A case study of the application of a blended learning approach to web-based college English teaching platform in a medical university in eastern China

Abstract

This study adopted an empirical study to examine the application of the blended learning approach to Web-based College English Teaching Platform (WCETP) in a medical university in eastern China. The study was conducted on 40 students majoring in Clinical Medicine from two classes and raised two questions: (1) Is there a significant difference between the blended learning approach and the traditional classroom learning approach in terms of students' attitudes and satisfaction? (2) Is there a significant difference between the blended learning approach and the traditional classroom learning approach in terms of students' academic achievement? By analyzing and discussing the resultant statistics, the author drew the conclusion that compared with the traditional teaching approach, participants held more positive attitudes towards the blended learning model. Besides, participants preferred to this new blended learning model, which could better stimulate their interest, foster their autonomous learning and collaborative learning and prompt their confidence. What is more, the quantitative research with the comparisons of language learning achievement between the experimental group and the control group revealed that there was a significant difference in terms of students' academic achievement between the traditional classroom learning approach and the blended learning approach. Furthermore, students performed better in language learning under the blended learning model than those under the traditional model. The findings of the study indicate that as the brand-new learning approach, the blended learning approach which integrates the advantages of online learning and face-to-face classroom teaching could enhance students' comprehensive language skills, improve students' self-confidence in learning English, and cultivate the learners' ability of self-learning. Therefore, study on the application of blended learning for college English learning has an important reference value and practical significance for the reform of College English Education. © 2012 ACADEMY PUBLISHER Manufactured in Finland.