ROLE REVERSAL CALL AT COVENTRY UNIVERSITY

Abstract

Utilising experience from a project at Coventry University, this article concentrates on exploring new and innovative ways to exploit computer‐assisted language learning methods in the classroom. The core of the Role Reversal idea is to transform students into designers of their own courseware as a means of addressing the problem of grammar acquisition. The paper examines a number of critical factors that have led to the implementation of new CALL techniques in German. Firstly, the factors are assessed as to why it has become necessary to integrate CALL in new and interesting ways into the curriculum in higher education. Secondly, the article outlines the fundamental rationale for the new approach adopted by the team at Coventry and attempts to offer a number of conclusions as to the success of the new methods. Finally, detailed examples of practical demonstrations are included in order to illustrate how it is possible to place students in a position of creating their own educational software. The initiative is of interest for both language teachers and CALL practitioners.