2015 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
The effects of learner specific corrective feedback on language ability
| Project/Area Number |
15K02731
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| Research Institution | Tokai University |
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Principal Investigator |
ライト デイビッド 東海大学, 外国語教育センター, 講師 (40711429)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
吉成 雄一郎 東海大学, 外国語教育センター, 教授 (20318166)
藤牧 新 東海大学, 外国語教育センター, 准教授 (40238605)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
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| Keywords | corrective feedback / aviation English / TEL / SLA / TBLT / project-based learning / socio-cultural theory / developmental stages |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
An entirely new, working relational database has been designed based on a paper prototype, presented in Wright and Takeda (2013), and an operational flat database, deployed in research prior to receipt of the grant award (e.g. Wright, 2015; Wright & Fujimaki, 2015; Wright & Fujimaki, 2014). The research team has purchased the most up-to-date version of the FileMaker Pro Advanced database software, so as create user interface (UI) with more intuitive control functions. The design process was included over 40 major design revisions and one complete revision of the UI, based on feedback from potential users. During the first six months of FY 27, a working prototype was informally shown to potential users (i.e. university instructors and supervisory staff) at a University in Tokyo and at the authors home institution. The lead author secured permission to conduct research in both locations and is in contact with a charter high school in Los Angeles, CA, USA, to help test the system in an ESL environment. Further, the lead author in the process of negotiating the use of the system for use in a university in the United States, in a Japanese as a foreign language context. In terms of coordinating the use of portable electronic devices in the classroom, the lead author has worked with collaborator Nakagawa on a series of related studies, focusing on written language proficiency (i.e. Nakagawa & Wright, 2016; Nakagawa & Wright, 2015a; Nakagawa & Wright, 2015b).
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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
There were unexpected challenges in the design of the relational database, which have delayed large scale data collection. This was related to the internal structure of the database and with verifying security protocols. The design structure was rectified in the first 6 months of FY27. The corresponding user interface (i.e. the database layouts were validated in the later 6 months of the year. The security protocols were revised at the end of the fiscal year. In addition, the updated design was used in a small scale study, which is schedule to be presented in August of FY28. To reduce risk, the team will capitalize on the widespread use of iPhones. The database user interface has been expanded to include versions for iPhone users. Given that, the team used research funds to purchase an initial batch of 10 iPad mini 4 tablets for use in the initial round of data collection. A device to sync and charge the iPads was also purchased to streamline distribution and data transfer. In addition, the initial 10 iPads are being integrated into a touch-based cockpit procedural trainer for use in a secondary project into aviation English, using a desktop flight simulator. Pursuant to that, the team also purchased 2 copies of Windows 10 operating system software and 1 copy of X-Plane 10 desktop flight simulator. The software was loaded onto two computers acquired separately by the research team. Data has already been collected on a small scale research study into task-based language teaching. The data has been approved to be presented in July of FY28.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
While the process of developing the database has been a challenge, a working version of the relational database is now ready for trials with line instructors. Feedback on the UI and data from a survey to be conducted shortly, relating to the technology acceptance model (TAM), per Davis 1993, will allow final revisions prior to initial data collection in FY28. Per the initial grant application, the schedules for both the primary and secondary projects have been revised based on development of both the database and the cockpit procedural trainer. Data collection, data analysis and write-up will proceed immediately and several related publications will be submitted in FY28 and in FY29. The lead investigator will coordinate task with the collaborators. Collaborator Fujimaki will contribute to the data collection, including recruiting and coordinating schedules with participants. Collaborator Yoshinari and Collaborator Nakagawa will contribute to data analysis and promotion of research results. All members will work on the write-up and publication in relevant academic journals.
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| Causes of Carryover |
The initial research schedule dictated the use of approximately 20 iPads during FY 27. However, delays in designing the relational database caused the original schedule to be revised. The research team opted to purchase a smaller batch of iPads (10 units) for use in the initial data collection study. The decision to delay the purchase of iPads caused there to be surplus of funds in the Article costs category. In addition, the lack of data collection resulted in funds in the travel expenses category and the personnel remuneration category to not be used in the current year. In the Miscellaneous category, software was purchased to aid in development of the database. However, additional funds remain for use in expanding the database (e.g. hosting it on a server).
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| Expenditure Plan for Carryover Budget |
The relational database is now operational and a survey on the user interface is in progress. An initial study is planned for the first quarter of FY28, which will necessitate use of funds in the Article and Miscellaneous categories in early to mid FY28, including purchasing additional iPads and software related to a secondary project into aviation English. The lead author has received confirmation to give 3 separate domestic presentations relating to the project in the early summer, which will allow the use of Travel funds. A submission for an additional presentation at an international conference, hosted in Japan, has recently been submitted. The accelerated pace of data collection and reporting will allow the remaining funds to be used in a timely manner in FY28.
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Research Products
(6 results)
