Xiangrong Li. Using interactive whiteboards in English language teaching. Master's Degree(Bilingual Education). Rangsit University Library. : Rangsit University, 2023.
Using interactive whiteboards in English language teaching
beliefs and practices of Chinese kindergarten English teachers
Abstract:
This study aimed 1) to study the beliefs of kindergarten Chinese English
teachers towards the use of interactive whiteboards in teaching the young children; 2)
to explore the practices of kindergarten Chinese English teachers in using the
interactive whiteboards in teaching the young children, and 3) to examine the reasons
for the use of interactive whiteboards in teaching the young children of kindergarten
Chinese English teachers in Education First (EF) schools in Kunming. 26 teachers
were the questionnaire respondents among whom 4 teachers were randomly selected
for classroom observation and 8 voluntary teachers for semi-structured interviews. The
questionnaire data analysis indicated that the teachers believed that the interactive
whiteboard was an effective teaching tool (Mean=4.346/SD=0.689), and that it could
enrich the teaching context and the teaching quality (Mean=4.315/SD=0.697). For the
teachers practices, they used interactive whiteboards to teach (Mean=4.569/SD=0.863)
and demonstrate ( Mean=4.3626/SD=0.344) English vocabulary to increase interaction
with students (Mean=4.375/SD=0.761). Analysis of the classroom observation
checklist and semi-structured interview data confirmed the questionnaire findings.
However, the data revealed that some teachers needed support in developing positive
beliefs about teaching with interactive whiteboards. They needed to be professionally
developed in the use of the whiteboards to improve their confidence and teaching
effectiveness. The teachers reasons for using the whiteboards were to adopt the
student-centered approach, vocabulary teaching, game-based learning, the offered
lessons matching the childrens needs, fun and being focused and increasing
comprehension and memory. Finally, the recommendations for the stakeholders in
student education are that the school administrators need to frequently organize
training workshops for kindergarten English teachers to participate in learning how to
maximize the use of interactive whiteboards in teaching and learning; and the
kindergarten teachers need to develop the correct beliefs, continuously strengthen their
professional teaching knowledge and theories to enhance their confidence and
teaching effectiveness.