Archive

Uncovering EFL Learners’ Writing Problems and Effective Approaches to Overcome Them

Siti Lina Nurlina, Salsa Ayu Denistiani, Aldha Williyan

This study aims to investigate the writing difficulties experienced by EFL learners and identify possible solutions to overcome these challenges. Writing skills are considered one of the essential competencies in English learning; however, many students perceive writing assignments as challenging and complex. Although mastery of writing skills is an important indicator of successful learning, many learners still encounter difficulties in developing effective written communication, particularly in academic contexts. Students are required to acquire fundamental writing skills to support their future academic needs, including thesis and research writing. This study focuses on EFL learners from the English Department of IPB Cirebon who are enrolled in academic writing courses. The differences in students’ English proficiency levels create various challenges in the learning process, especially in generating ideas, organizing information, and applying appropriate writing structures. Therefore, understanding students’ writing difficulties is necessary to provide appropriate learning strategies and instructional approaches. This research is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of EFL learners’ writing problems and provide insights for future studies in developing effective methods for teaching academic writing. The findings may also support educators in improving writing instruction and helping learners enhance their writing competence.

The relationship between critical thinking and student learning independence in mathematics learning in Elementary School

Wawa Tilawatila, Dea Adinda, Ridwan Gunawan

Critical thinking skills are an important foundation for individuals in the modern era. This ability is not only needed at a high level, but also from an early age, including in elementary schools. Unfortunately, its application in elementary schools is still minimal. Assessing the critical thinking skills of 4th grade students in the material of perimeter and area of a square, analyzing its relationship with learning independence, and knowing the level of student understanding of the material. Quantitative research with descriptive and correlational design. A sample of 7 4th grade students was selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and questions. Data were analyzed using inferential statistics. Students' critical thinking skills are still low. There is a significant positive relationship between learning independence and critical thinking skills. Students' level of understanding of the perimeter and area of a square still needs to be improved. Critical thinking skills of 4th grade students in the material of the perimeter and area of a square need to be improved. Efforts to improve students' critical thinking skills need to be made by paying attention to the important role of learning independence. In addition, learning the perimeter and area of a square needs to be designed more effectively to improve students' understanding. These findings provide important implications for educators to: (1) Increase the focus on developing students' critical thinking skills in learning; (2) Integrate aspects of learning independence in learning to support the development of students' critical thinking skills; (3) Design more effective and student-centered learning of the perimeter and area of a square. This research is expected to contribute to the development of mathematics learning in elementary schools, especially in improving students' critical thinking skills and learning independence in square perimeter and area material.

Who Am I as a Learner in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?: Exploring University Students' Identity Construction in AI-Mediated Learning

Roy Venketsamy, Naelul Rohmah