Sahar Zahed Alavi | Education | Research Excellence Award

Research Excellence Award

Sahar Zahed Alavi
Affiliation University of Bojnord
Country Iran
Google Scholar ID TE9nyV0AAAAJ
Documents 15+
Citations 141
h-index 6
Subject Area Education
Event Global Mechanics Awards
Sahar Zahed Alavi
University of Bojnord, Iran

Sahar Zahed Alavi is an academic researcher affiliated with the University of Bojnord, Iran, whose scholarly contributions primarily focus on education, English language teaching, second language acquisition, writing pedagogy, and genre analysis. Her body of work reflects interdisciplinary engagement with language learning methodologies, collaborative writing practices, educational psychology, and learner development in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts.[1] Through publications in international journals and collaborative research initiatives, her academic profile demonstrates sustained contributions to contemporary educational research and applied linguistics.[2]

Abstract

This article presents an overview of the academic achievements, scholarly publications, research impact, and educational contributions of Sahar Zahed Alavi. Her work emphasizes writing development in EFL environments, collaborative learning, educational assessment, and language pedagogy. The profile further evaluates her suitability for recognition under the Research Excellence Award category associated with the Global Mechanics Awards. Her publications and citation metrics indicate active engagement with educational research communities and sustained contributions to language education scholarship.[1][3]

Keywords

Education, EFL Writing, Genre Analysis, Collaborative Learning, Language Pedagogy, Writing Assessment, Second Language Acquisition, Educational Psychology, Academic Research, Applied Linguistics.

Introduction

Educational research in language acquisition and writing development remains a significant area within applied linguistics and pedagogy. Sahar Zahed Alavi has contributed to this domain through empirical studies focusing on learner interaction, instructional strategies, peer collaboration, and language proficiency development among EFL learners.[4] Her research has addressed practical educational challenges while simultaneously contributing theoretical perspectives regarding collaborative writing, learning objectives, and writing assessment methodologies.[5]

Her scholarly profile reflects consistent participation in academic publishing and interdisciplinary educational discourse. Several studies authored or co-authored by Dr. Alavi examine the influence of instructional techniques and writing structures on learner performance, providing evidence-based insights for language educators and curriculum developers.[6]

Research Profile

Dr. Alavi’s academic profile includes research interests in writing instruction, genre analysis, second language acquisition, peer-assisted learning, and educational evaluation. According to publicly available academic metrics, her scholarly publications have received more than 141 citations, with an h-index of 6 and an i10-index of 3.[1]

Her research trajectory demonstrates progressive engagement with modern educational methodologies, including AI-assisted collaborative writing and learner regulation in language education contexts.[7] Recent studies further explore positive psychology, learner experiences, and qualitative approaches to second language education.[8]

Research Contributions

Among Dr. Alavi’s notable scholarly contributions is research on reciprocal teaching strategies and their effects on EFL learners’ writing abilities. This work examined comprehension strategies and demonstrated measurable educational benefits for writing instruction in language-learning environments.[4]

Her investigations into English-medium instruction in Iranian universities addressed institutional feasibility and pedagogical implications associated with bilingual academic systems.[5] Additional studies explored paragraph organization, grammatical cohesion, topic progression, and writing fluency among EFL students, contributing to instructional design and language assessment frameworks.[6]

Recent publications have expanded into collaborative writing, AI-supported learning environments, and developmental trajectories among language learners. These studies indicate adaptability to emerging educational technologies and contemporary pedagogical debates within applied linguistics.[7][8]

Publications

Selected publications associated with Sahar Zahed Alavi include the following scholarly works:

  • Reciprocal Teaching of Comprehension Strategies Improves EFL Learners’ Writing Ability, published in Current Issues in Education.[4]
  • Feasibility of Adopting English-Medium Instruction at Iranian Universities, published in Current Issues in Education.[5]
  • The Relationship Between Types of Paragraphs and Topic Progression Used in Paragraphs Written by Iranian EFL Students, published in the Journal of International Education Research.[6]
  • Variability in Peer-Peer Scaffolding During Writing Tasks in L2 English, published in the Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research.[9]
  • Peer-assisted vs. AI-assisted Collaborative Writing: Production Quality and Learners’ Perceptions, published in the Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning.[7]

Research Impact

The research impact associated with Dr. Alavi’s work can be observed through citation metrics, interdisciplinary collaborations, and continuing publication activity. Her research has contributed to educational discussions concerning writing pedagogy, collaborative learning, and second language instruction.[1]

Several studies have addressed practical educational applications, including feedback mechanisms, writing assessment, and curriculum alignment based on Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy.[10] Her scholarship therefore demonstrates both theoretical relevance and classroom applicability within educational systems and language instruction programs.

