactive Classroom Management Strategies and Their Self-Efficacy
Faranak Fadaei Abdorreza TahririIssue 4 , Vol. 12 , Autumn 2023The present investigation investigated the proactive classroom management strategies and self-efficacy of 110 EFL teachers (77 females and 33 males) and examined if there were differences in their use of such strategies based on gender and experience level. To this end, MoreThe present investigation investigated the proactive classroom management strategies and self-efficacy of 110 EFL teachers (77 females and 33 males) and examined if there were differences in their use of such strategies based on gender and experience level. To this end, the study used the Competency and Behavior Management survey created by Herrera and Little (2005) and the scale for measuring Teachers' Sense of Efficacy created by Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy (2001) were utilized in this study. Additionally, 15 teachers were interviewed to gather their opinions on management strategies and self-efficacy. The analysis of Pearson correlation indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between EFL teachers’ use of proactive classroom management strategies among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers and their perceived levels of self-efficacy. Moreover, an analysis using the independent-sample t-test demonstrated a noteworthy disparity in the utilization of proactive strategies among teachers with varying levels of experience; that is, less experienced teachers used proactive strategies less frequently than more experienced teachers. No positive difference in proactive strategy use was found between male and female EFL teachers. These findings impact teacher education programs by emphasizing the significance of self-efficacy in managing classrooms. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Investigating Iranian Male and Female EFL Instructors’ Techniques for Teaching Interlanguage Pragmatics
Sara Ramezani Leila Akbarpour Firooz SadighiIssue 4 , Vol. 12 , Autumn 2023Interlanguage pragmatics knowledge is significant since it enables second/foreign language users to communicate well with native and non-native users of English. The instruction of interlanguage pragmatics has been well-accepted as a measure to improve interlanguage pra MoreInterlanguage pragmatics knowledge is significant since it enables second/foreign language users to communicate well with native and non-native users of English. The instruction of interlanguage pragmatics has been well-accepted as a measure to improve interlanguage pragmatics knowledge. This instruction can be affected by a range of variables. Several variables such as instruction approach, the language of instruction, and learners’ characteristics have already been examined; however, there are still niches in the literature that needs empirical studies to be occupied. One of these gaps that is addressed in this study deals with the effect of teachers’ gender on their use of techniques for teaching interlanguage pragmatics. This quantitative study employed a Likert-scale questionnaire to identify the possible similarities and differences between the techniques used by 211 Iranian English language teachers. The participants who were selected based on a quota sampling procedure expressed the techniques they use while teaching interlanguage pragmatics. The findings of this study indicated that female teachers used L1 in their instruction, films, language games, and pictures to teach interlanguage pragmatics more than male instructors; however, male teachers used email-exchanging activities to improve their learners’ L2 pragmatics significantly more than female participants. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Cross-Disciplinary Investigation of EAP Students’ Vocabulary Learning Strategies in Online Platforms: The Mediating Role of Multiple Intelligence
Farzaneh Akbari Farahnaz Rimani Nikou Hossein SadeghoghliIssue 1 , Vol. 11 , Winter 2022This study was motivated by an interest in the process of acquiring EAP vocabulary for Iranian university students. The study identified the vocabulary learning strategies of 360 undergraduate EAP students considering the role of multiple intelligences and online educat MoreThis study was motivated by an interest in the process of acquiring EAP vocabulary for Iranian university students. The study identified the vocabulary learning strategies of 360 undergraduate EAP students considering the role of multiple intelligences and online education platforms using self-reported questionnaires. They were members of Telegram groups studying engineering, medical sciences, and humanities at different universities in Iran. Descriptive analysis of the VLS survey indicated that the participants frequently use strategies for making the new vocabulary part of their repertoire, followed by strategies for getting the meaning of the new word, and studying the vocabulary, respectively. Inferential analysis of the VLS data revealed that engineering students use different strategies to get the meaning of a new word to which they are exposed in the online classroom. Descriptive and inferential analysis of the participants’ MIs demonstrated the positive relationship of logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, and intrapersonal intelligence to the use of strategies for making the new vocabulary part of the repertoire only for the engineering group. The results suggest implications for EAP practitioners and learners. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Iranian EFL Teachers’ Perceptions of Professional Development, Creativity and Reflectivity
