Reflection: What type of CALL will work with low proficiency students in a Form 1 English class?

CALL-specific software

In my point of view, the best type of CALL which will work with low proficiency students in a Form One English class would be CALL-specific software. This software would be the best type of teaching aid as it is designed to develop and facilitate language learning in more interactive way. The examples of CALL-specific software are CD-ROMs, web-based interactive language learning exercises or quizzes, or etc. It will work with low proficiency students because this material provides students with interesting graphic and audio-visual performance which can attract students’ motivation in learning the language. Moreover, the repeated drill exercises and immediate feedbacks in this software are very crucial to enhance students’ learning process. Based on Behaviourist theory, it explained language learning in terms of imitation, practice, reinforcement (or feedback on success), and habit formation” (Lightbown & Spada, 2006). So, in my point of view, I think that CALL-specific software does apply this theory for language learning and teaching especially for young learners who are low in proficiency. The repeated exposure to the same material is believed to be beneficial or even essential to students’ learning. While the feedbacks such as appraisal and scores are believed to influence the children to continue to imitate and practice until they formed ‘habits’ of correct language use which will improve students’ motivation and make them aware of their strengths and weaknesses during the process of learning. The example of CALL-specific software is CD-ROMs or web-based interactive language learning exercises or quizzes. The CD-ROMs for example, will be installed to each computer in computer labs and then having my students to have a computer per pair and let them use the software on their own. I will be the facilitator during the learning process who facilitate and guide my students from time to time while they are operating the activities in the software. Perhaps, another way I could do is to download web-based interactive language learning material and use it as my teaching aid in the classroom to teach English to my students.