Utamax : Journal of Ultimate Research and Trends in Education

Gamification in EFL Classroom: Results of Implementation and Teachers’ Point of View

I Gede Yoga Permana, Ni Wayan Monik Rismadewi, Nyoman Canestra Adi Putra — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The present study aimed to investigate the implementation of gamification on students' English proficiency and to assess teachers' reactions to its integration into the EFL classroom. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing a pretest-posttest experimental design complemented by semi-structured interviews. The study involved forty-three elementary students and two English teachers in one private school in Singaraja, Bali. In collecting the data, this study used multiple choice test, performance-based test and interview guide. The study was also incorporating rubric for assessing students speaking and writing skills. The results of the study found that the posttest score of overall English (M= 73.70, Std=7.812) was higher than the pretest score (M= 70.53, Std=8.174). The results of paired t test also confirmed that there was significant difference of mean score between pretest and posttest (Sig<.05). During the interview, the teachers mentioned that the students were engaged, active and motivated during learning process. The study concluded that gamification significantly influenced students' English skills, eliciting a positive response from teachers towards its implementation in the classroom. These findings contribute significantly to the broader discourse on innovative teaching methodologies and their favorable effects on student engagement and learning outcomes.

Empowerment at the Crossroads: Women's Educational Challenges in Karachi's Higher Education

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the challenges faced by female students pursuing higher education in Karachi, Pakistan. It explores the barriers and difficulties that women experience in accessing and completing their higher education, as well as the factors that hinder women's education in society. The study utilized a descriptive; quantitative survey approach was used, questionnaire with multiple choices. Which was administered to 300 randomly selected female respondents from various departments of the University of Karachi and Federal Urdu University. The study also proposes guidelines to address these challenges and minimize their impact. The research findings reveal the perceptions and experiences of female students in higher education, emphasizing the need for gender equality, inclusive support systems, and diverse representation in academic leadership positions. The study's outcomes can enlighten policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders in enhancing female empowerment and educational opportunities in Karachi The findings of the study reveal the perceptions and experiences of female students in higher education, highlighting the need for gender equality, inclusive support systems, and diverse representation in leadership positions.

Powering Up Learning: How Interactive PowerPoint Transforms Student Engagement and Outcomes in Biology

Dea Andini, Hasmi Syahputra Harahap, Rusdi Machrizal — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Innovative learning media, designed to meet students' needs, can boost motivation and improve learning outcomes. One such medium is interactive PowerPoint. This study aims to explore how developing interactive PowerPoint presentations affects students' motivation and their understanding of virus-related biology material. We adopted an experimental approach, comparing the effects on a control group and an experimental group chosen through random sampling. We assessed motivation through questionnaires and learning outcomes with multiple-choice tests, analyzing the data with covariance analysis (ANCOVA) at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS 21.0. Our findings reveal that interactive PowerPoint significantly enhances both student motivation and learning achievements. Specifically, students learning with interactive PowerPoint (average score of 44.19 ± 13.175) performed significantly better than those in the control group (average score of 34.49 ± 12.433). Furthermore, motivation levels in class X3 (83.38 ± 6.605) were notably higher than in class X4 (82.58 ± 8.866). These results underline the impactful role of interactive PowerPoint in biology education, particularly for virus topics, suggesting it's a valuable addition to the curriculum. This finding offers fresh insight into the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of PowerPoint as an educational tool in biology, demonstrating its substantial benefits in presenting biological concepts in modern teaching strategies.

Turning a New Page: Using Pop-up Books to Motivate Students with Learning Disabilities

Yakub Ta'ba', Supriyati Fatma Rabia, Ahmad Yulianto — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Admidst the struggle of reaching a good quality of teacher competence in special education schools (Sekolah Luar Biasa/SLB), the teaching staff still must face students with learning disabilities who exihibit low levels of motivation to learn. While such description is not true for every institution, preliminary study in SLB Negeri Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua Province, proved this to be a long-term case. This study aims to solve the situation through the practice of introducing pop-up books, which are visual learning tools that are new for the selected school. A secondary aim is to thoroughly describe the factors behind the low motivation to learn for the students. The design is qualitative descriptive research, using data from observations and interviews collected from September to November 2023 (three months). With informed consent, the participants included in this study are three students, three parents, and one teacher of Phase A of the SLB Negeri Sorong Regency. The results of the new teaching media and method show an unanimously enthusiastic response from the students, turning the students’ learning atmosphere in the classroom in a more positive way. The interview further revealed factors that have caused and reinforced the low learning motivation among the students, namely: (1) the repetitive and difficult-to-follow teaching instructions and, (2) discrimination against children with learning disabilities. While the former can be effectively solved with the use of pop-up books which characteristics are not only engaging but also easy-to-follow for the students, the latter remains to be the most glaring problem. This study is significant in revealing and improving the teaching quality of special needs children in one of the few special education schools that exists in Papua.

