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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL Number 10. July 2024 Pp.43-58
Department of Language and Literacy, Faculty of Education,
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Department of Language and Literacy, Faculty of Education,
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This study investigates the impact of the community of inquiry framework on enhancing English as a foreign language proficiency in a blended learning context in Bangladesh. The primary aims are to examine how integrating teaching, social, and cognitive presences improves EFL speaking skills and to identify teachers’ perspectives and recommendations on implementing blended learning and community of inquiry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a qualitative case study approach with ten teachers from a private university after a two-day professional development workshop and a subsequent four-week application of CoI principles in their classes. The findings reveal a positive influence on students’ speaking skills, notably boosting motivation, confidence, and peer collaboration. However, challenges like better teacher training in technology and pedagogy and insufficient institutional support for online resources were identified. Despite these obstacles, the study emphasizes how the community of inquiry can revolutionize Bangladeshi education by promoting the idea that English should be viewed as a communication tool outside of the classroom. The paper concludes with recommendations for effective community of inquiry and blended learning implementation, stressing the importance of comprehensive training and institutional backing.
Tabassum, Z.A.,& Saad, M.R.M. (2024). Community of Inquiry as an Instructional Framework: How Teaching, Social and Cognitive Presences Impact EFL Speaking in a Blended Setting in Bangladesh. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on CALL (10). 43-58.
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Zinat A Tabassum is a PhD Candidate. She is affiliated with the Department of Language and Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her doctoral work is in the field of EFL and teachers’ training. Her academic pursuits encompass a deep interest in linguistic exploration and literacy development. Her scholarly contributions include one article. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1374-4239
Mohd Rashid Bin Mohd Saad is an accomplished scholar in the realm of Language and Literacy. He holds a Senior Lecturer position in the Department of Language and Literacy within the Faculty of Education at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His academic contributions include 24 articles, six books, and 21 education, language, and literacy chapters. (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1050-294X