How to use Duolingo effectively in second language learning?: A Currere Essay

Year 2019, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 8 - 13, 30.12.2019

Oktay Akbaş

Abstract

The aim of this study is to focus on my feelings and my English learning experience with Duolingo. This study is also about managing their own learning process. This is a self-study. The autobiographical method of currere helps self-understanding, social understanding and subject matter. This study is based on my learning diary for three months of cultural and linguistic orientation course I have had when I first arrived in Kent State University. Learning diary revealed that myself feelings and reactions could be grouped in four categories: being against a change and learning, need for a physical activity, stress and emotions, democratic ways of learning. I think it is true to say that one of the major intellectual challenges is managing the entire process of learning. Currere essay is way of self-reflective thinking and learning. Writing a diary in this period of learning language and adapting to cultural switch was beneficial to my time spent on Duolingo.  Duolingo main use for me was that it kept my mind on English, my mobile time was spent focused on the subject I was learning instead of scrolling in news, games, posts.

Keywords

Dualingo, language learning, mobile learning, currere essay

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