This paper seeks to explore the challenges faced by excellent teachers in preparing for authentic assessment in their English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms. This qualitative case study involving six excellent teachers was based on purposive sampling. Data sources in this study used classroom observation and a series of semi-structured interviews with the excellent teachers. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes from the codes gathered from the interviews and observations. Data showed that excellent teachers faced multiple challenges prior to preparing for authentic assessment. They have also been using variations of authentic assessment to help children in their learning besides accurate documentation and extensive reading from around the globe to equip themselves with the current knowledge. Since there is no clear guideline for teachers who practice authentic assessment in their classes, this study provided some insights on the preparations and the use of authentic assessment as part of their teaching and learning process.

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<span lang="EN-US">Mentoring by the mentor teachers to the trainee teacher is an important element in the component of professional practice, namely practicum. Mentoring of mentor teachers in this study refers to the quality of guidance given by mentor teachers to trainee teachers. This aspect is seen to have an impact on the success of trainee teachers during the practicum session. However, there are past studies that state that mentor teachers do not provide guidance as required by the trainee teachers. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the quality of mentoring of mentor teachers from the perspective of trainee teachers. This study used a mixed-method approach. Quantitative study was using a questionnaire namely mentor teacher’s guidance while utilizing random sampling method was used on a sample of 217 trainee teachers from the Institute of Teacher Education in the northern zone of Malaysia who have undergone the practicum session. The qualitative approach, on the hand involve semi-structured interview with two trainee teachers as the participants. This study found that the quality of guidance of mentor teachers is at a very good level. Quantitative findings are supported by qualitative findings. Four themes were identified from the interview analysis namely; excellent guidance, informative, cooperation and the needs of mentor teachers.</span>

This study investigates the impact of dual cultural backgrounds on student engagement in school, specifically focusing on minority students in China who are adapting to a new culture. It examines the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions of student engagement, considering factors such as gender, socio-economic status (SES), and cultural knowledge and experiences. A survey was conducted among students in a Chinese secondary school, with participants completing it using traditional pen and paper. Regression analysis was performed on the collected data to determine the influence of bicultural identities on student engagement, while considering the effects of gender, SES, and cultural knowledge and experiences. The findings indicate that students with resilient bicultural identities show significantly higher levels of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral engagement in school compared to those with weaker bicultural identities. This highlights the importance of nurturing and supporting students' ethnic, national, and cultural identities to enhance their overall engagement and participation in education. The results underscore the significance of recognizing and embracing students' dual cultural backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment, and employing culturally relevant educational approaches. This research has implications for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders in promoting a culturally inclusive educational system. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge and assess students' diverse cultural backgrounds and suggests the benefits of incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy and support systems to enhance student engagement and academics success. By understanding the impact of bicultural identities on student engagement, educators can establish an environment that fosters support and empowerment, contributing to students' overall educational experiences and outcomes.