Does the use of a specific language-learning IT programme have the potential to improve both the quantity and quality of pupils' French oral production in a Year 11 iGCSE class?

Thesis

This research project looks at the impact of using language software in the classroom to enhance pupils' oral skills. After defining the notions of quality and quantity as pertains to language learning, the study essentially involves a three-pronged approach, using my class of 17 pupils and a colleague’s class of 18 pupils as a control group, in examining the extent to which using technology in the language laboratory affects learning.

Firstly, pupils’ levels of confidence and fear as regards speaking French in classroom situations were identified and explored via questionnaires and semi-structured group interviews. Secondly, pupils engaged with the software in the language lab once per two- week cycle over the course of five months. During this time, they used headsets to focus on tasks related to oral skills for the entire 55-minute lesson, all the while adhering to a 'checklist' of key desirable linguistic features to succeed at the iGCSE oral exam. Finally, changes in confidence and fear levels as well as quantity and quality of language were measured via pupils’ own uploads of their audio recordings, the same questionnaires, further group interviews and official exam grades.

Findings indicate the potential for effective integration of ICT within MFL for speaking tasks. This is evidenced by a reduction in fear with a concomitant rise in pupil confidence levels as per teacher observations and pupil feedback in questionnaires and interviews. Quality and quantity of language produced also increased, considerably for some. However, it appears that pupils do not wish to engage solely with ICT and prefer to retain face-to-face communication for most language lessons, despite feeling unconfident in front of others at times, with ICT complementing traditional lessons rather than replacing them.

Authors: Hunt, T

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-e24kqewev
• Type of award: MSc
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Keywords: Modern Foreign Languages; MLT; MLT2016
• Subjects: Education