The spring cycle blended curriculum model for teaching paragraph writing

Abstract

This proposal describes the features of a curriculum model that can be used to develop paragraph writing skills for university students who fail their Qualifying English Entrance Test (QET). The model called the Spring-Cycle Blended Curriculum (SCBC) Model combines the strengths of two learning pedagogies namely blended learning and scaffolding for the design of a new curriculum. The initial simplified version of the curriculum was piloted for the module HW001, English Proficiency at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in January 2007. It was found that the model was effective in achieving the target learning outcomes for students within shorter contact hours with the tutor. The model is currently being implemented and evaluated on a full-scale for HW001. Survey findings from the earlier pilot showed that students both enjoyed and benefitted from the new model. The study by Thanasingam and Soong (2007) on the online oral skills activity used in the model also supports this. One implication of the success of this model is its potential of being adapted and customized for other learning contexts both in and beyond Singapore.