The effective use of web-based English grammar program for middle school students

Abstract

WBI(Web- Based Instuction) has currently been used in English education at all levels in Korea. However, the majority of present studies seem to have focused on the use of WBI for the development of spoken language skills at all levels. It is also important for students to learn grammar, because it helps them to pay attention to language forms and have accuracy in communication. The purposes of this study are, therefore: 1) to examine middle school students' attitudes on the use of a pilot web-based English grammar program developed by researchers; 2) to investigate the effects of the program, particularly for grammar consciousness-raising activities based on learner-centered learning in the middle school; and 3) to suggest a proper web-based English grammar program for middle school students. Forty-two first grade students were randomly selected from S middle school. The methods used in the study were an attitude survey, interviews, and one group pre-test and post-test experiment. The results indicated that the majority of students have positive attitudes towards the use of the program, and that the mean score of post-test was higher than that of pre-test. However, the study suggests a need for further investigation into the effects of using the program for an extended period of time.