Mehdi Abbasi Fatemeh Behjat Mohammad Sadegh BagheriIssue 2 , Vol. 12 , Spring 2023Teachers are generally believed to be one of the most important elements in the success of any educational scheme. Therefore, it is vitally important that teachers be well-prepared when they begin teaching and continue to improve their knowledge and skills throughout th MoreTeachers are generally believed to be one of the most important elements in the success of any educational scheme. Therefore, it is vitally important that teachers be well-prepared when they begin teaching and continue to improve their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. Despite the plethora of studies in teachers’ professional development, there is uncertainty about the relationships between teachers' professional development and their capacity for creative and reflective thinking. Additionally, how these elements might fit into the larger context of teachers' professional lives is under question. The present study was designed to explore the Iranian EFL teachers’ perceptions towards professional development, creativity and reflectivity. To do so, 10 EFL teachers were asked to participate in a semi-structured interview. The results indicated that teachers’ professional development, creative and reflective thinking contribute to developing language learners’ language proficiency and motivation. The findings of this study assist teacher educators when these factors are included in language teacher education programs, it helps second/foreign language learners promote their proficiency in different areas of language learning. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - E-Learning in the Context of English Language Teaching and Learning: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Approach
Peyman Nouraey Mohammad Bavali Fatemeh BehjatIssue 4 , Vol. 12 , Autumn 2023available option for higher education institutions around the world. In Iran, universities used various platforms. For example, the Islamic Azad University started utilizing an exclusive platform (Vadana) and Payame Noor University used Adobe Connect. However, some chal Moreavailable option for higher education institutions around the world. In Iran, universities used various platforms. For example, the Islamic Azad University started utilizing an exclusive platform (Vadana) and Payame Noor University used Adobe Connect. However, some challenges and problems were reported by the educators and students using these platforms, somehow due to a lack of preparation and premeditation. This study focused on the problems and challenges in contrast to the opportunities and solutions associated with e-learning among university educators and students through a mixed-methods approach. On the quantitative side, two questionnaires were created and distributed among undergraduate TEFL students. In total, 216 responses were received. The findings revealed that the participants were mostly in agreement with the statements mentioned in both questionnaires. Later, using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, both questionnaires were validated. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 faculty members. Data saturation was reached after 5 interviews. The interview texts were then transcribed, and the findings were qualitatively presented and discussed. Based on the findings, the challenges and problems of e-learning encompassed technical issues, physical and mental concerns, additional burdens, assessments, proper training, IT literacy, and issues related to pedagogy. On the other hand, e-learning yielded benefits such as enhancements in communication, interaction, teaching, and learning, along with increased accessibility, convenience, productivity, and safety. The findings might be of value to students, educators, policymakers, and administrations involved in the delivery of online English language teaching in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - Investigating the Effects of Brainstorming Technique on Iranian EFL Learners' Listening and Teachers' Attitudes towards This Technique
Ali Hamideh Mustafa Zamanian Mohammad Javad RiasatiIssue 4 , Vol. 12 , Autumn 2023This research study utilized a mixed-methods approach, specifically a concurrent triangulation design, to examine the enhancement of listening proficiency among Iranian EFL learners and investigate EFL teachers' attitudes toward applying brainstorming techniques in EFL MoreThis research study utilized a mixed-methods approach, specifically a concurrent triangulation design, to examine the enhancement of listening proficiency among Iranian EFL learners and investigate EFL teachers' attitudes toward applying brainstorming techniques in EFL classrooms. The study involved 63 undergraduate male students studying at Naval Science and Technology University in Rasht, Iran, and 20 EFL teachers. The students were homogenized based on their English proficiency level and divided into experimental and control groups. All participants took a listening pretest, and then during 20 treatment sessions, the experimental group received brainstorming-based