摘要: | This research aims to investigate the effects of technology and enriched teaching materials in the learning of Freshman English for English majors. This study integrated different subject areas in the contents of the teaching materials and
made use of the web and multimedia software to enhance the students' learning of English. On the basis of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, the text is divided into six units of various fields: 1. Prose and General Science, 2.
American and English Literature, and General Psychology, 3. English Comics and the Civilized Society, 4. Western Literature and Music, 5. English News, Voyages, and Human Geography, and 6. English Commercials and Syntax. Each unit is
subdivided into seven sections of related topics. The study population consisted of 145 subjects who were English majors taking Freshman English in three classes. Three teachers selected the topics of their choices in their lectures, and students
were asked to use the web and the learning software as supplemental learning materials after class. Questionnaires concerning students' interests in learning English, topics of interest, self-evaluation of personal English competence, and
more were given in the beginning and at the end of the semester. Results show that more than half (57%) of the students were satisfied with the enriched teaching materials, about 56% of the students enjoyed the texts, 62% of the students felt that
they had more interaction in doing group activities, about 22% of the students made use of the Internet (improved by 16% from previous semester), and 63% of the students were pleased with film presentations and the discussions afterwards.
Overall, affirmative responses were given by the students in regard to the enriched teaching materials and there were positive effects on the students' motivations in learning English. |