Indonesian EFL Journal

LEARNER INITIATIVE AND ORAL PROFICIENCY: INVESTIGATING THE LINK IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION

Suryanto Suryanto, Muhammad Fakhri, Turki Alsolami, Bolormaa Shinjee — Fri, 30 May 2025 06:39:48 +0700

In the context of 21st-century globalization and technological progress, English has become a crucial worldwide lingua franca, especially in non-native English-speaking nations such as Indonesia. Although English has been included into the Indonesian education system at all levels, numerous students encounter difficulties in attaining oral fluency despite extensive formal training. This study examines the correlation between learner initiative and students' oral competency in English, specifically targeting learners in the English Language Education Department of a private institution in Yogyakarta. Utilizing a quantitative correlational study methodology, data were gathered from 97 students through a validated questionnaire to evaluate learner initiative and academic records to assess speaking competence. Descriptive analysis revealed a high level of learner initiative (M = 45.20) and good speaking ability (M = 3.35). Spearman’s rho correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant albeit modest positive association (rs = 0.367, p = 0.001) between learner initiative and speaking proficiency. These findings suggest that while initiative is meaningful in oral language development, it is not the sole determinant of speaking proficiency. The study highlights the need for instructional strategies that foster learner autonomy and address other influencing factors such as anxiety, interaction opportunities, and feedback. The findings supplement the expanding literature highlighting the significance of internal learner traits, especially initiative, as crucial determinants of success in EFL speaking performance

FUNCTIONAL GRAMMAR STUDY: ANALYZING THE BATAK PROVERB "DALIHAN NATOLU" FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SYSTEMIC FUNCTIONAL GRAMMAR

Fri, 30 May 2025 07:05:42 +0700

Proverbs that represent their values and perspective are part of the rich cultural legacy of the Batak people of North Sumatra, Indonesia. "Dalihan Natolu" (translates as "The Three Hearth Stones") is one such proverb. This proverb is an important part of Batak social structure and values, which makes it a valuable topic for linguistic study. The "Dalihan Natolu" proverb is examined in this study using the Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) theoretical paradigm. SFG is a linguistic approach that examines the ways in which language is employed to create meaning and depict the outside world. We can learn more about the grammatical and semantic elements of the "Dalihan Natolu" proverb that contribute to its cultural importance by using SFG to analyze it. The ideational, interpersonal, and textual meta functions of SFG are the three main areas of analysis. The proverb's representation of experiences and construction of reality are examined by the ideational meta function. The interpersonal meta function looks at how the proverb conveys the speaker's position and enacts social interactions. The textual meta function looks at the proverb's method of arranging ideas to create a logical and cohesive message. The study's goal is to identify the language structures and patterns that underlie the cultural significance and symbolic force of the "Dalihan Natolu" adage through this in-depth investigation. Understanding the proverb from the standpoint of Systemic Functional Grammar helps us to better grasp the richness and complexity of Batak cultural expression as well as its applicability in the contemporary era. The results of this work advance the field of linguistic analysis of cultural artefacts and the academic understanding of Batak language and culture. In light of the swift advancements in social and technological spheres, the knowledge acquired can also contribute to the preservation and promotion of Batak cultural heritage.

BRIDGING ENGLISH INSTRUCTION AND CRITICAL THINKING: A NEEDS ANALYSIS AT TWO ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN INDONESIA

Sandi Pradana, Ifan Awanda — Fri, 30 May 2025 07:06:46 +0700

This study specifically examines the English teaching material needs of lecturers at STIT Tanggamus and STIT Pringsewu to enhance students’ critical thinking skills. Recognizing that critical thinking is an essential competence in higher education, particularly in English language learning, this research adopts a mixed-methods design to explore the types of materials currently in use, lecturers’ perceptions of students’ critical thinking abilities, and the gaps between existing resources and instructional needs. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis for data collection. The findings highlight a prevalent reliance on authentic materials, underscoring the need for explicit critical thinking frameworks and contextual relevance within the Islamic educational environment. Lecturers expressed concerns regarding students’ limited critical thinking capacity, citing language barriers, insufficient scaffolding, and lack of pedagogical support. It is crucial to redesign English teaching materials systematically to integrate higher-order thinking tasks, align with students' cultural and religious backgrounds, and provide clear instructional guidance. The findings highlight the essential requirements for both material development and professional training to enhance the cultivation of critical thinking in English language education within Indonesian Islamic higher education institutions.

