Perceptions of self-efficacy for two types of second language methods instruction

Abstract

A mixed method design was used to investigate the effects of online second language (L2) methodology instruction on the sense of efficacy of teacher-candidates enrolled in initial licensure programs for L2 teachers. More specifically, the researcher examined the extent to which L2 teacher-candidates completing online L2 methodology instruction perceived themselves to be less confident in their ability to teach L2 learners upon completion of their coursework than did their counterparts who completed the same instruction in a F2F setting. Results of the study emphasized the confidence-related benefits of F2F L2 methodology instruction. Completers of the F2F courses experienced a significantly greater increase in confidence to teach L2 learners than did their online peers in regard to all but three of the 16 survey items measuring teacher efficacy. Data suggested that observing demonstrations of teaching strategies and witnessing classroom dynamics allowed the teacher-candidates in the F2F classes to see how the factual knowledge they learned transferred to actual classroom practice. This study speaks about the benefits of hybridized models of methodology instruction and provides a framework for fully online methodology courses that simulate best F2F teaching practices.

Keywords:

• teacher education
• online instruction
• second language methodology

Notes

 1. Blended learning involves a combination of both F2F and online instruction.

 2. Pseudonyms were used to protect the anonymity of the teacher-candidates.

 3. Foldables are three-dimensional graphic organizers created with paper and used to display, arrange, and organize information.

 4. Polldaddy.com allows instructors to ask their students what they feel about certain topics and instantly graphs student responses.

 5. Classtools.net allows instructors to create their own engaging online games that address course content using a variety of game templates.

 6. Wordle.net allows instructors to display key content vocabulary in an engaging manner on a virtual word wall.

 7. Wallwisher.com offers students the opportunity to brainstorm and share ideas related to a topic or question determined by the instructor via the posting of electronic sticky notes.

 8. Yodio.com can be used to present online workshops. It allows instructors to add voice recordings to text.

 9. Voicethread.com allows students to view and respond orally or in writing to a text posted by the instructor. To personalize their responses students can include their picture next to their response.

10. Voki.com allows students to create their own personal avatar and voice recording that can be used to respond to questions posed by the instructor. The personalized and talking avatar can be submitted to the instructor via email.

11. A ticket out the door is a strategy that involves students writing on a piece of paper something they learned in the lesson and handing the paper to the instructor at the end of the class.

12. Learner.org offers a large number of 30-minute videoclips of exemplary L2 lessons.

13. Wimba is an online meeting room in which students can interact with the instructor and fellow classmates.