Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

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Teacher educators' vision of an 'ideal' teacher Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh; Nor Azmi Mostafa; Dodi Mulyadi; Noor Alhusna Madzlan; Eng Tek Ong; Siti Shuhaida Shukor; Tarsame Singh Masa Singh
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 8, No 3 (2021)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (657.57 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v8i3.19355

Abstract

There is no clear definition of what constitutes an ideal teacher educator, particularly from the perspective of Malaysian educators. Developing teacher educators’ vision of an ideal teacher ensures that teachers have high levels of professional, personal, and contextual dimensions in teaching practices, including competence in the practice of professional teaching, knowledge, and understanding. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the range of visions of what it is to be a good teacher educator in a Malaysian teacher education institution. Seventeen teacher educators from an established university in Malaysia participated in the study. A survey consisting of eight questions was used as the research instrument. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analysed by using descriptive and textual analysis techniques. The findings reveal certain criteria of an ideal teacher such as possessing sound subject matter knowledge, mastery of both generic and content-specific pedagogy, and hands-on teaching skills. The teacher educators shared that they have to adjust their goals to attain their vision, namely the need to adapt to the current policies, new ideas, and the ever-changing educational trends. The findings also show that an ideal teacher is the one who is responsible to nurture and bring about the best learning experience for students. This research has unfolded the teacher educators’ vision of the ideal teacher and pedagogical implications reflected in every facet of their educational practices. 
Exploring ESL learners' reading test taking strategies Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh; Eng Tek Ong; Tarsame Singh Masa Singh; Mahendaran Maniam; Tunku Mohani Tunku Mohtar
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 8, No 1 (2021)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (326.923 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v8i1.18130

Abstract

This study examined the test taking strategies of weak ESL students of an English language proficiency course. Test taking strategies are known as the methods that test takers use as an alternative aimed at attaining correct answers on a specified form of language assessment. The study adopted a qualitative study. The participants in this study were forty-four learners from the Bachelor of Arts Program. The learners were asked to think aloud while reading an assigned text to answer the questions. Four learners’ thinking aloud recordings were transcribed and analysed. Focus group interviews were carried out for triangulation purposes. Data collected were analysed manually. The ESL learners implemented many test taking strategies as they coped with the reading comprehension test. The findings of the study show how ESL students used cognitive, metacognitive, compensating, and social strategies. Participants expressed that understanding and reading the passage allowed them to draw conclusions better in answering the multiple choice questions. The findings revealed that they used a compensation strategy whereby they tried guessing the answers on a number of occasions. The findings of the study implicate teachers’ roles in L2 reading and also to guide the ESL learners in the process of answering reading passage and answer the comprehension questions.
The use of i-THINK Mapping in teaching reading comprehension among ESL teachers Siti Rohaya Sharif; Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh; Eng Tek Ong; Dodi Mulyadi; llmi Zajuli Ichsan; Henita Rahmayanti; Tee Tze Kiong
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 10, No 1 (2023)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (538.852 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v10i1.24271

Abstract

This study investigated the use of i-THINK Mapping in teaching reading comprehension by ESL teachers to a group of Form Five students, and the factors and challenges the ESL teachers faced in teaching reading comprehension using i-THINK Mapping. A qualitative approach, specifically a case study design, was employed in this study. Classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis of their lesson plans were used to collect the data. Four ESL teachers with a minimum of 5-year teaching experience in a rural secondary school in Hulu Selangor, Malaysia, were selected using a purposive sampling technique to participate in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data obtained from classroom observations and interviews. The findings show that the teachers had applied five i-THINK maps, including a Circle Map to define in context, a Bubble Map to describe, a Double Bubble Map to compare and contrast, a Flow Map to show the sequence of an event, and a Tree Map to classify different ideas. The i-THINK Mapping motivated the students to discuss, brainstorm, and cooperate with their peers to detect the details from the given reading texts. The teachers’ challenges include the time constraints in preparing the lesson with i-THINK Mapping and a low level of student English proficiency. One implication of this study is that teachers’ use of i-THINK Mapping to teach reading comprehension could assist students in generating ideas, expanding ideas, and expressing them orally.
Gender perceptions of benefits and challenges of online learning in Malaysian ESL classroom during COVID-19 Khalilah Ramli; Aladdin Assaiqeli; Nor Azmi Mostafa; Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 9, No 2 (2022)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (502.866 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v9i2.21067

