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Investigating Mixed Methods Research in Applied Linguistics: Methodological Avoidance and Possible Barriers in the Field
Get PDFThe field of applied linguistics is becoming increasingly transdisciplinary as recognition for the need to approach empirical questions from a variety of epistemological and theoretical perspectives grows (Douglas Fir Group, 2016). One methodological approach that holds promise for advancing sophisticated inquiry into complex issues of applied linguistics is mixed methods research (MMR); however, studies adopting MMR to its fullest potential remain infrequent. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods design that includes a focus group and survey questionnaire, this empirical study investigates the internal and external factors that may lead applied linguistics researchers to avoid conducting and/or publishing MMR. Integrated analyses revealed that participants’ methodological and publishing decisions were influenced by factors such as their socialization into research practices in graduate school, the pressure to publish, and the considerations of the research journal industry. Implications for future applied linguistics researcher education programs and the impact of the publishing industry on research agendas are discussed.
Usability of ChatGPT in Second Language Acquisition: Capabilities, Effectiveness, Applications, Challenges, and Solutions
Get PDFIn the realm of language acquisition, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a promising frontier. However, gaps exist in understanding the practical application of AI-driven tools, particularly in second language learning contexts. This study delves into the usability of ChatGPT, an advanced AI language model, within the domain of second language acquisition. This paper synthesizes existing literature on ChatGPT’s multifaceted capabilities, its effectiveness, its associated challenges, and the potential solutions to these challenges in language learning environments. This review demonstrates ChatGPT’s substantial potential in enhancing language learning outcomes, including fostering learner autonomy, improving motivation, and developing language proficiency. Yet, nuanced challenges such as preserving academic integrity and difficulties in crafting effective prompts emerge as crucial considerations. To address these issues, possible solutions including enhancing AI literacy among learners and educators are discussed. This paper sheds light on the complex dynamics of AI-assisted language education, urging ongoing research and refinement to fully utilize these technologies in enhancing second language learning
An Evaluation of Khanmigo, a Generative AI Tool, as a Computer-Assisted Language Learning App
Get PDFThe recent advancement in technology has attracted learners’ attention worldwide to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) for educational purposes. While GenAI has shown promising results for general language purposes (Godwin-Jones, 2023; Xiao & Zhi, 2023), the potential of GenAI for language learning has not been fully explored. This paper, therefore, endeavors to decipher the potential of a GenAI app, Khanmigo, as a language learning tool, specifically for learning French. The app was analyzed by the researcher through her interactions of about 17.5 hours using Chapelle’s (2001) Evaluation Framework for discerning the task appropriateness of a given Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) tool. While the app does not show robust performance in all the six criteria suggested for evaluation, it still holds some promise
Explanations in Pedagogical Interaction: Introduction to the Fall Forum
Get PDFAs a method and a framework, conversation analysis (CA) has been used to uncover the tacit methods participants use to accomplish a variety of social actions, such as offering, promising, giving advice, complaining, and disagreeing. This forum explores one such action, explaining, within the context of pedagogical interaction due to its ubiquity and relevance to the project of teaching and learning. While every discipline seems to have developed critical and extensive guidance (e.g., in the form of manuals, textbooks, and curricula) on what should be taught and, by extension, explained, CA is uniquely positioned to shed light on the “how” of explanations as it shifts the analytical spotlight to how participants (e.g., students and teachers, tutees and tutors) make sense of and respond to each turn of talk. After all, teachers and tutors are not simply delivering a laundry list of facts; they are addressing the here and now, unplanned demands of learners as they arise in interaction. This forum thus aims to draw more attention to the moment-to-moment work that participants engage in when producing such explanations
Cellular and Biomaterial Approaches for Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration
No full textTissue Engineering offers a novel, curative approach to treating Age-Re-lated Macular degeneration (AMD), a disease characterized by excessive drusen depo-sition beneath the retinal surface and consequent vision loss. Preclinical studies in rats have shown that transplanted Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) derived from human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) have not only slowed AMD but have also restored vision. There are two main methods of delivering RPE cells: direct injection and monolayer surgical insertion, the latter demonstrating long-term integration. Biocompatible scaf-folds allow for better delivery of RPE cells, induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC), and Retinal Progenitor Cells (RPC). Unlike animal-derived extracellular matrix components, soft modulus biomaterials such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) are ideal for AMD cell transplants because of fast degradation times, high cellular attachment proliferation, and strong adherence to Bruch’s membrane. These biomaterials can also be created at a 10-100μm thickness so that vision is not distorted. Use of biomaterials could be improved by cross-linking them with anti-vascular endothe-lial growth factors (VEGFs) like Brolucizumab and retinal growth factors such as fibro-blast growth factor (FGF). Similarly, hESC and iPSC cells can be genetically modified to secrete anti-VEGF factors
A Theology of the Spirits
No full textAnthony Reddie has said that while Black Theology has always spent a great deal of time and effort on Jesus, there has been “comparatively little on the Holy Spirit.” Recognizing this reality, one hope of this paper is to invigorate and contribute to a conversation on the Spirit in Black Theology. After a brief examination of the intriguing work of Jawanza Eric Clark, who challenges taken-for-granted views of original sin and Christocentrism, the paper will explore understandings of spirit(s) within select religions of Africa and the African diaspora. The study will build from these pieces with a consideration of possibilities for constructive pneumatologies within contemporary Black Theology. The paper’s interest in the Holy Spirit is concerned primarily with the relationship between divine power and presence and human potential and responsibility, and especially in creative formulations of this dynamic that call for human action toward social justice, wholeness, and positive transformation
Effectiveness and efficiency of patient care while enrolled in an orthopedic physical therapy fellowship program
No full textRationale: Post-professional orthopedic manual physical therapy education programs have proliferated, in part due to increasing therapist demand. Despite the time, effort, and money required to complete these programs, there is scant research addressing their impact.
