ESL Lecturers’ Perceptions on using i-MoL as a Mobile-Based Tool for Teaching Grammar

Having a good grasp of the English grammar is vital especially for students at the tertiary level as accuracy in speech and writing is highly important when engaging in academic activities. In the 21st century, also known as the digital age, pedagogical approach to teaching grammar is changing dynamically in relation to factors that encompass social, economic and technological entities. The traditional approach to teaching grammar using ‘chalk and talk’ is becoming irrelevant as technology pervades students’ learning environment. Learning grammar via mobile phone is seen as a potential solution that will enable language learners to enhance their skills as they are digitally designed, flexible and mobile. This study facilitated the development of grammar modules for the purpose of a mobile learning reinforcement tool for English grammar, known as an intelligent mobile learning tool (i-MoL). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with five ESL lecturers in order to gain an in depth perception on the feasibility of using grammar modules via i-MoL to promote the learning of grammar. Three themes were identified through phenomenological qualitative analysis. Lecturers perceived the grammar modules as having the potential to improve student proficiency in a flexible and convenient manner. The i-MoL could be both a barrier and motivator for learning grammar. Lecturers also reported that i-MoL could be a useful supplementary tool for them to deliver effective grammar lessons which engage students and motivate them to learn in an interesting environment. Findings suggest that grammar modules can be advocated via i-MoL for teaching and reinforcing student grammar learning

Having a good grasp of the English grammar is vital especially for students at the tertiary level as accuracy in speech and writing is highly important when engaging in academic activities. In the 21st century, also known as the digital age, pedagogical approach to teaching grammar is changing dynamically in relation to factors that encompass social, economic and technological entities. The traditional approach to teaching grammar using ‘chalk and talk’ is becoming irrelevant as technology pervades students’ learning environment. Learning grammar via mobile phone is seen as a potential solution that will enable language learners to enhance their skills as they are digitally designed, flexible and mobile. This study facilitated the development of grammar modules for the purpose of a mobile learning reinforcement tool for English grammar, known as an intelligent mobile learning tool (i-MoL). Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with five ESL lecturers in order to gain an in depth perception on the feasibility of using grammar modules via i-MoL to promote the learning of grammar. Three themes were identified through phenomenological qualitative analysis. Lecturers perceived the grammar modules as having the potential to improve student proficiency in a flexible and convenient manner. The i-MoL could be both a barrier and motivator for learning grammar. Lecturers also reported that i-MoL could be a useful supplementary tool for them to deliver effective grammar lessons which engage students and motivate them to learn in an interesting environment. Findings suggest that grammar modules can be advocated via i-MoL for teaching and reinforcing student grammar learning