2007 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Establishment of a learner environment which promotes autonomous language study at the university level
| Project/Area Number |
18520425
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
Foreign language education
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| Research Institution | Ochanomizu University |
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Principal Investigator |
YUKIKO USHIE Ochanomizu University, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Professor (70193860)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
NISHIO Michiko Ochanomizu University, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Professor (30134860)
E.J. Schaefer Ochanomizu University, Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Professor (00359697)
MATSUFUJI Shigeko Ochanomizu University, Language Center, Lecturer (90334557)
NAKAGAWA Chiho Ochanomizu University, Language Center, Lecturer (70452026)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2006 – 2007
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| Keywords | English education / self-study / autonomous language study / learning aids / learner environment |
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| Research Abstract |
To attain a high level of proficiency in communication in English, effective learning over a long period of time is absolutely necessary. With a limited number of English classes at our university, the role of self-study has become greater. Also with the reduction of the number of compulsory English classes per week in secondary education, there have been greater differences in levels of proficiency observed among the students entering universities. Given the above two conditions, this project has aimed at the construction of a prototype autonomous study program for the purpose of aiding students to carry out effective self-study.
Two major achievements of the project are as follows :
1. The teachers working in conjunction with this project, after making surveys/ questionnaires asking students about such items as motivation for self-study, the time they can spare for that purpose, and the media they can comfortably use, incorporated into their lessons various assistance devices and tips for students' self-study, e.g., in the form of assignments and in encouraging students to exchange/share information about the study materials they have used among friends. This greatly enhanced the motivation of the students to study English on their own.
2. Because it has been found that there is great variation in the needs of individual students concerning the materials, the project came up with a systematized list of teaching materials students can use, depending on their levels, the skills they want to improve, and the media they can use. This list contains not only the materials available but also the comments of students upon using the materials. It has proved helpful for the students.
The above achievements have been clearly reflected in the increase in the number of students who continue the process of self-study even after having finished taking required English classes.
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