PDF The U.S.-China E-Language Project: A Study of a Gaming ...

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The U.S.-China E-Language Project: A Study of a Gaming Approach to English Language Learning for Middle School Students

The U.S.-China E-Language Project: A Study of a Gaming Approach to

English Language Learning for Middle School Students

Prepared by: Patricia J. Green

Mandy Sha Lu Liu

RTI International

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Education Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development

Policy and Program Studies Service

2011

This report was prepared for the U.S. Department of Education under Contract Number ED-04-CO0036/0002. Brian Fu served as the contracting officer`s representative for Task Order 8, Evaluation of the E-Language Learning System Named: Open Language Learning Initiative for English (OLLI English). The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Department of Education. No official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education is intended or should be inferred.

U.S. Department of Education Arne Duncan Secretary

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development Carmel Martin Assistant Secretary

Policy and Program Studies Service Stuart Kerachsky Director

May 2011

This report is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce the report in whole or in part is granted. While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the suggested citation is: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, Policy and Program Studies Service, The U.S.-China E-Language Project: A Study of a Gaming Approach to English Language Learning for Middle School Students. Washington, D.C., 2011.

This report is also available on the Department`s website at

.

On request, this publication is available in alternative formats, such as Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette. For more information, please contact the Department`s Alternate Format Center at 202-260-0852 or 202-260-0818.

A Study of a Gaming Approach to English Language Learning for Middle School Students

iv

Contents

Exhibits and Tables....................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................................... vii Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1. Purpose and Background ......................................................................................... 1

1.1 Purpose..............................................................................................................................1 1.2 Background .......................................................................................................................2 Chapter 2. Description of the Project and Early Development................................................ 5 2.1 Overall Structure of the Project ........................................................................................5 2.2 Initial Planning..................................................................................................................6 2.3 Overview of The Forgotten World ...................................................................................6 2.4 Pilot Study.........................................................................................................................8 Chapter 3. Study Design and Methodology.............................................................................. 13 3.1 Research Questions .........................................................................................................13 3.2 Study Design ...................................................................................................................13 3.3 Data Collection ...............................................................................................................15 3.4 Data Processing...............................................................................................................16 3.5 Data Analysis and Statistical Methods ...........................................................................17 Chapter 4. Implementation........................................................................................................ 19 4.1 Teacher Training .............................................................................................................19 4.2 School and Student Participation ....................................................................................22 4.3 Implementation of The Forgotten World ........................................................................25 4.4 Teachers` Classroom Use of The Forgotten World ........................................................26 Chapter 5. Results....................................................................................................................... 29 5.1 Student Results Based on the Assessments and Questionnaires.....................................29 5.2 Teacher Attitudes and Experiences.................................................................................33 Chapter 6. Summary and Implications .................................................................................... 39 6.1 Summary of Findings......................................................................................................39 6.2 Implications for the Future..............................................................................................39 References ................................................................................................................................... 43

Appendix A. Open Language Learning Initiative Evaluation Planning Group Meeting Summary ............................................................................................................. A-1

Appendix B. The Forgotten World Quick Reference Guide.....................................................B-1 Appendix C. English Proficiency Tests Under Consideration, October 2008 ..........................C-1

A Study of a Gaming Approach to English Language Learning for Middle School Students

iii

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download