Blending a linguistics course for enhanced student learning experiences in a Hong Kong higher education institution

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapters

Abstract

In this chapter, a case study of implementing blended learning in a linguistics course will be reported. Traditionally, this course was taught in the mode of a 1-hour face-to-face plenary lecture plus a 2-hour small group tutorial session each week for 13 weeks. To promote blended learning and give students an enhanced learning experience that allows more flexibility and more peer interaction, two of the plenary lectures were converted into online lessons, and Moodle was used as the online platform for hosting the online content. Three levels of online activities were designed and provided online: every online lesson consisted of 3–4 mass open online course (MOOC)-style high-quality lecture video clips (Level 1, resource-based activities) followed by online quizzes (Level 2, response-based activities) and discussion forums (Level 3, collaborative activities). Post-lesson analysis shows that over 320 threads were posted by students on the Moodle forums, suggesting that students were actively engaged in online discussions. A post-lesson survey was conducted after the first online lesson, and the feedback was very positive. The majority enjoyed the flexibility of the online lesson and felt more independent during the learning process. They found the video lectures attractive and effective and the online discussion engaging and beneficial. Other than the online lessons, other resources and activities such as stand-alone course-specific website, weekly online quizzes, and Wikibook projects have been adopted to further promote blended learning. To ensure a fulfilling learning experience, instructional design plays a crucial part, especially in arranging the online lessons and other blended learning experiences. Clear and detailed instructions and guidance were also vital for the success of blended learning. Copyright © 2021 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBlended learning for inclusive and quality higher education in Asia
EditorsCher Ping LIM, Charles R. GRAHAM
Place of PublicationSingapore
PublisherSpringer
Pages103-124
ISBN (Electronic)9789813341067
ISBN (Print)9789813341050
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Citation

Wang, L. (2021). Blending a linguistics course for enhanced student learning experiences in a Hong Kong higher education institution. In C. P. Lim & C. R. Graham (Eds.), Blended learning for inclusive and quality higher education in Asia (pp. 103-124). Singapore: Springer.

Keywords

  • Blended learning
  • Linguistics course
  • Higher education
  • Hong Kong

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