Student Perspectives on The Effective Use of New Media in Field Education Courses and The Development of Language Skills

Abstract

The aim of this study is to enhance the efficiency of teaching field education courses in the Department of German Language Teaching by utilizing new media tools within the classroom setting. The study used a mixed research method, which gathered data from both quantitative and qualitative sources. The participants included a total of 160 (119 female and 41 male) sixth semester students studying at Trakya University. Data were gathered using questionnaire and a structured interview form. Frequency distribution was utilized to evaluate the quantitative data, while content analysis was performed to categorize the responses of the qualitative data. According to the study results, it is emphasized that new media technologies primarily allow students to have easier access to course materials and resources, make information permanent, engage in active learning, collaborate, and think creatively. Pre- and post-test results show that field education courses supported by new media have a positive impact on the development of fundamental language skills and partial language skills. In particular, the percentage and frequency values for the development of listening skills, vocabulary, and audio-visual skills are higher with the use of new media in field education. It is recommended that such applied studies should be designed by field experts, and efforts should be made to increase awareness among teacher candidates and graduates about practices that enhance learners' motivation.