The functions of code-switching in EFL classrooms
Narasuman, Suthagar and Wali, Ahmad Zahir and Sadry, Zahra (2019) The functions of code-switching in EFL classrooms / Suthagar Narasuman, Ahmad Zahir Wali and Zahra Sadry. Social and Management Research Journal (SMRJ), 16 (2). pp. 137-152.
Code-switching is a concept which has existed in bilingual and multilingual societies and it occurs quite frequently in English as a second or foreign language classes. Especially when the learners are all bilinguals or multilinguals and they have to switch back and forth between their mother tongue and a second or foreign language. This paper is driven by the three objectives. First, the study investigates the situations which trigger code-switching in EFL classes in Balkh and Kandahar Universities of Afghanistan. Secondly, it investigatesthe perception ofAfghan EFL lecturers in these universities towards code-switching. Third, to find out how the EFL lecturers use code-switching as an effective strategy while teaching English in their classes. In this study, the qualitative research approach was used to collect data from four Afghan English language lecturers of the two universities via the interview method. The results of this study indicate that these Afghan EFL lecturers have a positive perception regarding code-switching and they are using it in certain situations which facilitate theirteaching and students’learning of the content, howeverthey also hold negative perception towards switching while teaching. The findings also show that the lecturers use code-switching in different situations such as when dealing with cultural issues that tend to be difficult to explain only in the target language, explaining grammar and new vocabulary, giving clear instructions, and instructing English for Specific Purposes (ESP) classes.
Link: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/28226/
The Use of Smartphones as an Educational Tool in the Classroom: Lecturers’ Perceptions
Ahmad Zahir Wali, Ehsan Omaid
This paper aims to study the lecturers’ perceptions toward the use of smartphone as an educational tool in classroom. The study also investigates the benefits and perceived barriers of smartphone use by students in classroom from the lecturers’ perspective. A quantitative research design was employed and data from a random sample of 50 lecturers of Kandahar University was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analysed by descriptive statistics using SPSS v24 software. The findings revealed that the lecturers allow the use of smartphone as an educational tool in classroom for all its functions except for the use of social media. The findings also indicated that the lecturers perceive the use of smartphone by the students in classrooms to be beneficial for students in their learning in various ways. Moreover, the findings showed no major perceived barriers by the lecturers’ for the students’ use of smartphones in classroom.
Link: https://www.learntechlib.org/p/217946/
The Emerging Issues and Impacts of Technology in Classroom Learning
Ahmad Zahir Wali Ahmad Wali Popal
This study investigates the technological trends used in the classes of post graduate students of education faculy, UiTM. It also explores the perceptions of the students on impacts and emerging issues of technology on their classroom learning. The study has employed a quantitative research design and has used a questionnaire as a research method to collect data. The data was collected from a sample of 30 post graduate students of Education Faculty, University Teknology Mara (UiTM). The findings show that social media, gamification, blended learning, E-books, remote learning and self directed professional development are the technological trends used in post graduate classes of Education faculty, UiTM. The findings also indicate that technology has positively influenced the classroom learning of these students. Lastly, the results show that technology is not perceived as an emerging issue that would interfere or hinder the students learning in the classroom.
Link: https://www.learntechlib.org/p/217976/
Exploring Perceptions of M.A Ed. Students in UiTM towards the Usage of E-portfolio as an Assessment Method
Ahmad Zahir Wali
Abstract---This study explores the perceptions of M.Ed students of University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) towards E-portfolio as an assessment method. The study also investigated the perceptions of the students towards benefits of E-portfolio and the challenges they face while developing one. The study employed a quantitative research design and used a questionnaire to collect data from the sample of 30 students of Master degree studies in the Faculty of Education, UiTM. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study show that the students’ hold an overall positive perception on using E-portfolio as an assessment method. The findings further indicated that the students’ perceive E-portfolio to be beneficial in improving their knowledge and skills. Lastly, the results identified challenges that the students’ face while developing E-portfolio.
Exploring Teaching Practices That are Helpful in
Addressing at-risk Students in Classroom
Ahmad Zahir Wali * , Mohammad Naeem Saad
**
Abstract---This study explores the perceptions of M.Ed students of University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) towards E-portfolio as an assessment method. The study also investigated the perceptions of the students towards benefits of E-portfolio and the challenges they face while developing one. The study employed a quantitative research design and used a questionnaire to collect data from the sample of 30 students of Master degree studies in the Faculty of Education, UiTM. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study show that the students’ hold an overall positive perception on using E-portfolio as an assessment method. The findings further indicated that the students’ perceive E-portfolio to be beneficial in improving their knowledge and skills. Lastly, the results identified challenges that the students’ face while developing E-portfolio.
GENDER INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION: INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Mohammad Naeem Saad, Ahmad Zahir Wali
The main vision of the modern societies is to reduce gender inequality. There are several international organizations and NGOs that are in the quest for reducing this gap between males and females. Indeed, there are many places in the world where gender diversity is in its high rate. In order to know more about international gender inequality issues in the global educational context, this paper presents six countries where Australia and Singapore have low, Malaysia and Thailand Middle, and Afghanistan and Nigeria high gender diversity issues in their educational systems. Furthermore, this paper identifies the process of overcoming gender inequality in the former six countries which can be a valuable source for other countries that feel the need to change. Data for the paper was collected from the available review of literature.
