An Effective Way to Use Corpus Exercises to Learn Grammar Basics in English

Abstract

Computer-based data driven learning (DDL) is becoming gradually more prevalent in L2 classrooms, and studies have shown that DDL exercises can be effective even at the beginner level in teaching vocabulary and grammar (Chujo & Oghigian, 2006, 2008). In addition, paper-based DDL studies are gaining ground (Boulton, 2008b), so that even without computers, students are able to explore concordance lines to identify recurring grammatical features and word derivations and to learn how to induce generalizations from the samples to the language in general. In this study, the researchers have developed a series of computer-based and paper-based DDL exercises focused on grammar basics and using a four-step approach that is both inductive and deductive. Course evaluations indicate statistically significant gains in most areas, and students report an overall positive rating on questionnaires. The benefits of data driven learning (DDL) or corpus-based exercises in the L2 classroom are widely recognized. Leech tells us that " … the corpus, as an information source, fits in very well with the dominant trend…from teaching as imparting knowledge to teaching as mediated learning " (1997, p. 2); others point to advantages of using DDL: authenticity; active, student-centered learning where the learner has control of the learning process; and the powerful and motivating discovery aspect in which the learner acts as researcher. There is no question that corpus-based learning is gaining ground in second language acquisition; however, Boulton's (2008a) survey of 50 DDL studies shows only four at the beginner level. Corpus use at the beginning level, either directly on computers or with paper-based material, is the focus of this study. In the first section of this paper, several considerations for using DDL in the beginner level L2 classroom are provided. Next, examples of computer-based and paper-based vocabulary and grammar exercises are given in the second section. These exercises have been used in the Nihon University Study, described in the third section. In the final section, the advantages and disadvantages of computer-based and paper-based corpus exercises are discussed.