Study case 5.1WebQuest

ContextO AndyO EAP undergraduate program in

CanadaO Instruction in grammar, reading,

communication, writing. (Beg-Adv)O Trs are free to adjust curriculum

and to choose methods

How do students research?

O Johns (2002) surveyed 2054 post-secondary students at 27 different US colleges and found out that 73% reported using the internet more than the library for information searching

O Internet represents an opportunity to handle a real-world tool, a rich research source to quickly access authentic materials and to develop autonomy and life-long learning skills.

WebQuestOWhat is it?

O WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web. These can be created using various programs, including a simple word processing document that includes links to websites.

OA project-based learning activity that integrates internet into instructional activities.

Structure

A WebQuest should include:

O IntroductionO TaskO ProcessO ResourcesO Evaluation O Conclusion

Main characteristicsO Classroom-basedO Higher order thinking (analysis,

creativity, criticism)O Emphasis on information use

AdvantagesO Ss understand what they are to do

and what it requiresO Ss are responsible for their own

learning, hence, they can acquire deeper understanding

O The task can be worked at homeO E-literacy skillsO The sources are provided, thus

students are more focused

X DisadvantagesO Setting it up is time-consumingO Ss can get distracted while using the

internetO …

Suggestions for effectiveness

O Tasks must be carefully designed to suit ss’ interests and level

O A background must be set in advance

O Instructor guidance is necessary