THE PERCEPTION OF 10TH GRADE STUDENTS ON CHATBOT AI TO ENHANCE VOCABULARY ENRICHMENT IN WRITING POCEDURE TEXT

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the challenges of mastering technical vocabulary in writing English procedure texts in grade X high school students in Indonesia, which is caused by traditional teacher-centered teaching methods and the lack of adaptation of interactive technology. As a solution, the study proposes the integration of AI chatbots (such as ChatGPT) to provide personalized learning, instant feedback, and contextual examples. The study used a descriptive quantitative approach with a survey technique through a validated 5-point Likert scale questionnaire (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.893). Participants consisted of 57 high school students in Bandung, with data analysis using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 78.9% of students used ChatGPT to generate procedure texts, and the chatbot was rated as easy to use (mean 3.33–3.58). However, 31.6% of students stated that vocabulary was irrelevant to the curriculum, and 43.9% were not motivated to write procedure texts. The conclusion of the study confirms that AI chatbots are effective as micro-aids, but they require curriculum-based content integration, interface improvements, and collaboration with teachers to improve holistic effectiveness.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN STUDENTS’ PERSONALITY TYPES (EXTROVERT AND INTROVERT) AND READING COMPREHENSION: A STUDY IN SMPN 2 LIRIK

Riza Astriani, Yuli Tiarina — Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Reading is one of the important basic skills in English. Personality types also have a relationship with students' reading comprehension. There are many ways of classifying one’s personality. One of these is categorizing them into extrovert or introverted types. This research was conducted through quantitative non-experimental research. The population of this research was all IX class students at SMPN 2 Lirik. The study used Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire to measure students’ personality types and examined their correlation with reading comprehension. While no significant overall correlation was found, extrovert and introvert characteristics influenced specific comprehension processes differently. Based on the data that has been collected, the level of students' extrovert personality, the results showed that the overall average score is 38.38. This places most students in the medium extrovert personality category. Meanwhile, regarding the level of students' introverted personality, the results showed that most students were in the medium category, with an average overall score of 42.17 from a total of 65 respondents. Both extroverts and introverts have a significant role in their reading comprehension abilities. Although overall there was no significant correlation between personality type (X) and reading comprehension based on the t-count value of 0.227 which is lower than the t-table of 1.998 and a significance value of 0.821 (greater than α = 0.05), the findings from the analysis of each indicator indicate that extrovert and introvert personality characteristics have different influences on the process of understanding texts.

Keywords: Students’ personality types (extrovert and introvert), reading comprehension

DIGITAL LITERACY ATTITUDES AMONG EFL PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEARNING MEDIA

Dila Charisma, Rudi Hartono, Sri Wahyuni — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:22:03 +0700

This study investigates the digital literacy attitudes of seventh-semester EFL pre-service teachers at one Muhammadiyah University in West Java, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and needs in utilizing digital tools for instructional purposes. While digital literacy is increasingly recognized as a crucial skill in modern education, many pre-service teachers face significant obstacles, including limited technical proficiency, difficulty in accessing credible online resources, and a lack of understanding of ethical considerations in digital content creation. Employing a qualitative approach through open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, this research explores participants’ perspectives on using digital tools such as Canva and Wordwall in developing learning media. The findings reveal that although pre-service teachers are enthusiastic about incorporating technology into their teaching practices, technical difficulties and ethical concerns often hinder their efforts. Participants emphasized the need for more practical training, hands-on workshops, and ethical guidelines to enhance their digital literacy competencies. The study highlights the importance of integrating structured digital literacy training into teacher education programs, ensuring that future educators are well-equipped to design engaging and pedagogically sound instructional media. Addressing these challenges will ultimately contribute to improving the quality of EFL teaching and fostering a more technology-integrated learning environment.

FOSTERING BETTER READING COMPREHENSION IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: EXPLORING PRE-READING ACTIVITIES AND INTEREST LEVELS

Nindi Oktriyani, Ratmanida — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:28:40 +0700

This study aims to determine the effect of using pre-reading activities and reading interest on students reading comprehension. The study categorized as an experimental research. The population of the research was eighth grade students in the academic years 2024/2025. In this study, the experimental class was taught using pre-reading activities, while the control class was taught using another pre-reading activities. Before being given treatment, both classes were given pre-test to find out the extent of students’ comprehension of the text. After being given treatment, students are given post-test. Meanwhile, the questionnaire was only given at the beginning of the meeting. The instruments in this study are reading comprehension tests and reading interest questionnaires. For each instruments totaled 30 items. The data collection was done by giving reading interest questionnaire and a reading comprehension test (pre and post test) after six meetings of treatments. The data analysis was done by applying a T-test and a two-way ANOVA to test the hypothesis. Furthermore, in the experimental class there were 29 students who had a high interest in reading and 1 student who had a low interest in reading. Meanwhile, in the control class, there were 26 students who had a high interest in reading and 4 students who had a low interest in reading. It can be concluded that H₀ was rejected and H_a was accepted, which shows that there is a significant difference between the experimental class taught using pre-reading activities and the control class taught without using pre-reading activities on reading comprehension. Therefore, it can be concluded that pre-reading activities are one of the effective strategies to improve students' reading comprehension and reading interest.

