Coming out of the shadows: investing in English private tutoring at a transition point in Kazakhstan's education system during the global pandemic

Unequal access to language learning resources has been exacerbated by the global expansion of English private tutoring (EPT). Despite its popularity, no study has examined the implications of EPT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this mixed-methods study explored the nature and effectiveness of EPT that first-year Kazakhstani undergraduate students had experienced over the previous 12 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was informed by Benson's (2011) model of language learning beyond the classroom. Data were collected through a close-ended questionnaire and semi-structured online interviews. The study found that 318 out of 750 (42.4%) had experienced EPT, and 64% of respondents had received face-to-face EPT although it was considered a health risk during the pandemic. All the interviewees perceived EPT sessions as an encouraging environment for coaching towards the university entrance examination and expanding their knowledge. They attributed this mainly to the individual attention they obtained from their tutors, which was lacking in online classes with their English teachers due to teachers' indifferent attitude to students' questions and the limited duration of video conferencing sessions. The participants acted agentively by evaluating the advantages and drawbacks of online EPT. Pedagogical implications and areas for further research are suggested.

Let's Look at Cannabis from This Angle: COVID-19

Cannabis sativa (Can nabis=hemp) contains cannabinoid-derived main components. Cannabinoids exert biological effects by stimulating cannabinoid receptors distributed throughout the body. Cannabis products affect various systems in the body such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and immune systems. They show analgesic, antiemetic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antitussive and cardioprotective effects. COVID-19 affects different organ systems in the body and causes symptoms depending on the mutation, such as dry cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and sense of smell. In this article, effectiveness of C. sativa and its components on COVID-19 have been evaluated, based on the fact that components or the extracts can affect the whole body due to cannabinoid receptors. Although cannabis and its components have potential beneficial effects for the entry of COVID-19 through the receptors into the body and the symptoms, further studies are needed for their safe use. Appropriate formulation and administration routes should be determined to eliminate the side effects and risk of addiction.