An analysis of the effectiveness of an in-house CALL software package for the learning and teaching of kanji (Japanese characters) and the development of autonomous language learning skills

Abstract

Mastering kanji, Japanese characters, is one of the major hurdles for students in achieving proficiency in the Japanese language. With increasing class sizes, differences in prior knowledge, levels of ability, and approaches to learning, it became a priority to explore methods to increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning kanji for students on the Japanese programmes at the Auckland University of Technology. This article provides an initial report on the evaluation of a CALL software package developed in-house to provide an alternative way for students to learn kanji and to facilitate the development of autonomous learning. The evaluation combined computer tracking of 37 students in their first semester of study, with interviews, questionnaires, and student diaries. Initial findings suggest that the software is meeting different learner needs and that there is a correlation between student usage of the software and improved performance in assessments. Some students are developing autonomous learning characteristics, but it is clear that not all students know how to use the software effectively. It would seem that the software alone does not facilitate the development of autonomous learning and that there is a complex relationship between a number of factors, including differences in learning strategies and motivation.