Zahra Zohoorian | Islamic Azad University Of Mashhad (original) (raw)

Papers by Zahra Zohoorian

Volume 1, Issue 1 (JSLP 2024), 2024

This study aimed to investigate the interrelationships among willingness to read (WTR), personali... more This study aimed to investigate the interrelationships among willingness to read (WTR), personality types, and reading comprehension. To carry out this survey study, a total of 228 BA English major students were randomly selected through convenience sampling. For the measurement of the study variables, the Willingness to Read questionnaire, personality types inventory, as well as the reading section of the Preliminary English Test were employed. To test the hypothesized model, structural equation modeling was used. After confirming the hypothesized model, the researchers concluded that the proposed model had an acceptable fit with the empirical data. Based on the findings, it was concluded that willingness to read is a significant positive predictor of reading comprehension. Additionally, two direct positive and significant paths leading from the constructs of agreeableness and extroversion to learners' willingness to read were observed. Furthermore, the neuroticism construct was found to be a significant negative predictor of willingness to read. Based on the findings, teachers are advised to play an important role in establishing a supportive communicative environment in classes where reading is encouraged. This can be achieved through the implementation of suitable strategies and methods that take into consideration the learners' differences.

International journal of languages and literatures, Feb 3, 2021

Authenticity and authentic materials are advocated for language teaching extensively. This criter... more Authenticity and authentic materials are advocated for language teaching extensively. This criterion is also recommended for English language teaching settings such as EAP where the students are to deal with real-world and authentic language use. The present study aims at evaluating the current status of the EAP textbooks and the materials included in them in Iran by the administration of the authenticity evaluation checklist. Accordingly, seeking to find data both qualitatively and quantitatively, the study was conducted to seek for the lecturers’ views on the authenticity level of the EAP textbooks. Thus, the results of the interview and the evaluation checklist reveal that although authenticity of context, teacher, student, and text is deemed as essential by this group of teachers, the current textbooks for EAP have limited authenticity and in some aspects authenticity is even absent. The interview results revealed that the majority of the EAP teachers believed that the current EAP textbooks need to be reengineered and the texts need revision. Thus, the findings can be used by EAP curriculum designers and materials developers in taking into consideration the authenticity feature as an important factor in designing EAP textbooks in future in Iran and in similar language teaching contexts.

European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, Apr 25, 2019

Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its eff... more Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its effectiveness is still the subject of argument. Moreover, due to the limited time in the conventional language classes, students do not have the chance to practice all vocabulary items which may hinder the learning process. Accordingly, a mixed method only-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted. Also, for the qualitative phase, data were gathered through a focus group interview with the participants chosen through purposive sampling. It was confirmed that there was a significant effect of online practicing on vocabulary learning of the language learners. Furthermore, it was found out that the participants held a positive attitude for practicing target words through Telegram. In addition, the study results showed that using Telegram application does not have a significant effect on the retention of the vocabulary of the learners. From the results of this study, the researcher proposed some pedagogical implications to EFL teachers, practitioners, material developers, policy makers, and other English education stakeholders.

Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Jan 26, 2015

Needs analysis, sometimes called Needs Assessment, has been one of the major motives for the emer... more Needs analysis, sometimes called Needs Assessment, has been one of the major motives for the emergence of ESP as the umbrella term and thus EAP as a subdivision. Apparently, in such courses, a "onesize-fit-all" approach is discredited and each setting has to be matched with its own context and its own participants' needs. Moreover, several authors have emphasized the vital position that Needs Analysis holds in syllabus design and curriculum development, particularly for EAP. Thus, the present survey aims at adding to the body of knowledge that exists about the Iranian context of EAP and specifically for the students majoring in Computer Engineering as well as Information Technology. Moreover, it aims at investigating the probable mismatch (es) that exist/s between what has been highlighted in literature about the currently most prominent skill included in EAP textbooks in Iran and what the students perceive as their real needs. As the findings of the study suggest, the students preferred to learn productive skills of writing and speaking rather than the reading and listening skills. Similarly, the interview results provided more in-depth information about the sub-kills perceived as necessary by the interviewees.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Jun 1, 2015

Forum for Linguistic Studies

Many educational institutions turned to the employment of online platforms during the Corona cris... more Many educational institutions turned to the employment of online platforms during the Corona crisis. However, there were concerns for the students’ solitary plans of learning as in many parts of the world students did not have the experience of such online courses. This study compared the effect of a solitary pre-task intervention with a teacher-led pre-task planning on the Iranian EFL learners’ writing performance during COVID-19. Besides, it investigated the patterns of improve-ment in writing through an 8-session treatment conducted through Skype. Having employed a qua-si-experimental design through repeated measures, the researcher sought voluntary participation of 40 Iranian EFL university students who were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. The intervention included the instruction of seven types of paragraphs, which led to a writ-ten task as their writing performance. The repeated measures ANOVA and t-test results confirmed that both teacher-led pre-tas...

