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The impact of cooperative learning and information technology on an English language class
Author
Lek, Kah Cheng
Supervisor
Azam Mashhadi
Hu, Chun
Abstract
A few decades ago Cooperative Learning (CL) has emerged as one of the alternatives to the traditional style of teaching. The implementation of the Information Technology Masterplan in Education has also presented teachers in Singapore with the challenge of integrating Information Technology (IT) into their everyday teaching. A case study is presented of a class of Secondary Three Normal Academic students (i.e. students who are of average academic ability) at a government school describing how Cooperative Learning and Information Technology can be integrated into the teaching of the English Language subject to enhance student learning. In particular the experiences of utilizing two multimedia CD-ROMs (Hollywood High and Famous Five) are outlined. In Hollywood High, students learnt the elements of screenwriting and story telling, including setting, plot, narration characterization, dialogue, stage direction and sound. Students were assigned their group members and they were instructed to make the choices collaboratively, produce the screenplay and then present it to the class. In Famous Five, students engage in Cooperative Learning to work on a variety of exercises. These include writing biographies, character sketches, summaries and news reports, as well as working on various grammar exercises such as punctuation, vocabulary and solving crossword puzzles. In this study the whole context of learning is considered i.e. the 'real-life' classroom situation. Data collection utilized questionnaires, interviews, observations and documentation. The analysis involved generating categories from the data. The results of the study showed that both Cooperative Learning and Information Technology help students learn the English Language.
Date Issued
2000
Call Number
PE1066 Lek
Date Submitted
2000