Michael W. Marek

Wayne State College · Communication Arts

This conceptual, interdisciplinary inquiry explores Complex Dynamic Systems as the concept relates to the internal and external environmental factors affecting computer assisted language learning (CALL). Based on the results obtained by de Rosnay [World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution, 67(4/5), 304–315 (2011)], who observed that the syste...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to determine whether luxury hotel managers and customers have the same understanding of service quality and satisfaction and whether there is a disparity between services offered by luxury hotels and the way customers actually experience them. Design/methodology/approach – This paper used interviews with man...

Instruction in English is a priority around the globe, but instructional methodologies have not always kept pace with the changing needs of students. To explore the benefits of the flipped classroom model for learners of English as a Foreign Language, the researchers used flipped learning and Wen’s Output-driven/Input-enabled model to design a holi...

This study conducted a worldwide survey to explore the experiences of higher education faculty who converted classes to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most respondents experienced much higher workloads and stress than in face-to-face classes. Previous experience with Online Distance Learning (ODL) predicted positive faculty respons...

This book chapter considers a Japanese three-film creation, 20 th Century Boys (2008, 2009 & 2009), based on a manga graphic novel series (1999-2007). The authors find that the storyline of inspired by both Western storytelling tradition, as embodied in the analysis of Joseph Campbell, but also in the very different Eastern traditions of storytelli...

This study used a structural model to analyze the health beliefs and prevention expectations of consumers in order to better understand their health risk behavior and their experience with restaurant precautionary measures. The findings indicated the perceived severity of COVID-19 during the pandemic led to a significant increase in the consumers'...

Fans of Star Trek, and of science fiction in general, often speak of “The Star Trek Philosophy.” By this, they generally mean a philosophy encompassing multiculturalism, hope, and futurism, as first manifest in television episodes produced by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. This philosophy, however, is often described differently or parts of it...

Facebook Live has become an important resource for both marketers and online shoppers. It has provided communication opportunities for businesses and changed the habits of consumers. This study adopted the means-end chain (MEC) model and used the laddering method to conduct one-on-one in-depth interviews with 40 Facebook users who have used Faceboo...

Chapter In-Press: Flipped learning instruction, which integrates technology into learning, has proven to be a more effective and efficient approach to supporting student learning and achieving better learning outcomes in higher education. However, successful implementation of flipped learning requires significant advance preparation and active part...

This chapter is an expanded version of our 2020 IJCALLT journal article, with almost 30% new content. Copyright does not allow public sharing of the text. This paper defines a Standard Model of CALL, i.e., a compilation of fundamental theories and practices that should always be considered when creating a learning design for Computer-Assisted Lang...

This study aimed to foster development of the 21st-century five core competencies, including Creativity and innovation, Critical thinking and problem solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Computer-information literacy using Student-Centered Active Learning in an instructional design in which student groups created their own virtual reality con...

Poster paper presented at the 21th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2021) July 12-15, 2021. Good research design and good learning design in Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL) are not always compatible. One of the most problematical parts of TELL research design is the length of the researched interv...

Employment of idioms is essential to reach higher English expressive levels, especially for English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners. However, English idioms are challenging for both instructors and learners because the complex content of idioms depends on understanding their cultural context. Most mobile language applications are for vocabulary...

Researchers should always have their next research paper “in the pipeline.” As you are submitting a paper to a journal, be planning your next paper. As you are revising and responding to reviewers, be collecting data for your next study. When your previous paper is published, be wiring your next paper already. The reality of active researchers is...

This article proposes a Standard Model of CALL, i.e., a compilation of fundamental theories and practices that should always be considered when creating an instructional design for the Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL). This proposed model is inspired by the standard model of physics which is the widely accepted understanding about how the...

Facebook Live has become an important resource for both marketers and online shoppers. It has provided communication opportunities for businesses and changed the habits of consumers. This study adopted the means-end chain (MEC) model and used the laddering method to conduct one-on-one in-depth interviews with 40 Facebook users who have used Faceboo...

