1,720,961 research outputs found
Use of Dictionaries and Online Tools for Reading by Thai EFL Learners in a Naturalistic Setting: Thaise EVT-leerders se gebruik van woordeboeke en aanlyn hulpmiddels vir lees in 'n natuurlike omgewing
No full textDictionaries and online tools are regarded as important tools for finding out themeanings of unknown words or checking the usage of interesting words. This study investigated students' use of dictionaries and online tools in a natural setting by identifying the type of words they look up in their dictionaries and the types of dictionaries they use for the look-up. Fourteen learners from a Thai public university participated as the subjects by filling in a task record form which included the names of the dictionaries they were using, look-up words, meanings selected for the words, and their parts of speech. The look-up words were analyzed to find out the frequen-cies of words, parts of speech, and meanings by checking with an advanced learner dictionary. The findings show that the subjects mainly selected words that were nouns, verbs, and adjectives. They tended to choose "high frequency" for the lookups. For their convenience, subjects used either an online translation tool, 'Google Translate', or bilingual dictionaries through mobile devices. The results may help us understand EFL dictionary users' behaviors in using dictionaries and provide interesting implications for language teachers.
Woordeboeke en aanlyn hulpmiddels word as belangrike werktuie beskou om die betekenisse van onbekende woorde te bepaal of om die gebruik van interessante woorde na te gaan. In hierdie studie is studente se gebruik van woor-deboeke en aanlyn hulpmiddels in 'n natuurlike omgewing bestudeer deur die tipe woorde wat deur hulle nageslaan word in hul woordeboeke asook die tipe woordeboeke wat hulle vir die naslaanproses gebruik, te identifiseer. Veertien leerders van 'n Thaise staatsuniversiteit het as proefpersone deelgeneem deur 'n taakkontrolevorm te voltooi wat die name van die woordeboeke wat hulle gebruik het, die woorde wat nageslaan is, die betekenisse wat vir die woorde geselekteer is, en hul woordsoorte, ingesluit het. Die woorde wat nageslaan is, is geanaliseer om die frekwen-sies van woorde, hul woordsoorte, en betekenisse te bepaal deur 'n gevorderde aanleerderswoor-deboek te raadpleeg. Die bevindings dui daarop dat die proefpersone hoofsaaklik substantiewe, werkwoorde en adjektiewe geselekteer het. Hulle was geneig om voorkeur aan "hoëfrekwensie" in die naslaanproses te verleen. Geriefshalwe het die proefpersone óf 'n aanlyn vertalingshulpmiddel, 'Google Translate', óf tweetalige woordeboeke met behulp van mobiele toestelle gebruik. Die resul-tate mag ons dalk help om EVT-gebuikers se gedrag in die gebruik van woordeboeke te verstaan en lewer interessante implikasies vir taalonderwysers
The use of pocket electronic dictionaries by Thai learners of English
No full textThis thesis investigates the current situation of pocket electronic dictionary use in Thailand. It explores the types of dictionary owned and used by Thai learners and their teachers, and the teachers’ attitudes towards the use of pocket electronic dictionaries (PEDs). It also explores how Thai learners use pocket electronic dictionaries to write a summary in English (production) and to write a summary in Thai (reception), and strategies that Thai students use to try to solve their reading and writing problems.
The participants in my studies included 30 lecturers who taught basic English courses at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok. Data was collected using a questionnaire to obtain personal information, and information about access to and use of dictionaries, including knowledge about PEDs. Of the 30 teachers, 6 were interviewed in order to gain insights into teachers’ attitudes towards the use of PEDs.
For my large-scale survey on dictionary use there were 1,211 first and second year undergraduate participants. These came from the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Industrial Education. Of these, 27 were selected to take part in my small scale survey of pocket electronic dictionary use. The first student survey was used to gain quantitative data about the students and their use of dictionaries, while the second student survey was used to gain more qualitative data regarding their use of PEDs. Finally, 13 out of the 27 participants were chosen to take part in the main experimental studies. Data was collected using think aloud, observation, and retrospective interviews. The first eight participants were asked to read two reading passages (one in English and the other one in Thai). Using dictionaries in their PEDs, the participants were asked to write a summary in Thai for the English passage (the Light Bulb I experiment) and to write a summary in English for the Thai passage (the Water I experiment). The remaining 5 participants followed the same procedures, but additionally after the two summary tasks were completed they were asked to review their summaries again using Oxford Advance Learner’s Dictionary, the English-English dictionary in their PEDs (the Light Bulb II and the Water II experiments).
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The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings revealed that the teachers used and preferred their students to use monolingual learners’ dictionaries. They noticed the presence of PEDs in the classroom but they were under-informed about the contents and capabilities of Thai PEDs.
