While the concept of big ideas has been widely promoted in different subject areas such as history and STEM, its pedagogical power has received little attention in second language education. In view of this gap, this paper seeks to conceptualize and practicalize this notion by addressing two fundamental questions regarding the "what" and…

The generation of meaning in discourse is regarded as the process of knowledge-building, which can be analyzed by semantic waves. Combining the deep learning systems and polynomial fitting method, we present a method to compute multimodal semantic waves. With this method, four representative examples are discussed for the knowledge-building of…

This qualitative study investigates the impact of formative assessment practices on English language teaching and learning outcomes in Morocco. Classroom observations with English language teachers and students were conducted to examine the use and effects of formative assessment practices. While English language teachers in Morocco had limited…

Students' social knowledge construction and socio-emotional interactions in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) are shaped by one another and work together to affect the group's learning performance. However, few studies have combined both social knowledge construction and socio-emotional interactions and examined how they contribute…

Many EFL [English as Foreign Language] learners reach university unable to exercise control over their own learning in terms of setting goals, monitoring progress, evaluating activities, and organizing time and resources. To address this concern, an experimental research study was carried out in a Lebanese English medium university. The study…

Game-based instruction has been praised as an effective approach to second language (L2) development, as it can provide a low-stakes, fun, and engaging learning environment. However, in designing digital games for L2 learning, it is important to consider how various game designs and mechanics can affect learning gains. In the current study…

Technology continually changes day-to-day interactions, and emergent bilingual learners often multitask, using several digital tools, at times simultaneously, to communicate and learn. Students may text, post on social media, and listen to music as they complete their work. Studies have examined the affordances of technology for language learning,…

This study employed speech-enabled language translation (SELT) technology in lectures presented in English as a medium of instruction (EMI). Previous research had students viewing pre-recorded lectures with incorporated content translations in controlled laboratory settings. In contrast, students in the present study experienced live lectures in…

This study investigates how implicit and explicit learning and knowledge are associated, by focusing on the salience of target form--meaning connections. The participants were engaged in incidental learning of artificial determiner systems that included grammatical rules of [± plural] (a taught rule), [± actor] (a more salient hidden rule), and [±…

Cognitive Load Theory is a theory that can be used by educators to design effective instructions. It has been applied in many areas, including teaching English as a foreign language as it contributes to positive outcomes. Before designing instructions, teachers should well understand the theory of Cognitive Load alongside human brain architecture.…

A primary objective of development is to build a knowledge base. To accumulate knowledge over time and experiences, learners must engage in productive processes, going beyond what is explicitly given to generate new knowledge. Though important to accumulating knowledge, these processes are also easily disrupted. Individuals often depend on surface…

Teachers' grading in secondary education has been recognised as a 'hodgepodge' practice that incorporates both cognitive and non-cognitive factors (e.g. effort, participation, and attendance) to determine students' final grades. Consequently, students' grades are perceived to be an inaccurate representation of their academic knowledge. Hodgepodge…

Taking a sociocultural perspective, this qualitative case study aims to contribute, investigate, and understand how young Mexican American emergent bilingual learners engage in early science experiences. Furthermore, the study focuses on how the students manifested their knowledge, understanding, and perceptions about science and its…

In many countries where English is taught as a second language, the majority of the language teachers are NNS (non-native speakers) of English. Little research based on the experience of NNS teachers in a Pacific Islands context seems to be available. This article explores the knowledge, beliefs, and insights of three Cook Islands teachers and the…

The number of English language learners (ELLs) in today's classrooms is increasing. In this article, the authors identify four perceived barriers beginning and veteran teachers face in teaching literacy to ELLs: the lack of understanding of the role of literacy in other cultures, the teacher's inability to differentiate instruction to meet the…