How does StoryBird help to overcome challenges in writing simple sentences among Year Two pupils? Pupils’ Motivation and Interest
First, in the lesson, pupils showed excitement and interest when they knew that they could use computer to construct sentences. Based on the observation, it could be seen that pupils were keen to ask for instruction and clarification as they showed initiative in the process of completing their task. In addition, reflective journal also stated that pupils were paying attention throughout the lesson.
‘Pupils asked many questions about StoryBird and all was answered clearly.’ (1C/OO)
‘Pupils paid full attention in the lesson …show more content…
Krashen proposed that affect, including motivation, attitude, interest and anxiety, plays an essential role in pupils’ language learning process as it could raise or lower the filter drastically (Gass, 2013; Lei, 2007). According to British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (2003), the use of technology in classroom could improve pupils’ confidence, motivation and self-esteem, especially their motivation to write. In addition, pupils found learning in a technology-enhanced setting more stimulating than in a traditional classroom (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency, 2003). Balanskat (2006) proposed that multiple studies has drawn the evidence on ICT from 17 impact studies across Europe. In addition, these studies have shown positive benefits of ICT for language learner in areas, such as motivation and skills, concentration, cognitive processing, independent learning, critical thinking, and teamwork. (Balanskat, Blamire, & Kefala, 2006) In this case, it could be seen that the intervention of using StoryBird, an online website which was chosen as a platform to encourage pupils in writing, has attracted pupils’ interest and lowered pupils’ affective filter by motivating pupils in learning