Schedule: 2009-09-10 (16:30 - 18:00)
Poster Presentations and Commercial Exhibition (Exhibition Hall)

Title: Digital Tools for Differentiating Instruction in Language Classes – Case Studies at German Secondary Schools
Authors: Meike Strohn
Abstract: The research aim, in broadest terms, is to investigate the role of ICT in differentiating foreign language learning and instruction in the English classrooms of German secondary schools.

My personal interest in differentiating and individualizing learning was triggered by the fact that, despite external differentiation in the German school system, classes are still extremely heterogeneous. This heterogeneity can manifest itself with regard to prior knowledge, interests or preferences and learning styles, to name just a few. If teachers simply ignored the multifaceted heterogeneity in their English classes, this would mean a huge waste of potential for the stronger students on the one hand, and excessive demands for the weaker students on the other. It is therefore important to find suitable ways for more personalized learning scenarios.

The purpose of this project is hence to conduct empirical research in English classes which integrate a variety of digital tools with the aim of differentiating instruction. It is my goal to find out if these scenarios can successfully meet the students’ individual needs. There will be an exploratory study first in order to identify the various digital tools that could be considered for the case studies which follow. These could be tutorial software, Web 2.0 tools or electronic authoring materials.
Keywords: differentiated instruction, individualizing learning, individual needs, heterogeneity, digital tools, tutorial software, Web 2.0 tools

Main topic: Pedagogical change in technology integration

Biodata: - PhD student at the Ruhr University of Bochum (Germany) - Junior lecturer in the field of ELT and language practice - degree: Master of Education in English and Business Studies
Type of presentation Poster

Paper category (Other)

Target educational sector Secondary education

Language of delivery English

EU-funded project No

Schedule:	2009-09-10 (16:30 - 18:00) Poster Presentations and Commercial Exhibition (Exhibition Hall)
Title:	Digital Tools for Differentiating Instruction in Language Classes – Case Studies at German Secondary Schools
Authors:	Meike Strohn
Abstract:	The research aim, in broadest terms, is to investigate the role of ICT in differentiating foreign language learning and instruction in the English classrooms of German secondary schools. My personal interest in differentiating and individualizing learning was triggered by the fact that, despite external differentiation in the German school system, classes are still extremely heterogeneous. This heterogeneity can manifest itself with regard to prior knowledge, interests or preferences and learning styles, to name just a few. If teachers simply ignored the multifaceted heterogeneity in their English classes, this would mean a huge waste of potential for the stronger students on the one hand, and excessive demands for the weaker students on the other. It is therefore important to find suitable ways for more personalized learning scenarios. The purpose of this project is hence to conduct empirical research in English classes which integrate a variety of digital tools with the aim of differentiating instruction. It is my goal to find out if these scenarios can successfully meet the students’ individual needs. There will be an exploratory study first in order to identify the various digital tools that could be considered for the case studies which follow. These could be tutorial software, Web 2.0 tools or electronic authoring materials.
Keywords:	differentiated instruction, individualizing learning, individual needs, heterogeneity, digital tools, tutorial software, Web 2.0 tools
Main topic:	Pedagogical change in technology integration
Biodata:	- PhD student at the Ruhr University of Bochum (Germany) - Junior lecturer in the field of ELT and language practice - degree: Master of Education in English and Business Studies
Type of presentation	Poster
Paper category	(Other)
Target educational sector	Secondary education
Language of delivery	English
EU-funded project	No