Introduction:

Dr. Seus wrote, "The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you will go" (Chegg, 2022).

        When I decided to start over and continue my education to become a teacher, I was trying to find the best course of action. I was still determining what methodology to apply then, but I knew I had to use technology to improve my instruction and meet my students' requirements.
         I needed to improve my knowledge about integrating technology for teaching and learning because I only knew a handful of tools and still needed to figure out how to use them strategically. So, the blended learning approach was the answer. For more details on how I am promoting this approach, read my INNOVATION PLAN.
        Remember that students will grow in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in several phases. My research indicates that blended learning improves overall education, fosters self-motivation in individuals, and helps identify each person's unique educational needs. 

 

Topic:

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        This action research plan will begin by examining the impact of blended learning on the development of Spanish students' oral and written skills. A long-term component will analyze the impact of blended learning on the results of the different assessments that students must complete during their development this school year 2024-2025.

 

Purpose: 

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        Effective communication is crucial in a world that is becoming more interconnected daily. This research aims to evaluate, analyze, and determine whether, in comparison to the traditional teaching model, the blended learning model can help students become more globally literate by supporting the growth of their oral and writing expression skills.

 

Research Questions:

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        How does blended learning impact students' communication, oral, and writing skills in an 8th-grade Spanish language classroom?

 

Literature Review:

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        The main topic of my literature study is the effectiveness of blended learning in improving oral and written communication skills. Several studies demonstrate the fundamental importance that digital literacy plays in modern education. 
        Research regularly links the blended learning model to positive outcomes. And exhibit better writing and communication skills. Integrating technology allows for more dynamic and exciting teaching strategies, which facilitate learning.
        This evaluation will serve as a roadmap for creating and executing the action research strategy, ensuring that reliable didactic bases support it

 

Research Design - Methodology - Why?

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         I will use a mixed methodology for this study, combining quantitative and qualitative data. I will compare the oral and written performance assessment scores of the students from this year's blended learning pilot program to those from the prior year's traditionally taught curriculum using comparable scoring procedures. I will collect anonymous survey responses before, during, and after the program to understand how the students feel about blended learning. This approach will evaluate how blended learning has impacted students' writing and communication skills while illuminating their experiences and attitudes.

      Why? This mixed design will allow me to gather the information I need to understand better the effectiveness of what the Spanish department already has in place for students. The qualitative aspect of the design will allow me to collect honest feedback that will allow me to make the necessary changes in our current curriculum. 

 

​What is the most appropriate type of data to collect? 

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      Both qualitative and quantitative data are essential in this study. Collecting data is extremely valuable, but student opinions can reveal specific information. Both types of data will allow us to serve our students better.

 

What type of measurement instrument will you use?

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           This analysis will primarily compare the control group, who experienced a more traditional approach to teaching Spanish, and the experimental (or pilot) group, whose learning experiences took place in the blended learning environment using technology. The following data will be collected:
Performance assessment scores in speaking and writing an expression of students who experienced a blended learning environment in class.
Performance assessment scores in speaking and writing for students from the previous year who did not experience a blended learning environment.
          It will take time to complete this action research study, I will analyze the effect of the blended learning environment in the classroom throughout the program in a sample school. Data that I will collect for this study includes:
Writing and speaking performance data on continuous assessments for students who experienced a traditional classroom environment during their middle school Spanish course.
Analysis of standardized test data on student performance in writing and speaking who experienced a blended learning environment in class during their middle school Spanish course.
(Pre- and post-tests. Attendance and participation records)
           Finally, considering the importance of student perceptions, I will collect student surveys before and after the action plan. Students will share their opinions anonymously, especially when the Spanish class is an elective where enrollment depends on the student's interest and enthusiasm for the language, culture, and learning environment. I will collect data on students' opinions:
Information about students' overall perceptions of blended learning to develop writing and speaking skills at the end of the Spanish course, using Google Forms surveys and feedback and teacher observations on student engagement and progress for these evaluations to analyze the data better.

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Conclusion:

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        This action research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of blended learning on the oral and written skills of 8th-grade Spanish learners. To this end, we can employ a mixed research design incorporating quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate BL based on its comparability with other teaching methods. The study will use performance assessment scores, standardized questionnaires, and self-assessment questionnaires to assess student communication skills and perception changes. This research will help us understand how we can incorporate technology into education and whether it can improve language learning and motivate students.

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References:

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Chegg, EasyBib. (2022). Dr. Seuss quotes and facts. Dr. Seuss biography and overview.  Dr. Seuss Quotes and Facts - EasyBib

Horn, M. B., & Staker, H. (2015). Blended: Using disruptive innovation to improve schools.

Mertler, C. A. (2020). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (6th ed.). SAGE                      publications.

Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A New culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. 

Wiggins, G. & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. (expanded second ed.). Alexandria, Virginia: Association for supervision and curriculum development. 

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