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Volume 6 Number 8 December 2020

A Corpus-based Study of Synonymous Epistemic Adverbs Perhaps, Probably, Maybe and Possibly


Authors: Bei Yang
Pages: 158-168
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.158.168
Abstract
Epistemic adverbs perhaps, probably, maybe, and possibly are near-synonyms, which share similar denotational meanings but differ in their usages. Using the 100 million-word British National Corpus (BNC) as data and the software Sketch Engine (SkE) as the analyzing tool, this study examines the usage differences among epistemic adverbs by conducting the analysis of concordance, n-grams, and word sketch difference. The results show that different functions of SkE can make different contributions to the discrimination of epistemic adverbs. At the end of the paper, the pedagogical implications of this study are discussed.

Boredom of EFL Learners in China: Description and Solutions


Authors: Li Shukang ; Tian Yuhan
Pages: 149-157
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.149.157
Abstract
Boredom, as a common emotion for human beings, may affect learning outcomes. English learning is no exception. This research elucidates the conceptual connotation of boredom and determines the conceptual system of it through a comprehensive literature review. Then it investigates the situation of current college students’ boredom of learning English by means of a quantitative analysis. Besides, with the emotion analyzed in the context of “Internet +” era, the research intends to conclude how the English teaching model in college can influence learners’ boredom, based on which it tries to formulate strategies to improve teaching quality.

Parents Socio-Economic Factors as it Affect Students Academic Performance in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Ado Local Government Area of Ekiti State


Authors: E. F. Fakunle ; B. K. Ajayi
Pages: 144-148
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.144.148
Abstract
The study examined the influence of parent’s socio-economic status on the academic performance of students in selected public secondary schools in Ado Local government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study used stratified sampling techniques to select two hundred and five (205) students from five (5) public schools. Also, data on students’ academic performance was obtained from students results in four core subjects. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study revealed that parents attitudes, parents socio-economic status, insufficient parental incomes, and lack of funding by the government are factors influencing students’ academic performance. Based on these findings, certain recommendations are made towards improving students’ academic performance, prominent of these include proper funding of education by government, sensitisation of parents towards their children education, increase in parental salaries in line with the current economic situation as well as the provision of adequate books and facilities in schools to breach the gap between the rich and the poor and the support of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)  to eradicate poverty.

Teaching in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic in Two Peripheral Greek Universities: Lessons Learned from Students’ Experiences and Opinions


Authors: Natassa Raikou ; Chris Kaltsidis ; Katerina Kedraka ; Thanassis Karalis
Pages: 135-143
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.135.143
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of social and economic life, including the educational sector. While each level of education faces its unique challenges, for the Higher Education the pandemic may act as the catalyst triggering a learning revolution. In the current study, which took place in April-May 2020, in the middle of lockdown in Greece, students from two regional Universities in Greece who participated pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic disturbed their studies, even though their institutions managed to turn very quickly and successfully to distance learning. Despite the fact they are both old enough to handle the online work and technologically savvy enough to navigate new, digital tools and methods, a lot of anxiety, doubts and concerns arose. The main finding is that Greek students found it difficult to handle the lack of the everyday campus life and interaction with their fellow students and teachers, a lesson learnt for faculty to add pedagogically interactive  tools,  experiences, and ideas to stimulate students’ learning engagement.

Cultural Mistrust and Counseling: A Review of Factors Impacting African Americans Males


Authors: Nathalie Mizelle ; James L. Maiden ; Jody C. Grandy ; Delarious O. Stewart ; Brian Sutton
Pages: 128-134
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.128.134
Abstract
African American males are less likely to engage in mental health services.  Racial discrimination, cultural mistrust, mental health disparities, and racial identity roles are significant factors impeding African American men from pursuing or continuing counseling. Unfortunately, counselors subliminally acknowledge the stereotypical labels ascribed to African American males lead to a poor or non-existing rapport, and tend to create solutions for the clients, disregarding their intrinsic motivation and autonomy. This conceptual article discussed racial discrimination, microaggression, and community ties as the barriers to counseling engagement among African American males. The article also highlighted the history of counseling African American males and the present urgency for a culturally sensitive model using the concepts of Motivational Interviewing for encouraging counseling engagement and autonomous resolution of ambivalence.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Stress in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Review of Literature


