Muhammad U Farooq | Capital University of Science and Technology (original) (raw)

Papers by Muhammad U Farooq

Journal of Education and Educational Development, 2018

Learning styles are the differences in personal characteristics, strengths andpreferences, descri... more Learning styles are the differences in personal characteristics, strengths andpreferences, describing how individuals acquire, process and store information.Learners approach information differently from each other due to their differentinstincts and natural dispositions. In the pretext of learning styles what is beingtaught has least importance than how’s being taught as in current scenario, teachers adapt their teaching techniques according to the learners preferred learning styles. Based on the review of previous context(s), the present study aims at investigating the learning style preferences of 200 Saudi male and female EFL learners at Taif University. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed with closed ended questions by employing Likert’s five point scale to collect the data from 100 male and 100 female Saudi EFL learners that represents quantitative dimension of the work. The study probed into how different learners took in information by using their senses, intelle...

AbstractShifting in the emphasis from teaching to learning has created a more interactive learnin... more AbstractShifting in the emphasis from teaching to learning has created a more interactive learning environment for teachers and learners. These new environments have changed the roles of teachers and students. The role of a teacher/tutor changes from a knowledge giver to that of a facilitator in a virtual classroom. The changing roles do not reduce the importance of a teacher hut requires new e-tutoring skills. The tutors must he aware of pedagogical, social, managerial and technical areas during the planning and implementation of the materials and the course. These areas are interlinked leading to the competencies of e-tutors. An experimental study was conducted by offering two online courses of MA TEFL programme of Allama Iqbal Open University. The feedback of the students on tutors' role in a virtual classroom was sought through mid-term and end-term questionnaires which supported the idea of more interactive and learner-centred environment.Keywords: e-tutoring distance educa...

Interaction is one of the important aspects of effective learning environment. Interaction can ta... more Interaction is one of the important aspects of effective learning environment. Interaction can take place in different forms. It may be between a student and course materials, student and learning activities, student and teacher and among students. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) offers a type of interaction which is different from the traditional teacher-based classroom as it provides the learners multiple opportunities to explore alternative means to interact with teachers, peers, course material and activities. The present study focuses on feedback of the students who attended online courses of MA Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) offered by the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics of Allama Iqbal Open Univerisy (AIOU). In this experimental study, two groups of students were selected randomly for CMC-based instructions in 2007 and 2008. The results of the experimentation suggested that the use of CMC in the existing distance education system...

Linguistics and Literature Review, 2015

Web 2.0 technologies, including blogs, have opened up new avenues of personal and professional co... more Web 2.0 technologies, including blogs, have opened up new avenues of personal and professional communication. A blog is an online journal which can be continuously updated by its users (Matheson, 2004). Teachers are using blogs for activities and interaction with their students. The present study focused on using blogs for enhancing writing skills of undergraduate English language learners. A group of undergraduate English language learners was selected randomly and they were provided instructions through teacher's blog to improve their writing skills. Their writing skills (paragraph, essay and story writing) were assessed through pre-test and post-test focusing on structure, creativity and logical sequence of ideas. The finding revealed that they not only enhanced their writing skills but blogs created a collaborative learning environment as well.

International Journal of English Linguistics, 2018

Speaking is the most difficult as well as the most complex of all the four skills, as it requires... more Speaking is the most difficult as well as the most complex of all the four skills, as it requires expertise in, and exposure to, the target language. Different factors are found responsible for poor speaking skills among EFL learners in general and Saudi EFL learners in particular. The current study investigates the influence of various factors related to teachers, learners, and learning environment on the students’ attitude towards learning speaking skills. The questionnaire survey was employed to elicit responses from 184 undergraduate EFL male and female students in Taif University. Data analyzed through SPSS reveals that out of five variables only one was insignificant, whereas all other variables showed significant positive effect. In the light of the findings, it could be inferred that lack of measures on the part of teachers and learners as well as the classroom setting/environment do not fully facilitate both the male and female students to learn speaking skills in a better ...

