Learning Chinese Formulaic Expressions in a Scenario‐Based Interactive Environment
Naoko Taguchi (PhD, Northern Arizona University) is a Professor in the Department of Modern Languages, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.
Qiong Li (MA, Shanghai Jiao Tong University) is a PhD student in the Department of Modern Languages, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.
Xiaofei Tang (MS Ed., University of Pennsylvania) is a PhD student in the Department of Modern Languages, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.
Abstract
This study examined the effectiveness and usability of a scenario‐based interactive practice in teaching Chinese formulaic expressions. Thirty students enrolled in Chinese classes in a U.S. university interacted with characters in videos featuring scenes recorded in Shanghai. Students were prompted to use formulaic expressions during their text‐based interactions with built‐in characters. Several game‐like features were incorporated into the practice (e.g., a plot and settings, character selections, and point systems). Pre‐, post‐, and delayed posttest results showed that students made significant gains in their knowledge of formulaic expressions after the practice, and their knowledge was maintained 2 weeks later. Interviews with individual students revealed some features that motivated them with the practice (e.g., videorecordings of authentic situations, interactions with the characters). However, some students did not perceive the practice as a game‐like experience because of the linear, structured nature of the practice and limited decision‐making power, leaving room for design improvement in the future.
Number of times cited: 1
- Yu‐Ren Lin, The influences of contextualized media on students' science attitudes, knowledge, and argumentation learning through online game‐based activities, Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 34, 6, (884-898), (2018).
