An Online Language Learning Program for Students in Aviation Departments

Abstract

This study is the first phase of a project that aims to improve the technical English level of students who study in 10 vocational schools in 10 different cities providing training and education on aircraft maintenance. The actual English level of these students is not enough to achieve Aircraft Maintenance License and become a certified staff since syllabus of these vocational schools do not include technical and general English. Therefore, students must self-study to develop a good level of both general and technical English. The first phase of the study aims to offer online English language training for the students of vocational high schools. This training was created as a separate course and students were asked to study on their own with their course books and a Learning Management System. A course book that has an online LMS was chosen and provided for the students who attended 10(th) grade. Before the training, the students were given a placement test and their levels were found to be A2 according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The students were informed about the course, the enrolment process and the syllabus. LMS system did not include the same units with the course books so a detailed syllabus that matched online activities and the units in the book was prepared. An English instructor became the admin in the system and followed their progress and gave students some assignments and quizzes every week. The study lasted for 8 months and at the end of the course, students were given a proficiency test to check if online studies contributed to their English. The students were also given a questionnaire on their perceptions of the online study.