Neuroscience research notes, Nov 25, 2022

Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics

There has been rapid advancement in the use of technology through which an extensive array of mob... more There has been rapid advancement in the use of technology through which an extensive array of mobile technologies have been introduced to educational contexts. In the same vein, mobile assisted language learning provides new possibilities for improving language learning conditions. The current study was an attempt to find out the effect of Memrise Mobile Application on Iranian upper-Intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary achievement and their autonomy. To find the effects, a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted. Fifty participants were selected from a cluster of 110 students. The Quick placement test as a test of homogeneity was administered to select the upper intermediate learners. Accordingly, 25 participants for each of the experimental and control groups were selected. Memrise Mobile Application was employed during the treatment period for teaching the 504 Absolutely Essential Words book to the experimental group while the control group was instructed the t...

Romanian Journal of English Studies

The teachers’ fundamental role in the success of the students is inevitable. Thus, knowing the va... more The teachers’ fundamental role in the success of the students is inevitable. Thus, knowing the various traits and personality characteristics of effective teachers can be used as guidelines to foster inexperienced teachers’ teaching quality. Among the required teaching qualities, empathy and classroom environment set up are two vital concepts emphasized by researchers. Accordingly, through relying on mega planning, the present study was conducted to find the patterns of empathy and classroom environment utilized by effective teachers. The participants were 50 teachers and 300 language learners. Three instruments were employed, namely teacher effectiveness questionnaire, classroom environment questionnaire, and teacher empathy questionnaire. The results showed that the contributions of each sub-construct in teacher effectiveness in order of their priority are as follows: empathic concern, perspective taking, fantasy, and personal distress. Results from calculating frequency and perce...

European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, Apr 25, 2019

International Journal of Research, Jun 29, 2021

Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its eff... more Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its effectiveness is still the subject of argument. Moreover, due to the limited time in the conventional language classes, students do not have the chance to practice all vocabulary items which may hinder the learning process. Accordingly, a mixed method only-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted. Also, for the qualitative phase, data were gathered through a focus group interview with the participants chosen through purposive sampling. It was confirmed that there was a significant effect of online practicing on vocabulary learning of the language learners. Furthermore, it was found out that the participants held a positive attitude for practicing target words through Telegram. In addition, the study results showed that using Telegram application does not have a significant effect on the retention of the vocabulary of the learners. From the results of this study, the researcher propo...

International Journal of Research, 2020

Teachers play a fundamental role in educational settings as well as in every academic context. Th... more Teachers play a fundamental role in educational settings as well as in every academic context. Thus, educational systems have to rely on evaluating the teachers for various traits, features, and personality characteristics. Among the different qualities, teacher interaction and empathy are two of the vital concepts well-accepted by language teaching scholars. However, novice teachers may need guidance. It is advisable to rely on the experiences and traits of effective teachers when administrators and policy makers aim to hold teacher training courses or in-service training sessions. Accordingly, through relying on mega planning theory and employing a mixed method, the researcher concluded the patterns of empathy and interaction among effective English language teachers to provide feedback to English program administers and teachers mainly. The findings of the qualitative phase of the study also shed light on what skills effective teachers had and what beliefs they held concerning em...

This study was carried out in response to the question of Iranian EAP students‘ lack of motivatio... more This study was carried out in response to the question of Iranian EAP students‘ lack of motivation and low achievement for the reading skill. Among different methods proposed in the literature to enhance motivation or to promote achievement, the researcher examined the effect of authenticating the teaching/learning context to investigate its effect. As the limitations of the study did not allow the establishment of a real authentic context, the treatment of the experimental group was formed by providing a simulation of an authentic context through the integration of authentic texts and authentic tasks. Having learned about the different drawbacks inherent in different methods of research, the researcher adapted a mixed-methods approach for collecting the data. The quantitative section encompassed the administration of the questionnaires and the reading test. The main qualitative method was the focus group interview and the supplementary qualitative method was diary writing. Due to t...

Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 2021

eachers have a focal role in every society and there is a bold emphasis on the need for successfu... more eachers have a focal role in every society and there is a bold emphasis on the need for successful teachers. In order to be a successful teacher one has to perform her/his knowledge well to have a good impact on students' learning. In addition, in order to enhance students' learning in class a teacher needs to communicate and interact well with them to create a good atmosphere for learning. Thus, two factors of performance and interaction can be leading factors in language teaching success. To find the Patterns of Teaching Performance and Teacher Interaction, the researchers sought participation of 50 English language teachers and their 200 English language learners in 20 English institutions. The instruments included successful teachers questionnaire, teaching performance questionnaire and teacher interaction questionnaire. After distinguishing the successful teachers, through running the descriptive statistics, it was found out that among the three sub-constructs of teaching performance, development and planning had the highest mean scores. Also, among the eight sub-constructs of teacher interaction, uncertain, leadership, and helpful and friendly behavior had the highest mean scores. Curriculum developers, policy makers and teacher trainers can include the instruction of such constructs in courses for novice teachers to help them on the way of success.

Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 2021

very EFL classroom can possibly become entrenched in the dynamics of the teachers, vulnerable stu... more very EFL classroom can possibly become entrenched in the dynamics of the teachers, vulnerable students, and classroom climate. Qualities such as empathy can be forgotten by teachers as stereotypes, prejudices, and preconceptions emerge. Therefore, the development of empathetic strategies and positive attitudes towards language learning among students can be improved by teachers with empathic abilities in the classroom, where the classroom climate plays an important role. Enhancing the strategies related to empathy development among novice teachers may help to create better conditions for care and higher academic expectations. In addition, empathy is a necessary skill for teachers to effectively manage their classrooms. Research supports empathy's importance in English language teaching as it promotes positive outcomes in the classroom both intellectually and emotioally. It also foments a culturally sensitive class environment. As teaching with empathy can enhance teacher effectiveness, this review paper introduces some necceaary empathy related guidelines for novice teachers to apply so that they can develop their effectiveness in teaching. The results are discussed in the light of guidelines for beginner teachers.

Volume 1, Issue 1 (JSLP 2024), 2024

This study aimed to investigate the interrelationships among willingness to read (WTR), personali... more This study aimed to investigate the interrelationships among willingness to read (WTR), personality types, and reading comprehension. To carry out this survey study, a total of 228 BA English major students were randomly selected through convenience sampling. For the measurement of the study variables, the Willingness to Read questionnaire, personality types inventory, as well as the reading section of the Preliminary English Test were employed. To test the hypothesized model, structural equation modeling was used. After confirming the hypothesized model, the researchers concluded that the proposed model had an acceptable fit with the empirical data. Based on the findings, it was concluded that willingness to read is a significant positive predictor of reading comprehension. Additionally, two direct positive and significant paths leading from the constructs of agreeableness and extroversion to learners' willingness to read were observed. Furthermore, the neuroticism construct was found to be a significant negative predictor of willingness to read. Based on the findings, teachers are advised to play an important role in establishing a supportive communicative environment in classes where reading is encouraged. This can be achieved through the implementation of suitable strategies and methods that take into consideration the learners' differences.

International journal of languages and literatures, Feb 3, 2021

Authenticity and authentic materials are advocated for language teaching extensively. This criter... more Authenticity and authentic materials are advocated for language teaching extensively. This criterion is also recommended for English language teaching settings such as EAP where the students are to deal with real-world and authentic language use. The present study aims at evaluating the current status of the EAP textbooks and the materials included in them in Iran by the administration of the authenticity evaluation checklist. Accordingly, seeking to find data both qualitatively and quantitatively, the study was conducted to seek for the lecturers’ views on the authenticity level of the EAP textbooks. Thus, the results of the interview and the evaluation checklist reveal that although authenticity of context, teacher, student, and text is deemed as essential by this group of teachers, the current textbooks for EAP have limited authenticity and in some aspects authenticity is even absent. The interview results revealed that the majority of the EAP teachers believed that the current EAP textbooks need to be reengineered and the texts need revision. Thus, the findings can be used by EAP curriculum designers and materials developers in taking into consideration the authenticity feature as an important factor in designing EAP textbooks in future in Iran and in similar language teaching contexts.

