Pedagogical Approach to Applied Linguistics Module: Implementing KUD- and 4H- Based Instruction for Improving Third-Year Students’ Performance

Abstract

Using a quantitative research design, the current study investigates the impact of Know, Understand, Do (KUD) and Head, Heart, Hands, Health (4H) instructional strategies on the academic performance of third-year Kurdish EFL university students in the subject of Applied Linguistics. Forty-five students were grouped equally into three sets: two experimental KUD and 4H, and a control group exposed to traditional forms of instruction. The researcher designed a thirty-item test comprising both objective and subjective items, aligned with the content of the designated Applied Linguistics textbook. A total of 25 lesson plans were prepared for each group. Following instrument validation and sample equalization, a pre- and posttest design was implemented. Subsequently, the necessary statistical analyses were conducted, yielding findings that indicated improvement across all groups in mastering the designated material. The results also showed that both experimental groups outperformed the control group, with the KUD group achieving the highest academic performance among the three groups. In addition, the 4H group also exceeded the control group in terms of academic performance. In light of these results, the adoption of these instructional strategies in pedagogical practice is recommended to enhance instructional effectiveness and student outcomes.