Presented to a graduate Computer Assisted Language Learning class, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.

There is vibrant research in use of digital technology to enhance learning, however much of this experimentation does not ever reach the long-term curriculum. Researchers often pick a technology first and then try to figure out how to use it for pedagogy. This chapter presents a theory-based curriculum development process that is driven by outcome...

Using communication technology for learning is a path to new patterns of thinking. This chapter examines the affordances provided by using smartphone technology in English for cross-cultural understanding. University students from Japan and Taiwan used the popular app LINE collaboratively for five weeks, culminating in jointly-written essays. Data...

Note: This article is a reprint. The full text is available here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338299461_Designing_Interactive_Cross-Cultural_Mobile-Assisted_Language_Learning --------------------------------- Abstract: Using communication technology for learning is a path to new patterns of thinking. This chapter examines the affordan...

Based on years of experience and having performed dozens of peer reviews, here is the process I use and the questions I ask before providing blind feedback to authors of scholarly writing.

Much has been written about Critical Text Analysis, but often the practical methods of analysis are not explained clearly. This research method explains Critical Text Analysis conducted by Theme Analysis. It may be applied to written texts, including transcripts of interviews. Citations are provided.

This writing method presents recommendations for use of verb tenses in scholarly and academic writing, particularly research and conceptual paper writing. It is based on my years of experience and success in peer-reviewed publications.

See the address below for the most recent updated version of this presentation and a downloadable PDF. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342348197_Scholarly_Writing_-_Thesis_Dissertation_Journal_Articles

Students often perform better when a learning experience is new. This is called the “Novelty Effect.” Short studies, and particularly short experimental interventions, do not account for the novelty effect, in which the newness of being research participants or of using technology in a new way, leads to temporary increases in performance. Thus, res...

A Meta-Cultural way of thinking about communication, understanding, and competence means not just understanding and appreciating a few other cultures, but rather being able to function competently in any cultural setting in which you find yourself. In the Meta-Cultural mindset, therefore, all cultures have value, we are sensitive to cultural traits...

See the address below for the most recent updated version of this presentation and a downloadable PDF. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342348197_Scholarly_Writing_-_Thesis_Dissertation_Journal_Articles

This chapter presents a theoretical framework for how and why technology can actually enhance language learning. Then the chapter provides a step-by-step process for making decisions about technology use. Teachers must understand outcome goals for the class or curriculum, identify learning activities that allow students to achieve those outcomes, a...

This study used MALL technology to mediate a collaborative learning environment focused on cross-cultural understanding. Research questions addressed the participants' perceptions about the role of the English language today, the use of technology to assist language learning, their attitudes about studying English via cross-cultural interaction, an...

Curriculum and instructional designers often choose a learning technology and then try to figure out how to use it for instruction. The authors suggest that this is backwards and that determining outcomes and learning objectives should come before the selection of learning technology, and that the technology should be selected based on its affordan...

This study examined 213 recent papers about Mobile Assisted Language Learning to identify recurring themes, lessons about MALL affordances, lessons for instructional and academic research design, and MALL design best practices. The researchers used thematic analysis of the conclusions and recommendations of multiple MALL studies, a research design...

Understanding the degree of intercultural competence, the mode on which the various levels of understanding are acquired, and how people interpret their understanding, is important to many educational, business, and social contexts. This table, from a 2018 journal article, presents four levels of intercultural competence, adapted from work of a pr...

Using communication technology for learning is a path to new patterns of thinking. This study examined the affordances provided by using smartphone technology in English for cross-cultural understanding. University students from Japan and Taiwan used the popular app LINE collaboratively for five weeks, culminating in jointly-written essays. Data co...

This is an outline for how a graduate school thesis or dissertation should be structured. It is based on my own experience and advising/editing many theses over the years. It is intended for social science research and can include quantitative and qualitative methodology. Of course, individual universities may have specific requirements that are no...

