The Korean Association for the Study of English Language and Linguistics

Korean Journal of English Language and Linguistics - Vol. 21

[ Article ]
Korea Journal of English Language and Linguistics - Vol. 21, No. 0, pp. 171-188
Abbreviation: KASELL
ISSN: 1598-1398 (Print) 2586-7474 (Online)
Received 19 Feb 2021 Revised 11 Mar 2021 Accepted 16 Mar 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15738/kjell.21..202103.171

A Comparative Study on Blended Learning and Flipped Learning: EFL Students’ Learner Autonomy, Independence, and Attitudes
Na-Young Kim ; Seo Young Yoon
(1st author) Professor, Sehan Univ. (nykim@sehan.ac.kr)
(corresponding author) Professor, Baekseok Univ. (syyoon@bu.ac.kr)


© 2021 KASELL All rights reserved
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Funding Information ▼

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate EFL students’ learner perspectives on blended learning and flipped learning concerning their autonomy, independence, and attitudes. The participants for the study were 114 first-year students taking an English course at a university in Korea. They met once a week for 2 hours for 15 weeks but engaged in different instructional designs of conventional (C), blended learning (BL), and flipped learning (FL). For the C group, in-class instructions and activities were given based on the textbook. The BL group joined online activities following the face-to-face instruction. In contrast, the FL group received the online instruction preceding the face-to-face class. For the quantitative data, the questionnaire was designed based on previous research on learner autonomy, independence, and attitudes. The qualitative data included interviews and classroom observation. The main findings are as follows: the FL group showed the need for teacher presence to improve learner autonomy while the BL group recognized the importance of learner autonomy for their successful learning with fewer learning choices. All groups showed a positive attitude toward learning but felt the need for autonomy training. No group differences were found. Based on the results, suggestions for further study are provided.


Keywords: EFL, flipped learning, blended learning, learner autonomy, learner independence, learner attitude

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Sehan University Research Fund in 2021.


