The effects of differentiated blended learning on speaking for college students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate what are the effects, and their degree, of blended learning(combining on and off-line) on the speaking proficiency and attitude of college students of English. The on-line courseware was TALL developed by Brigham Young University. The TALL is a blended learning system, and provides an individualized and adaptive learning and courseware management system. For measuring speaking proficiency “PhonePass” was used. The blended learning positively affected the students’ speaking ability, and they gained confidence in communicating in English. With a well organized curriculum of on-line courseware, a teacher could lead the class more smoothly without being overwhelmed by responsibility and having many teaching materials to prepare. The students had more opportunities to express their ideas being supported by the TALL and class activities. They gained much confidence in speaking and enjoyed the blended learning.