Share Paper: Case study of an online English language course that emphasizes self-assessment of speaking and writing

1. Goh Kawai, Hokkaido University, Japan
2. Akio Ohnishi, VERSION2, Japan

Abstract: We report a case study where 2600 university freshmen learn the English language in an online environment that emphasizes speaking and writing skills. The language material and learning tasks are designed so that learners can estimate by themselves the appropriateness of their language production. Instructors do not comment on the learners' speaking or writing. The course is offered in the 1st semester of the freshman year, and lasts 15 weeks. Learners take a diagnostic test during week 1, and TOEFL-ITP during week 9. During the past 8 years, mean scores for the diagnostic test have remained unchanged, while mean scores ...