Focus on Language Education and Research
Focus on Language Education and Research is an international forum for both invited and contributed peer reviewed articles that advance language education at all levels and current issues and challenges for research educational practice in the teaching, learning, and assessment.
The journal publishes a broad range of papers covering best teaching practices, experimental results, contemporary teaching issues.
The journal is directed to those concerned with the functioning of language education, including universities, graduate and professional schools. It is of primary interest to institutional researchers and planners, faculty, college and university administrators.
Types of content:
- Relationships between policy, theory and practice
- Pedagogical practices in classrooms and less formal settings
- English learning/teaching in all phases, from early learners to higher and adult education
- Policy and practice in Russia
- Classroom practice in all its aspects
- Classroom-based research
- Methodological questions in teaching and research
- Multilingualism and multiculturalism
- New technologies and foreign languages
In addition to original research articles, the journal publishes case studies and reviews of books, media, software, and other relevant products.
Current Issue
Vol 4, No 4 (2023)
Articles
Analysis of wordplay in the headlines of the british newspaper «The Sun»
Abstract
This article analyzes the use of wordplay in the headlines of the tabloid newspaper “The Sun” to attract the attention of readers in the context of the modern information environment. In the context of this problem, researchers highlight headings as an important element of interaction with the reader. The language game is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, used in various styles and performing various functions. Of particular interest is the use of wordplay in newspaper headlines, where it is important not only to present information, but also to make the headline emotionally rich.
The main purpose of the study is to identify and analyze the language game techniques used in the headlines of “The Sun” newspaper. To achieve the purpose of the study, discourse analysis and quantitative method were used to analyze language structures and strategies, as well as collect and interpret quantitative data. During the analysis, the sections “UK news”, “Sport” and “Travel” were considered, where over two thousand headlines were viewed using a continuous sampling method. Two main groups of language games have been identified: polysemy and homonymy, including various types of homonyms, and the use of precedent texts. Twenty-three headlines that used language play were analyzed in detail. Various aspects of wordplay were analyzed, including semantics, sound similarity, ambiguity, contextual and structural features. It is shown that English titles not only reflect the style and expressiveness of the language, but also represent examples of mastery in the use of language play. The study also revealed differences in preferences for the use of language games in different sections of the newspaper. For example, in the “UK news” section puns on precedent texts predominate, while in the “Sport” section homophony is more often used. In general, homophonic puns are more common than other types, especially in the "Sport" and "Travel" sections. The study concludes that language play in The Sun's headlines is important as a strategic tool for retaining readers and shaping their opinions, but notes that it is not the dominant style, making up approximately 1.12% of the total headlines. The results of the study emphasized that English headlines represent an interesting subject for study, reflecting not only linguistic trends, but also cultural characteristics. These aspects can be useful for teaching English, as well as enrich theoretical courses in lexicology and stylistics of the English language. Thus, the main objective of the study was successfully achieved and the results have potential for practical applications in the field of teaching and understanding the structure of language in newspaper headlines.
5-30
Differentiation strategy in non-linguistic university English language teaching through activity modification
Abstract
In the context of English language teaching in non-linguistic Russian universities differentiation is necessary to ensure every student language development in typically mixed ability groups of students. The paper discussed the reasons for implementing differentiated English language instruction into the practice of tertiary language education and states the lack of research into this area. Research is needed to provide research-based evidence to support activity modification as an efficient tool of differentiated language instruction in Russian non-linguistic universities. Differentiated instruction principles are being discussed and activity/task modification matrix is being proposed to guide English language university teachers in the absence of differentiated instruction focus both at the stage of pre-service teacher education and at the stage of further in-service teacher training and development.
31-45
A pedagogical system for the formation of barrier-free intercultural language communication among students of educational institutions
Abstract
In the modern world, where borders are becoming more transparent and the relationship between different cultures is becoming more frequent, the language barrier is becoming one of the main obstacles to effective intercultural communication. The issue of the language barrier is particularly acute in the context of education, learning a foreign language in particular. However, with the development of modern technologies and teaching methods, new opportunities arise to overcome the language barrier and create barrier-free intercultural communication in the school environment.
