Flipped classroom model has received massive attention from many researchers due to its innovative instructional strategy that offers a new perspective to the traditional classroom. However, not many studies have focused on dual language learners (DLL) who face challenges in grasping second language skills and knowledge, due to the multiple linguistic systems that they have to manage. By marrying communicative language teaching (CLT) approach with flipped technique, the present study, therefore, aims to explore dual language learners’ perception towards flipped classroom model in learning English tenses as well as their learning progress using the method. The lessons were conducted using set of culturalised interactive materials. A number of 133 intermediate learners (age 18 to 25) from a vocational college in Malaysia were selected as the research participants and data were collected using one-group pre-test–post-test design, questionnaire and interview. Pre-test and post-test grammar questions were given before and after a six-week intervention program to identify the effectiveness of the materials and instruction. The findings indicated significant differences between the mean scores of the pre-test and post-test. The results also revealed learners’ positive responses and improvement in English grammar through flipped classroom and culturalised interactive materials. This research has suggested some significant impacts of flipped classroom practices using familiar objects and culturalised learning materials. Apart from acknowledging the advantages of flipped classroom model in learning English grammar, the present study also proposes some additional strategies to achieve an effective flipped classroom lesson for dual language learners in Malaysia.

International students are growing in numbers in Malaysian college and university campuses since the commercialization of education at the tertiary level introduced in the 1990s. More significantly, there is an increase in the Muslim student population as more and more young Muslims come to Malaysia from different parts of the world. For example, there is a substantial increase in Muslim students from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who see Malaysia as a peaceful and developing Muslim country. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the thoughts and experiences of Muslim students from China studying at different Malaysian universities. Six Muslim students from RPC were interviewed in this study, and based on the data obtained from the interviews, the findings were categorized into several themes. Most Muslim-Chinese students found it difficult to adjust to the new environment, especially in terms of climate, food, and infrastructure. The students also found that language was a barrier in their interactions with the locals. At the individual level, the students suffered from loneliness and homesickness and also found that their financial situation posed a challenge. In the course of the study, several coping strategies were identified that the students had adopted in their pursuit of knowledge in Malaysia. On the other hand, they felt supported in their efforts to adjust to living in Malaysia by university management, faculty members, local students, and friends. Overall, the students concluded that Malaysia is a peaceful and beautiful country characterized by the kindness, tolerance, and helpfulness of her people. Finally, the students recommended that services and facilities should be improved for all international students in Malaysia.

Somalia is one of the most fiercely divided countries in the world. The people of Somalia face an identity crisis as they have more than one identity (i.e., clan, national, and religious). In addition to this, the development of good Somali citizens is impeded by the absence of a nation to belong to, as there are clan-based states, a lack of clarity as to whether the nation serves the needs of individuals or clans, and an absence of a feeling of obligation towards the nation. These various issues have led to an imperative need to explore how education as a whole and the curriculum, specifically, can build good Somali citizens with a sense of national identity and a participative attitude. Therefore, the current study investigated whether curriculum can be a panacea for the above-mentioned issues. A total of 400 Somali students in their final year of secondary education participated in this study in a cross-sectional survey. The data were analysed using multiple regression analysis. The study found that formal curriculum is a statistically significant contributor to civic development, and is potentially influential in building good citizenship and a national identity in students, hence paving the way for their progressive civic participation in the future. In addition, non-formal curriculum significantly influenced two out of three civic outcomes, i.e., national identity and civic participation. Male and female Somali students differed in their notions of national identity and good citizenship, but demonstrated the same level of or tendency for civic participation. Interestingly, parental education did not exercise any significant influence on any of the civic outcomes. Based on the results, the study recommends that a systematic analysis of the Somali education curriculum be conducted to properly assess the richness and depth of its content in relation to the required standards and coverage of civic education.