Gamification is a controversial topic in the field of education, with both proponents and opponents. However, what exactly gamification is and why it has become popular are worth exploring. This academic article first defines the terms "game" and "gamification" in order to differentiate them. Next, the article provides core…

Rapid economic growth and globalization have made higher education internationalization no longer the exclusive arena for developed countries but also open for players from the non-English speaking, developing world. A quality learning environment is among determinants for the success of international students mobility and should be taken into…

This paper reports on the washback effects of Malaysia's School-Based Assessment (SBA) on Form 4 students after almost a decade of its implementation in the country. It critically examines how SBA has affected Form 4 students' overall perceptions about the learning of the English language at school. This study also investigates the challenges that…

The concept of reflection is probably as old as educational discourse itself. It is an inextricable element of teaching and learning that enables teachers to identify and solve problems related to their teaching practice or learn more about various aspects of their profession. Therefore, to fully prepare reflective language practitioners, it is…

Learners' engagement in outside-the-classroom learning activities has many advantages and benefits in terms of academic performance. It has also been argued by other researchers that engagement in such activities would also provide independent, self-directed, self-regulated, and autonomous learning. 60 first year student teachers of English…

Despite the vast extent of the English vocabulary, it has been estimated that only around 2400 high frequency word families, which are found on Browne, Culligan, and Phillips' (2013) "New General Service List" (NGSL), make up over 92% of most general English texts. Several studies have shown that a word must be encountered anywhere from…

The article discusses the implementation of the "constructivist approach" in ESP teaching to university students. This approach creates opportunities for students to "construct" their own target language communication skills meant for use in their professional intercourse. The way of achieving such an effect can be seen in…

Today, English is truly regarded as an international language. It is the most widely-learned and spoken second or foreign language in many countries. In recent years, the number of second and foreign language speakers has far exceeded the number of first language speakers of English. This dramatic change, many have argued, should be taken into…