Creative Writing: Article Review (Task 2)

The title of the research that I am reviewing is “Comparing Web-Based and Classroom-Based Learning: A Quantitative Study”. It is taken from ProQuest Education Journal where the publication title is “Journal of Research on Technology in Education”. The journal has been published on 2002 in volume 34, issues number two on page 31 which contains 7 pages altogether. The author of the journal is M.O. Thirunarayanan with the help of Aixa Perez-Prado. Due to the growth of World Wide Web, education at any place is seen as possible. The research study on the effectiveness and the compatibility of this new education style to the society.

B. Summary of the article:

i. The aims of the research

The aim of the research is to study the result of students’ achievement when they learn using the web-based learning whether it is equally the same with classroom-based learning or better. Knowing that during the year 2002 where the research was being conducted, this kind of learning is still alien to the students and lecturer as well. That was why the research was made so that one can see the effects of learning web-based method which is believed to be better in terms of its mobility (knowledge can be accessed anywhere) and its assistance.

ii. The methodology

Two tests were delivered to the online students (web-based learning) and offline students (classroom-based learning); pre-test and post-test. Those two tests are of the same questions which all are based on the concepts and ideas learnt in the subject. The marks were given by the course instructor and her colleague. The scores gains by the students were checked more than once and were then transferred into t-test to see the differences between both groups.

iii. The subject/sample

Students of the same lecturer were being used as the sample of this research. They were between the ages of 21 to 47 years old where 95% of them are in the early 20’s. Female students dominate the sample as there are only five male students among fifty five female students. Overall, there were sixty students who became the sample for this research. They were all in their last semester that enrolled in TSL 4141 class.

iv. The findings of the research

Based on the Table 2 shown above, we can see that there’s not much difference between the groups’ achievement. However, looking at the differences between both groups’ pre-test and post-test average marks, the Online group shows a slightly bigger margin than the Offline group with 2.02 points. The Offline group’s difference in average score is only 1.54 points.

C. Your reaction:

i. Does the research interest you?

Web-based learning being compared to classroom-based learning might sound unexciting now but to think that the research was made eight years ago was what interest me. Back in 2002 when I am still studying in high school, web-based learning did sound very highly technology and unpromising as the students were used to being taught by human and not machine. Despite the fact that this research contains only 7 pages, the aims of it were achieved and it is reader-friendly as well where this research is suitable to be read by people in general.

ii. Do you think the research well conducted?

The research is not completely well conducted. The methodology of this research is not able to fulfill the lust for information and great experiment. Furthermore, the researcher only tests in one field and on one subject only. The result could be bias in a condition where the subject taught using web-based learning (TSL 4141) is not a tough subject. For example, comparing two subjects which are Phonetics and Phonology, and Educational Psychology, it is easier to teach Educational Psychology because it includes theories and ideas that can be learn by reading and memorizing only. But on the other hand, to learn Phonetics and Phonology need the lecturer to demonstrate and show the students on how the sound of every phoneme and such sound in order for the students to understand.

This problem can be improved by improvising this research.

iii. What are the implications of the research in teaching and learning of ESL (in the general and Malaysian contexts)

In reality, web-based learning has already been implemented at higher learning institution such as PJJ (Pendidikan Jarak Jauh). Our Ministry of Education has launched the E-learning for Malaysian in (year) where it is highly recommended for Malaysian to learn through technology. Open University is one best example of university which offers courses learnt through web-based learning method. In attaining the web-based learning, teachers as well as students must be hand-in-hand in attaining the full use of web-based learning.

http://proquest.umi.com.newdc.oum.edu.my/pqdweb?did=113176806&sid=1&Fmt=4&clientId=56581&RQT=309&VName=PQD