European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, Apr 25, 2019

Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its eff... more Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its effectiveness is still the subject of argument. Moreover, due to the limited time in the conventional language classes, students do not have the chance to practice all vocabulary items which may hinder the learning process. Accordingly, a mixed method only-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted. Also, for the qualitative phase, data were gathered through a focus group interview with the participants chosen through purposive sampling. It was confirmed that there was a significant effect of online practicing on vocabulary learning of the language learners. Furthermore, it was found out that the participants held a positive attitude for practicing target words through Telegram. In addition, the study results showed that using Telegram application does not have a significant effect on the retention of the vocabulary of the learners. From the results of this study, the researcher proposed some pedagogical implications to EFL teachers, practitioners, material developers, policy makers, and other English education stakeholders.

Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Jan 26, 2015

Needs analysis, sometimes called Needs Assessment, has been one of the major motives for the emer... more Needs analysis, sometimes called Needs Assessment, has been one of the major motives for the emergence of ESP as the umbrella term and thus EAP as a subdivision. Apparently, in such courses, a "onesize-fit-all" approach is discredited and each setting has to be matched with its own context and its own participants' needs. Moreover, several authors have emphasized the vital position that Needs Analysis holds in syllabus design and curriculum development, particularly for EAP. Thus, the present survey aims at adding to the body of knowledge that exists about the Iranian context of EAP and specifically for the students majoring in Computer Engineering as well as Information Technology. Moreover, it aims at investigating the probable mismatch (es) that exist/s between what has been highlighted in literature about the currently most prominent skill included in EAP textbooks in Iran and what the students perceive as their real needs. As the findings of the study suggest, the students preferred to learn productive skills of writing and speaking rather than the reading and listening skills. Similarly, the interview results provided more in-depth information about the sub-kills perceived as necessary by the interviewees.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Jun 1, 2015

Forum for Linguistic Studies

Many educational institutions turned to the employment of online platforms during the Corona cris... more Many educational institutions turned to the employment of online platforms during the Corona crisis. However, there were concerns for the students’ solitary plans of learning as in many parts of the world students did not have the experience of such online courses. This study compared the effect of a solitary pre-task intervention with a teacher-led pre-task planning on the Iranian EFL learners’ writing performance during COVID-19. Besides, it investigated the patterns of improve-ment in writing through an 8-session treatment conducted through Skype. Having employed a qua-si-experimental design through repeated measures, the researcher sought voluntary participation of 40 Iranian EFL university students who were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. The intervention included the instruction of seven types of paragraphs, which led to a writ-ten task as their writing performance. The repeated measures ANOVA and t-test results confirmed that both teacher-led pre-tas...

Neuroscience research notes, Nov 25, 2022

Indonesian Journal of EFL and Linguistics

There has been rapid advancement in the use of technology through which an extensive array of mob... more There has been rapid advancement in the use of technology through which an extensive array of mobile technologies have been introduced to educational contexts. In the same vein, mobile assisted language learning provides new possibilities for improving language learning conditions. The current study was an attempt to find out the effect of Memrise Mobile Application on Iranian upper-Intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary achievement and their autonomy. To find the effects, a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted. Fifty participants were selected from a cluster of 110 students. The Quick placement test as a test of homogeneity was administered to select the upper intermediate learners. Accordingly, 25 participants for each of the experimental and control groups were selected. Memrise Mobile Application was employed during the treatment period for teaching the 504 Absolutely Essential Words book to the experimental group while the control group was instructed the t...

Romanian Journal of English Studies

The teachers’ fundamental role in the success of the students is inevitable. Thus, knowing the va... more The teachers’ fundamental role in the success of the students is inevitable. Thus, knowing the various traits and personality characteristics of effective teachers can be used as guidelines to foster inexperienced teachers’ teaching quality. Among the required teaching qualities, empathy and classroom environment set up are two vital concepts emphasized by researchers. Accordingly, through relying on mega planning, the present study was conducted to find the patterns of empathy and classroom environment utilized by effective teachers. The participants were 50 teachers and 300 language learners. Three instruments were employed, namely teacher effectiveness questionnaire, classroom environment questionnaire, and teacher empathy questionnaire. The results showed that the contributions of each sub-construct in teacher effectiveness in order of their priority are as follows: empathic concern, perspective taking, fantasy, and personal distress. Results from calculating frequency and perce...

European Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, Apr 25, 2019

International Journal of Research, Jun 29, 2021

Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its eff... more Using smartphones for learning a language has long been recommended by scholars. However, its effectiveness is still the subject of argument. Moreover, due to the limited time in the conventional language classes, students do not have the chance to practice all vocabulary items which may hinder the learning process. Accordingly, a mixed method only-post-test quasi-experimental study was conducted. Also, for the qualitative phase, data were gathered through a focus group interview with the participants chosen through purposive sampling. It was confirmed that there was a significant effect of online practicing on vocabulary learning of the language learners. Furthermore, it was found out that the participants held a positive attitude for practicing target words through Telegram. In addition, the study results showed that using Telegram application does not have a significant effect on the retention of the vocabulary of the learners. From the results of this study, the researcher propo...

International Journal of Research, 2020

Teachers play a fundamental role in educational settings as well as in every academic context. Th... more Teachers play a fundamental role in educational settings as well as in every academic context. Thus, educational systems have to rely on evaluating the teachers for various traits, features, and personality characteristics. Among the different qualities, teacher interaction and empathy are two of the vital concepts well-accepted by language teaching scholars. However, novice teachers may need guidance. It is advisable to rely on the experiences and traits of effective teachers when administrators and policy makers aim to hold teacher training courses or in-service training sessions. Accordingly, through relying on mega planning theory and employing a mixed method, the researcher concluded the patterns of empathy and interaction among effective English language teachers to provide feedback to English program administers and teachers mainly. The findings of the qualitative phase of the study also shed light on what skills effective teachers had and what beliefs they held concerning em...

This study was carried out in response to the question of Iranian EAP students‘ lack of motivatio... more This study was carried out in response to the question of Iranian EAP students‘ lack of motivation and low achievement for the reading skill. Among different methods proposed in the literature to enhance motivation or to promote achievement, the researcher examined the effect of authenticating the teaching/learning context to investigate its effect. As the limitations of the study did not allow the establishment of a real authentic context, the treatment of the experimental group was formed by providing a simulation of an authentic context through the integration of authentic texts and authentic tasks. Having learned about the different drawbacks inherent in different methods of research, the researcher adapted a mixed-methods approach for collecting the data. The quantitative section encompassed the administration of the questionnaires and the reading test. The main qualitative method was the focus group interview and the supplementary qualitative method was diary writing. Due to t...

Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 2021

eachers have a focal role in every society and there is a bold emphasis on the need for successfu... more eachers have a focal role in every society and there is a bold emphasis on the need for successful teachers. In order to be a successful teacher one has to perform her/his knowledge well to have a good impact on students' learning. In addition, in order to enhance students' learning in class a teacher needs to communicate and interact well with them to create a good atmosphere for learning. Thus, two factors of performance and interaction can be leading factors in language teaching success. To find the Patterns of Teaching Performance and Teacher Interaction, the researchers sought participation of 50 English language teachers and their 200 English language learners in 20 English institutions. The instruments included successful teachers questionnaire, teaching performance questionnaire and teacher interaction questionnaire. After distinguishing the successful teachers, through running the descriptive statistics, it was found out that among the three sub-constructs of teaching performance, development and planning had the highest mean scores. Also, among the eight sub-constructs of teacher interaction, uncertain, leadership, and helpful and friendly behavior had the highest mean scores. Curriculum developers, policy makers and teacher trainers can include the instruction of such constructs in courses for novice teachers to help them on the way of success.

Journal of Research in Curriculum Instruction and Educational Technology, 2021

very EFL classroom can possibly become entrenched in the dynamics of the teachers, vulnerable stu... more very EFL classroom can possibly become entrenched in the dynamics of the teachers, vulnerable students, and classroom climate. Qualities such as empathy can be forgotten by teachers as stereotypes, prejudices, and preconceptions emerge. Therefore, the development of empathetic strategies and positive attitudes towards language learning among students can be improved by teachers with empathic abilities in the classroom, where the classroom climate plays an important role. Enhancing the strategies related to empathy development among novice teachers may help to create better conditions for care and higher academic expectations. In addition, empathy is a necessary skill for teachers to effectively manage their classrooms. Research supports empathy's importance in English language teaching as it promotes positive outcomes in the classroom both intellectually and emotioally. It also foments a culturally sensitive class environment. As teaching with empathy can enhance teacher effectiveness, this review paper introduces some necceaary empathy related guidelines for novice teachers to apply so that they can develop their effectiveness in teaching. The results are discussed in the light of guidelines for beginner teachers.