Abstract

The current study aims to investigate students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of online learning implementation in ESL classrooms and how gender differences influence their perceptions. Participants were 60 undergraduate students from a private university in Perak, Malaysia, who enrolled in English language courses taken during the shift to online learning at the institution. The study utilizes a quantitative approach where data were collected using an adapted questionnaire in the form of Google Form. Data collected were analysed with independent samples t-test using the SPSS software. Overall, the majority of the students agreed that the implementation of online learning posed challenges for them. The students, however, showed unbiased opinions towards the benefits of the online learning implementation in the ESL classrooms. Based on the analysis, the study found that gender differences do not influence the students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of online learning. The findings indicated that students do face difficulties in learning online and that there is a need for the lecturers to improve the teaching practices and strategies for online learning. The institution management is also recommended to provide better resources and technical support for effective online learning.
Uncovering pedagogical gaps in a chemistry classroom: Implications for teaching and learning Eng Tek Ong; Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh; Rosdy Wahid; Muhamad Ikhwan Mat Saad
International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol 12, No 2: June 2023
Publisher : Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v12i2.23042

Abstract

This study was carried out to uncover the pedagogical gaps by characterizing the teaching practices of chemistry within a teacher education institution and subsequently, identifying the prevalent, non-prevalent and unobserved teaching practices. Accordingly, this implementation study employed the classroom observation method. The one-semester implementation of 11 chemistry lessons of a university lecturer was observed using a psychometrically-validated observation checklist comprises 50 items or indicators that measure six principles (dimensions). The use of the observation checklist entails checking whether each indicator is observed or otherwise during classroom observations. With a frequency of more than 25% to be considered prevalent, the findings indicate that the lecturer prevalently “maintained a scaffolding of instructional alignment” (62.5%), “offered quality learning environments, resources, and technology” (57.1%), and “promoted positive beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral patterns” (54.5%). However, it was a non-prevalent practice in “encouraging intellectual curiosity” (8.3%), and “promoting an atmosphere of critical thinking and inquiry” (14.3%). The practice of “offering a varied learning atmosphere” was, regrettably, non-existent (0%). The pedagogical gaps uncovered are discussed in terms of the needed customized staff development on teaching and learning in teacher education, particularly the content coverage of pedagogy (or teaching models), and the pedagogical coverage of pedagogy.
Exploring ESL learners' reading test taking strategies Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh; Eng Tek Ong; Tarsame Singh Masa Singh; Mahendaran Maniam; Tunku Mohani Tunku Mohtar
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 8, No 1 (2021)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v8i1.18130

Abstract

This study examined the test taking strategies of weak ESL students of an English language proficiency course. Test taking strategies are known as the methods that test takers use as an alternative aimed at attaining correct answers on a specified form of language assessment. The study adopted a qualitative study. The participants in this study were forty-four learners from the Bachelor of Arts Program. The learners were asked to think aloud while reading an assigned text to answer the questions. Four learners’ thinking aloud recordings were transcribed and analysed. Focus group interviews were carried out for triangulation purposes. Data collected were analysed manually. The ESL learners implemented many test taking strategies as they coped with the reading comprehension test. The findings of the study show how ESL students used cognitive, metacognitive, compensating, and social strategies. Participants expressed that understanding and reading the passage allowed them to draw conclusions better in answering the multiple choice questions. The findings revealed that they used a compensation strategy whereby they tried guessing the answers on a number of occasions. The findings of the study implicate teachers’ roles in L2 reading and also to guide the ESL learners in the process of answering reading passage and answer the comprehension questions.
The use of i-THINK Mapping in teaching reading comprehension among ESL teachers Siti Rohaya Sharif; Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh; Eng Tek Ong; Dodi Mulyadi; llmi Zajuli Ichsan; Henita Rahmayanti; Tee Tze Kiong
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 10, No 1 (2023)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v10i1.24271

