No abstract

Learning vocabulary is vital to language proficiency and skills. However, for the ESL learner, vocabulary learning can be challenging due to poor memory and the distinct nature of vocabulary itself. Many studies have looked into vocabulary learning strategies and most have concurred that they should be fun, interactive and meaningful especially for the young ESL learners to recall and use. This paper investigates the effectiveness of video project assignments (VPA) on young learner’s vocabulary learning in an ESL reading class. The activity utilizes a combination of project-based learning and multimodal learning platforms like Web 2.0 (Google, YouTube and Padlet). A group of primary five students (N=30) from a public school in Malaysia are examined. The students were exposed to vocabulary items in reading passages on Malaysian culture and asked to discuss them on Padlet. A group video project assignment was also developed and uploaded on Youtube. In this paper, we discuss the quantitative and qualitative findings that show the effectiveness of using multi-modal learning platforms and developing simple, pocket-sized VPAs in enhancing young ESL learners’ vocabulary learning.

Abstract:An important component of language teaching is the development of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) among the students. In some language classes, this is done in the literature component of the curriculum. However, in many circumstances teachers are not trained on how to integrate critical thinking skills in literature integrated language learning classes. Training teachers nationwide can be costly to a country if the traditional way of in-service training is adopted. One of the ways to address this problem is by providing online training programmes. A viable alternative platform for online engagement is the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) which has the potential to reach the mass. A training module would have to take into consideration the fact that different schools could be using different literary texts. Hence, the training module for teachers would need to focus on activities or pedagogical approaches rather than the text itself. This paper will focus on the aspects to consider when developing a MOOC for this purpose. This study will focus on Malaysian teachers who are expected to integrate HOTS into their literature lessons. When developing the materials, two important aspects that need to be considered are the components of HOTS and also the approaches that can be adopted. This paper discusses the approaches that can be applied to develop a specific aspect of HOTS. It focuses on the Malaysian teachers who are expected to integrate HOTS into their literature lessons.

Health promotional campaign as the practice of encouraging people to improve health has increased over the last decades in response to various health problems. This paper highlights strategies used by students to develop persuasive promotional campaign posters regarding the dengue health problem. Communication and media studies students were involved to show the combined results between the knowledge of health communication and the effective use of media in constructing an effective and persuasive health messages. A total of 56 students from two cohorts, i.e. twenty-five master’s students and thirty-one undergraduates were selected. Kurt Lewin’s model of action research was used to set the tasks: campaign objectives, information on dengue, themes/slogans to write the posters either by drawing or designing using a computer. The students were divided into groups where each group was monitored to record, check and evaluate their message writing performances. This study uses the Health Message Review Tool for data analysis which is grounded in the theories of Extended Parallel Process Model and Persuasion Hierarchy Effect. The findings revealed that the participants were able to construct, identify and evaluate major multi modal features in the dengue posters and persuasive elements which included: verbal texts, images, colours, graphic designs, metaphors, 1-sided and 2-sided message, firm conclusion and frames with more effective appeals. It was concluded that similar strategies may well be used in producing other campaign materials such as brochures, pamphlets, and billboards. The linguistic and pedagogic implications are also discussed at the end.

An important component of language teaching is the development of higher order thinking skills (HOTS) among the students. In some language classes, this is done in the literature component of the curriculum. However, in many circumstances teachers are not trained on how to integrate critical thinking skills in literature integrated language learning classes. Training teachers nationwide can be costly to a country if the traditional way of in-service training is adopted. One of the ways to address this problem is by providing online training programmes. A viable alternative platform for online engagement is the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) which has the potential to reach the mass. A training module would have to take into consideration the fact that different schools could be using different literary texts. Hence, the training module for teachers would need to focus on activities or pedagogical approaches rather than the text itself. This paper will focus on the aspects to consider when developing a MOOC for this purpose. This study will focus on Malaysian teachers who are expected to integrate HOTS into their literature lessons. When developing the materials, two important aspects that need to be considered are the components of HOTS and also the approaches that can be adopted. This paper discusses the approaches that can be applied to develop a specific aspect of HOTS. It focuses on the Malaysian teachers who are expected to integrate HOTS into their literature lessons.