An Action Research on Applying the ARCS Model and Stratified Teaching in an English Reading Class in a Chinese Elementary School

Abstract

In a traditional English reading class, the process of imparting knowledge is insipid and learners’ individual differences cannot be fully considered. It largely focuses on knowledge inculcation and teaching efficiency but widens the gaps of achievement among students of different levels to a certain extent. The ARCS model is comprised of attention, relevance, confidence and satisfaction, which works concertedly to improve students’ interest and confidence in learning English, and stimulate and maintain students’ intrinsic motivation. The Stratified Teaching Method can adapt to students’ individual differences, through which individualized teaching can help students improve their reading abilities. In consideration of the respective advantages of the ARCS model and stratified teaching, this paper tries to put them into practice by integrating them into an English reading class. In the present study, the research methods of questionnaire survey, interview and case analysis are employed, and it is found that most of the respondents in the survey take a liking to learning English, but about half of them are driven by some kind of external motivation and lack confidence in learning English well. However, it is also found that most of them would harvest greater confidence after answering teacher’s questions correctly, or performing well in class, or accomplishing their homework satisfactorily after class. It is therefore both necessary and important for teachers to implement the ARCS model of motivation and the Stratified Teaching Method in instructional design in order to enhance students’ confidence and motivation in learning to read and allow every and each of them benefit from the reading class. This paper concludes with a specific example of a teaching plan based on the ARCS Model and Stratified Teaching Method.