WIKI TOOLS IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES - AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENT LEARNING BEHAVIOUR PATTERN
WIKI TOOLS IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES - AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENT LEARNING BEHAVIOUR PATTERN

Summary/Abstract: In Romania, the increasing use of Web 2.0 technology/social media in higher education has been explored in relation mainly to its uses for informal learning and professional development. Their application for coursework is still very little explored. In 2009, the authors built a wiki-based platform as part of a blended learning approach designed with the purpose of improving the teaching of English for Academic Purposes for non-native speakers of English with basic computer skills. One of the main research objectives was to determine whether students' behaviour in relation to coursework and course related activities changes in time. The online component of the blended learning approach was gradually improved based on teacher observations, informal interaction with students and yearly analysis of its impact on student activity. The current study will present data pertaining to students' degree of participation across three consecutive academic years which have been analysed comparatively. The emphasis is on the way students manage their coursework in time and respond to requirements that involve collaborative as well as independent work skills. The amount and frequency of page views in relation to coursework on the one hand and their own editing activities in relation to collaborative and self-paced/ independent learning are evaluated. The results suggest mainly lack of time management skills and reluctance to get involved in more independent activities, a learning behaviour pattern which may be attributed to their low level of study skills and previous education experience. The authors' conclusions point to the need for further interdisciplinary investigation into issues related to cross-curricular competencies and their role for successful academic performance.

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