cover
Contact Name
Yunisrina Qismullah Yusuf
Contact Email
yunisrina.q.yusuf@usk.ac.id
Phone
+6282272620820
Journal Mail Official
sielejournal@usk.ac.id
Editorial Address
Department of English Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education Universitas Syiah Kuala Jalan Tgk. Hasan Krueng Kale No. 3, Kopelma Darussalam Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
Location
Kab. aceh besar,
Aceh
INDONESIA
Studies in English Language and Education
ISSN : 23552794     EISSN : 24610275     DOI : -
Core Subject : Education,
Studies in English Language and Education (SiELE) is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Department of English Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The journal presents research and development in the field of teaching and learning of English language, general linguistics and literature. Authors must register to this journal before submitting their work and they must follow the Author Guidelines of the journal. Submissions that do not adhere to the guidelines provided will be rejected. Please submit your article through the online submission of this journal. You may address further inquiries to the Editor at sielejournal@usk.ac.id. From 2014-2020, SiELE Journal published twice a year, in March and September. From 2021 onwards, it publishes three times a year in January, May, and September. The journals have a policy of “Zero Tolerance on Plagiarism”. We recommend that authors check their articles with plagiarism prevention tools (ithenticate.com, turnitin.com, etc.) before submission.
Articles 954 Documents
High-stakes testing and English teachers' role as materials developers: Insights from vocational high schools Elsa Ananda; Ashadi Ashadi
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 (443.26 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v8i1.17518

Abstract

The implementation of the National Examination (NE) in Indonesia in elementary to high schools is considered as high-stakes testing and affects the teachers’ practice particularly in vocational settings. As material developers, English teachers in Vocational High Schools (VHS) are demanded to develop appropriate and suitable materials to meet the students’ specific needs. The incompatibility of the NE materials prescribed by the government and the vocational students’ needs put the teachers in a dilemma. The teachers should deal with the pressure of the NE and their roles as materials developers. This article tries to reveal how high-stakes testing impacts their roles as material developers particularly in the absence of specifically prescribed materials for VHS students. A case study design was used in this research with 31 participants of English teachers from nine state VHS in Pontianak, Indonesia. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The result revealed that the role of teachers as materials developers somehow becomes diminishing because of the presence of the NE as high-stakes testing in the learning process, especially in VHS. This condition is detrimental to the teachers’ professional development since their roles as materials developers are limited and even under-developed. With the cancellation of NE by the end of this year, it is expected that the teachers are able to play their roles as materials developers and conduct evaluations based on the students’ specific expertise.
Teaching language through literature: George Orwell’s ‘Shooting an Elephant’ in the EFL classroom Molla Azizur Rahman
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 6, No 1 (2019)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (589.802 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v6i1.13055

Abstract

This article intends to show how an English language teaching material can be developed using a literary text. It is a qualitative study, and I have used the content analysis method. Here the first and the second paragraphs of the essay, “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell, are explored for bringing out potential linguistic features to be taught to undergraduate level students who learn English as a foreign language (hereafter, EFL). All the four basic skills of English language are emphasized in this teaching material. Different items like comprehension questions, guessing the meaning from the context, identification of phrases and identification of ironic expressions are set to develop and test students’ comprehension level. Items, like breaking up long sentences into smaller ones, changing sentences, rewriting sentences and writing paragraphs, are designed to develop the writing skill of the students. Similarly, items for developing listening and speaking skills of the learners are also retained in this material. It is shown that an essay can also be a potential source for developing language teaching material only if the selection is properly made. Further studies may test the effectiveness of the material for teaching both basic language skills and language areas.
Online project-based learning for ESP: Determinants of learning outcomes during Covid-19 Akhmad Habibi; Yasir Riady; Turki Mesfer Alqahtani; Ahmad Rifki; Nour Awni Albelbisi; Muhammad Fauzan; Habizar Habizar
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 9, No 3 (2022)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (808.261 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v9i3.24928