treatment while the control group received conventional treatment. A posttest was administered to all participants in both groups. The researchers conducted paired sample t-tests and one-way ANCOVA to examine the potential impacts of brainstorming techniques on the listening skills of EFL students. The results suggested that implementing brainstorming techniques in language learning processes can create a conducive environment for language learners to express their thoughts freely and practice the language authentically in the classroom. The research findings indicated that applying brainstorming techniques significantly enriched the listening ability of the students who received brainstorming-based treatment. The qualitative dimension of the study revealed that, according to the teachers' judgments, the brainstorming technique improves students' listening skills proficiency and develops teachers' attitudes toward teaching English. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that English instructors utilize brainstorming techniques in their EFL classes. Additionally, the material designers are encouraged to design English language textbooks' contents based on brainstorming techniques. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Effects of Closed-caption Programs on EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension and Vocabulary Learning
Gholam Hossein ShahsavandiIssue 1 , Vol. 6 , Winter 2017This study aimed at investigating the impact of closed-caption program on listening comprehension of English movies and vocabulary learning. Sixty-four graduate students studying at Shiraz Islamic Azad University were selected as the participants of the study. The parti MoreThis study aimed at investigating the impact of closed-caption program on listening comprehension of English movies and vocabulary learning. Sixty-four graduate students studying at Shiraz Islamic Azad University were selected as the participants of the study. The participants were divided into two groups: experimental group (with closed caption program) and control group (without closed caption program). A BBC documentary movie (EARTH PLANET), was selected based on the content and level of difficulty of the language (matched to level of proficiency of the participants (advanced level)). Both classes watched the movie, but class one with closed-caption and the other one without closed-caption. Two researcher-designed tests (one listening comprehension test and one vocabulary test) were employed as the instruments. To ensure the reliability of the tests, the researcher conducted a pilot study. The results of the Guttmann reliability indicated that the tests were highly reliable. The participants answered the relevant multiple-choice vocabulary and listening comprehension questions. The results of independent sample t-test analysis clearly indicated that closed-caption program had a positive impact on participants’ listening comprehension. It can be said that the participants of the experimental group comprehended the movie better than the participants of the experimental group. However, closed-caption program did not have an effect on participants' vocabulary learning or vocabulary recognition and there wasn’t any difference between the performance of male and female participants of the experimental group in listening comprehension and vocabulary learning tests. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - The Effect of Using Advance Organizers on Improving Collocational Knowledge of Iranian EFL Learners in MALL-Oriented Classrooms
Elahe Ghorbani Leila AkbarpourIssue 1 , Vol. 11 , Winter 2022ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to explore if advance organizers with the help of MALL-oriented classrooms can help Iranian EFL learners improve their collocational knowledge or not. In other words, this study investigated the effect of advance organizers MoreABSTRACT The purpose of the present study was to explore if advance organizers with the help of MALL-oriented classrooms can help Iranian EFL learners improve their collocational knowledge or not. In other words, this study investigated the effect of advance organizers on improving collocational knowledge of Iranian EFL learners in a MALL-oriented classroom environment. To accomplish this aim, a quasi-experimental method of research, using a pretest-posttest design with a control group was employed in order to answer the research question. After the homogenization procedure the participants were divided into two groups of control and experimental. In order to investigate the effectiveness of the treatment and also compare the two proficiency levels regarding the treatment, two teacher-made multiple-choice grammar tests were employed as the pre- and post-test. The findings, guided by descriptive and inferential statistics, highlighted that advance organizers in a MALL-oriented classroom had a positive effect on improving EFL learners’ collocational knowledge. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - Teachers’ Opinions and Practices Regarding Reading Comprehension Classes
Azam Nazari Mohammad Sadegh BagheriIssue 1 , Vol. 4 , Winter 2015 -
Open Access Article
10 - The Impact of Rote Learning on Vocabulary Learning: The Case of Iranian EFL Learners with Visual and Auditory Learning Styles
Ghasem Tayebi Sara MarefatIssue 1 , Vol. 8 , Winter 2019
