Cognitive approach to adaptive testing implementation in virtual maritime english language learning environment based on a spaced repetition system

Abstract

The present proposal advocates for the use of Spaced Repetition System (SRS) in Computer-Assisted Language Training as a particular applicable cognitive approach for a personalised language learning system in a Higher Education virtual environment. To this end, the recently developed online SMCP-Training tool has been modelled to provide a sequenced learning scenario in a virtual language learning environment. This is a novel flexible and integrated computer-assisted tool that has been primarily conceived as a means to provide (extra-) practice in an autonomous learning context where the learner -undergraduate navigation students, seafarers and land-based marine operators- can essentially be instructed across different stages in the correct use of the IMO’s Standard Marine Communication Phrases (SMCP), the controlled maritime language. The online tool basically caters for self-training and personalised learning by automatising the recalling of the patterns which have been underscored in the trainees’ saved previous attempts. An algorithm to prioritise repetition of tests, based on data crossing of the learners’ opinion on their performance and the actual level of accuracy obtained in the test performance has been developed. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of Spaced Repetition (learning) System (SRS) on an undergraduate level group of Spanish Maritime Navigation and Transport students in the fourth year after testing the learners’ information retaining capabilities at pre-determined sequenced learning spans. The cycle sequence of this study is completed after an analysis and a discussion of the results.