We investigated whether physical therapists enrolled in an accredited manual physical therapy fellowship program achieved better outcomes, determined by patient changes in function, number of physical therapy visits, and episode of care duration while enrolled in the program. We also examined whether outcomes varied by clinician demographics, clinician life circumstances, and clinic characteristics.
Methods: Forty-two therapists contributed patient data addressing functional status, number of visits, and episode of care duration. We compared data from the first 30 patients with data from the last 30 patients seen by each therapist while enrolled in the program. We also surveyed therapists regarding their demographics, life circumstances, and clinic characteristics.
Results: There were no clinically meaningful or statistically significant differences in change in functional status when comparing results from the first 30 patients with the last 30 patients seen by therapists. However, there was a significant reduction in the number of visits and episode of care duration. Outcomes were influenced by entry-level degree and the presence of children at home.
Conclusion: In our study, enrollment in a physical therapy fellowship program did not improve patient functional status but did reduce the number of visits and episode of care duration. Outcomes were influenced by some clinician life circumstances and clinic characteristics
Social Work and the New York State Medical Aid in Dying Act
Get PDFMedical Aid in Dying (MAiD) is garnering increasing attention throughout the world. Since 1998, 14 states and Washington D.C. have MAiD laws in the United States. For the eighth time in as many years, the NewYork State legislature has introduced MAiD legislation, and the Medical Aid in Dying Act is currently in committee in both the Assembly and the Senate. Although this legislation has failed in New York State in the past, it is increasingly supported by New York voters (Granquist, 2024). The MAiD debates in New York state, along with data from U.S. jurisdictions with MAiD laws, highlight important considerations about end-of-life choices and how they intersect with social work values. Social workers can gain valuable insight into supporting people at the end of life, engage in self-reflection on their own beliefs and biases related to end- of-life choices, encourage self-reflection of medical professionals, and advocate for equity in healthcare within medical institutions and through social welfare policy (Schroepfer et al., 2022). This discourse can benefit patients interacting with the health care system regardless of MAiD’s outcome in New York State
Abortion, Full Faith and Credit, and the "Judicial Power" Under Article III: Does Article IV of the U.S. Constitution Require Sister-State Enforcement of Anti-Abortion Damages Awards?
Get PDF Interstate judgments enforcement is governed by the Full Faith and Credit Clause of Article IV of the Constitution, together with its implementing statute, 28 U.S.C. 1738. Although a highly technical area of the law, interstate judgments enforcement has important social repercussions for some very modern problems of great cultural significance. One of the currently significant applications is the interstate enforcement of judgments rendered in civil suits based on state anti-abortion laws. For example, Texas statute S.B. 8 gives anyone who wishes to sue a civil cause of action against persons who facilitate abortions. Even complete strangers to the abortion can decide to become a plaintiff in such an action and can sue for money “damages” despite having suffered no injury.
Non-experts seem to have the impression that the Full Faith and Credit Clause presents an ironclad requirement that judgments of sister states must always be enforced. If thatwere the case, states that recognize reproductive freedom would be obliged to enforce judgments entered into in states like Texas, despite their strong public policy against such actions. This Article shows why this impression is mistaken.
First, the full faith and credit principle has for centuries been subject to exceptions,several of which are potentially relevant in the reproductive freedom context. Theseinclude lack of subject matter jurisdiction, the public policy exception, and the penallaw exception. In addition, a uniform law adopted in forty-eight states (the UniformEnforcement of Foreign Judgments Act) permits the state enforcing the judgment to applyits own judgments law to an interstate enforcement proceeding. The enforcing state will therefore apply to foreign state judgments any exceptions to judgments enforcement lawthat it has as a general matter for its own domestic judgments.
Second, and more importantly, the Clause and statute both contain an important qualification: they apply only to “judicial” actions. This exception prevents a state from requiring sister-state enforcement of decisions that do not meet the usual tests for a judicial “case or controversy” (as defined in Article III of the Constitution). Article III and Article IV both use the word “judicial” to specify the standard necessary for the exercise of federal power. These two neighboring constitutional provisions are supported by a common historical origin (they were drafted at the same time and by some of the same people at the constitutional drafting convention) and fulfill comparable functions. If the two constitutional provisions are treated the same, judgments under statutes like Texas S.B. 8 would not be given mandatory force in other states because such cases would not meet the standing requirement imposed by Article III