The Language of Learning: Exploring How Family and Instructional Communication Drive English Education Context

Yetty Faridatul Ulfah, Faruq Alhasbi, Farchan Bachtiar — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:58:15 +0000

Existing studies insufficiently addresses the combined impact of family and instructional communication on English learning motivation among eleventh graders. This study aims to cover this overlooked area by looking into how these types of communication, along with what students intend to learn, impact their motivation to learn English. The study involved 130 participants who were eleventh-grade students at SMA AL Islam 1 Surakarta. Purposive sampling was utilized, with the use of the Slovin formula. The data were analysed by applying the Smart-PLS application to conduct variance-based structural equation modelling (SEM). The research findings indicate that family communication impacts students' interest in learning, shown by the p-value at a level below 0.05, and the t-statistic (4.527) with a coefficient of 0.284. However, family communication does not appear to have an effect on their English learning motivation shown by the failure to meet the p-value requirements of more than 0.05, and the t-statistics (0.676) is not greater than the t-table with a coefficient of only 0.042. These data showed family communication boosts learning interest but not directly English learning motivation. Teacher instruction increases interest without directly affecting motivation. Learning intention acts as a vital mediator, linking communication efforts to motivation enhancement. The study highlights the intricate roles family and teacher communications play in motivating English learning, primarily through the mediating effect of learning intentions. It suggests the need for holistic approaches to study and improve educational strategies for motivation.

Indonesian Pre-Service Teachers’ View on Developing Crtitical Thinking in English Languange Teaching

Nurul Apwani Harahap, Rahmah Fithriani — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In modern times like today, nurturing critical thinking skills is essential, particularly among pre-service teachers, to enrich the educational process. This study focuses on the development of critical thinking skills in pre-service English language teachers, acknowledging the global significance of English. Employing a qualitative approach, this research involved 10 English major students from North Sumatra with both formal and informal teaching experience. As a phenomenological study, it explored pre-service teachers' comprehension of critical thinking, the instructional methods employed, and the challenges faced in integrating critical thinking into English language teaching. Thematic analysis was utilized to examine their understanding and application of critical thinking in the classroom. Data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires via Google Forms, and observation through photographs and videos during English lessons. Findings indicate that pre-service teachers possess a solid understanding of critical thinking and can apply effective teaching methods in schools. These methods range from contextual learning, encompassing lectures, discussions, and independent literacy, to student-centered approaches like projects and debates. However, challenges such as low student interest in English and insufficient facilities hinder the application of critical thinking. The study underscores the need for governmental support in training pre-service teachers to enhance their teaching effectiveness.

Understanding Classroom Activities in Speaking Courses in College: A Case Study in the Post-Pandemic Era

Nadiya Kaltsum Ulayya, Hesti Wahyuni Anggraini — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Classroom activities are crucial in speaking courses as they significantly influence students' speaking abilities. It is imperative for lecturers to employ appropriate activities tailored to student needs. This study aims to investigate the classroom activities utilized by a lecturer in a "Speaking for Informal Interaction" class for first-semester students at the English Education Study Program of Sriwijaya University. This qualitative case study investigated the classroom activities employed by a lecturer in the "Speaking for Informal Interaction" class for first-semester students at the English Education Study Program of Sriwijaya University. Purposive sampling was utilized to select a sample comprising one lecturer and six students out of a total of thirty-three. Data collection methods included document analysis, observation, and interviews, followed by a three-step qualitative data analysis process: data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The investigation revealed a variety of classroom activities structured into three stages, including 10 activities during the "whilst activities" phase: prepared talk, discussion, role-play, storytelling, brainstorming, interviews, describing pictures, reporting, communication games, and question and answer sessions. These activities were found to significantly enhance student engagement and comprehension in the speaking class. These results underscore the importance of varied and interactive classroom activities in language education, potentially informing curriculum design and teaching strategies not only in English education but also in language learning contexts worldwide. By embracing diverse pedagogical techniques, educators can better cater to students' learning needs, ultimately contributing to more effective and engaging language education globally.