Keywords: Pre-Reading Activities;Readimg Comprehension; Reading Interest.

ANDALIMAN: HARMONIZATION OF SPICES WITH BATAK CULTURE

Puji Hariati, Purwarno Purwarno — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:36:24 +0700

This research aims to describe the relationship among ecolinguistics, andaliman, and Batak Culture. It explains how andaliman as Batak’s spices can hold ecolinguistics and Batak Culture. This study employs a qualitative research approach where the data is taken from observation, interviews, and documentation. The finding indicates that in Batak culture, andaliman is not just a culinary ingredient but also an important part of traditional rituals and festivities. The spice is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of the Batak people such as: Social Interaction, Batak’s Connection to Nature, Respect for Natural Resources, Spiritual Beliefs, Modern Batak Culture, Preserving Tradition in a Modern World, Andaliman in Tourism, and Cultural Connector. It means that andaliman and and Batak culture is not only ecological but also linguistic and symbolic. Andaliman holds cultural significance to be tied to local stories, practices, and beliefs about the plant's power. The symbolic value of andaliman in these contexts goes beyond its flavor and is woven into the cultural fabric of Batak life. Language functions as a vehicle for passing down traditional ecological knowledge, ensuring the continued use and conservation of plants like andaliman. plays a significant role in shaping attitudes toward the sustainable harvesting of plants like andaliman. The way elders talk about andaliman could serve as a cultural guide to ensuring that its use is sustainable and harmonious with nature.

METAPHOR SYMBOLS IN MA’PANDAN RITUAL: A SEMIOTIC STUDY OF ROLAND BARTHES

Zakaria Zakaria — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 08:38:16 +0700

Abstract: The ma'pandan ritual is a traditional funeral ceremony in Sumarorong district, Mamasa regency. This ritual is one of the religious rituals of the adherents of the aluktodo belief. The communication system heavily utilizes metaphorical symbols and contains myths. These metaphorical symbols are believed to hold sacred value by their adherents and are strictly prohibited from being violated. In the process, these symbols play a crucial role in establishing the order of ritual actions. This study aims to analyze and explain the system of linguistic signs and the construction of myths in metaphorical symbols derived from the ideology of the aluktodolo belief. This research is qualitative, using Barthes' semiotic approach and participatory data collection techniques. The results of the study found that the procedure for analyzing the sign system to uncover the myths behind these metaphorical symbols goes through three stages of constructing the attributes of the sign system, namely, the attributes of signifier and signified at the denotative level, the connotative level and on the mythological level. In addition, the ideological myths constructed in these metaphorical symbols are derived from the beliefs of aluktodolo and the obedience of aluktodolo adherents to the existence of puang matua as the creator of the universe and life, the existence of deata as the protector of the cosmos and life, and humans themselves as the inhabitants of the cosmos. Conclusion: Barthes' semiotic theory can analyze and explain the meanings of the myth of the metaphorical symbols used in the ma'pandan ritual.

Keywords: ma'pandan; semiotics; symbol; myth; ideological myth.

I KNOW AND I LEARN! PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS REFLECT ON KWL IN TAIWAN

Muhammad Yunus, Muhammad Galuh Elga Romadhon — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:16:43 +0700

Effective reading strategies for pre-service teachers are of critical importance in this day and age, amidst the changes taking place in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. This study highlights the KWL (Know, Want to Know, Learned) strategy as a powerful approach to boost comprehension skills of prospective teachers. This qualitative case study conducted at National Ping Tung University (NPTU) in Taiwan draws from semi-structured interview data with master’s students who encountered KWL in their reading courses. Thematic analysis was employed not only to evaluate the effectiveness of KWL in the case but also to explore reading instruction in its more general aspects. The study's findings suggest KWL promotes enhanced engagement, reflective thought, and the integration of previous knowledge with new information. Still, participants noted some difficulties—particularly around setting clearly defined learning objectives and synthesizing essential information. Within these constraints, KWL proves to be a useful metacognitive framework in teacher education. The research argued for the application of structured approaches such as KWL to develop sophisticated reading strategies and to stimulate active learning. Subsequent research could explore the use of digital tools to broaden the application of KWL in diverse cultural and linguistic classroom settings.

