Blended Learning Mode: How Well Are Our English Language Learners Adapted in AISEb

DOI: 10.5176/2251-3566_L314.20

Authors: Xiaofang Gao, Xin Chen and Yunru Chen

Abstract: “Advanced Integrated Skills of English B” is a pilot course in a blended learning program initiated by Central China Normal University in Mar. 2012. This paper intends to investigate, quantitatively and qualitatively, learners’ adaptability to the new mode from three aspects: adaptability to their teacher’s instruction, to mutual assistance among themselves, and to autonomous online learning. Results show that though most learners are well adapted, they are weak in the third aspect, e.g., poorly applying metacognitive strategies. As for mutual assistance, learners are not active enough in discussions and tend to cling to their teachers for what to do. It is suggested that teachers pay more attention to students’ application of metacognitive strategies to cultivate them into real autonomous learners.

Keywords: blended learning; learner adaptability; metacognitive strategies; AISEb