The Cyclic Model of Learning : An Ecological Perspective on the Use of Technology in Foreign Language Education

要旨

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a teaching practice based the "cyclic model of learning" in the Japanese EFL context. To this end, we designed and implemented a practice by means of a learning management system (LMS) to teach English in a Japanese public lower secondary school. The practice was tested on 93 students over nine months. The data collection methodology included tests, weblogs, classroom observation, and interviews. The results indicated that the practice had a positive influence on students' learning ability and the manner in which the teacher in charge conducted lessons. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was found between the improvement of students' English language ability and their use of materials on the LMS. Lastly, an ecological perspective on the use of technology in foreign language education is discussed.

主題