Francys Machado
Embrace change; It's a path to growth and new opportunities!
Action Research
Literature Review2
Action research is an approach to research that aims at improvement, and it is the method on which this second literature review is based. Our purpose is not only to deliver perfect classes from the theory’s perspective but also to understand and address our students’ needs. By respecting the differences in thinking and feeling of this generation and applying appropriate technological support, we will be better prepared to teach now and in the future, thereby improving student performance in academic spaces and promoting professional growth.
Education policy must ensure that students acquire problem-solving skills, innovative thinking, and flexibility, which are essential for success in today's world. Change begins with us, teachers, constantly researching best practices to generate the necessary adjustments.
When considering the audience, I think of the student population for which I plan class content. How are you going to explain it to them? How do I help them become better people capable of overcoming personal and academic challenges? Particularly regarding the communication and learning styles of Generation Z’ Kinger, N., & Kumar, S. (2023), which is part of the digital native generation. This generation has ways of thinking, feeling, and expressing itself, making it very challenging for tutors. For this reason, blended learning is presented as a critical tool for approaching this generation.
I have conducted two literature reviews on blended learning, highlighting the significant benefits of this approach in education. However, from different perspectives, the first literature review focuses on general educational transformation, while the second focuses on improving linguistic proficiency in language learning. Both emphasize the ability to adapt to diverse rhythms and abilities, personalized approaches, and improvements in both social and academic areas.
The latest literature review shows improvements in the oral fluency of students who adopt this approach Teng and Zeng, (2022). Using web resources helps the students receive feedback and correct mistakes instantly, which is essential when teaching language. Further, exercises in the form of debates, dramatized games, and group assignments enhance the learning of the Spanish language.
So, the literature review indicates that blended learning can enhance students’ verbal and written abilities in Spanish. However, it also underlines the importance of mitigating factors like the digital divide and organizational and cultural inertia to get the most out of it. Both studies accept that further research is required and address the barriers to optimizing this form of education. I invite you to read the second literature review below more deeply.