The student surveys showed that although most students possessed learners’ dictionaries in book form, only a few of those owning the learners’ dictionaries reported actually using them. In contrast, nearly half of the students owned PEDs and most of these students reported using them. A greater number of students also reported they would like to use or own a PED in the future. The findings also suggest that the teachers do not have much influence over their students’ choice of dictionaries.
The experimental studies revealed how the participants tackled the reading passages and wrote summaries, the problems they encountered, and the strategies they used to solve these problems. Models of PED consultations were proposed. The use of the English-English dictionary in their PEDs helped participants to comprehend the reading text, and helped some participants when reviewing their English summaries. It was found that some participants failed to display knowledge of the PEDs they were using. The investigations reveal several factors that may hinder dictionary look up success as well as factors that may promote dictionary look up success. On the basis of this research, guidelines for buying PEDs and for teaching PED skills are proposed.
This research makes a significant contribution to the field of dictionary use, especially regarding the use of pocket electronic dictionaries. Through the use of a combination of research methods it provides an account of what really happens when PEDs are used for reception and for production. It also investigates and assesses PED features in detail, something which no existing PED studies have done before
Teachers’ Use and Knowledge of Electronic Dictionaries
Full text linkResearch shows that electronic dictionaries have become popular in many South and East Asian countries. Advances in technology have helped electronic dictionaries become easily available. In Thailand, a growing number of Thai students are using various modes of electronic dictionaries i.e. pocket electronic dictionaries, dictionaries on CD-ROM, or online dictionaries. It is assumed that teachers are not familiar with the electronic dictionaries their students are using. The knowledge of and attitudes toward electronic dictionaries among teachers are an important factor in the process of EFL learning and teaching, and the learners’ success or failure with the language. This study, therefore, presents a survey on teachers’ own use and knowledge of electronic dictionaries. Seventy-eight teachers of English from eight universities in Thailand were asked about their experience of, and attitudes toward electronic dictionaries. The results of the questionnaire show a current situation of dictionary use in Thailand that most teachers did not use electronic dictionaries, were uninformed about them, and had little idea about the lexicographical content of electronic dictionaries. They were not aware of many technological features that were contained in electronic dictionaries. The results may help teachers be better informed about electronic dictionaries so that they can be in a better position to provide authoritative advice to students on how to buy and use electronic dictionaries effectively
Thai Secondary EFL Teachers’ Use of Digital Literacy Tools in Post-COVID-19 Teaching
Full text linkThis study investigates the reasons behind pre-service and in-service teachers’ decisions to use digital literacy tools in their teaching following the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective is to understand the factors influencing their choices and to identify areas where support and training are needed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight teachers from a university demonstration school in Thailand, evenly divided between pre-service and in-service teachers. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework guided the creation and adaptation of the interview questions. The findings indicate that pre-service teachers prefer digital tools that are easy to use, accessible, and affordable, with features such as templates, multimedia, and engaging functionalities. In contrast, in-service teachers prioritize familiar tools that save time and enhance the quality of teaching materials. Both groups value tools that facilitate collaboration and ensure privacy. The study highlights the significant generational differences in technology adoption, with younger teachers showing a greater inclination towards exploring a variety of digital tools, while more experienced teachers tending to stick with familiar technologies due to time constraints and comfort levels. These insights underscore the necessity for ongoing, tailored professional development programs that address the specific needs of both pre-service and in-service teachers. Such programs should focus on enhancing digital literacy, providing practical examples of new tools’ benefits, and fostering a supportive community for technology integration. By understanding these differences, educational institutions can better support teachers in integrating digital literacy tools effectively, thereby improving teaching practices and professional development opportunities. The implications of this study suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach to technology training may not be effective, and differentiated support is essential to cater to the diverse needs of educators
Challenges of ICT Teachers in Integrating Digital Literacy Post-COVID-19 Curriculum Revisions in Thailand’s English Teacher Education Programs
Full text linkAfter the curriculum reforms from 2021 to 2023, public universities in Thailand have been adapting to integrate ICT and digital literacy into their teaching. This research explores the changes experienced by ICT teachers when integrating digital literacy with student teachers in English teacher education programs after the pandemic. During COVID-19, online learning was mandatory, necessitating significant adjustments. This study also investigates the challenges associated with these changes. The participants were six teachers from six public universities with firsthand experience with the revised curriculum from 2021 to 2023. Semi-structured interviews were used as the research instrument. The interview data were grouped into themes according to the degree of change and challenges encountered by the teachers. The findings showed four levels of changes due to the curriculum reforms: changing course names, descriptions, topics, and assessments. Along with these changes, the teachers faced several challenges: selecting appropriate ICT resources, insufficient digital literacy knowledge, the need for pedagogical adjustments, insufficient training and support, infrastructure limitations, and time constraints. The study suggests that universities should offer ongoing professional development to help teachers keep up with the changing digital literacy landscape. Additionally, institutional infrastructure and support need improvement. Teacher education programs should incorporate comprehensive training on using ICT in teaching, emphasizing practical applications. Future research should study the effectiveness of professional development models in enhancing teachers’ ICT skills and their ability to integrate technology into their teaching. It should also identify the impact of collaborative teaching approaches on ICT integration in teacher education programs
