Abstract:

When designing a free-form remedial/tutorial program for second language learning, several principles are essential to insure pedagogically sound courseware. These include adaptability in terms of instructor requirements and user population needs; user friendliness to reduce machine-induced phobias and compensate for mechanical ignorance; sophistication in error analysis through extensive branching in order to produce comments which will help the user to learn through his/her errors; and flexibility, which gives the user control over both the content and the pace of learning. There are some disadvantages to such a program, but newer projects aim to overcome these disadvantages by allowing the individual instructor more freedom in creating materials for specific needs. Finally, evaluation through statistical records is discussed as a point of contention.

Author: D. M. Paramskas