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Article published In: Revista Española de Lingüística Aplicada/Spanish Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 31:1 (2018) ► pp.159–196

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Does the adapted version of The Amazing Race (AVOTAR) benefit Spanish language learning among technical students?

An empirical study

 | Universiti Kuala Lumpur
 | Taylor’s University
 | Universiti Kuala Lumpur
 | Aula Cervantes de Seattle, USA
Published online: 27 August 2018
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https://doi.org/10.1075/resla.15019.kho
Abstract
Students’ lack of interest and motivation in language learning has long been the focus of language scholars and researchers. In the Malaysian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) context, this concern has posed many practical challenges particularly to the foreign language teachers. This study proposes a teaching innovation adapted from the popular reality television program, The Amazing Race, to instill and promote interest in learning Spanish among the technical students. The study on the Adapted Version of The Amazing Race (AVOTAR) was conducted using a quantitative dominant mixed methods approach in a technical university where Spanish language is a compulsory subject. The quantitative findings show that AVOTAR improves learners’ linguistic performance especially in the areas of vocabulary and reading comprehension while the qualitative findings indicate that AVOTAR helps increase learners’ motivation. This may contribute useful insights to address the challenges and improve the curriculum and instruction of foreign languages.
Resumen
Durante muchos años, la falta de interés y motivación en el aprendizaje de idiomas por parte de los alumnos ha sido el foco de los investigadores y educadores. En el contexto de la Formación Profesional (FP) malasia, esta cuestión ha planteado muchos retos y en concreto en la práctica de profesores de lenguas extranjeras. Este trabajo propone una innovación pedagógica adaptada de un programa de moda de la telerrealidad, The Amazing Race, en español ‘El Gran Reto’, para inculcar y fomentar el interés por el aprendizaje del español entre los estudiantes de formación profesional. La investigación sobre la Versión Adaptada de The Amazing Race (AVOTAR) se llevó a cabo aplicando un diseño de método mixto con un enfoque predominantemente cuantitativo en una universidad técnica donde el español es una asignatura obligatoria. Los resultados cuantitativos muestran que AVOTAR mejora la competencia lingüística de los estudiantes, sobre todo en las áreas de vocabulario y comprensión lectora, mientras que los resultados cualitativos indican que AVOTAR ayuda a aumentar la motivación de los estudiantes. Este estudio aporta ideas útiles para enfrentarse a los desafíos y mejorar tanto el currículo como la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
    • 1.1Conceptualizing innovation in Spanish language teaching
    • 1.2Theoretical framework
    • 1.3Objective and significance of the study
  • 2.Research methodology
    • 2.1Research targets
    • 2.2Treatment and instruments
      • 2.2.1Treatment
      • 2.2.2Instruments
    • 2.3Procedures
      • 2.3.1Sampling
      • 2.3.2Pretest and posttest
      • 2.3.3AVOTAR intervention
      • 2.3.4Interviews
      • 2.3.5Result analyses
  • 3.Results and discussion
    • 3.1Quantitative findings
      • 3.1.1AVOTAR and learners’ linguistic performance
      • 3.1.2AVOTAR and linguistic skills reinforcement
      • 3.1.3AVOTAR’s effects on learners from different backgrounds
    • 3.2Qualitative findings
      • 3.2.1AVOTAR and student motivation
  • 4.Conclusions
  • References
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