Comparative analysis of qualitative and quantitative research papers in second language education

Introduction The aim of this paper is to critically review and compare two research papers in the field of language education that adopted different methodological approaches – quantitative and qualitative. My analysis focuses on their key objectives, the methodology employed to achieve those objectives, the research scope within which the papers are located and the … Continue reading Comparative analysis of qualitative and quantitative research papers in second language education

Exploring possibilities in academia: A discussion paper on professional development

I was invited recently by a group of young Nigerian entrepreneurs to give a talk on professional development, I supposed, aimed at providing a guide for the bright minds in their adventure and search for opportunities after graduation. I’d like to thank Maryam Abdullahi, the convener and founder of the discussion group (Personal Development Fridays) … Continue reading Exploring possibilities in academia: A discussion paper on professional development

Simple and practical ways to develop an introductory paragraph of an essay

Paragraph, if you will, is the macro building block of an essay, which makes success in composition writing comprehensively dependent on good paragraph development. An introductory paragraph, in particular, is so important because besides being the springboard upon which your readers take off, it also contains the theme and structure that set the tone of … Continue reading Simple and practical ways to develop an introductory paragraph of an essay

My take on Taraba state governorship election March 2019

Tarabans are once again faced with difficult choices, not because we would not be allowed to cast our votes comes Saturday 9th March, but because it’s a choice between a failed leadership of Governor Darius Ishaku and, with the return of Sani Abubakar Danladi, a definite reverse to the bad past. None of the two … Continue reading My take on Taraba state governorship election March 2019

A maganar matsalolin da suka shafi aure, yan Arewa muna da sauran tafiya mai nisa

Jiya na iso wurin aiki da safe, sai na iske wani abokin aikina, dan kasar Saudiya, yana gyaggyara Shimag na shi zai shiga aji ya karantar. Shimag shine dan kyallen nan da larabawa ke yafawa a kansu. Cikin raha da zolaya, sai na ce masa, cikin Turanci, ‘getting set?’ ma’ana, ‘yaya ana kimtsawa ne? Budan … Continue reading A maganar matsalolin da suka shafi aure, yan Arewa muna da sauran tafiya mai nisa

Developing and sustaining students’ motivation in a language class

A lot of people around the world have begun to develop interests in learning a second language. This is not unconnected to the fast and innovative development in science and technology as well as in communication, transportation, migration, internet and computer sensitisation. By learning a second – or even third – language, people can not … Continue reading Developing and sustaining students’ motivation in a language class

10 easy steps for writing a college paper

Writing a college paper can be a challenging task, especially given the many academic tasks a student has to accomplish within an often limited time. Following the ten easy steps below will not only help reduce the amount of time students spend in writing a research paper but will also increase the quality of research. … Continue reading 10 easy steps for writing a college paper

Understanding various kinds of essay

An essay is a precise writing on a particular subject, which is composed of paragraphs, usually the introduction, the discussion and the conclusion. (Read my article on how to write a good paragraph here) Different types of essay have different sets of rules which, if not followed, makes the writing dull and pointless.  On the other … Continue reading Understanding various kinds of essay

Developing students’ critical thinking skills in writing at a Saudi Arabian writing centre

Working for more than three years with amazing colleagues to experiment the Writing Center at Yanbu Colleges and Institutes has been both a challenging and rewarding experience. What you are about to read is one of those success stories. We worked for almost a year with the immediate past Director of Yanbu English Language Institute, … Continue reading Developing students’ critical thinking skills in writing at a Saudi Arabian writing centre

What teachers need to know about their students’ learning styles

Learning style varies from student to student. Every student acts differently in acquiring, absorbing and retaining information. Some may understand the verbal instructions while others may need video demonstration as well. In short, every student is different. It is very important for teachers to understand the difference between their students' learning styles so that they … Continue reading What teachers need to know about their students’ learning styles