Abstract

This study investigated the use of i-THINK Mapping in teaching reading comprehension by ESL teachers to a group of Form Five students, and the factors and challenges the ESL teachers faced in teaching reading comprehension using i-THINK Mapping. A qualitative approach, specifically a case study design, was employed in this study. Classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis of their lesson plans were used to collect the data. Four ESL teachers with a minimum of 5-year teaching experience in a rural secondary school in Hulu Selangor, Malaysia, were selected using a purposive sampling technique to participate in this study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data obtained from classroom observations and interviews. The findings show that the teachers had applied five i-THINK maps, including a Circle Map to define in context, a Bubble Map to describe, a Double Bubble Map to compare and contrast, a Flow Map to show the sequence of an event, and a Tree Map to classify different ideas. The i-THINK Mapping motivated the students to discuss, brainstorm, and cooperate with their peers to detect the details from the given reading texts. The teachers’ challenges include the time constraints in preparing the lesson with i-THINK Mapping and a low level of student English proficiency. One implication of this study is that teachers’ use of i-THINK Mapping to teach reading comprehension could assist students in generating ideas, expanding ideas, and expressing them orally.
Gender perceptions of benefits and challenges of online learning in Malaysian ESL classroom during COVID-19 Khalilah Ramli; Aladdin Assaiqeli; Nor Azmi Mostafa; Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 9, No 2 (2022)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v9i2.21067

Abstract

The current study aims to investigate students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of online learning implementation in ESL classrooms and how gender differences influence their perceptions. Participants were 60 undergraduate students from a private university in Perak, Malaysia, who enrolled in English language courses taken during the shift to online learning at the institution. The study utilizes a quantitative approach where data were collected using an adapted questionnaire in the form of Google Form. Data collected were analysed with independent samples t-test using the SPSS software. Overall, the majority of the students agreed that the implementation of online learning posed challenges for them. The students, however, showed unbiased opinions towards the benefits of the online learning implementation in the ESL classrooms. Based on the analysis, the study found that gender differences do not influence the students’ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of online learning. The findings indicated that students do face difficulties in learning online and that there is a need for the lecturers to improve the teaching practices and strategies for online learning. The institution management is also recommended to provide better resources and technical support for effective online learning.
Teacher educators' vision of an 'ideal' teacher Charanjit Kaur Swaran Singh; Nor Azmi Mostafa; Dodi Mulyadi; Noor Alhusna Madzlan; Eng Tek Ong; Siti Shuhaida Shukor; Tarsame Singh Masa Singh
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 8, No 3 (2021)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v8i3.19355

Abstract

There is no clear definition of what constitutes an ideal teacher educator, particularly from the perspective of Malaysian educators. Developing teacher educators’ vision of an ideal teacher ensures that teachers have high levels of professional, personal, and contextual dimensions in teaching practices, including competence in the practice of professional teaching, knowledge, and understanding. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the range of visions of what it is to be a good teacher educator in a Malaysian teacher education institution. Seventeen teacher educators from an established university in Malaysia participated in the study. A survey consisting of eight questions was used as the research instrument. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analysed by using descriptive and textual analysis techniques. The findings reveal certain criteria of an ideal teacher such as possessing sound subject matter knowledge, mastery of both generic and content-specific pedagogy, and hands-on teaching skills. The teacher educators shared that they have to adjust their goals to attain their vision, namely the need to adapt to the current policies, new ideas, and the ever-changing educational trends. The findings also show that an ideal teacher is the one who is responsible to nurture and bring about the best learning experience for students. This research has unfolded the teacher educators’ vision of the ideal teacher and pedagogical implications reflected in every facet of their educational practices.