This graphic presents a process for academic program planning including marketplace research, knowledge and ability outcome goals, measurable curiculum goals, course content goals, and individual instructional activities, assessment, and technology decisions. You may cite this graphic as BASED on: Marek, M. W., & Wu, W-C. V. (2016). Educational Eng...

This paper proposes the establishment of a “Standard Model of Computer Assisted Language Learning”, i.e., a compilation of fundamental theories and practices that should always be considered when creating a local educational context in which language learning will succeed. This proposed model is inspired by the “Standard Model of Physics”, which is...

Few scholarly publications have addressed in detail the question of student privacy when using social media for classroom educational activities. This study combined qualitative and conceptual methodologies to explore the implications of privacy law on learning activities, using the strict Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) in the United...

Today’s EFL students need both advanced language skills and an appreciation of other cultures. Technology for language learning, however, is usually focused on language skills. Cultural understanding is rarely a primary goal. Intercultural competence was the primary goal of this study, using a technically-mediated and culturally-oriented online lea...

Innovation abounds in the fields of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), but recent evidence reveals that innovative instructional designs are often not repeated in subsequent semesters, much less integrated into the permanent curriculum. This " how to " article presents the perspective that educa...

This study used MALL technology to mediate a collaborative learning environment focused on cross-cultural understanding. Research questions addressed the participants’ perceptions about the role of the English language today, the use of technology to assist language learning, their attitudes about studying English via cross-cultural interaction, an...

Slides from a faculty colloquium at Wayne State College, January 27, 2016. The colloquium presented my recent research showing the role technology plays in learning, and in research about learning., particularly focusing on technology for second/foreign language learning.

This study surveys work that has been done in the field of Mobile Assisted Language Learning. The researchers surveyed 70 corresponding authors of past MALL studies with formatted and open-ended questions, treating them as expert ¡§participant-observers¡¨ of their own studies. The findings present details from the respondents about the MALL environ...

This document is a critical thinking analysis methodology extracted from the following paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266557711_Assessing_Cultural_Awareness_and_Linguistic_Competency_of_EFL_Learners_in_a_CMC-based_Active_Learning_Context

This graphical conceptual model shows the continuum of foundational beliefs, according to Cognitive Psychology. It ranges from Post-Modernism (Pragmatism) to Modernism (Realism) orientations, presenting key criteria for each. The model also presents factors moving the individual from one end of the spectrum to the other. This model was developed fo...

This handout provides a detailed outline of how to write a conceptual academic paper for scholarly journal publication. It is based on my academic publishing experience and is available from ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277890968_Conceptual_Paper_Outline DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4962.5768

This paper is a slightly revised version of a keynote address given at the 2015 National Quemoy University English Conference, Reimagining the Teaching of Language, Literature, and Culture, in Kinmen, Taiwan, on 5 June 2015. The author contends that teaching English as a Foreign Language is changing rapidly, and successful teachers and scholars nee...

This is our adaptation of a model by Hanvey (1976) presenting levels of cross-cultural understanding. This model shows that more contact with the target culture results in more understanding of the culture, whereas viewing the culture from a distance does not result in much understanding. Note: this is an updated version of the original file uplo...

This is an Oral Proficiency Rubric, used to in a pre-test/post-test methodology. The rubric divides proficiency into dimensions of fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and content. It was also peer-reviewed in: Wu, W-C. V., Marek, M. W., & Chen, N-S. (2013). Assessing Cultural Awareness and Linguistic Competency of EFL Learners in a CMC-ba...

This file contains PPT slides extracted from my longer conference presentation, listed in ResearchGate separately under the name "How to conduct academic research through international collaboration." These slides address issues that come up in international collaboration of academic researchers, and suggest ways to address these issues.

Leaders in the CALL field are urging a long-term focus for technology planning and instructional design, but the vast majority of published CALL studies report on year-long, semester-long, or even shorter tests of technology. This paper explores the interplay between long-term sustainable CALL instructional design and the short-term “one-off” tests...

Language learning in the 21st century must reflect the growing population of non-native English speakers, globalization, multicultural perspectives, and technology-filled lifestyles. These trends have revolutionized the concept of English as International Language (EIL). This study used a technology-mediated, culturally-oriented language learning c...

