Development and Evaluation of an Active Learning ESP Program Using Neuroscientific Data

• Project/Area Number: 18K00788
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 02100:Foreign language education-related
• Research Institution: Ashikaga University
• Principal Investigator: Tobita Rumi 足利大学, 工学部, 教授 (40364492)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2023)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,290,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥990,000); Fiscal Year 2021: ¥910,000 (Direct Cost: ¥700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥210,000); Fiscal Year 2020: ¥1,040,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥240,000); Fiscal Year 2019: ¥1,040,000 (Direct Cost: ¥800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥240,000); Fiscal Year 2018: ¥1,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥300,000)
• Keywords: ESP / アクティブラーニング / ICT / NIRS / PBL / オンライン教育 / ブレンド型授業 / 脳科学データ / LMS / 英語コミュニケーション / カリキュラム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This research is part of an ongoing project to develop effective English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs. Initially, the compatibility between learner characteristics and teaching materials and methods was measured using brain science data from Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Additionally, the effectiveness of active learning and problem-based learning (PBL) was verified.
In the next phase, PBL was implemented in various formats, including face-to-face, distance learning, and blended classes, in response to social conditions. The study of instructional differences and learning outcomes revealed that the effective use of ICT significantly impacted learning effectiveness, providing insights for the development of effective ESP programs.

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

当研究では、NIRSを活用することにより学習中の脳内活動の直接観測が可能となり、学習者特性と教材および指導法の難易度や内容の違いによる、脳内の賦活化の差異を測定することにより、効果が期待できる最適な組み合わせに示唆を得たことは学術的に意義があると考えられる。また当該研究期間では、研究対象となった授業は対面、遠隔、ブレンド型と形態の変容を余儀なくされた。そこで、授業形態の差異が与える学習成果への影響を検証することにより、ICTの効果的な活用法および指導者のICTリテラシーの重要性が判明した。この結果は、世界情勢に合わせた授業形態の変容にも応用可能であることから社会的意義があると推測される。

Research Products

• [Journal Article] ENHANCING ACTIVE LEARNING EFFICIENCY THROUGH PERSONALIZED LEARNING AND BLENDED LEARNING (2023)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Journal Title: ICERI2023 Proceedings Volume: I Pages: 5629-5635
  • Peer Reviewed / Open Access
• [Journal Article] DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE COURSE DESIGN INTEGRATING ACTIVE LEARNING AND ANALYSIS WITH NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY FOR JAPANESE ENGINEERING STUDENTS (2022)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Journal Title: IATED ICERI 2022 Proceedings Volume: I Pages: 7585-7589
  • Peer Reviewed / Open Access / Int'l Joint Research
• [Journal Article] Integrating Active Learning and Analysis with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy into Virtual English for Specific Purposes Classes (2022)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Journal Title: IARIA TheFifteenthInternationalConferenceonAdvancesinComputer-Human Interactions Volume: I Pages: 42-43
  • Peer Reviewed / Open Access / Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Adapting Information and Communication Technology to Contemporary Needs in Global Engineering Education (2024)
  • Author(s): RUMI TOBITA
  • Organizer: the 14th Annual International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Strategically Optimizing Integration for Effective Course Design with Information and Communication (2024)
  • Author(s): RUMI TOBITA
  • Organizer: 8th International Conference on Research in Teaching and Education
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] ENHANCING ACTIVE LEARNING EFFICIENCY THROUGH PERSONALIZED LEARNING AND BLENDED LEARNING (2023)
  • Author(s): RUMI TOBITA
  • Organizer: ICERI 2023 16th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] DEVELOPMENT OF EFFECTIVE COURSE DESIGN INTEGRATING ACTIVE LEARNING AND ANALYSIS WITH NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY FOR JAPANESE ENGINEERING STUDENTS (2022)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Organizer: ICERI 2022 15th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation Seville, Spain. 7-9 November, 2022.
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Integrating Active Learning and Analysis with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy into Virtual ESP Classes (2022)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Organizer: The Fifteenth International Conference on Advances in Computer-Human Interactions ACHI 2022
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Introducing Active Learning Strategies into Online Classes for Japanese Engineering Students (2020)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Organizer: The First IEOM Global Engineering Education Virtual Conference Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Effective EFL Course Design for Japanese Engineering Students (2020)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Organizer: 10th Annual International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Development of effective ESP course design integrating analysis with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for EFL Learners (2019)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Organizer: 6th. International Language in Focus Conference
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Presentation] Integrating Analysis with NIRS and Active-Learning strategies for Developing an Effective ESP Course Design (2018)
  • Author(s): Rumi Tobita
  • Organizer: 3rd North American Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Conference
  • Int'l Joint Research
• [Remarks] 近赤外分光法（NIRS）を活用した効果的な外国語指導法研究
  • URL: http://www2.ashitech.ac.jp/crc/event/img/mfp201912-program.pdf