We propose to consider various approaches, techniques and tools that are part of a unified pedagogical system that can help overcome language barriers and create conditions for effective interaction between students from different linguistic and cultural environments. The purpose of this scientific article is to study the language barrier, its impact on intercultural communication among schoolchildren and to explore the possibilities of barrier-free communication in the educational environment and the implementation of a pedagogical system aimed at the formation of barrier-free intercultural language communication among students of educational institutions.
The article examines an integrated approach to the formation of barrier-free intercultural language communication of students from the experience of the UNESCO associated school of private school "Eureka", which determines the relevance and novelty of the study. The article describes the implementation of international projects, methods and techniques aimed at implementing a communicative approach to create a barrier-free language environment at school and increase the level of formation of students' meta-subject universal learning activities: communicative ones in the field of English language proficiency, regulatory ones – in the field of students' ability to set goals and independently plan actions when working on assignments at scheduled times and projects in extracurricular activities, assessment, forecasting, as well as cognitive activities – in the aspect of problem formulation and formulation, self-creation of activity algorithms for solving problems of a creative or exploratory nature, conscious and arbitrary construction of speech utterance in oral and writing. The article reflects the approach to the formation of multicultural education in a multilingual global society, the ways in which schoolchildren communicate with representatives of other ethnic groups and cultures, carriers of other social statuses. The Results section presents data on the approbation of the described pedagogical system of the school's work on the formation of a barrier-free intercultural environment.
46-65
Development of communicative behavior of high school students using the case method
Abstract
The article is devoted to the study of the formation of communicative behavior of high school students using the case method as an example. The authors substantiate the importance of its development in the context of modern education. The relevance of the problem of developing communication skills and the formation of communicative behavior in high school students is considered, as a necessary factor for the success of their interaction in situations of foreign language communication. The authors formulate the features of communicative behavior as a methodological category in the context of teaching a foreign language at school. The case method is considered as one of the effective pedagogical tools for developing the communicative behavior of high school students. The main types of cases, the stages of working with them are described, and the features of using this method in teaching a foreign language are analyzed. The article also presents the results of experimental work conducted among 10th grade students with in-depth study of the English language in order to identify the effectiveness of the developed case on the formation of adequate communicative behavior. Based on the educational and methodological complexes analyzed by the authors, most often used in schools with in-depth study of the English language, it was found that they pay insufficient attention to the formation of foreign language communicative behavior of students. Based on an analysis of scientific and methodological literature, the authors of the article developed criteria for assessing verbal communicative behavior, each of which reflects the necessary micro skills. The authors describe tasks developed for the ascertaining, formative and control stages of the experiment. The authors conclude that the case method is an effective tool for shaping the communicative behavior of high school students. The results of the study show that the use of the case method also helps develop soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, analysis and problem solving, as well as improving students' communication skills. However, to achieve optimal results, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of students, adapt tasks and assessment methods, and provide support from teachers and school administrators. The results of the work may be useful for teachers and education specialists who are interested in developing students' communication skills using innovative methods such as the case method.
