Ahmad Affendi Shabdin
Universiti Utara Malaysia

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SCAFFOLDINGAND REINFORCEMENT: USING DIGITAL LOGBOOKS IN LEARNING VOCABULARY Salma Hasan Almabrouk Khalifa; Ahmad Affendi Shabdin
Proceedings of The ICECRS Vol 1 No 1 (2016): "Generating Knowledge through Research", 25-27 October 2016, CAS Auditorium - Uni
Publisher : International Consortium of Education and Culture Research Studies

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (933.508 KB) | DOI: 10.21070/picecrs.v1i1.521

Abstract

Reinforcement and scaffolding are tested approaches to enhance learning achievements. Keeping a record of the learning process as well as the new learned words functions as scaffolding to help learners build a comprehensive vocabulary. Similarly, repetitive learning of new words reinforces permanent learning for long-term memory. Paper-based logbooks may prove to be good records of the learning process, but if learners use digital logbooks, the results may be even better. Digital logbooks with an extended page with hyperlinked information on word-knowledge may work both ways – as scaffolding to learning as well as reinforcement to the learning process. In the present paper the researcher has suggested for the development of a software called ‘Vocabulary log book,’ which combines the features of Microsoft Word, online dictionary and online grammar books, so that the information needed by learners of a foreign language to learn its lexicon is available on a single page. The researcher believes that such a page will help learners master the new words quickly and efficiently.
REFUSAL STRATEGIES USED BY MALAY ESL STUDENTSAND ENGLISH NATIVE SPEAKERS TO REFUSE A REQUEST Norma Saad; Siti Jamilah Bidin; Ahmad Affendi Shabdin
Proceedings of The ICECRS Vol 1 No 1 (2016): "Generating Knowledge through Research", 25-27 October 2016, CAS Auditorium - Uni
Publisher : International Consortium of Education and Culture Research Studies

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (1134.073 KB) | DOI: 10.21070/picecrs.v1i1.609

Abstract

The present study investigates similarities and differences of a speech act of refusal in English as realized by Malay Speakers of English (MSE) and Native Speakers of English (NSE). The study examined the types and also the contents of the strategies used by the two groups when refusing a request made by a higher status interlocutor. An Enhanced Open Role-play was utilized to obtain data on the types and content of refusal strategies. Participants of the study comprised 12 MSE undergraduate students from a local university and 12 NSE who were IGSCE and Diploma Baccalaureate students from an international school who had refused to the higher status interlocutor’s request. Qualitative data analytic methods were used to analyse the data which were classified into semantic refusal strategies and politeness strategies. Brown’s and Levinson’s politeness theory, Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and Hall’s high- and low-context cultures were used to guide the study. The findings revealed that the two groups shared many similarities in terms of types and contents of the strategies when refusing to the higher status interlocutor’s requests. Nevertheless, the NSE demonstrated a higher use of direct strategies and the content of their indirect strategies and adjuncts to refusal strategies reflect the western individualistic values. The MSEs,’ on the other hand exhibited the eastern values which prioritize group’s importance. These findings provide further insights on the complexities of refusal interaction and the patterns could be used by English language teachers as pragmatic input to develop English as a Second Language students’ ability to use socially appropriate language for the situation they encounter.