https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36017 2026-04-11T00:35:24Z 2026-04-11T00:35:24Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36145 2020-05-22T12:37:37Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Teaching English in a multicultural classroom in mainstream education : challenges and strategies Abstract: This dissertation looks into the opportunities, challenges and strategies that primary and secondary state school teachers experienced within multicultural education. Previous research in an international and Maltese context has listed a number of challenges that teachers and even learners could face including the language barrier, keeping up with the curriculum, the influence of L1 and parental involvement. Along with strategies which are; translation, visual aids, collaborative learning and adapting resources and curriculum. The research methods used were questionnaires, observations, and semi-structured interviews which were vital to figure the perspectives of the teachers’ benefits and challenges not only for themselves, but also the implications for the migrant and non-migrant learners. The findings demonstrate that primary school teachers face more of a difficulty with regards to other subjects such as religion and Maltese while the secondary school teachers have more problems with class sizes and prejudice issues between their students. All teachers highlighted their need for training to be able to deal with the rise in migrants in their classrooms and hope to find ways to improve the integration of the learners. Further research is needed to gain an understanding of what teachers from other schools experience, along with the perspectives of migrant students in order to achieve a successful learning and teaching experience for all. Description: M.A.TESOL

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36138 2020-05-22T12:35:28Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Digital educational gamification : L2 learners’ motivation and engagement Abstract: The present study examines the effects of digital educational gamification on learner motivation and engagement in the EFL classroom. In order to collect the research data two separate groups were recruited – control and experimental. Each group consisted of eight participants who were characterised as digital natives born after 1980, learners of English at CEFR B1/B2 levels of proficiency. Each group was presented with identical academic content, but with a different method of delivery associated with gamified versus non-gamified conditions. The results of the practical experiments were compared between the two study groups. The analysis of the research findings has shown that although some game-based elements may be beneficial in some contexts, there is no clear evidence to demonstrate that digital educational gamification facilitates learner motivation and engagement consistently. In order to utilise the gamification approach effectively, EFL practitioners ought to consider a number of educational, social, geopolitical, and individual variables which may have an impact on learner motivation. In conclusion, some practical suggestions are made in relation to the use of technology, authentic material, and goal-driven instruction in the EFL classroom. Description: M.A.TESOL

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36119 2021-09-20T09:13:55Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigating managerial qualities of a director of studies in private language schools : a case study in the ELT industry Abstract: The teaching of English as a foreign language conducted in language schools is a major industry in Malta, bringing in millions annually. Despite its contribution to the Maltese economy, and its niche sector within the tourism industry, little is known about the industry, in particular the role of a Director of Studies. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the managerial qualities needed to be a Director of Studies as well as including the perspectives of teachers and Heads of Schools, This study explored the role of a Director of Studies in the ELT industry in Malta from the perspective of Directors of Studies themselves, teachers and Heads of Schools. Research was conducted by using focus groups, interviews and observations with teachers, Directors of Studies and Heads of Schools from six English language schools. The qualitative data was then subject to thematic data analysis. The conclusions overall are that, there is a strong link between previous teaching experience and the Director of Studies role, participants share similar perceptions regarding leadership styles and gender traits, and the most important quality or skill is being a good communicator. There are a number of implications such as; introduction of hands-on experience within management training and the setting up of Director of Studies’ groups. Description: M.A.TESOL

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36042 2020-05-22T12:33:01Z 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A profile of the English spoken by Bulgarian nationals living in Malta : a case study Abstract: One of the most impressive statistics in the industry of English Language Teaching (ELT) is David Crystal's estimate that there were around two billion speakers of English on the planet in 2008 (Crystal, 2008, p. 30). This, coupled with the fact that only about a quarter of these individuals are native speakers, has opened up some fascinating venues for research when it comes to the qualities of English spoken by non-native speakers. Malta is a small country with a large number of foreigners, many of whom learn English while they live, study and work on the island. Based on this frequently seen linguistic situation in Malta, the goals of this study, which comprises of three distinct stages, are threefold: to define the characteristics of the English spoken by the Bulgarian population in Malta, if that is possible; to analyze the attitudes and feelings towards English of Bulgarian nationals; and to investigate whether the English spoken by Bulgarians in Malta could be qualified as being English as a Lingua Franca, or "English used as a common means of communication among speakers from different first-language backgrounds" (VOICE, 2001). Description: M.A.TESOL

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z