1,720,996 research outputs found
Glenn Fulcher’s Thirty-Five Years of Contribution to Language Testing and Assessment: A Systematic Review
Get PDFThe present systematic review examines Glenn Fulcher’s contributions, works, philosophy, and research in language testing and assessment. The data includes his published articles, book chapters, books and interviews (except the one in this special issue) relevant to language testing and assessment from 1987 to March 2022. This study is conducted in two stages: From the sources, Ali Panahi and Hassan Mohebbi derived 127 commonly used main themes, 43 statistical and instrumental concepts, and 14 domains to create a framework for the analysis. We discovered that his research interests were wide-ranging. However, there was a focus on assessing speaking, rating scale design, validity, language assessment literacy and pedagogy, and the broader understanding of the role of assessment from a philosophical and societal perspective. Our analysis provides an overall understanding of the main themes, key concepts and major implications of Glenn Fulcher’s work. In the second stage of the study, Glenn presents his personal discussion and reflection of this systematic review
James Lantolf’s 50-Year Research Contribution to SLA through Sociocultural Theory: A Systematic Review
Get PDFAli Panahi and Hassan Mohebbi review James P. Lantolf’s 50-years of research in Sociocultural Theory and language-related issues. They read through his whole research works spanning a period of almost 50 years. To accomplish the systematic review, varying procedures were operationalized. All of his research works were first browsed and attempted to be accessed, based on which the objective themes were extracted and James P. Lantolf’s overall achievements were represented. Then, on the ground of a subjective framework and impressionistic criteria, some exclusion and inclusion rules were created for the systematic review. Next, the analysis was performed in the light of five components including his research works, theoretical justification, practical justification, micro-themes and macro-themes. In the end, James P. Lantolf provided his personal discussion and reflection on the systematic review
Brian MacWhinney’s 55 Years Research into Language Education and Psychology: A Systematic Review and Brian MacWhinney’s Personal Reflection
Get PDFAli Panahi and Hassan Mohebbi systematically reviewed Brian MacWhinney’s 55 years of research and publication in language education and psychology. The study was conducted in varying sections. Section 1 illustrates a methodology for the systematic review. It presents an impressionistic framework based on which the reviewers developed some exclusion and inclusion rules. Section 2 is concerned with MacWhinney’s overall achievements and contributions; all his research publications were estimated to stand at 540 items. Section 3 presents the themes (micro-themes and macro-themes) in MacWhinney’s research works and presents the extracted technical jargons, terms and concepts for both language education (1548 items) and psychology (447 items). Added to this, nine meta-themes were inferred and extracted for all of his research publications. Section 4 provides a systematic review of his research works. As a result, with reference to the subjective criteria and exclusion and inclusion rules, his research works, i.e., articles, book chapters and books, were systematically reviewed. In the end, Brian MacWhinney provided his own reflection and discussion
James Dean Brown’s 50 Years of Work in Second Language Studies: A Systematic Review
Get PDFPanahi and Mohebbi review James Dean Brown’s 50-years of research in language testing, curriculum development and research statistics with reference to an impressionistic framework for analysis containing two components with their subcomponents: Annotations (i.e., briefing and implications) and main concepts and themes (i.e., testing and teaching terminology, research design, research instruments, data analysis, and domains). The review was carried out in two phases: In Phase I, we (Ali Panahi and Hassan Mohebbi) reviewed Brown’s all works and extracted approximately 1100 main concepts and themes leading to 28 main entries for testing and teaching terminology. The issues he has examined are much more extensive; the first 10 topics and themes most widely investigated, in the order of frequency, are language testing and assessment, research and statistics, curriculum development and language programs, cloze tests, CRTs and NRTs, TESOL, ESL, applied linguistics and language testing, placement, standardized and proficiency tests, connected speech and reduced forms, pragmatics tests and issues, and reliability and validity. In Phase II, JD Brown provides a discussion and his personal reflections on the systematic review
Diane Larsen-Freeman’s Fifty-Year Contributions to Language Learning and Teaching: A Systematic Review and Diane Larsen-Freeman’s Personal Reflection
Get PDFThe systematic review was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, we (Ali Panahi and Hassan Mohebbi) reviewed Diane Larsen-Freeman’s whole works, analyzed her overall contribution to the fields of language learning and teaching and then extracted and analyzed the varying areas of interest she has researched; the most focused and prevalently investigated issues in the order of dominance appeared to be SLA, complexity theory, teaching grammar, complexity theory and second language acquisition/second language development, complexity theory and applied linguistics, morpheme studies, teaching methodology, ESL index of development, teacher education, and ELF. Next, we created two main superordinate components, each containing their own subparts: a theory-practice link (annotations and relevance to language pedagogy or research) and main themes (article theme, technical terminology, and design types). Upon providing an account of a theory-practice link, we finally extracted a total number of 1160 terms sub-grouped into 462 technical terms for applied linguistics, 183 technical terms for complexity theory and 182 main terms for theories, approaches, methods, hypotheses, and views. The other umbrella issues are also briefly elaborated. In the second phase, Diane Larsen-Freeman provided her discussion of this systematic review and her personal reflection
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Get PDFThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Variations on the Author