References
1. Aksenova, N. V., D. V. Shepetovsky, V. E. Mironova, S. N. Stepura and L. L. Pichugova. 2015. Developing students’ motivation to learn foreign language in tertiary classroom and beyond. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences 6(5), 240-247.
2. Alebaikan, R. and S. Troudi. 2010. Blended learning in Saudi universities: Challenges and perspectives. ALT-J Research in Learning Technology 18(1), 49-59.
3. Asuman, A. 2010. Misconceptions on learner autonomy: A methodological and conceptual renewal. Ekev Academic Review 14(43), 141-153.
4. Bañados, E. 2006. A blended-learning pedagogical model for teaching and learning EFL successfully through an online interactive multimedia environment. CALICO Journal 23(3), 533-550.
5. Banditvilai, C. 2016. Enhancing students’ language skills through blended learning. Electronic Journal of e-Learning 14(3), 220-229.
6. Benson, P. 2001. Teaching and Researching Autonomy in Language Learning. London: Longman.
7. Bergmann, J., J. Overmyer and B. Wilie. 2013. The flipped class: What it is and what it is not. The Daily Riff. Retrieved from http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/the-flipped-class-conversation-689.php
8. Bergmann, J. and A. Sams. 2012. Flip the Classroom. Washington, DC: International Society for Technology in Education.
9. Bormann, J. 2014. Affordances of Flipped Learning and Its Effects on Student Engagement and Achievement. Unpublished master’s thesis, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA.
10. Boud, D. 1988. Developing Student Autonomy in Learning. London: Kogan Page.
11. Çelik, S., E. Arkin and D. Sabriler. 2012. EFL learners’ use of ICT for self-regulated learning. The Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies 8(2), 98-118.
12. Chowdhury, F. 2019. Blended learning: How to flip the classroom at HEIs in Bangladesh? Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching and Learning. Retrieved from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JRIT-12-2018-0030/full/html
13. Cotterall, S. and D. Crabbe. 1999. Learner Autonomy in Language Learning: Defining the Field and Effecting Change. Frankfurt: Peter Lang.
14. Dang, T. T. 2010. Learner autonomy in EFL studies in Vietnam: A discussion from sociocultural perspective. English Language Teaching 3(2), 3-9.
15. Dam, L., R. Eriksson, D. Little, J. Miliander and T. Trebbi. 1990. Towards a definition of autonomy. In T. Trebbi, ed., Third Nordic Workshop on Developing Autonomous Learning in the FL Classroom, 96-103. Bergen: University of Bergen.
16. Dickinson, L. 1995. Autonomy and motivation a literature review. System 23(2), 165-174.
17. Eagly, A. H. and S. Chaiken. 1993. The Psychology of Attitudes. Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich.
18. Ekmekci, E. 2014. Flipped Writing Class Model with a Focus on Blended Learning. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Gazi University Graduate School of Educational Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
19. Fakeye, D. 2010. Students’ personal variables as correlates of academic achievement in English as a second language in Nigeria. Journal of Social Sciences 22, 205-211.
20. Finch, A. 2002. Autonomy: Where are we? Where are we going? In A. S. Mackenzie and E. McCafferty, eds., Developing Autonomy, 15-42. Tokyo: The Japan Association for Language Teaching College and University Educators Special Interest Group.
21. Grgurovic, M. 2011. Blended learning in an ESL class: A case study. CALICO Journal 29(1), 100-117.
22. Han, Y. J. 2015. Successfully flipping the ESL classroom for learner autonomy. NYS TESOL Journal 2(1), 98-109.
23. Hamdan, N., P. McKnight, K. McKnight and K. M. Arfstrom. 2013. The Flipped Learning Model: A White Paper based on the Literature Review titled “A Review of Flipped Learning.” Arlington, VA: Flipped Learning Network.
24. Harrington, M. A. 2010. Problematizing the hybrid classroom for ESL/EFL students. The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language 14(3), 1-13
25. Holec, H. 1981. Autonomy in Foreign Language Learning. Oxford: Pergamon
26. Hung, H. 2015. Flipping the classroom for English language learners to foster active learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning 28(1), 81-96.
27. Kim, N.-Y. 2017. Effects of types of voice-based chat on EFL students’ negotiation of meaning according to proficiency levels. English Teaching 72(1), 159-181.
28. Lengkanawati, N. S. 2016. Teachers’ beliefs about learner autonomy and its implementation in Indonesian EFL settings. Language learner autonomy, In R. Barnard and J. Li, eds., Language Learner Autonomy: Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in Asian Contexts, 134-149. Phnom Penh, Cambodia: CAMTESOL.
29. Lin, L. Y. 1996. Learner training towards learner independence. In L. Dickinson, ed., Autonomy 2000: The Development of Learning Independence in Language Learning, 116-123. Bangkok: King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Thonburi/The British Council.
30. Little, D. 1996. The politics of learner autonomy. Language Learning 2(4), 7-10.
31. Little, D. 2003. Learner Autonomy and Second/Foreign Language Learning. Southampton, UK: The Higher Education Academy.
32. Mariani, L. 1992. Language awareness/learning awareness in a communicative approach: A key to learner independence. Journal of TESOL 18(2). Retrieved from http://www.learningpaths.org/papers/paperawareness.htm
33. Means, B., Y. Toyama, R. Murphy, M. Bakia and K. Jones. 2009. Evaluation of Evidence based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-analysis and Review of Online Learning. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education.
34. Mehring, J. 2016. Present research on the flipped classroom and potential tools for the EFL classroom. Computers in the Schools 33(1), 1-10.
35. Morrison, G., S. Ross, H. Kalman and J. Kemp. 1998. Designing Effective Instruction. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
36. Mulcahy, R. F. (1991). Developing autonomous learners. Alberta Journal of Educational Research 37(4), 385-397
37. Murday, K., E. Ushida and A. Chenoweth. 2008. Learners’ and teachers’ perspectives on language online. Computer Assisted Language Learning 21(2), 125-142.
38. Pichugova, I. L., S. N. Stepura and M. M. Pravosudov. 2016. Issues of promoting learner autonomy in EFL context. SHS Web of Conferences 28, 1-4.
39. Sharle, Á. and A. Szabó. 2000. Learner Autonomy: A Guide to Developing Learner Responsibility. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
40. Soliman, N. A. 2016. Teaching English for academic purposes via the flipped learning approach. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 232, 122-129.
41. Strayer, J. F. 2012. How learning in an inverted classroom influences cooperation, innovation and task orientation. Learning Environments Research 15, 171-193.
42. Sung, K. 2015. A case study on a flipped classroom in an EFL content course. Multimedia-Assisted Language Learning 18(2), 159-187.
43. Tassinari, M. G. 2012. Evaluating learner autonomy: A dynamic model with descriptors. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal 3(1), 24-40.
44. Thanasoulas, D. 2000. What is learner autonomy and how can it be fostered? The Internet TESL Journal 6(11). Retrieved from http://iteslj.org/Articles/Thanasoulas-Autonomy.html
45. Tilfarlioglu, F. Y. and F. S. Ciftci. 2011. Supporting self-efficacy and learner autonomy in relation to academic success in EFL classrooms. Theory and Practice in Language Studies 1(10), 1284-1294.
46. Thorne, K. 2003. Blended Learning: How to Integrate Online and Traditional Learning. London: Kogan Page.
47. Waterhouse, P. 1990. The curriculum. In I. Gathercole, ed., Autonomy in Language Learning, 4-6. London: CILT.
48. Webb, M. and E. Doman. 2016. Does the flipped classroom lead to increased gains on learning outcomes in ESL/EFL contexts? CATESOL Journal 28(1), 39-67.
49. Wong, K. and D. W. Chu. 2014. Is the flipped classroom model effective in the perspectives of students’ perceptions and benefits? In S. K. S. Cheung, J. Fong, J. Zhang, R. Kwan and L. F. Kwok, eds., Hybrid Learning: Theory and Practice, 93-104. Chennai, India: Springer International Publishing.
50. Wu, J. and W. Liu. 2013. An empirical investigation of the critical factors affecting students’ satisfaction in EFL blended learning. Journal of Language Teaching and Research 4(1), 176-185.
51. Yoon, S. Y. 2016. Exploring learner perspectives on learner autonomy for blended learning in EFL conversation classes. STEM Journal 17(1), 197-220.
52. Yoon, S. Y. and N.-Y. Kim. 2020. To flip or not to flip: A comparative study on flipped, blended, and conventional learning in EFL Korean context. The Journal of Asia TEFL 17(4), 1363-1376.
53. Zhou, M., W. J. Ma and E. L. Deci. 2009. The importance of autonomy for rural Chinese children’s motivation for learning. Learning and Individual Difference 19, 492-498.