International Journal of English Linguistics, 2018

Technology has impacted the learning approaches and vice-versa with an aim to improve the standar... more Technology has impacted the learning approaches and vice-versa with an aim to improve the standards of language teaching/learning process. The present study focuses on teachers’ preferences and use of technology in their language classrooms. A survey was conducted to seek opinion of EFL teachers both male and female at the English language center on technology-related competencies. The survey comprised four domains: planning and preparation, classroom management, instruction, and professional responsibilities (Danielson, 2007).The questionnaire was distributed to 100 English language teachers (50 males and 50 females) at Taif University English Language Centre. The responses revealed that most of the teachers thought aware of the technology and its uses in education don’t integrate technology in their teaching at planning and preparation stage. They use the available technological gadget in the classroom to exploit some of the activities. They must use the university LMS for uploadi...

Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 2016

Language teachers need opportunities to enhance and update their language teaching skills. Curren... more Language teachers need opportunities to enhance and update their language teaching skills. Current researches in English language teaching methodologies have proved that teachers who stay up to date with latest teaching techniques are always efficient. They always need to be trained and aware of how they can continue being effective teachers and cope with relative challenges such as students' low level of language proficiency, large number of students in class at a time and longer teaching hours. Hence the sole objective of the present research is to evaluate the effectiveness of Professional Development Program (PDP) of Taif University. Seeking for this objective, the researcher collected the data through a questionnaire from the participating teachers both males (50) and females (50). The survey was based on five principles drawn by Loucks-Horsley, et al. (2010). The respondents acknowledged the utility and importance of continuous up gradation of their professional development and leadership skills. They also acknowledged that PDP provides learning opportunity for them. Furthermore they regarded PDP in line with the TU-ELC mission, goal, and objectives. However, they expressed constraints regarding experimentation of new instructional practices, continuous support and follow-up activities, and a research base similar to the ELC situation, community and context.

Studies in Literature and Language, 2014

Journal of Education and Practice, 2014

This descriptive research focused on designing an e-model for open and distance learning (ODL) in... more This descriptive research focused on designing an e-model for open and distance learning (ODL) in Pakistan. After studying various e-models, blended learning and issues relating to ODL in Pakistan, the researcher designed and executed an e-model on a group of students. The researcher designed and offered online Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) offered by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Islamabad, Pakistan. The participants' feedback supported e-model as a solution to their problems which they were facing in traditional ODL programs. The online courses improved their learning, reduced their expenses incurred on attending tutorials, improved tutor-students and student-student interaction. Keywords: e-learning, open and distance learning, English language teaching 1. E-learning Models Researches have designed a number of e-learning models based need analysis. The purpose of these models was to involve students in meaningful tasks and quick feedback through online discussion and assessment. The instructional design focused on content delivery and enhanced outcome with the help of technology supposed to stimulate the learning process. Here are a few e-models which helped the researcher to design AIOU e-model in Pakistan. 1.1 K. Salmon's e-tivities Approach E-tivities is a five-step approach introduced by Salmon (2004) for online teaching and learning. The purpose was to motivate students' participation in online tasks which he termed as e-tivities. The five steps include prerequisite of the course and induction of participants, establishing their online identities, exchange students' information, initiate course-related discussions, and personal development in the achievement of goals. 1.2 The Open University UK A VLE (Virtual Leaning Environment) project was initiated by the UK Open University in 2004. The tools included were; conferencing, authentication, template driven content delivery, blogging, assignment and assessment. The UKOU developed an e-learning strategy which had direct resonance with the VLE project, an open source, which allowed flexibility in approach, and also demonstrated a degree of technical engagement with the VLE community (UKOU website). 1.3 Opencourseware@MIT Massachusetts Institute for Technology initiated the Opencourseware aiming at putting together all its educational materials online. It included course outlines, syllabi and activities, book lists and assessment exercises. Opencourseware used an open access approach to learning materials to provide the benefits of open access for all to education around the world (ocw 2006:online). 1.4 EMAR (Educational Management Action Research) model The EMAR is based on the initial framework proposed by Goodyear and Khakhar (McPherson and Nunes, 2004) as a first attempt to build a general action research management framework. Action research cycle comprises Diagnosis (data gathering, analysis and representation), Action Planning, Action Taking, and Action Evaluation. 1.5 The ITM CPDE pedagogical model Information Technology Management developed the CPDE (Continuing Professional Development Education) model based on "a constructivist approach, which implies the assumptions that learning involves an active process of construction by the learners at both individual and social levels, rather than the passive reception of knowledge" (McPherson and Nunes 2004:49). CPDE consists of a set of explicit materials including a number of exercises, reflective tasks and problem solving case studies. Essential features of this model are collaboration and peer support which help students to get engaged in dialogue, exchange of experience, ideas and feedback, and overcome isolation. The role of the tutor is that of "a facilitator who supports independent engagement in the process of construction through scaffolding and the provision of advanced organizers into the learning environment" (ibid).

