The Modality Effect and Foreign Language Proficiency

• In Event: Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: Advances in Technology-Facilitated Language Learning

Abstract

This study tested the beneficial effects of the modality effect or so-called audiovisual presentation of information in a foreign language multimedia learning context. Fifty two college students were randomly assigned to the experimental groups. The participants were asked to read or listen to an English expository text as well as completing a prior knowledge test, a subjective cognitive load scale, and immediate and delayed retention and transfer comprehension measures. Statistical analyses indicated similar results for retention and transfer performance. None of the main and interaction effects were significant. Given the small sample size, the variables involved in the present study seem to deserve further research since they led to annihilation of the deteriorating effect of time (i.e., forgetting) on comprehension.

Authors

• Kadir Kozan, Purdue University

• Jennifer C. Richardson, Purdue University