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Blended Learning in English Language Teaching: Course Design and Implementation

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Model by JP, Form 10<br />

Structure Model<br />

Did Def<strong>in</strong>iteness of the moment: NO<br />

Completeness: NO<br />

When? past/before past/specific past: PAST<br />

Was do<strong>in</strong>g Def<strong>in</strong>iteness of the moment: YES<br />

Completeness: NO<br />

When? past/before past/specific past:<br />

SPECIFIC PAST<br />

Had done Def<strong>in</strong>iteness of the moment: YES<br />

Completeness: YES<br />

When? past/before past/specific past:<br />

BEFORE PAST<br />

Please note that the examples above are actual models of learners as they existed<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the time of work<strong>in</strong>g with a particular system of tasks. Some models or their<br />

parts may appear <strong>in</strong>correct from the conventional po<strong>in</strong>t of view. This, however, did<br />

not necessarily affect the quality of the learn<strong>in</strong>g process of this or that student, as<br />

the model was tested <strong>and</strong> often improved at a later stage. Moreover, it is surpris<strong>in</strong>g<br />

how useful this or that ‘<strong>in</strong>correct’ model may turn out to be <strong>in</strong> the student’s h<strong>and</strong>s.<br />

Students’ feedback <strong>and</strong> further planned adaptations<br />

Students’ feedback concerned two aspects: the proposed approach to learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />

grammar <strong>and</strong> the mode for implement<strong>in</strong>g it. The feedback was collected through<br />

various channels: anonymous onl<strong>in</strong>e questionnaires, ongo<strong>in</strong>g learner reflections<br />

(Learner reflections 2004 –10), entries <strong>in</strong> the assessment portfolios <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>terviews.<br />

The ma<strong>in</strong> po<strong>in</strong>ts are summarised below:<br />

■■ It is difficult for learners to accept work<strong>in</strong>g with grammar onl<strong>in</strong>e if they previously<br />

dealt with it <strong>in</strong> the classroom. The situation is completely different when a group<br />

is <strong>in</strong>troduced to the blended course from the very beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

■■ Difficult aspects are even more difficult when work<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

■■ Work onl<strong>in</strong>e requires much more concentration than the same work<br />

<strong>in</strong> the classroom.<br />

■■ Learners’ compla<strong>in</strong>ts about the technology do not really depend on the quality<br />

of the technological solutions offered to them.<br />

■■ Technical problems lead to a high level of frustration (<strong>in</strong> comparison to<br />

the classroom).<br />

■■ Onl<strong>in</strong>e modules are a good way to have everyth<strong>in</strong>g about grammar organised<br />

<strong>and</strong> kept <strong>in</strong> one place.<br />

■■ Develop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> test<strong>in</strong>g their own models leads to deeper underst<strong>and</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

of how grammar works.<br />

■<br />

■ Various aspects of learn<strong>in</strong>g grammar are remembered much better when<br />

developed by learners.<br />

A th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g-based blended learn<strong>in</strong>g course | 195

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