International Education Studies, 2015

The present research focuses on teachers' perceptions and practices regarding Communicative Langu... more The present research focuses on teachers' perceptions and practices regarding Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and its impact on communicative competency of the students. A questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data from teachers. The results show that the EFL teachers are aware of the CLT characteristics, its implementation and impact on the communicative competence of the students. The results suggest that despite showing keen interest in change and being eager to implement CLT, they are not optimistic about the complete adoption of CLT due to the problems and challenges they face in the classroom, like overcrowded classes, non-availability of AV aids, students' low level of proficiency, time constraints, etc. They believe that only by overcoming the difficulties, and by establishing more favourable conditions for the implementation of CLT, they can truly benefit from CLT in their classrooms.

International Education Studies, 2013

This article has sought to contribute to discussions concerning the value of inter-sentential pat... more This article has sought to contribute to discussions concerning the value of inter-sentential patterns of code-switching (henceforth ISPCS) particularly in the context of EFL classrooms. Through a detailed analysis of recorded data produced in that context, distinctive features in the discourse were discerned which were associated with males' and females' inter-sentential switches. By looking at language choice against the background of this patterning, one can understand the complexity of the occurrences of inter-sentential switches in the classroom. A few studies on ISPCS in EFL classrooms have been hardly conducted to determine the gender-based inclination among EFL teachers. For this reason, there is a lack of awareness on the part of English language teachers about the qualitative and quantitative use of ISPCS in the context of Pakistani EFL classrooms. For the purpose of investigation, the ethnography of interaction was selected as a research design to record and transcribe the sessions of eight resource persons of Allama Iqbal Open University. During the analysis, the results of the study indicated that all the male and female teachers switched code in the boundary of ISS (henceforth ISS). Moreover, in the light of the data analysis, trends were determined among male and female teachers for the patterns of inter-sentential switches. In short, this paper tried to develop an understanding about the phenomenon of inter-sentential switches to get a better insight of the teaching/learning situation in the EFL context.

English Language Teaching, 2012

Technology-based initiatives have transformed the process of teaching and learning activities at ... more Technology-based initiatives have transformed the process of teaching and learning activities at formal institutions generally and distance education institutions particularly. Distance education is at the heart of the digital age making maximum use of the emerging technologies. Researchers have favoured computer mediated communications (CMC) for improving the quality of teacher education in developing countries by providing access to more and better educational resources. The researchers designed a CMC-ELT blended model and offered online English language teacher education courses at postgraduate level. A group of students enrolled in MA TEFL programme of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Islamabad Pakistan, was selected randomly and was guided through CMC-ELT blended model. The results of the study showed that the online support in distance education enhanced students' performance in terms of access, interaction and cost. The effective use of online support in distance education can improve the quality of English language teaching programmes in Pakistan.

