Learning objects in the teaching of specific vocabulary to English for Conservation and Restoration

Authors

  • Carmen Río Rey Universidad de La Laguna

Keywords:

subject specific vocabulary, ICT, learning object, EFL, ESP, conservation and restoration of cultural assets

Abstract

In the English course included in the degree in Art Conservation and Restoration at the University of La Laguna (Spain), the inexistence of commercial teaching resources suitable for this area and, more particularly, for the learning of specialized vocabulary, has become evident. As a result, as is often the case in the field of English for Specific Purposes, the lecturer has gradually created her own materials using information and communication technologies (ICT). The experience gained over the first three years of existence of the degree, during which the ICT materials supported the face-to-face teaching of highly heterogeneous groups, has led to the present research. Bearing in mind the previous experience, the teacher has designed a didactic proposal based on a collection of learning objects (i.e. discrete and reusable content units hosted on the Moodle virtual platform) and on a teaching methodology based on the principles of the flipped classroom. This study shows the main results of the evaluation of such a didactic proposal, which was implemented in the first semester of the academic year 2014-2015. In particular, the analysis aims to assess its effectiveness for the learning of specialized vocabulary, as well as the degree of satisfaction on the part of the students. The data suggest that the overall outcome has been positive in both respects.

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Author Biography

Carmen Río Rey, Universidad de La Laguna

Carmen Río Rey holds a Master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania. She has been teaching ESP at the University of La Laguna since 2000, formerly at the School of Business and Tourism and currently at the School of Fine Arts. Her main research interest is the application of technology to the teaching of ESP.

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Published

2015-11-25

How to Cite

Río Rey, C. (2015). Learning objects in the teaching of specific vocabulary to English for Conservation and Restoration. Revista De Lenguas Para Fines Específicos, 21(2), 139–160. Retrieved from https://ojsspdc.ulpgc.es/ojs/index.php/LFE/article/view/397