A Pilot Study for Improving Engagement and Motivation In Language Learning

2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K00839
• Research Institution: Kanda University of International Studies
• Principal Investigator: BONNER Euan 神田外語大学, 言語メディア教育研究センター, 講師 (70837989)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): MYNARD Joanne 神田外語大学, 外国語学部, 教授 (70515543)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: learning analytics / online learning tools / language learning / enhancing engagement / engagement variables / engagement measuring

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

During the first six months, the researchers continued to develop and refine the in-the-moment engagement measuring system. The system was then trialed in a small scale pilot project with first and second year university students studying English as a foreign language. Approximately 250 students and 6 teachers participated in the pilot over a period of 6 months, concluding in February 2021. Over 7000 data points were collected over the 15 week semester and now the data is being analyzed with the goal of further refining the system and mitigating issues related to engagement measuring fatigue. A write up of student and teacher experiences during the pilot has been submitted to a research journal for public dissemination.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

Despite 2020 pandemic resulting in the shift to online learning. The online nature of the development tool meant that we were able to make a smooth transition to implementing the engagement measuring system in online classes. As a result there were no delays in either the development or pilot.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Plans for Academic year 2021-2022 are to analyze the data collected during the 2020-2021 pilot, publish our initial findings, and continue to refine the system. A larger data collection period with more students and teachers will then be conducted.

Causes of Carryover

Engagement system development costs: In order to collect data from students across multiple classes and institutions simultaneously, the prototype will be fleshed out into a more sophisticated system capable of handling larger data loads. The system will be changed from Microsoft Access to SQL, additional capabilities will be added (e.g. adding student ability to reflect on their own engagement data history), UX changes to aid in better lesson flow etc.
Student/Teacher participation: A larger pool of teachers and students will be recruited for 2021-2022 data collection. Students and teachers will be compensated for time spent in interviews and filling in surveys.