Get PDF“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Get PDFWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
Empowering Energy Community Nichein Flanders: A Study on Social Innovation, and Transition Strategies
No full textThe global shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources is an undeniable necessity. Energy communities, grounded in principles of community participation and environmental sustainability, are emerging as key players in driving this transformation. Flanders, a region in Belgium, has witnessed the rise of energy communities as they take on the challenges and uncertainties inherent to their mission. This thesis embarks on a journey to uncover the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities that these energy communities in Flanders face in their quest to facilitate the energy transition.While energy communities have garnered attention as a social innovation, there remains a need to explore the specific context of Flanders, its niche development, and up-scaling patterns. To address this gap, our research focuses on understanding the unique characteristics and challenges of energy communities in Flanders and their role in shaping the regional energy landscape. This study seeks to answer the following main research question:"What are the characteristics, challenges, and scaling patterns of energy communities in Flanders, Belgium, and how do these communities contribute to the energy transition?"To address the research question, a qualitative data analysis with a case study approach was adopted. Qualitative data collection methods, such as stakeholder interviews, were utilized to gain insights from the local actors involved in the energy community niche. Additionally, the Strategic Niche Management (SNM) framework was applied to assess the development and scaling of these energy communities. The analysis considered various factors, including expectations, network formation, and key learning processes within the niche. Also, the concept of Scaling the Community Energy niche was analysed based on the qualitative data collected from the semi-structured interviews and the different typology patterns of scaling this niche innovation in the Flanders region have been displayed. Moreover, the concept of shielding and nurturing the community energy niche and their future perspective in the Flanders area is discussed on. The study uncovered a series of insights regarding energy communities in Flanders:1. Common Challenges for Energy Communities: Energy communities in Flanders face complex regulatory environments, competition for land, and the need to enhance public awareness and business case viability. They also grapple with legislative variations, participant knowledge gaps, administrative burdens, and the need for clarity in objectives and definitions. Adapting to evolving legislation and managing transaction costs are additional challenges. 2. Challenges Specific to DSO and VEKA: Distribution system operators (DSOs) like Fluvius must reduce grid fees fairly to avoid burdening non-participants. Flemish Energy and Climate Agency (VEKA) should ensure a comprehensive understanding of complex legislation and manage administrative complexity.3. Niche Characteristics and Processes: The research identified three critical attributes of the community energy niche in Flanders, including dynamics of expectations, network formation, and essential learning processes. These aspects were elaborated upon, providing a comprehensive understanding of the niche dynamics in the region.The study significantly contributes to several academic debates:1. Strategic Niche Management (SNM): The application of the SNM framework to analyze Flanders' energy communities enriches the understanding of how these communities conform to or challenge niche management processes. It confirms the adaptability of SNM in assessing their development.2. Empowerment of Community Energy Niches: By exploring empowerment strategies used by Flanders' energy communities, the study aligns with debates on empowerment and adaptation in community energy niches.3. Up-Scaling Patterns in Flanders: The research identified different up-scaling patterns, confirming the relevance of various strategies within the region.4. Stakeholder Involvement: The study complements other research by providing insights into how stakeholders operate and coordinate within Flanders' energy communities.5. Investments in Renewable Energy Initiatives: In addition to investigating determinants of investments, the study also explores economic factors like job creation, local economic stimulus, and property values.6. Community-Based Governance and Sustainable Energy Usage: The research expands the focus on up-scaling patterns and empowerment strategies driving sustainable energy behaviour within Flanders energy communities.Additionally, The study offers several recommendations for policymakers to support energy communities in Flanders: - Standardize and harmonize energy community regulations across different Belgian regions to reduce complexity and uncertainty. - Introduce participative criteria in tenders for renewable energy projects to enable energy communities to compete fairly. - Support targeted public awareness campaigns to bridge the gap between energy communities and the broader public. \item Explore financial incentives tailored to the Belgian context to establish a compelling business case for energy community participation. \item Invest in educational and training programs to bridge the knowledge gap among participants. \item Streamline registration processes and regulatory compliance to reduce the administrative burden. \item Provide clear definitions and objectives for energy communities within the Belgian context. \item Stay responsive to changing regulations to enable energy communities to thrive. \item Encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy efforts within the Flanders energy community niche.\end{itemize}In conclusion, this research contributes to a better understanding of energy communities in Flanders, offering insights for policymakers and energy communities. It emphasizes the importance of empowering these communities to accelerate the energy transition and achieve lasting benefits for society and the environment in the region.SCCALE 203050Complex Systems Engineering and Management (CoSEM
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