Maximising the proficiency of advanced Japanese language learners in a blended-learning environment: A pilot study

Abstract

Within the blended-learning paradigm (Picciano, Dziuban & Graham, 2014) various attempts have been made to maintain the standards achieved by teaching face-to-face. However, it is often a challenge to incorporate oral communication into language courses with online components. Many practitioners highlight the lack of adequate online speaking activities, particularly in the case of advanced language courses. This paper describes our initial trial to incorporate oral-aural exercises into the online component of a course for Japanese language learners at an advanced level. Our aim was to build students' oral communication skills through active learning as effectively as in face-to-face classroom delivery. Within a blended-learning environment students were given opportunities to conduct project-based learning to improve their proficiency. Students' progress, their comments, and our reflections as instructors will also be discussed. The learners' willingness and readiness for self-study was found to be one of the key factors in achieving a successful outcome.