The application of blended learning approach in TEFL: a case study of Nakhon Sri Thammarat Primary Educational service area office 3

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between blended learning approach and learners’ academic achievement in English subject with primary learners in level 6 and further study of learners and teachers’ satisfaction of this approach: the case study of Nakhon Sri Thammarat Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 (NST3). The research participants consisted of 65 learners in six small size primary schools and six non English teachers in the schools under school network area 6, Parkpanang District, Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province. These research participants were selected of all the learners who have learnt English subject with the blended learning approach (traditional learning plus distance learning). The study was conducted within four months in the first semester of academic year 2013 with three research instruments, named as survey forms, classroom observation, pre and posttest. The statistic calculation that was employed to analyze the data was average, standard deviation and percentage. This study also utilized a mix-method approach combining with both quantitative and qualitative data description in the research analysis and findings. The research findings showed that the application of blended learning approach is affective for teaching and learning process in English subject at small size primary schools and it can reduce the educational problems and increase the learners’ academic achievement and support the teachers’ opportunities of teaching and learning English. Moreover, the learners and teachers were satisfied with this approach.