Abstract

Evaluating the learning outcomes of a certain course implementation can improve the quality of education. This study is focused on Indonesian EFL undergraduates’ perceptions of the relationships between teacher performance, technological resources, online project-based learning (OPJBL), and ESP learning outcomes. Participants of the study have attended English for specific purposes (ESP) online courses during school closures due to Covid-19. A survey was addressed to 350 undergraduates after a one-semester implementation of the OPJBL. The students were requested to rate their perceptions on validated items using a 7-point Likert-type scale for the data collection. The data were modelled and computed through partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The main findings of the study revealed that teacher performance and technological resources were significant in predicting OPJBL. Similarly, OPJBL was found to play a significant role in affecting ESP learning outcomes. Teacher performance and technological resources were also correlated to ESP learning outcomes. Significant differences were found among students’ locations for all variables. The findings highlight the benefits of the SEM approach for establishing the proposed framework and assessing the links between variables concerning the OPJBL and learning outcomes.
The functions of code switching in an English language classroom Eva Fachriyah
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 4, No 2 (2017)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (199.099 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v4i2.6327

Abstract

The aims of this research is to gain a deep understanding and to knowing  the use of code-switching that have done by students and lecturers in interaction when teaching learning in English class. Specifically or as sub-focus in this research was aimed to determine the functions for the use of code switching that is used by both  of the speaker and hearer that in this case the interaction between lecturer and students when learning takes place. This research was conducted at the campus of the State Islamic Institute "Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten" at the Faculty of Education and Teaching in English department at the third semester. This study was a qualitative research by using ethnography of communication method. The techniques and procedures of data collection were used such as observation, recordings and transcripts, and interviews. Based on data analysis, the use of code switching in English classroom has got the result for functions of code switching in interaction when the learning take place. Key words: code switching, English learning, ethnography communication.
Learning to unlearn faulty beliefs and practices in English language teaching Willy Ardian Renandya; Minh Nguyen Thi Thuy; George Martin Jacobs
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 (309.246 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v10i1.26009

Abstract

Our actions arise from our beliefs about life: what we need and how best to achieve it. This article asks English language teachers to undertake an open-minded examination of some long-held beliefs in our profession and of the teaching practices that derive from those beliefs. Perhaps, based on this examination, teachers may wish to modify some beliefs and, correspondingly, change some practices. The particular beliefs examined in the article are as follows: people who begin second language learning at a younger age will be more successful than those who start at an older age; native speaker varieties of English (e.g., those spoken native-English speaking countries) should be valued over non-native varieties (e.g., those spoken in outer and expanding circle countries); the best outcome is for second language learners to use English only and stop using their mother tongue in and out of the classroom; in second language instruction, systematic, explicit and detailed instruction of grammar deserves top priority; vocabulary is considered less important than grammar; pragmatic competence need not be taught as students can acquire it on their own; learning depends on suffering, thus the famous saying “no pain, no gain”; teaching learning strategies deserves a great deal of attention; teaching materials should be difficult in order to move learning forward, and only lazy and uninformed teachers use cooperative learning.
Syntactic complexity of online newspaper editorials across countries Dwi Indarti
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 5, No 2 (2018)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (614.115 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v5i2.11320

Abstract

This study attempts to reveal the syntactic complexity of online English newspaper editorials across countries. The data was taken from ten online English newspaper and was analyzed by using L2 syntactic complexity analyzer (Lu, 2010). Second Language Syntactic Complexity Analyzer (L2SCA) program displays fourteen syntactic complexity measures. Those editorials were derived from ten online newspaper in the USA, UK, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia and Singapore. All the editorials were written in English by the local newspaper editors, so they contain varied production units and grammatical structures from native English writers and non-native English writers. The results of the study reveal that the non-native online newspaper, The Vaguardgnr from Nigeria, shows the most complexity of sentence structure as indicated in the length of production unit which correlate with higher levels of proficiency. Meanwhile, the native online newspaper, The New York Times from USA, displays the highest score of subordination, which indicate complexity at the beginning and intermediate levels of proficiency. Hence, in most newspapers, the purpose of editorials is to influence the opinions of readers on some controversial issues.
Using Think-Pair-Share for writing descriptive texts Rosnani Sahardin; Cut Salwa Hanum; Sofyan A. Gani
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 4, No 1 (2017)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (490.746 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v4i1.7004