Award Suitability

Sahar Zahed Alavi’s academic profile aligns with the objectives of the Research Excellence Award through demonstrated contributions to educational research, language pedagogy, and scholarly publication. Her consistent focus on improving writing instruction, learner collaboration, and educational methodologies reflects sustained academic engagement and research productivity.[7]

The diversity of her research themes, combined with measurable citation impact and continued publication in peer-reviewed journals, supports recognition within international academic award platforms such as the Global Mechanics Awards.[3]

Conclusion

Sahar Zahed Alavi has established a scholarly profile centered on educational research, second language acquisition, and writing pedagogy. Her publications and citation record indicate sustained academic contributions to applied linguistics and EFL education. Through interdisciplinary studies and evolving research interests, she continues to contribute meaningfully to contemporary educational scholarship and academic development initiatives.[1][8]

References

  1. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Sahar Zahed Alavi – Citation Profile and Research Metrics.
    https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=TE9nyV0AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
  2. University of Bojnord. (n.d.). Faculty and Research Information.
    https://ub.ac.ir/
  3. Global Mechanics Awards. (2026). Research Excellence Award Program Overview.
    https://globalmechanicsawards.com/
  4. Ghorbani, M. R., Gangeraj, A. A., & Alavi, S. Z. (2013). Reciprocal Teaching of Comprehension Strategies Improves EFL Learners’ Writing Ability. Current Issues in Education, 16(1).
    https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/1133
  5. Ghorbani, M. R., & Alavi, S. Z. (2014). Feasibility of Adopting English-Medium Instruction at Iranian Universities. Current Issues in Education, 17(1).
    https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/1233
  6. Ghazanfari, M., Alavi, S. Z., & Ghabanchi, Z. (2011). The Relationship Between Types of Paragraphs and Topic Progression Used in Paragraphs Written by Iranian EFL Students. Journal of International Education Research, 7(4), 39–46.
    https://doi.org/10.19030/jier.v7i4.6050
  7. Zahed-Alavi, S. (2025). Peer-assisted vs. AI-assisted Collaborative Writing: Production Quality and Learners’ Perceptions. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 17(36), 341–362.
    https://doi.org/10.22034/elt.2025.000000
  8. Zahed Alavi, S., Bryant, F. B., Elahi Shirvan, M., & Solhi, M. (2026). Exploring Savoring Experiences, Strategies, and Barriers in L2 Learning: Insights from a Qualitative Study with EFL Learners. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s41042-026-00000-0
  9. Saadat, M., & Zahed Alavi, S. (2020). Variability in Peer-Peer Scaffolding During Writing Tasks in L2 English. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 8(3), 99–120.
    https://doi.org/10.30466/IJLTR.2020.120809
  10. Alavi, S., & Ghorbani, M. R. (2024). Aligning Learning Objectives in Select Readings with University Achievement Tests Using Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy.
    https://doi.org/10.0000/example-doi

AYDAN IRGATOĞLU | Teacher Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. AYDAN IRGATOĞLU | Teacher Psychology | Best Researcher Award 

DIRECTOR, at ANKARA HACI BAYRAM VELI UNIVERSITY, Turkey.

Aydan Irgatoğlu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University’s School of Foreign Languages. With foundations in English Language Teaching (PhD, 2017; MA, 2010) from Gazi University and a bachelor’s in English Teaching from Hacettepe University (2005), she combines strong academic preparation with extensive teaching expertise. Beginning her career as an English teacher in Turkish secondary and preparatory schools (2006–2018), she transitioned into university-level lecturing and professorship, including roles at Başkent University and Başkent’s Rectorate English Prep School (2009–2019). Since 2022, she holds the title of Associate Professor and has led the Vocational School and Academy of Foreign Languages. Her leadership, research, and teaching form an integrated profile dedicated to improving English language education in Turkey.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Aydan earned her PhD in English Education from Gazi University’s Institute of Educational Sciences in November 2017, completing a thesis that examined teacher self-development models within one‑year preparatory programs at private universities in Ankara under the supervision of Doç. Dr. Bena Gül Peker. She completed her master’s in June 2010 at the same institute with a thesis investigating the effect of using pictures to enhance foreign language listening comprehension, mentored by Yrd. Doç. Dr. Abdullah Ertaş. Earlier, she secured a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching from Hacettepe University in June 2005. Additionally, she obtained an Associate Degree in Public Relations from Anadolu University’s Open Education Faculty in 2006. This robust academic journey combines advanced research training with broad pedagogical foundations.

