Journal of English Studies in Arabia Felix

Exploring EFL Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) at Private Institutes in Yemen

Shaher Saif Abduh Aamer — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an important component of teacher professional development because it helps teachers improve their knowledge, skills, and practises. Yet, it is not always simple for teachers to take advantage of CPD opportunities, especially in developing countries where resources and support may be scarce. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of CPD among EFL teachers who are employed at private language institutes (PLIs) in Yemen. The study adopted a mixed-method approach for the data collection and analysis. The results of both a questionnaire and interviews showed a diversity of perceptions. While EFL teachers valued CPD for professional development, they noted a number of difficulties and impediments to CPD opportunities in their teaching contexts, such as a lack of time, support, and suitable chances for CPD. The findings have implications for teachers' professional development in private institutes in Yemen and similar contexts.

Home in the Poetry of Saudi Distinguished Poets

Yahya Dahami — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The homeland is represented in the poetry of poets who are passionate about its love in multiple images and different ways. This paper highlights Abdullah Al-Faisal's skill, familiarity, and competency through one of his famous poems, "The Redemption", demonstrating his allegiance to the great nation. Before returning to the career of Saudi poet Abdullah Al-Faisal, a brief discussion of poetry and homeland and its importance concerning poetry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is provided. The main concern of this study is Al-Faisal's The Redemption and its critical-analytical description. An analysis of selected lines of the poem illustrates the great spectrum and depth of the concept of the homeland in Al-Faisal's poetry. The study generally reflects Al-Faisal’s love for his country through his poetry, deep attachment to his nation, and unwavering loyalty. His poetic works are intended to inspire readers to live better lives and communicate with those in authority. The paper concludes that The Redemption exemplifies Al-Faisal’s poems of pride and affection for the homeland. The study promotes a taste for literary work that supports learners’ literary competence to portray their thoughts and imagination in verse.

Reading the Visual: An Introduction to Teaching Multimodal Literacy

Rashad Ahmed — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This is a book review of the book, Reading the Visual: An Introduction to Teaching Multimodal Literacy by Frank Serafini. It is a 189-page book published in 2014 by Teachers College Press. It discusses the evolving concept of literacy in the age of multimodality. Organized into three parts and framed by a prologue and an epilogue, the book begins with an introduction that sets the stage for understanding the multimodal world and its relevance to educators. The first part lays a theoretical foundation for multimodality, guiding educators in their instructional approaches. The second part presents a practical framework for engaging with multimodal texts, highlighting the significance of picture books in literacy education and exploring how students can interact with various multimodal formats both as consumers and producers. The final part examines ten distinct types of multimodal ensembles, including diverse formats like picture books (postmodern, wordless, historical fiction, informational), illustrated novels, graphic novels, cartoons, comics, advertisements, news reports, films, and digital media. In the closure, a helpful glossary provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of multimodal configurations and visual meaning-making systems.

Blended Learning in EFL Programs in Yemen:

Yasir Hassan Ahmed Al-Qudimi, Shabana Hameed — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Blended learning (BL) has gained popularity in English instruction due to its ability to improve students’ learning outcomes and motivation. This study investigated Yemeni EFL students’ perceptions of learning English and the impact of using BL on their attitudes toward English learning. The sample comprised 51 Yemeni EFL students who received instructions at Resalty Academy, and data was collected from them using a questionnaire. Findings highlighted the effectiveness of BL in improving English language learning. The outcome of the study support EFL teachers in Yemen in developing tailored programs to meet the specific needs of their students. Based on the findings, it is safe to argue that implementing BL strategy in English language instruction enhances EFL students' perceptions of BL usefulness and ease of use, potentially leading to increased engagement and motivation in learning. Teachers and institutions are encouraged to prioritize integrating the BL approach into English language curricula to improve the overall learning experience for EFL students.