Abstract

Using the right technique to teach writing is very important to help students overcome problems in writing. Think Pair Share (TPS) is a cooperative teaching-learning method that it is believed to help students improve their writing ability. Thus, the writers conducted an experimental study to tenth grade students at a senior high school in Banda Aceh to find out whether or not this technique could facilitate and improve the students’ writing of descriptive texts in English. The results showed that the TPS technique successfully improved the ability of students’ in writing, reflected by the post-test scores covering five aspects of writing. The progress before and after the technique was implemented can be seen in these average scores for the five aspects: content increased from 12 to 16, organization from 11 to 15, vocabulary from 9 to13, grammar from 8 to 10, and mechanics from 8 to 11 where the improvement for each aspect was 4, 4, 4, 2 and 3. Despite the results showed that the TPS technique was effective for improving the students’ mastery of organization, vocabulary and content, but less so for improving mechanics and grammar. This is probably because it is generally much easier to make improvements in organization, vocabulary and content but it requires a much longer effort with much more practice to significantly improve mechanics and grammar. Nevertheless, the writers suggest that English teachers and others can use the TPS technique to teach writing, hence some of the problems faced by students in writing can be helped and, more importantly, they can improve their ability to write English.
Social Semiotics Evaluation of English One by Gender Nesa Nabifar; Mir Saeid Baghermousavi
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 2, No 2 (2015)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (508.349 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v2i2.2692

Abstract

Textbooks receive focal attention in every educational setting. In 2013, the English text books used in Iranian schools were changed and new books, the Prospect series, were introduced. The older English text books are not used for teaching anymore. One of these was English One which was used for teaching the first grade at junior high school. As far as the researchers know, there was no previous research using this book in terms of gender from a semiotic point of view. Therefore, the researchers tried to investigate it in terms of social semiotics as defined by Kress and van Leeuwen (2006). Their findings showed that males are more often present in the images, and both genders are seen as collaborating with the readers of this book. Their findings also showed that both genders are trying to encourage the readers toward establishing communication by more often showing gaze towards each other in the images. This study has implication for students of linguistics, for course designers and for English teachers as well. 
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.
Interactive intervention strategy for English as a foreign language classes versus traditional methods to teach speaking Amjad Alsyouf; Murad Al Kayed
Studies in English Language and Education Vol 8, No 2 (2021)
Publisher : Universitas Syiah Kuala

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | Full PDF (422.952 KB) | DOI: 10.24815/siele.v8i2.18649

Abstract

This paper proposes Interactive Intervention Strategy (IIS) as an effective activity to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in the Arab world and other similar EFL environments. It explores the impact of IIS on the speaking skills (fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar) of EFL students in the Jordanian context. The study used a quasi-experimental quantitative design to analyze the data. The sample of the study consisted of 30 students as a control group and 30 students as an experimental group. Both groups were enrolled in a speaking course in their first semester. The study employed an interview post-test to evaluate the effectiveness of IIS in teaching speaking skills. IIS is sought in this context to excite the minds of the learners with target subjects using untraditional techniques. It is designed to help in eliminating L2 learners’ confusion and increasing their motivation by adapting the activities of the traditional teaching environment. IIS is thus proposed as a strategy that challenges the traditional approaches to teaching EFL in helping the learners to use English as a communicative language through developing extra-class interactive sessions demonstrated to support EFL speaking classrooms.