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2016

The present study investigates that similar amount of exposure to two languages at early age does... more The present study investigates that similar amount of exposure to two languages at early age does not impede child's L2 acquisition. L2 acquisition endures tenaciously encompassing early learners. They not only speak new language with concern but also acquire it inextricably. They are never diffident like adults enterprising new language. They replicate their age-mates and teachers without malevolence and successively develop linguistic contrivance themselves. It reveals that exposure is undoubtedly efficacious in L2 acquisition but not subservient to L2exposure. The study elucidates that English language is a contagious language. Children learn it without any justification and special assistance. Besides, the study entails the details of L2 acquisition at early age and acquaints with techniques which collaborate in L2 acquisition. Three kindergarten classes were randomly selected at a community public school and were observed thrice a term for data collection. Likewise, a questionnaire was distributed amongst 10 teachers and 100 parents whose children were studying at school. Interviews of three parents are also part of this study.

This study compares the media constructions of Malala Yousafzai in two Pakistani English newspape... more This study compares the media constructions of Malala Yousafzai in two Pakistani English newspapers, The News International and Daily Times vis-à-vis the events that occurred during three stages of her life. The study identifies these as "Malala the Taliban's target and Nobel laureate", and "Malala the United Nations Messenger of Peace". Employing Fairclough's CDA, it probes the ideological representations of these events in these newspapers' editorials. The findings suggest that both newspapers constructed Malala's positive identity during all three stages. However, in so doing, the use of a particular clause structure and lexis employed in these editorials helped one newspaper avoid naming the Taliban in a determinate term. Hence, this served to mitigate the Taliban's "agency" as perpetrators. The other newspaper, by availing the same method of representation, pushed its political agendas and appeared to toe a similar line as some Western newspapers do on certain burning issues of international significance.

Technology has impacted the learning approaches and vice-versa with an aim to improve the standar... more Technology has impacted the learning approaches and vice-versa with an aim to improve the standards of language teaching/learning process. The present study focuses on teachers' preferences and use of technology in their language classrooms. A survey was conducted to seek opinion of EFL teachers both male and female at the English language center on technology-related competencies. The survey comprised four domains: planning and preparation, classroom management, instruction, and professional responsibilities (Danielson, 2007).The questionnaire was distributed to 100 English language teachers (50 males and 50 females) at Taif University English Language Centre. The responses revealed that most of the teachers thought aware of the technology and its uses in education don't integrate technology in their teaching at planning and preparation stage. They use the available technological gadget in the classroom to exploit some of the activities. They must use the university LMS for uploading certain activities and assessment otherwise they hesitate to design technology-based activities for English language learners. They and the students need training in integrating technology with teaching and learning process.

Speaking is the most difficult as well as the most complex of all the four skills, as it requires... more Speaking is the most difficult as well as the most complex of all the four skills, as it requires expertise in, and exposure to, the target language. Different factors are found responsible for poor speaking skills among EFL learners in general and Saudi EFL learners in particular. The current study investigates the influence of various factors related to teachers, learners, and learning environment on the students' attitude towards learning speaking skills. The questionnaire survey was employed to elicit responses from 184 undergraduate EFL male and female students in Taif University. Data analyzed through SPSS reveals that out of five variables only one was insignificant, whereas all other variables showed significant positive effect. In the light of the findings, it could be inferred that lack of measures on the part of teachers and learners as well as the classroom setting/environment do not fully facilitate both the male and female students to learn speaking skills in a better way. The poor level of their skills in English is attributed to the variety of teachers', learners', and environment related factors. And these factors affect negatively on the attitude of learners towards learning speaking skills.

Publishers are invited to submit books as well as journal, in duplicate, for consideration for re... more Publishers are invited to submit books as well as journal, in duplicate, for consideration for review.

