Educational Research
No experience is educative that does not tend both to knowledge of more facts and entertaining of more ideas and to a better, a more orderly, arrangement of them.
- John Dewey, 1938, from Experience and Education
My motives for research have been at least partially influenced by Dewey's ideas on experiential and lifelong learning. I use research as a means of finding ways for using real life experiences to enhance the learning experience and retention of knowledge and skills. I am interested in action research that can improve my current learning environment and reveal methods for learners to take control of their learning in hopes of encouraging lifelong learning.
The Effect of Music on Language Acquisition in Adult English as a Second Language Learners
This study is published in the Korea TESOL Monthly Journal Volume 11, Number 2.
Abstract
This study was conducted with freshman university students in South Korea to determine if using popular music in the adult ESL classroom is a viable and helpful technique for educators in assisting second language acquisition. The current literature has shown that music can have a positive effect on the classroom environment. Previous studies have also demonstrated a link between music, memory and retention. The goal of this study was to determine if using music as a means for learning specific language concepts is effective for adult learners. The study used various musical and non-musical methods with three test groups followed by a post test to measure retention of specific grammar usage. The results showed that methods incorporating some level of music as a means for learning were successful in increasing understanding and retention of the target language. This study hopes to provide an example of viable alternatives to traditional second language learning.
Song of the South: New Directions and Recent Practices in Early and Elementary Music Education in South Korea
This research is currently unpublished.
Abstract
This historical research paper focuses on recent developments in music education in South Korea. By examining the past and present political, social and economic factors influencing South Korea and it's music education system, this article attempts to uncover suggestions for advancing best practices in the country. Rapid changes in South Korea have a led to the necessity for a delicate balance between old and new, traditional and modern. With a culturally rich history and innovative future, music educators in South Korea have a unique opportunity to find ways to effectively blend the two to benefit young musicians and students of music. This paper identifies several issues facing South Korean early music education and makes suggestions for how to deal with them.
This research is currently unpublished.
Abstract
The process approach to writing is often employed by educators in hopes of building stronger overall writing practices and skills within learners. Proponents of this approach claim that it can reduce stress and anxiety and result in better quality writing output. The field of ESL (English as a Second Language) has long debated the effectiveness of this approach (Shannon, 1994). This approach may offer possible benefits to learners of English as a second or foreign language. The purpose of this research paper is to determine the effect on student morale, enjoyment and satisfaction as well as the quality of writing output when employing the process approach to writing for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students.