Time is of the essence: factors encouraging out-of-class study time

• Autores: Steve T. Fukuda, Hisroshi Yoshida
• Localización: ELT journal: An international journal for teachers of English to speakers of other languages, ISSN 0951-0893, Vol. 67, Nº 1, 2013, págs. 31-40
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Out-of-class study time is essential in students� language learning, but few studies in ELT measure out-of-class study time or investigate how teachers can encourage, rather than demand it. In Japan, out-of-class study time is lower than might be expected, ranging from zero to an hour per week. This study therefore sets out to establish those factors that can increase out-of-class study time without extrinsic motivators such as homework and testing. Results from self-reports and course evaluations suggest that (1) clear course aims, (2) strong student�teacher relationships, (3) non-threatening classroom environments, and (4) interactive classroom procedures boost out-of-class study time. Finally, we hope this study will become a catalyst for more in-depth discussion of how to facilitate more productive out-of-class study time, and ultimately students� attainment of higher proficiency in the target language.