Modern portable or mobile technology is developing at an ever increasing pace, and is being exploited for language learning both spontaneously by learners and in organized taught programs. Indeed the speed of these developments threatens to outpace the ability of researchers and teachers to keep up with them. The present study aims to contribute to...

There is much research in the scholarly literature about using technology to support language learning, and particularly English as a Foreign Language, but the technology is rarely integrated into the curriculum, largely because the research is the product of the pressure on faculty to publish. The author explores curriculum integration, based on D...

This article, beginning on page 9, presents a history of the early years of the Communications program of the Civil Air Patrol, US Air Force Auxiliary

Leaders in the CALL field are urging a long-term focus for technology planning and instructional design, but the vast majority of published CALL studies report on year-long, semester-long, or even shorter tests of technology. This paper explores the interplay between long-term sustainable CALL instructional design and the short-term “one-off” tests...

This presentation discussed the role international collaboration can play in academic research in the domain of Technology Enhanced Language Learning (TELL). Included was a discussion of affordance-based research, ways of finding an international collaborator, issues and challenges in working with an international collaborator, ways of addressing t...

This case study examines an innovative use of social media for the instruction of EFL literature. The instructional design included videos from an American teacher providing cultural perspective on literature texts and social media interaction to discuss the lessons and construct knowledge. Data included content analysis of the students’ social med...

This handout is based on a section of my conference presentation. It provides a detailed outline of how to construct a research study, focused to manuscripts concerning an English as a Foreign Language, using quantitative or qualitative methodology, or both.

See https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268576145_Learning_English_via_cross-cultural_social_media_interaction_A_case_study

There is no written paper for this conference presentation. This PDF is the PPT slides, as presented.

This study presents and discusses results from an EFL second language literature program in which the instructional design included a team teaching scheme, blended learning practice, and computer-mediated peer-interaction. The team teaching plan used a Mandarin speaking English teacher and a Native English-speaking teacher collaborating and interac...

Most studies examining Computer Mediated Communication to enhance EFL learning have been limited to evaluating test scores, questionnaires, and interviewing students. This study used a holistic assessment model with qualitative analysis of student reflective essays and descriptive analysis of pre- and post-test oral performance by students in a uni...

Studies of the use of Web 2.0 technology have generally focused on reading, writing, and listening. Few empirical studies have focused on using spoken language within Web 2.0 technologies for EFL instruction.The purpose of the present study was to investigate how oral performance of EFL students changed as a result of web-based peer and expert eval...

This study presents an EFL English as a Foreign Language instructional model in which peer interaction improves motivation, confidence, satisfaction, and actual performance of students. Researchers used peer interaction for repeated assignments via Computer-Mediated Communication CMC to study how focused peer interaction contributes to changes in t...

This conceptual paper discusses the use of standard social media sites, such as Facebook, as Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) platforms for instruction of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The central question in this paper is to determine whether standard social media websites can serve as satisfactorily as custom-designed CMC packages fro...

This paper reports on research in which the American author participated in live videoconferences via SKYPE with students in the Taiwanese author’s class. Each videoconference was preceded by a recorded video presentation prepared by the American and posted in a special Facebook group set up for the class. The students responded in Facebook to disc...

This paper analyzes findings from a study in Taiwan using interactive social media to augment instruction by a local teacher for L2 learners. Social media provided multimedia materials that served as electronic glossaries to assist L2 students in Taiwan to comprehend literature texts in English. The multi-dimensional interaction among the teachers...

Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Taiwan often use an outdated lecture-memorization methodology resulting in low motivation, confidence, and ability on the part of students. Innovative educators are exploring use of technology, such as videoconferences with native speakers, to enrich the classroom; however few guidelines have been...

This is a conceptual paper, based on several semesters of collaboration in which the American author interacted with students in the Taiwanese author’s EFL classes in Taiwan. The best native language users are typically those who read extensively, especially reading for pleasure in their youth. This gives them a large vocabulary and an intuitive fe...

