Language, Literature and Education: Research Updates Vol. 6

African Universities: Sites of Resistance and Agents of National Development

N’Dri T. Assié-Lumumba — 2025-06-12

The public university in Africa was a corollary of, and dialectically related to, the national development project. It was conceived to be a public institution with a public mission in addressing with effectiveness the challenges of the development process. The main objective of this study is to analyse the evolution of the African university as a site for the continued struggle for self-determination. It was argued that, in spite of the history of a few institutions in a handful of countries, the African university in the 21st Century reflects essentially colonial relations. Thus, for instance, the new Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and distance learning programmes, and the emerging private universities in the context of liberalisation mantra, were also analysed in the framework of the liberalisation policies that have been promoted by the global colonial proxies. In this article, the public mission of the university, be it public or private, was examined. The approach was basically historical, assessing the actors and their transformations and mutations within the same reality of the structural inequality of power in the global system and various African responses through continued resistance and affirmation. The study addressed the fundamental question of the search for a public university or a university with a public mission for the production of relevant knowledge in the various disciplines, critical thinking and new paradigms, and methodologies to promote social progress amidst the challenges of the dominant liberal globalisation and the objective conditions of the African States, societies, and people. The study stated that, based on people’s aspirations for development, dynamic expressions of democracies, and tangible world resources, it is possible to boost higher education. However, based on the realities and the expectations for real chances for a better life, the exercises of critical reflection can only conclude that there will not be generous financial support devoid of interest. By and large, through various mechanisms, private institutions rely on considerable indirect and direct subsidies from the state to function. The public mission of higher education must include private institutions as part of a national agenda. More importantly, African states should feel invigorated in the pursuit of building and maintaining public institutions to respond to demand.

Impact of Podcasts on Enhancing English Vocabulary for Non-Native Speakers

S Archana — 2025-06-12

A podcast is an audio file that may be listened to on a website or app on your phone, computer, or other device. It is comparable to a radio broadcast. Individuals would record their works and disseminate the audio online, akin to auditory blog entries. In today’s global world, a student needs to compete with the outside world to retain their professional career. In this process of attaining success, a non-native speaker needs to make progress in their language skills to compete with industry standards. As people are immersed in a technology-driven society, it’s laying a platform where students are encouraged to involve themselves and improvise their language skills with the help of English podcasts, which play an important role in language acquisition. Digital recordings called podcasts are a highly well-liked technical aid for language acquisition, particularly for English language learners. Podcasts are particularly popular with the younger generation since they are flexible and give language learners access to resources from anywhere at any time. These podcasts aid in the development of contextual vocabulary and the pronunciation of native speakers, which varies between British and American English speakers. This provides the opportunity to familiarize oneself with the correct pronunciation to meet professional requirements and foster a smooth working environment. Acquiring a list of vocabulary words may lead to pupils using them incorrectly; nevertheless, listening to podcasts can help students expand their vocabulary by selecting new words while engaging in an engaging narrative. These will assist the student in extracting words precisely from the context. Podcasts such as Podcasts in English, The English We Speak, ESL Pod, Better at English, Voice of America Learning English, English Class 101, Elementary Podcasts, Splendid Speaking, This American Life, Global News, etc., will reduce stress and improve active listening skills, which expands learning and reduces time. Thus, the mentioned podcasts will not only improve English vocabulary but also increase students' English Fluency and encourage speaking English confidently. In conclusion, podcasts are a popular technical instrument for language learning, particularly among English language learners.

Digitalization in Uzbekistan's Higher Education: A View Through the Lens of Opportunity

Usmonov Botir — 2025-06-12

The global educational landscape underwent a dramatic shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing educational institutions worldwide to embrace digital solutions. This study examines the digital transformation of Uzbekistan's higher education system and its implications. Despite significant strides in digitalization globally, Uzbekistan faces unique challenges in modernizing its traditional educational structures, creating a notable research gap in understanding effective digital transition strategies for developing educational systems. Research indicates that digitalization has profoundly improved various aspects of higher education: streamlining administrative processes, enhancing educational assessment methods, facilitating the transition from traditional to online learning environments, introducing innovative educational business models, and reshaping employment market requirements. This study analyzes the various digital initiatives undertaken by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and examines their impact within the framework of the "Concept of Development of the Higher Education System of the Republic of Uzbekistan until 2030." This finding suggests that comprehensive implementation of digital education tools is essential for addressing the existing challenges in Uzbekistan's higher education system, with significant implications for educational accessibility, quality, and labor market alignment.

Tech-Enhanced Mathematics Education: Digital Literacy in Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs)

Martin L. Nobis, Jr. — 2025-06-12

In today's digital age, technology plays a vital role in enhancing mathematics education, equipping educators with tools to improve teaching effectiveness and student engagement. This study examined the digital literacy of mathematics educators in Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education, which emphasizes equitable access to technology-driven learning. Using descriptive research design, survey questionnaire, and universal sampling, the findings revealed that limited digital infrastructure hindered teachers’ ability to fully integrate educational software, social media, and mathematics applications into instruction. Despite these challenges, educators demonstrated a strong awareness of digital literacy, with institutional factors, such as learning management systems, information systems, and computer laboratories, significantly influencing the adoption and utilization of digital tools. To bridge digital gaps and foster innovation in mathematics instruction, the study highlighted the need for expanded technological resources, structured digital literacy training, and strengthened policy support, ultimately improving teaching practices, student engagement, and overall education quality.

An Analysis of Feminine Delicacy and Strength in Kamala Das’s Poetry

Ameer Ahmad Khan — 2025-06-12

Indian social system have been exploited and swindled by males but as education spread feminist movements emerged and have supported women's liberation from numerous problems created by males. This awareness has been realized by many educated Indian women writers. Kamala Das, one of the pioneers of post-independence feminist poets, explores themes of feminine consciousness, love, identity, desire and social tyranny in her poetry. Her work breaks conventional norms offering an intimate portrayal of female experiences. Kamala Das has tried to emphasize her feminine identity and her personal identity. Through her poetry, she challenges patriarchal constraints and cuddles female sexuality. Major themes of Kamala Das's poetry are her quest for love and her failure to find fulfillment in love in life. Her poems may just as well be the poetry of resistance. This chapter delves into the feminist essence of Kamal Das's poetry, analyzing how her poetic genius embodies the struggle and resilience voice of women in a patriarchal culture.