When Informal Learning Activities Lead to Formal Learning Progress: English-Media Use in Foreign Language Learning (Poster 14)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Six
  In Poster Session: Literacy Poster Session Two

Abstract

Skills in English as a foreign language are necessary for active participation in an increasingly globalized and diversified world. Informal foreign language activities such as reading books or watching films provide important learning opportunities, which might transfer into achievement growth and relate to increases in motivation. This study investigates how informal English media activities might benefit students’ English reading and listening skills, English self-concept, and interest. We used data from a longitudinal large-scale survey of 1,879 German native upper secondary school students. Results show change in media activities correlates with change in skills and motivation, with (mostly) incremental power of reading beyond listening activities. The relevance of English media activities as an inexpensive and scalable leisure time intervention is discussed.

Authors

• Jennifer Meyer, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education
  Presenting Author

• Nicolas Huebner
  Non-Presenting Author

• Maleika Krueger, University of Applied Sciences of Northwestern Switzerland
  Non-Presenting Author

• Johanna Fleckenstein, Pädagogische Hochschule FHNW
  Non-Presenting Author

• Stefan Daniel Keller, Zurich University of Teacher Education
  Non-Presenting Author