Virtual Realities : A Blended Learning Approach to Bridge the Gap between Diverse ESL Learners

  • Nackeeran Sivapunniam
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Abstract

Learner Diversity has always been a major concern in the second language classroom. Due to cultural and learning style differences, students often find themselves in very diverse stages of learning in the same class. Teachers are well aware of the problem but due to large number of students in the class, very limited contact hours and a very exam oriented education system, they are unable to do much to cater for the diverse learners. Teachers often concentrate on the high flyers and the mediocre students. The weak students, who need more attention and guidance, are often neglected. To cater for the assorted needs of the diverse learner lessons must be very learner centered. As Mahendra et.al(2005)elucidate “Being learner-centered is about promoting a collaborative, supportive classroom culture, not a competitive, individualistic one”. This paper would explore the possibilities of introducing a blended learning approach in the ESL classroom to circumnavigate the problem of learner diversity. As (Barkley.S.G 2001) propagates, “The ideal solution is to blend the best characteristics of online learning and onsite learning to provide the greatest support for acquisition of knowledge, modeling, practice, observation and coaching which are the five components of learning.” It will discuss the notion of learner diversity in the Malaysian context, the concept of blended learning, advantages of blended and some guidelines for the implementation of blended learning in Malaysia.

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Nackeeran Sivapunniam. (2005). Virtual Realities : A Blended Learning Approach to Bridge the Gap between Diverse ESL Learners. Language and Culture: Ceating and Fostering Global Communities, 283–290. Retrieved from www.ukm.my/solls09/Proceeding/PDF/nackeeran.pdf

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