The interactional roles of smile and laughter have been widely explored in both institutional settings and mundane talk (e.g. Holt 2016; Potter and Hepburn 2010). However, the role of one specific kind of smile, what we call a 'squeezed-mouth smile' (SMS), remains unexamined. Using CA, this study explores one teacher's use of SMS in response to…

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…

Silent reading frequently entails engaging the "inner voice," a phenomenon in which individuals sub-vocally articulate words in their minds. This inner voice is understood to stem from the internalization process, wherein external verbal speech transitions into internal dialogue. However, the mechanisms through which foreign language…

This systematic literature review investigates the adoption and impact of English Medium Instruction (EMI) in Saudi Arabian higher education. It synthesizes findings from 18 empirical studies, primarily in applied sciences such as engineering, medicine, and computer science, while noting a dearth of research in social sciences. The review reveals…

English language education in Japan has long been criticized for its traditional methods emphasizing grammar and reading at the expense of communicative competence. This article explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd) to address this issue. A review of literature explored critical challenges faced by Japanese EFL…

Purpose: There are well-established guidelines for the recording, transcription, and analysis of spontaneous oral language samples by researchers, educators, and speech pathologists. In contrast, there is presently no consensus regarding methods for the written documentation of sign language samples. The Handshape Analysis Recording Tool (HART) is…

The aim of this study was to examine how sign language policies are being implemented in special schools for the Deaf in Zimbabwe. It employed in-depth interviews to solicit data from 29 participants who were four district school inspectors, four educational psychologists, four school heads and 17 grade one to three specialist teachers. Data were…

Background &aims: Language abilities of autistic children and children at elevated likelihood for autism (EL-siblings) are highly heterogeneous, and many of them develop language deficits. It is as of yet unclear why language abilities of autistic children and EL-siblings vary, although an interaction of multiple influential factors is likely…

As information and communication technologies develop in China, language tests are shifting from conventional paper-and-pencil testing to computerized testing. The aim of this study is to investigate Chinese test-takers' adaptability to computerized language exams, including their performance across testing modes and their perception of the…

This paper reports on a major study which examined how middle-primary teachers (of students aged 8-10) in Australia used drama-rich pedagogy in their literacy programs to support the development of academic language proficiency, a critical element of ongoing student progress in literacy beyond the early years. Despite its proven status as a…

In the realm of education, the efficacy of human resource management (HRM) is paramount in determining the quality of instruction, enhancing learners' experiences and driving overall educational success. Despite its importance, existing research on HRM in education has predominantly been from an administrative or policy perspective. Consequently,…

Previous studies have consistently demonstrated that students typically favor collaborative retrieval practice over practicing individually. However, there is a gap in research regarding how EFL students specifically engage in collaborative retrieval practice compared to individual methods. This study aimed to investigate Saudi EFL students'…

Students' perceived teacher support (SPTS) is considered crucial to students' learning. But most existing SPTS scales were developed for the field of general education, and there is a lack of studies that attempt to develop a tailored scale specifically for the context of EFL learning. This study interviewed 86 Chinese college EFL learners and…

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching holds significant importance in advancing the worldwide efforts towards promoting equity and justice in this transformative age. This study comprises a critical review of the equity and justice-oriented strategies (EJOS) implemented by EFL teachers within classrooms settings. By examining 20 studies…

Reading English has become a global trend in twenty first century because of its professional use worldwide. Students are motivated to improve their reading skills because they know that doing so would help them get better-paying jobs and advance in their chosen fields. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate how reading proficiency and views…