1. How computers facilitate English foreign language learners acquire English abstract words Presenter: Yi-Han Yang Instructor: Dr. Pi-Ying Teresa Hsu Date: January 12, 2011 1

2. Citation Tsou, W., Wang, W., & Li, H. Y. (2002). How computers facilitate English foreign language learners acquire English abstract words. Computer & Education, 39, 415-428. 2

3. 五 二 三 四 一 Content Introduction Literature Review Methodology Result & Conclusion Reflection 3

4. Introduction 4

5. Introduction CAL Computer as Aid to Learning + 5

6. Introduction 6

7. Tutorials Introduction Game Simulations CAL Drills Tests 7

8. Purposes 8

9. Literature Review 9

10. Literature Review Knowledge of word meaning has a strong relationship to reading comprehension skill. (Stahl & Fairbanks, 1986) 10

11. Literature Review Around the age of eleven is an important stage for children ‘s mental and cognitive development. (Brown, 1987) 11

12. Literature Review If new words can be integrated into the network, those associations can facilitate their recall. (Schmitt,1995) 12

13. Concrete words vs. Abstract words 13

14. Concrete words cell phone 14

15. Abstract words 15

16. Concrete vs. Abstract which yours hobby VS. 16

17. Methodology 17

18. Participants 38 sixth graders In southern Taiwan Time Two hours of learning time for each group Methodology Instrument Survey Achievement Test Methodology Experimental group 38 students Control group 36 students 18

19. hobby, this, that, what, where, which, when, how, whose, yours, mine, hers, his From “2000 most frequent words” (Burkhard, 1999) The recommended elementary English materials by the City Bureau of Education (Cant et al., 1999; Frazier & Nakata, 1944a; Young & Eisele, 1999b) 19

21. (Learn only by computer)

22. Achievement test & Survey

23. Traditional instruction

24. Achievement test20

25. Achievement Test Q1. Those toys. Q1. These books. Q2. This is a cat. Q2. These pencils. Q3. That is an umbrella. 21

26. Five–level Likert Scale 22

27. Survey I. Content of the abstract word learning system 1. The information provided in the content is correct. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 2. The information in the system has educational value. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 3. The content can be integrated into the school curriculum. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 4. The content can be applied in real life situation. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 5. The difficulty level of the content is appropriate. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 6. The display of the content is clear and logical. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 7. The focus of the content is clearly specified. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) II. Learning with the abstract word learning system 8. The learning goal of the system is clearly stated. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 9. The stated goal can be achieved. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 10. The animation and the sound effects of the content can effectively facilitate learning.(SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 11. The system can raise students’ motivation in learning English. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 12. The system can help trigger students’ learning creativity in language learning. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 13. The system can instantly react to students’ responses. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 14. The system can integrate students’ prior knowledge into learning new materials. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 15. The content learned can easily be applied to real world. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) III. Designs of the system 16. The materials provided are clear and understandable. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 17. The instructions for operation are clear. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 18. The materials are well presented. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 19. It is user friendly and can be operated alone. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) 20. The system can easily be accessed via regular computers. (SA)(A)(N)(D)(SD) The information provided in the content is correct. The learning goal of the system is clearly stated. The materials provided are clear and understandable. 23

28. Result & Conclusion 24

29. Result 13.28-12.5=0.78 On average had only 0.78 gain in the final exam and this increase did not achieve the 0.05 significant level. 13.13-9.66= 3.47 On average increased 3.47 on the final achievement . 25

30. Conclusion 26

31. More abstract words need to be included in the system. Suggestions An online conversation (with teacher and classmates) and writing composition mechanism is being considered in the expectation . Adaptive learning paths based on the learners’ responses and feedbacks. Simulation of real world scenarios could be included for learners to actually practice the newly learnt vocabulary through role-play. . 27

32. Reflection 28

33. Reflection 29

34. The End 30