Learning styles are the differences in personal characteristics, strengths and preferences, descr... more Learning styles are the differences in personal characteristics, strengths and preferences, describing how individuals acquire, process and store information. Learners approach information differently from each other due to their different instincts and natural dispositions. In the pretext of learning styles what is being taught has least importance than how's being taught as in current scenario, teachers adapt their teaching techniques according to the learners preferred learning styles. Based on the review of previous context(s), the present study aims at investigating the learning style preferences of 200 Saudi male and female EFL learners at Taif University. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed with closed ended questions by employing Likert's five point scale to collect the data from 100 male and 100 female Saudi EFL learners that represents quantitative dimension of the work. The study probed into how different learners took in information by using their senses, intellect, force and physical movements. Furthermore, the research investigated what special measures teachers should take during teaching to develop the learners' awareness about their dominant learning styles coupled with designing the strategies to promote learning according to their unique dispositions. The findings manifest significant differences in the learning style of Taif University's male and female EFL learners because of the learners' physical and biological

The world is on the rise with the advancement of handheld technologies like smartphone which has ... more The world is on the rise with the advancement of handheld technologies like smartphone which has substituted the traditional media with advanced functions like SMS, telephone, diary, etc. with internet connectivity. College students use smartphone as a multipurpose gadget like sending and receiving text messages, voice-calling, listening radio or watching television and web hosting, etc. Also, television channels and newspapers are available on the internet. The study investigated the 'smartphone usage by college students and its impact on traditional media. The researchers found that all respondents, irrespective of their gender, were equally using smartphone. They have been using internet on their smartphone for news updates instead of accessing radio, television or newspaper directly. Male respondents have been watching sports on their smartphone instead of on television. Most of the respondents agreed that smartphone has reduced the time which they used to spend on traditionally media. The overall perception about the usage of smartphone by the respondents was also analysed and a significant difference was found among boys and girls. On the other hand, the results statistically revealed significant relationship between gender and smartphone usage instead of using traditional media.

Journal of Education and Educational Development, 2018

Linguistics and Literature Review, 2015

International Journal of English Linguistics, 2018

Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 2016

Studies in Literature and Language, 2014

Journal of Education and Practice, 2014

International Education Studies, 2015

International Education Studies, 2013

English Language Teaching, 2012

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2016

Technology has impacted the learning approaches and vice-versa with an aim to improve the standar... more Technology has impacted the learning approaches and vice-versa with an aim to improve the standards of language teaching/learning process. The present study focuses on teachers' preferences and use of technology in their language classrooms. A survey was conducted to seek opinion of EFL teachers both male and female at the English language center on technology-related competencies. The survey comprised four domains: planning and preparation, classroom management, instruction, and professional responsibilities (Danielson, 2007).The questionnaire was distributed to 100 English language teachers (50 males and 50 females) at Taif University English Language Centre. The responses revealed that most of the teachers thought aware of the technology and its uses in education don't integrate technology in their teaching at planning and preparation stage. They use the available technological gadget in the classroom to exploit some of the activities. They must use the university LMS for uploading certain activities and assessment otherwise they hesitate to design technology-based activities for English language learners. They and the students need training in integrating technology with teaching and learning process.

Speaking is the most difficult as well as the most complex of all the four skills, as it requires... more Speaking is the most difficult as well as the most complex of all the four skills, as it requires expertise in, and exposure to, the target language. Different factors are found responsible for poor speaking skills among EFL learners in general and Saudi EFL learners in particular. The current study investigates the influence of various factors related to teachers, learners, and learning environment on the students' attitude towards learning speaking skills. The questionnaire survey was employed to elicit responses from 184 undergraduate EFL male and female students in Taif University. Data analyzed through SPSS reveals that out of five variables only one was insignificant, whereas all other variables showed significant positive effect. In the light of the findings, it could be inferred that lack of measures on the part of teachers and learners as well as the classroom setting/environment do not fully facilitate both the male and female students to learn speaking skills in a better way. The poor level of their skills in English is attributed to the variety of teachers', learners', and environment related factors. And these factors affect negatively on the attitude of learners towards learning speaking skills.