Research on the Construction of Technology-rich Classroom Learning Environment to Develop English Language Learning and Higher-order Thinking

Abstract

Background and Aim: Applying emerging technologies to explore new learning ecology has become the focus of current education reform. Foreign language majors in China were once criticized for their lack of critical thinking abilities. This paper aims to construct a technology-rich classroom learning environment and explore its impact on participants’ English learning and higher-order thinking. Materials and Methods: This research is a quasi-experimental research design using a quantitative research approach. English language teaching experiment was conducted on 60 samples selected by using the purposive sampling method. Participants were university second-year business English majors, and their English listening, speaking and higher-order thinking skills were pre- and post-tested. Data were collected through tests and quantitative questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and paired-sample T-tests on the hypothesis were conducted by using the statistical software Jamovi. Results: Participants showed a high evaluation of the constructed technology-rich classroom learning environment. Their English listening skills and speaking competency have been efficiently improved, especially listening comprehension, speaking content, and language use. Their higher-order thinking was also improved, especially their analytical ability and cognitive maturity. Meanwhile, participants demonstrated a high level of cognitive engagement and learning satisfaction. Conclusion: This study proposed a model for technology-rich learning environment design, as well as a constructivist instructional design model, revealing the mechanism of technology promoting learning and providing relevant methods. The study also demonstrated that the simultaneous development of foreign language learning and higher-order thinking could be achieved in a technology-rich environment. This paper also puts forward suggestions for further enriching instructional design and technology-rich learning environment design.