Students’ Perception towards the Use of Rewards to Enhance Their Learning Behaviours and Self-Development
Full text linkRewarding system and reinforcement have often been used in language teaching, and they have been used to help improve students’ academic achievements, and learning competition and control desirable behaviours in the English learning classroom. This exploratory study investigates students’ perceptions of the use of rewards in the classroom for enhancing behaviours and self-development. Participants were 29 mattayom 5 high school students (Grade 11) who studied a fundamental English course in Samut Sakhon Province on the outskirts of Bangkok. The rewarding system was then designed to be used during the 12-week sessions. The course was divided into 3 phases, and each phase lasted for 4 weeks. No rewards were given to students in the first phase, and all rewards were given in the second and third phases. At the end of week 4, 8 and 12, participants were required to write reflective journals to examine their perceptions toward the use of rewards. The journals were analysed via thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that receiving rewards influenced students’ positive emotions - enjoyment, excitement, relaxation and engagement. The findings also showed that they were highly satisfied with the use of rewards which enhanced their self-development since a teacher used them as external goals. Rewards were used as positive reinforcement for learning behaviour. The use of rewards was also used to build more powerful activities in the classroom
Four-Word Frames: Enhancing the English Reading Comprehension and Rule Induction Skills of Public Health Students in a Thai University
Full text linkThis study explores the effectiveness of four-word frame training in enhancing the reading comprehension and contextual word-guessing skills of Thai public health students studying English as a Foreign Language. A mixed-methods approach was employed with 22 fourth-year undergraduate students, combining quantitative pre- and post-test assessments with qualitative surveys and interviews. A specialized corpus of public health research articles was created and analyzed using the AntConc corpus analysis software, which identified 50 frequent four-word frames. These frames were categorized into six main patterns, forming the basis for training sessions. Students were taught to identify and apply these frames to academic texts to improve their ability to infer word meaning from context. The findings showed a substantial improvement in reading comprehension, with average test scores increasing significantly after the training. However, individual performance varied, with some less engaged students showing only minimal improvement, indicating that the approach may not be universally effective. Nonetheless, most participants found the training beneficial, particularly for analyzing word patterns using the AntConc software. These results suggest that four-word frame training is a valuable tool for improving reading comprehension in specialized fields like public health, but personalized approaches may be necessary to support diverse learner needs. Further research should investigate the long-term retention of these skills and their application across different academic disciplines
Self-directed professional development of Thai pre-service English teachers in rural Thailand: Adapting to limited resources and technology integration
No full textThis study explores how Thai pre-service English teachers (PSTs) engage in self-directed professional development (SDPD) during their rural teaching practicum, where resource constraints and technological limitations challenge traditional teacher preparation. Drawing on Garrison’s Self-Directed Learning model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, Morris and Rohs’s Digital SDL Framework, and a culturally sensitive reinterpretation of SDPD, the study employed a mixed-methods design. Data were collected from 49 PSTs through a structured questionnaire and from four purposively selected participants through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative results indicated high SDPD engagement, with PSTs actively searching for teaching ideas, experimenting with techniques, and reflecting on their practice. However, much of this self-direction was relational, being supported by peer discussions, mentor guidance, and LINE-based collaboration networks. Qualitative findings further revealed challenges in adapting university-based lesson plans to rural, under-resourced classrooms, alongside struggles with classroom management and limited digital infrastructure. Digital tools and AI applications, such as ChatGPT and online resources, supported SDPD by enhancing lesson planning and creative approaches, though teachers noted concerns about information overload and an overreliance on algorithmic content. The study contributes a culturally contextualized understanding of SDPD as relational and socially mediated rather than purely individualistic, highlighting how Thai PSTs blend personal initiative with collective support. These insights have implications for teacher education policy and practice, emphasizing the need to prepare PSTs for rural realities through critical digital literacy training, authentic scenario-based methods, and a recognition of culturally relevant peer networks
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe 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
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