TEACHER’S INNOVATION IN TEACHING LINGUISTIC KNOWLEDGE: EXPLORING STUDENTS’ REFLECTIONS IN LEARNING EFL WITH TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The foundation of competence for English teachers in the EFL context, as well as for any language teacher, lies in linguistic knowledge (Chang & Kanno, 2010; Kemaloglu-Er, 2017; Marfui, 2016; Medgyes, 1992). However, due to English being a foreign language in Indonesia, teachers who work with EFL learners require innovative strategies to achieve teaching goals and fulfill the profile of future EFL teachers (Chun et al., 2016; Hoopingarner, 2009; Kern, 2006; Kessler, 2018; Köksal, 2004; Salaberry, 2001). This study aims to explore EFL students' reflections on their experience of learning Linguistics with technology and its impact on their linguistic knowledge, which is valuable for their future. A total of 156 prospective teacher students participated in the study. They provided reflections on the learning process for Phonetics and Phonology courses at the end of the semester, using the Three What’s reflection writing concept guide: What, So What, Now What (Borton, 1969; Rolfe, 2014). Based on the reflection results, linguistic competence is acquired through a systematic learning process, both offline and online, which incorporates various technology-based learning resources (such as Google Classroom, Quizizz, YouTube, Padlet, etc.), with relevant linguistic content. The use of technology as a teaching strategy to aid student comprehension represents an innovation in language learning, as students become more creative in discussing and creating projects related to the course. Furthermore, they continue to utilize the technology they have experienced in other learning activities. By incorporating technology into the process of understanding essential linguistic concepts, teachers can model the target language being taught, demonstrating that teacher innovation is an integral part of professionalism and contributes to the improvement of learning continuity. In line with this notion of sustainability, it is recommended that further research be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using technology in assisting and motivating students in assessment as learning, assessment for learning, and assessment of learning.