This rubric may be referenced at: Marek, M. W., & Wu, W. (2011, May 14). Using Facebook and SKYPE as Social Media in an EFL conversation class. Paper presented at the 28th International Conference on Teaching and Learning in the ROC, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung, Taiwan.

This file is the PPT from the presentation. There was no full paper created for this conference. Abstract: All teachers face the challenge of fostering positive and authentic learning experiences to motivate students. This is particularly true in courses which students perceive as difficult, such as English conversation courses. Many Taiwanese un...

This study examines the relationships among the three essential language-related components--motivation, confidence, and ability--following a series of live videoconference interactions between Taiwanese EFL students and a native speaker. 227 students enrolled in the five advanced conversation classes at a private technical university in central Ta...

The author is an American college teacher who has a history of collaborating with Taiwanese EFL teachers to use Computer Mediated Communication to interact with Taiwanese EFL students, including in research studies funded by the National Science of Council of Taiwan grants. Types of interactions have included online videos, blogs, Facebook, and “li...

EFL Literature students often struggle with unfamiliar cultural references in English literary texts. Traditionally, the only source of this cultural information is the local teacher who does not speak English as a native language. However, when help is available from a native-speaker, students gain benefits from a perspective inside the target cul...

The researchers from Taiwan and America collaborated to teach English literature to technical university students in Taiwan. Their main focus was on helping the Taiwanese students understand cultural references in the short stories they studied, using a Local English Teacher (LET) and Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) format. The NET created cu...

Because there are few native speakers of English in Taiwan, students of English in Taiwan are often poorly motivated, having few opportunities to develop their skills and learn about American culture outside of class. Recent advancements in distance education allow live audio and video teleconferences via the Internet, a technology that has the pot...

The authors of this paper have collaborated for five semesters to successfully use videoconferencing to connect Taiwanese EFL learners with a native speaker, integrating those videoconferences into an already active EFL curriculum. They have learned many lessons through trial and error. In this paper, the authors explain their rationale and procedu...

This paper presents results of a project in which a native-speaking English teacher in the United States and a non-native-speaking English teacher in Taiwan collaboratively used a blog and custom-made video resources to teach contemporary American short stories to students of a university-level literature class in Taiwan. The Local English teacher...

This paper presents the findings of a tele-collaborative project in which an American native speaker of English interacted "live" with English language classes in Taiwan via Internet videoconferencing. Students took the classes in two semesters, allowing a longitudinal analysis as the interactions continued. Student reaction via qualitative survey...

Educators are often hesitant to use techniques of public relations and marketing communication to attempt to alter undesirable understandings of the rationale and processes of education held by external constituencies. This paper shows that contemporary practice in public relations and marketing communication can be conceptualized as an application...

This book chapter examines the 2002 television series Firefly, created by Joss Whedon, in terms of the way it drew on modern myths. Using the writing of Joseph Campbell as a framework, and the metaphor of the " ecology " of storytelling, the author discusses Firefly's use of modern storytelling elements that are shown to function as myths, includin...

This paper reports students\' reaction to a series of \"live\" Internet teleconferences in which an American interacted with Taiwanese English classes. The goal was to strengthen the integrative motivation of students who rarely have the opportunity to interact with L1 speakers. Using qualitative methodology, students were found to be particularly...

This project presents preliminary results of a pilot project in which an American native speaker of English interacted live with English-language classes in Taiwan via Internet teleconferencing. Initial student reaction was positive. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation indicated an increase in motivation, ability, and confidence as a result of...

++Download to see the entire document++ The practice of marketing and public relations for higher education has become more and more important. There is general agreement in many scholarly journals that education does not tell its story well. Calls are made for higher education to proactively shape public opinion, moving it toward metaphors and und...

This paper presents an interdisciplinary model for Schools and Colleges of Education, as well as K-12 schools, to use specifically in communicating with their constituencies about No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and by extension about other issues. The model stems from the understanding that Constructivist learning has the same theoretical foundation...