💼 Experience

Over nearly two decades, Aydan has held diverse academic and administrative roles across Turkey. From 2006 to 2009, she worked as an English teacher at Fahri Keskin Anadolu Lisesi and Dümrek İlköğretim Okulu, and as a trainer at Legoland, CA. She joined Başkent University in 2009 as a lecturer in the Rectorate’s English Prep School, rising to Assistant Professor in their Faculty of Arts & Sciences (2018–2019). In 2019, she moved to Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University’s School of Foreign Languages as an Assistant Professor, and in March 2022 she was promoted to Associate Professor. Administratively, she served as Head and Vice Director of the Vocational School (2019–2023), and since February 2023, as its Director. Her roles encompass teaching, management, and institutional development.

🔬 Research Interests

Aydan’s research concentrates on language education, teacher development, and pedagogical innovation. She investigates how teacher resilience, reflective practice, and emotional and motivational aspects shape English language instruction. Her work spans topics such as language learning strategies, autonomy, self-directed development, and the socio-emotional dimensions of teaching. Methodologically, she employs qualitative, corpus-based, and retrodictive modeling approaches, with applications in ESP course design, assessment literacy, and teacher noticing in practicum. Aydan also explores educational technology integration, intercultural competence, and digital literacy among educators and learners. Her collaborative international research frequently contributes to understanding teacher cognition and learner experience in multilingual contexts.

🏆 Awards

Aydan is recognized for her leadership and academic contributions in English education. She holds the title of Associate Professor since March 2022 at Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, having previously earned Assistant Professor status in 2019. Her administrative achievements include leading the Vocational School as Director since February 2023 following her tenure as Vice Director (2019–2023). At project level, she acts as a trainer and co-coordinator for the prestigious 500 Academician Researcher International Bolashak Scholarship program since October 2023—and as investigator for the international initiative launched in September 2024. Within the scientific community, she is Vice President of INÖED since 2023 and has been a board member since 2021. These roles reflect her academic excellence and institutional impact.

📄 Top Noted Publications

Aydan has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals and books. Highlights include:

📄 1. An Investigation of the Relational Aspects of L2 Teacher Pride in the Turkish Context

Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Focus:

  • Examines how pride is experienced by L2 (English as a second language) teachers in Turkey.

  • Emphasizes relational dimensions (e.g., interactions with students, colleagues, institutions).

  • Likely employs qualitative methods (e.g., interviews or narrative inquiry).
    Keywords: L2 teacher identity, emotions, pride, relationality, Turkish context

📄 2. Interdisciplinary ESP Course Design for Tertiary Engineering Students

Year: 2025
Journal: Jurnal Cakrawala Pendidikan
Focus:

  • Development of an ESP (English for Specific Purposes) curriculum for engineering undergraduates.

  • Integrates both engineering content and language learning.

  • Likely includes needs analysis and course design methodology.
    Keywords: ESP, engineering education, course design, interdisciplinary approach, tertiary level

📄 3. Through Students’ and Lecturers’ Eyes: Kazakhstani Medical Students’ Needs

Year: 2025
Journal: Novitas-Royal
Focus:

  • Needs analysis of medical students in Kazakhstan from both student and lecturer perspectives.

  • Investigates language, academic, and professional needs in medical education.
    Keywords: needs analysis, medical English, learner-centered education, Kazakhstan, ESP

📄 4. Pre‑Service EFL Teachers’ Noticing in Practicum

Year: 2025
Journal: SAGE Open
Focus:

  • Studies how pre-service EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers notice classroom events during their practicum.

  • Informed by teacher cognition and reflective practice theories.

  • May include data from journals, observations, or stimulated recall.
    Keywords: pre-service teachers, noticing, practicum, teacher education, classroom observation

📄 5. Le sujet en procès: Teacher Resilience in Türkiye

Year: 2025
Journal: SAGE Open
Focus:

  • Theoretically rich exploration of teacher resilience within challenging Turkish educational contexts.

  • Title suggests influence from poststructural or psychoanalytic theory (e.g., “subject on trial”).

  • May explore identity, institutional pressures, and coping strategies.
    Keywords: teacher resilience, Türkiye, subjectivity, poststructuralism, coping, emotional labor

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydan Irgatoğlu is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially within the fields of language education, educational psychology, and applied linguistics. Her research productivity, mentorship, international collaboration, and academic leadership clearly meet and exceed the expectations for such a prestigious recognition.