The Effects of Using CALL on Advanced Chinese Foreign Language Learners

Authors

  • Linda L. Chang Department of Defense (DoD)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v24i2.331-354

Keywords:

Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) Learner, Chinese-speaking Fluency, Multimedia, Criterion-referenced Tests, Learning Chinese Idioms, Self-efficacy, Human-computer Interface

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of a CALL application designed to enhance speaking and listening in Mandarin Chinese on advanced students' verbal skills, learning attitudes, and self-efficacy. A pretest/posttest experimental/control-group design with intact classes was employed to minimize treatment diffusion. Over the course of 14 weeks, students in the treatment group previewed the Chinese CALL application, based on a culturally rich and popular Chinese talk show, prior to classroom instruction and reviewed similar materials during and after class. The control group received traditional instructions from a different instructor and used a different textbook. Students in both the control and treatment groups were given criterion-referenced pre- and posttests in which lab computers were used to record their verbal responses. Students in both groups also completed a language experience survey and two questionnaires on using CALL in their Chinese learning and their self-efficacy in Chinese-speaking fluency. Analysis of test data showed that the students in the treatment group significantly outperformed those in the control group. The CALL application also fostered positive learning attitudes and a self-efficacy in students' Chinese fluency. Students considered the CALL application to be a time saver and an effective means of learning advanced Chinese.

Author Biography

  • Linda L. Chang, Department of Defense (DoD)

    Linda Chang currently works as Chinese Instructor and Developer for the Department of Defense (DoD). Before joining DoD, she served as an Assistant Professor of Chinese for the Flagship Program at Brigham Young University (BYU). She taught school in Taiwan for several years after receiving her Elementary Education degree with an emphasis in Chinese Literature. Chang earned her M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance (1985) and her Ph.D. in Instructional Science (1988) from BYU. While writing her dissertation, she worked for Novell as a Training Specialist until 1993. Prior to teaching at BYU in 2004, Chang worked as Operations Manager and Instructional Designer/Trainer at Dynix for 10 years. She also taught principles of learning for the College of Education at both BYU and the University of Utah.

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Published

2013-01-14

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Section

Articles

How to Cite

Chang, L. (2013). The Effects of Using CALL on Advanced Chinese Foreign Language Learners. CALICO Journal, 24(2), 331-354. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.v24i2.331-354

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