BLENDED LEARNING: A MODEL TO ENHANCE ENGAGEMENT IN READING CLASS
Abstract
In academic reading classes in English Language Teaching Department,
students are expected to read articles critically in their field; however, many
students do not seem to apply much effort in reading course materials. Most of
the students devote an insufficient amount of time and energy in
reading and attend class without having read texts. It seems that there is a
need to improve reading practices in ELT Department. In order to solve the
problem, a blended learning model supported by Edmodo was incorporated. The aim of the study was to examine whether
blended learning can help enhance reading engagement and comprehension. The
comparisons between treatment and control groups showed that blended learning
allows for a collaborative learning environment. The results indicated that
students become more engaged with the text, spend more time to read and
complete assignments when blended learning model supported by Edmodo is used
and in a blended learning environment, students get better comprehension scores
in their academic reading course. The study supported evidence for the
effectiveness of blended learning in an academic reading course and concluded
that collaboration provided through blended environment increases reading
engagement and comprehension.
Keywords
References
- Anderson, N. J. (2013). Active skills for reading. Toronto: Heinle&Heinle Publishers. Adas, D., & Bakir, A. (2013). Writing difficulties and new solutions: Blended Learning as an approach to improve writing abilities. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 3(9), 254-266.
- Carini, R., Kuh, G., & Klein, S. (2006). Student engagement and student learning: Testing the linkages. Research in Higher Education, 47(1), 1–32. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-005-8150-9.
- Chew, E., Turner, D., and Jones, N. (2010). In love and war: blended learning theories for computer scientist and educationalists. In F.L. Wang, J. Fong and R. Kwan, (eds.), Handbook of research on hybrid learning models: advanced tools, technologies, and applications. Hershey, PA: Information Science Reference.
- Connor, C. M., Jakobsons, L. J., Crowe, E. C., & Meadows, J. G. (2009). Instruction, student engagement, and reading skill growth in Reading First classrooms. The Elementary School Journal, 109(3), 221. Retrieved December 12, 2016, from http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1086/592305
- Dolezal, S. E., Welsh, L. M., Pressley, M., & Vincent, M. M. (2003). How nine third-grade teachers motivate student academic engagement? Elementary School Journal, 103, 239–267.
- Dziuban, C. D., Hartman, J. L., and Moskal, P. D. (2004). Blended learning. Educause Center for Applied Research, 7, 1-12. Retrieved August 10, 2016 from https://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERB0407.pdf
- Eydelman, N. (2013). A blended English as a Foreign Language academic writing course. In B. Tomlinson & C. Whittaker (Eds.), Blended Learning in English Language Teaching: Course Design and Implementation (pp. 43-50). UK: London British Council.
- Finn, J. D., and Zimmer, K. S. (2012). Student engagement: What is it? Why does it matter? In S. L. Christenson, A. L. Reschly, & C. Wylie (Eds.), Handbook of research on student engagement (pp.97–131). Boston, MA: Springer.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
-
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
June 6, 2018
Submission Date
September 12, 2018
Acceptance Date
May 10, 2018
Published in Issue
Year 2018 Volume: 18 Number: 2