Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • ItemOpen Access
    EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PEER TUTORING PROGRAM FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT
    (SDU Bulletin: Pedagogy and Teaching Methods, 2025) Alfira Makhmutova; Leslie Haas
    This study investigates the impact of a peer tutoring initiative at a university in Uzbekistan designed to help students struggling with English proficiency in an English-Medium Instruction (EMI) environment. Although the institution requires a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 for admission, faculty observed that many students still encountered difficulties, especially in speaking and writing. To address these challenges, a pilot peer tutoring program was introduced, offering structured language support through volunteer student tutors. The research employed a mixed methods design, utilising pre- and post-program surveys, tutor session reports, and faculty feedback. Results demonstrated marked improvements in students’ confidence and English skills, with speaking emerging as the central area of concern for 75% of participants. After the program, 83.3% of students reported greater confidence in using English, and tutors observed high participation rates, with 76.9% of tutees actively engaged in sessions. Despite this, tutor recruitment and retention, inconsistent attendance, and gaps in institutional support posed challenges to program sustainability. The findings attest to the effectiveness of peer tutoring as a means of supporting languages in EMI environments but emphasise the importance of formal tutor training, designated tutorial spaces, and incentives in an attempt to enhance long-term outcomes. More research is recommended to measure the effect of the program on grades as well as long-term language acquisitio
  • ItemOpen Access
    SHAPING FUTURE SCIENTISTS: THE ROLE OF IZHO IN INFLUENCING STEM INTERESTS AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
    (SDU Bulletin: Pedagogy and Teaching Methods, 2025) Akniyet Issain; Nazarali Aitjanov; Halit Yilmaz; Azatzhan Baitekov; Samat Maxutov
    This study examines the impact of participation in the International Zhautykov Olympiad (IZhO) on high school students' perceptions of 21st-century skill development and STEM career aspirations. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates gender differences, variations across STEM specializations, age-related trends, school-type influences, and the effect of repeated participation. The findings revealed significant gender differences, with female students reporting greater improvements in Presentation, Scientific Thinking, and Collaboration skills compared to males. No significant differences were observed across STEM specializations, suggesting that IZhO contributes similarly to skill development across Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics students. Age analysis indicated that younger students (13–14 years old) perceived greater skill enhancement than older groups, particularly in General Skills, Presentation, and Problem Solving. Vocational school students reported the highest perceived benefits in Technology skills compared to public and private school counterparts. Additionally, a moderate frequency of Olympiad participation (10–20 times) was associated with the greatest improvement in Critical Thinking skills.These findings highlight the potential of Olympiad participation to foster essential skills and inspire STEM career aspirations. They also suggest the need for tailored interventions to address age- and gender-specific needs, maximize benefits for all school types, and explore strategies to sustain students' engagement over repeated participation. The study underscores the value of STEM competitions in preparing students for future academic and career success.
  • ItemOpen Access
    STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME FLA: TEACHERS' VIEWS
    (SDU Bulletin: Pedagogy and Teaching Methods, 2025) Zhuldyz Khassen; Saule Tulepova; Dameli Alimbayeva
    This study aims to identify efficient strategies to overcome and reduce foreign language anxiety (FLA) among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. 9 EFL teachers from the university shared their views toward FLA and reported their strategies to reduce FLA. Using a qualitative method, semi-structured interviews were conducted. The findings showed that several effective strategies may help to overcome FLA among students. The strategies have included creating a supportive atmosphere and classroom environment, using engaging teaching methods, and helping students build confidence. This study contributes to the existing findings of FLA while comparing the teachers’ effective strategies.