This study examines how listening comprehension difficulties (LCDs) vary among college-level learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), with a focus on the roles of gender and language proficiency. Listening comprehension is an essential component of language learning, presenting notable challenges for EFL students. These challenges are…

The study aimed to assess the motivation and proficiency of English language learning among indigenous college students at Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology in the Municipality of Kapalong, Davao del Norte. It employed a mixed-method approach using a convergent parallel design. The quantitative phase involved 202 students…

Digital divides mean that marginalized groups such as adults who speak English as a second or other language (ESOL) are less likely to have access to online instruction. Higher levels of English proficiency are associated with better health and employment; therefore, access to ESOL classes is essential. We investigated how sociodemographics and…

This mixed-methods study examined preservice teachers' perceptions of C1 English proficiency, focusing on their linguistic competence, understanding, attitudes, and challenges. Conducted at a university in Ñuble, Chile, with 13 participants, data were gathered through a closed-ended questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Findings suggest…

This article examines Swedish civics teachers' perspectives on difficulties and opportunities that their second-language (L2) students encounter when reading textbook texts in civics. The study is based on individual semi-structured interviews with teachers in Grade 9. Civics teachers report uncertainty about identifying the source of difficulties…

In the last decade, Language MOOCs have attracted a lot of interest for their potential to enhance language learning. However, how learners engage with MOOC environments and realise their benefits, remains unclear. The current study adopts activity theory (Engeström in J Educ Work 14:133-156, 2001) as a lens to comprehend the affordances and…

Although language assessments for medical professionals in the UK are changing, there is still a need for them to demonstrate their proficiency in English before working in the National Health Service (NHS). When providing English for specific purposes (ESP) courses for retraining refugee doctors, we need to consider all the potential barriers…

This study was a mixed method research. The quantitative part investigated Saudi English learners' English vivid phrasal (VP) idiom detection differences by lexical level, semi- lexical level, and post-lexical level, as well as comprehension and interpretation by zero-context and full-context conditions. It also researched the extent to which…

This qualitative case study examines the language learning trajectory of a South Korean international undergraduate student (Stella) in the United Kingdom. Previous studies have reported a lack of research on the intricate relationships between motivation and investment. To fill this gap, this study examined Stella's shifting levels of motivation…

Autonomous learning, which emphasizes learners taking charge of their knowledge acquisition, plays a vital role in effective English language acquisition. However, attempts to foster autonomous learning in the Thai context face many challenges. Therefore, this mixed-methods study explores how autonomous learning thrives in the context to inform…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between Arabic Language Proficiency (ALP) and expatriate adjustment (EA), and job performance (JP) in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the moderating role of personal and environmental factors is investigated. This investigation employs a mixed-methods research design. The intended audience is…

The German government requires all migrants without sufficient German language proficiency to enroll in integration courses. Many of these migrants had few prior experiences with formal education, yet, regardless of degree of literacy in any language, they are placed in classes based on language proficiency. How well do government-approved…

The research reported in this article explored the implementation of Trilingual Education Policy in Kazakhstan. The authors explain the challenges stakeholders came across while taking on the reforms in the language-in-education policy. In this context, the scholars describe four main challenges, such as the simultaneous implementation of several…

Online education has significantly gained popularity due to new technology and more importantly, the growing impact of the digitalization of the economy. Despite its prominent advantages such as accessibility, affordability and flexibility, the effectiveness of online education is still a constant debate and needs extensive investigations in…

This ethnographic study reports four teenage Chinese EAL students' learning journey in a UK independent school. Due to linguistic barriers, they encountered significant challenges in their social lives and academic studies. The school arranged EAL lessons to improve students' English proficiency. However, participants were concerned that the EAL…