AN ANALYSIS ON ESP STUDENTS’ ONLINE LEARNING NEEDS: BASIS FOR DEVELOPING A TAILORED ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORM

Fitria Rahmawati, Dewanti Ratna Pertiwi, Sittie Noffaisah B. Pasandalan — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:56:53 +0700

This study aims to analyze the needs of Adisutjipto-Aerospace Institute of Technology (ITDA) Yogyakarta students on online learning as the basis for the creation of an online learning platform. The research focused on and investigated 1) how students perceive the implementation of synchronous and asynchronous online learning in terms of content and structure; and 2) the students' learning needs regarding learning mode and activity, teacher aspect, and technical aspect of the online learning implementation. A survey design and a questionnaire were employed for a total of 146 students from one Mechanical Engineering class and three Aerospace Engineering classes who were all enrolled in an English course. The number of samples taken from the entire population was 119, with a confidence level of 5% and randomly selected. It was found that the three most important aspects in online learning are that of teachers with a mean value of 3.266 (very high), followed by learning content and structure (mean value of 3.153) and technical (mean value of 3.127) which are high. The research revealed in an online learning platform, teachers have a crucial role in the learning process of the students and in having a holistic online learning implementation. The results became the basis for further developing the content and structure of ITDA’s online learning platform, ELENA.

A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS FOR TENTH-GRADE STUDENTS ‘BAHASA INGGRIS: WORK IN PROGRESS’ AND ‘ENGLISH IN MIND BOOK 3’

Homanfil Atori Nurislami Wilman, Desvalini Anwar — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:13:38 +0700

This study evaluates English textbooks used in Indonesian high schools to determine their alignment with curriculum standards and their effectiveness in supporting language acquisition. Using document analysis, textbooks were assessed based on key criteria, including aims and approaches, design and organization, language content, skills development, topics and cultural representation, and practical considerations. A Likert-scale rating (1–4) was applied to quantify evaluation results. The findings highlight strengths and weaknesses in locally produced textbooks compared to internationally published materials, emphasizing the need for improvements in cultural inclusivity, skills integration, and real-life applicability. The results provide valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers in selecting and enhancing English learning resources. Additionally, the study serves as a reference for future research on textbook evaluation, particularly in adapting global materials to local educational contexts. By identifying gaps and providing recommendations, this research contributes to the continuous development of high-quality textbooks that align with national and international standards, ultimately improving English language education in Indonesia.

EVALUATING LANGUAGE FEATURES IN AN ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS FOR GRADE 11: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS BASED ON TEACHER AND EXPERT CRITERIA

Feby Rahmi, Muhammad Zaim — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:24:10 +0700

This study is aimed to evaluate the English textbook, especially a textbook for grade 11 high school students. The source of data in this study is an English textbook that was used by Grade 11 high school students from the Ministry of Education and Culture of Indonesia. This study belongs to quantitative description approach to look at the phenomena to describe the existing condition in the field. The instrument of this research is an evaluation checklist. The evaluation checklist was filled out by two English teachers and the researcher itself. As a result of the study, textbook evaluation related to learning English is identified and classified based on the classification of language aspects which are evaluated based on developed criteria of textbook evaluation from some experts, like Celce-Murcia & Marianne (2001), Cunningsworth (1995), Littlejohn (2011), Mukundan (2011), Nation and Macalister (2010) and Ur (1996). Those results indicate that, the evaluation of an English textbook based on the language aspect for grade XI high school students. The quality of the English textbook based on the language aspect for grade XI high school students got an average score of 89,78%. It was classified as the category of Very Good. This demonstrates how well the textbook met the syllabus in terms of language quality, which can be seen from language appropriateness, where a match between language and student development, communicativeness, the coherence and unity of ideas, are integrated with four skills, and other language aspects, so the learning materials in this book are suitable with language aspect.

METANCOGNITIVE LISTENING STRATEGIES AND MALL: EFFECTS OF LEARNING STYLES AND SELF-EFFICACY

Syahadah Albaqiyatul Karimah, Ninuk Lustyantie , Uwes Anis Chaeruman — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:19:18 +0700

This study investigates the impact of metacognitive listening strategies on English listening performance among students at SMK Walisongo Jakarta, particularly in using Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL). Using a purposive sampling method, 68 respondents were selected to participate in this research. The study examines the mediating effects of learning styles and self-efficacy to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between these factors and listening performance. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, and validated questionnaires measuring metacognitive strategy use, learning styles, and self-efficacy levels. The analysis results indicate that learning styles have a significant direct impact on listening performance, suggesting that individual differences in learning styles directly influence their listening abilities. This effect is especially important in the usage of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL), where students’ learning preferences can affect how effectively they engage with learning materials presented through mobile devices. However, despite this significant direct relationship, the analysis also shows that the indirect effect of learning styles on listening performance through self-efficacy is not statistically significant. This suggests that, although self-efficacy is often considered a mediating factor in the learning process, in this study, it does not play a significant role in influencing the relationship between learning styles and listening performance. The findings offer valuable insights for language educators, emphasizing the importance of tailoring metacognitive strategy instruction to align with learners’ characteristics in technology-enhanced learning environments