66-82
Chatbot for foreign applicants based on neural network methods
Abstract
The integration of chatbots in various domains has garnered significant attention due to their potential to streamline interactions and enhance user experience. In this study, we investigate contemporary approaches to chatbot development, focusing on the challenges faced by foreign applicants during the application process. Central to our research is the utilization of neural network methods for multilingual speech recognition, aiming to bridge language barriers and facilitate seamless communication. The increasing number of international students in Russian universities underscores the importance of providing efficient and accessible information about admission processes. This study addresses the challenges faced by foreign applicants, particularly related to language barriers and complex application procedures. A survey conducted at the Higher School of Economics University (HSE) in 2024 revealed significant difficulties in accessing relevant information from the university's website or application committee. To mitigate these challenges, the study proposes the implementation of innovative solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, specifically through the development of a multilingual chatbot. The chatbot aims to streamline the application process and improve user experience for international applicants, thus increasing the reputation of the university in the eyes of foreign applicants. The chatbot's functionalities include language selection, campus-specific information retrieval, and real-time question answering using natural language processing (NLP) techniques. By integrating AI-driven technologies into the application process, universities can enhance accessibility, reduce language barriers, and provide tailored support to diverse applicant backgrounds. The proposed chatbot not only addresses current challenges but also sets a precedent for leveraging AI in educational institutions to foster global inclusivity, efficiency, and transparency in admissions processes, thereby enhancing the overall academic experience for international students and promoting cross-cultural collaboration. Not to mention, such solutions are able to show the dedication of Russian universities to foreign applicants. This initiative not only addresses immediate challenges but also emphasises the universities role in promoting inclusivity and innovation in higher education.
83-99
Motivation development of research skills building of the university students
Abstract
The article deals with the motivation development of the students’ research skills building. The author argues that students’ research skills building possesses special importance in the process of education and in professional career building. He considers research skills to be universal skills which are also called “soft skills” or “transferable skills” in business or in the job market. They are the following: argumentation, self-organization, goal-setting, time management, creativity, problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, communication, team work, reading, listening, speaking, writing and other. The author considers versatility a distinctive feature of the research skills which gives an opportunity to apply them in any scientific area and profession. Referring to the sources, the author states that a successful application of hard skills or special technical skills is impossible without possessing research skills. He claims motivation to be a key factor in students’ research building as it raises the interest to the problem being under investigation and allows to solve it successfully. The author points out several stimuli which can motivate students to learn and build their research skills: setting of educational goals, effective feedback between teachers and students, control and assessment, peer review, participation in the scientific conferences, the perspectives of successful learning and future professional work and other. The author emphasizes the problems related to the motivation development of university students’ research skills such as a lack of information about research skills in the first year of studies, underestimation of communication skills by the students. The author considers teachers’ rating to be not high enough, therefore it needs to be raised as a teacher is the main motivating factor in the process of education. Using score rating system is suggested as a one of the ways of raising students’ motivation to the building of the research skills. The author supposes that the score rating system can be used for assessing research skills as well as it assesses class learning activities. The choice of the research skills which will undergo assessment can become the subject of new research.
100-129
Effects of a service for automated generation of posters on learning comprehension
Abstract
In the evolving landscape of educational technology, integrating innovative tools that enhance teaching and learning is crucial. This study examines the impact of an automated poster generation service on student engagement and learning outcomes. By bridging the gap between technological capabilities and pedagogical needs, this service significantly improves how educational content is delivered visually and interactively. Using advanced technologies like neural networks and sophisticated machine learning algorithms, the service automates the creation of educational posters from spoken language, offering a streamlined approach to producing visually appealing content.
The research was conducted at the Higher School of Economics, involving 148 undergraduate students through surveys and complemented by in-depth interviews with five educational experts, including innovators in education. The methodology aimed to assess the effectiveness of automated posters in improving student engagement during lectures and their overall learning experience. Results show a measurable boost in engagement, with students reporting increased interest and improved comprehension when educational materials are presented through automated, visually enriched posters.
The study highlights the service's ability to address educational challenges, such as the need for time-efficient creation of materials and enhancing traditional teaching methods with innovative visual aids. Findings suggest that these technological advancements save time and enhance educational productivity and student satisfaction.
Additionally, the study examines the broader implications of implementing these technologies in educational contexts, showing how automated poster creation can revolutionize teaching methods. By offering accessible and easy-to-operate tools, this service aims to promote a more dynamic and productive learning experience.
This research contributes to the discourse in educational technology by demonstrating the professional significance and innovative implementation of neural networks and machine learning in education. It sets the stage for further exploration into the long-term effects of such technologies on educational outcomes and the potential challenges of their broader implementation.
130-145