Title: Developing a collaborative knowledge sharing framework to promote English learning retention

Authors: Teeraporn Saeheaw; Bernadette Sharp; Nopasit Chakpitak; Komsak Meksamoot; Nitida Adipattaranan

Addresses: College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand ' Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology, Staffordshire University, Beaconside, Stafford ST18 0AD, UK ' College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand ' College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand ' Faculty of Education, Chiang Mai University, 239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand

Abstract: To continue development as a leading Southeast Asian economy, and meet the needs of a knowledge-based society, Thailand must improve English language proficiency. This paper presents an innovative knowledge sharing framework targeting software engineering students' written English skill, by integrating four learning theories; constructionism, cognitive learning, cone of experience and the learning pyramid. Together, these theories promote 'learning by doing' as the most effective way to improve students' English. Results show statistically significant improvements in students' English and suggest the new framework can change the dominant memorisation and recall methods in Thai education to reach higher levels of learning.

Keywords: learning innovation; learning retention; English as a foreign language; EFL; constructionism; cognitive learning; cone of experience; learning pyramid; collaborative knowledge sharing; language learning; Thailand; software engineering students; written English; learning by doing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2013.055520

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2013 Vol.14 No.2, pp.121 - 144

Published online: 30 Sep 2013 *

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