Chinthaka Naleen Viyangoda Gamage
About
No profileSessions
Young Learners Effectiveness of Online Reading and Listening Exam Practice Sessions for Young Learners. more
This study investigated the effectiveness of an online learning environment (OLE) to practice for reading and listening tests of Cambridge English language tests in a restricted post-COVID situation using additional reading and listening materials. This mixed-method, exploratory research used a convenience sample (n=100) of students aged 11 to 15 within six months. WhatsApp was used as a communication tool, while Zoom-based instructions and Google form-based formative assessments were administered in the OLE. Results revealed that the OLE was a convenient way to exam practice using extensive reading and listening materials, even with some infrastructure and digital literacy issues. Participation was high, and the results were excellent. However, a need to improve teachers' and students' basic computer literacy was observed. Limitations such as teachers’ knowledge about online teaching tools and ethics of working with online pedagogy were identified as areas for further research.
Adult Online ER to Scaffold Teacher Training for Disadvantaged Female Teachers more
This study investigates the effectiveness of extensive reading and listening in an online teaching environment (OTE) to facilitate a group of female teachers aged 30 to 50 with restrictions to participating in face-to-face training sessions. OTE was a combination of MS Teams and other online tools. While the trainees were expected to refer to class notes and additional e-reading materials leisurely, synchronous online discussions were held to discuss the progress and conduct online evaluations. Data collection was done via interviews, an online blog and questionnaires. Though the trainees were reluctant to read and participate early, current findings show that the OTE facilitates and motivates the trainees at the expected level, leading to full participation in most online sessions later. While immediate support on technical matters has been adhered to as most participants lack technical knowledge, trainees can also contact the trainers online to address any urgent matter.