Authors: Katelynn Jolly ; Professor Tonya Huber
Pages: 121-127
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.121.127
Abstract
Objective: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to develop and experience stress and anxiety due to the overwhelming amount of new information, research on their child’s needs, and coping with everyday hardships. Method: This systematic review analyzed seven recent research articles related to the anxiety and stress in mothers raising children with ASD. Studies were limited to a focus on maternal mental health experiences raising a child with ASD. Findings: All studies examined show a sample of mothers that have anxiety while raising children with ASD. Researchers employed different methodologies in measuring these mothers’ anxiety at either one or two points in time. The strengths and weaknesses of each study were reviewed. Some studies even reported a direct effect concerning the way mothers interact with others and their children as a result of their mental health state. Limitations in most of the studies reviewed showed a smaller sample size than originally intended. Conclusion: While there are many studies that focus on children with ASD, there is a lack of research on the mental health state of their parents, specifically mothers. These parents take on the role of being a provider, advocate, and channel between their children and a world that is rarely accessible to them. Research in this area can greatly benefit new mothers experiencing this, and all parents that may have an unhealthy mental state when dealing with the responsibility and work it takes raising a child with a disability.

Students' Self-Efficacy Towards Learning English Through Drama and CLIL


Authors: Alaa A. Aladini ; Mohammad Abu Owda
Pages: 113-120
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.113.120
Abstract
This study aimed at exploring the impact of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and drama on students’ self-efficacy towards learning English through drama.  The sample of the study was (68) ninth graders (divided into two equal groups) from Al-Mamounia preparatory school in Gaza Strip. The two researchers used a self-efficacy scale. The findings revealed that the program based on CLIL and Drama was effective to improve the students’ self-efficacy towards learning English in general and towards learning English through drama. The researchers recommend that EFL Palestinian teachers should use the CLIL and drama approach as a tool for enhancing students’ self-efficacy.

Integrating Drama With Language and Content to Enhance Students' English Oral Production Skills


Authors: Dr. Alaa Aladini
Pages: 109-112
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.109.112
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the effect of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and drama on developing 7th graders’ English oral production skills. The sample of the study was (80) 7th graders (divided into two equal groups) from D/Balah preparatory school in Gaza Strip. The researcher used an oral production skills test as the tool of the study.  The findings revealed that the suggested program based on CLIL and Drama was effective to improve 7th graders’ oral production skills.

To Teach or Not to Teach Online: Pedagogical Considerations About Distance Learning


Authors: William H. Robertson
Pages: 97-108
DOI: doi.org/10.32861/rje.68.97.108
Abstract
The use of online course delivery has been promoted at many institutions of higher education as a way to provide greater access to students in a variety of degree programs. The lack of emphasis of online pedagogical strategies has left many faculty members to not consider teaching online, while administrators look for ways to increase revenue through enrollment with limited classroom space on campus. In this paper, the reasons faculty who have taught not online are explored and examined, while providing insight into the motivations of teaching online that could lead to increased participation within distance learning frameworks. Currently, universities across the globe are continuously challenged to provide increased opportunities to non-traditional students without increasing tuition for students or the overall operating budget. As most non-traditional students are not able to attend their classes in a full-time status, many universities are now encouraging and developing a strong distance education program across their institutions. Although distance learning does in fact provide non-traditional students the opportunity of higher education the integrity of university must not be lost, and the following case study of a Hispanic Serving Institution in the Southwest United states is a good example of how universities must consider the consequences and not just the benefits that online teaching has to offer.