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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Hsieh Yijung Chen Chinfen
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DOI:10.17265/2159-5836/2016.07.014
Wen-aou Elementary School, Pinghu County, Taiwan National Taipei University of Education, Taipei, Taiwan
The purpose of this study aims to explore the impacts of task-based co-creation of local picture books on facilitating the development of vocabulary ability and cultural knowledge of EFL 5th graders with different English proficiency levels in Taiwan. Twenty-one 5th graders participated in this study forty minutes per week, lasting for sixteen weeks. They were required to co-create English picture books of Pinghu through thematic task-based activities. Research data required for the study were collected through the pre-/post-tests of vocabulary and cultural knowledge, a participants’ feedback questionnaire as well as semi-structured interviews. The results of this study showed that after experimental instruction, EFL 5th graders significantly improved their recognition of the connection between English word sounds and word meanings, word meanings and word forms, word forms and word meanings, as well as spellings. Moreover, their local cultural knowledge was improved significantly as well. Furthermore, based upon the 5th graders’ responses to questionnaire and semi-structure interview, most of them developed a very positive attitude towards the activities of co-creating local picture books and their interest, self-confidence in English writing, and English learning behavior. Based on the findings, some suggestions were offered for the pedagogical applications and future studies.
thematic writing, task-based co-creation of picture books, vocabulary ability, cultural knowledge, English learning attitude
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