2018 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
Towards efficacy-driven online learning, a linguistic social network analysis of peer interaction
| Project/Area Number |
18F18781
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| Research Institution | Kanda University of International Studies |
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Principal Investigator |
MYNARD Joanne 神田外語大学, 外国語学部, 教授 (70515543)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
PEETERS WARD 神田外語大学, 付置研究所, 外国人特別研究員
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| Project Period (FY) |
2018-11-09 – 2021-03-31
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| Keywords | learner autonomy / peer collaboration / online collaboration / advising / self-directed learning |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The project started in November 2018 and the researchers have completed the following:
1. A context and literature review of previous related research that has already been conducted in at KUIS and elsewhere. 2. A review of the international literature related to self-directed learning, online peer collaboration, and computer-mediated communication. 3. Some preliminary observations of the curriculum, classroom and SALC environments. 4. Attended events in Japan and the UK to discuss ideas and make connections with other scholars in the field. 5. Data collection to fill in gaps in knowledge by administering questionnaires to learning advisors. 6. initial analysis of the questionnaire data. 7. drafting, piloting, and preparing materials for the new semester and the large-scale data collection period 8. Three publications 9. Three conference presentations 10. Three presentations to KUIS colleagues regarding the project
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
We are making good progress and data collection has progressed as planned. Members of the KUIS community have been highly cooperative and the materials related to the research have been embedded into the course materials for easy distribution to students. The large-scale data collection has commenced and is so far progressing well.
We have planned several research-related events for this year in order to continue to disseminate ongoing work, to get regular input from other scholars, and to generate an interest in this field among other researchers and educators.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
Preliminary data analysis is in progress, but it is too early to see trends. By the end of July we will be in a position to undertake qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the kinds of interactions that peers engage in in the online space that is not moderated by teachers. After this, we will conduct interviews with participants, and continue the data collection for another semester while undertaking a deeper level analysis involving other documents that learners are using (in addition to the online space). This approach will certify that we are able to fully understand and interpret participants’ active language engagement and identify gaps in their knowledge and skills, which are key in creating the embedded culture of personalized learning introduced in the original research plan. Findings will be presented within the institution, at other institutions in Japan (e.g. Kyushu University) and at national and international conferences, with the CALL2019 conference (Hong Kong) and the National JALT conference, where we will be holding a dedicated research forum, already confirmed.
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