The Power of Email

The Power of Email

Writing project promotes learning between
Texas A&M-San Antonio and Taiwan

Dr. Hsiao-Ping Wu, assistant professor in the College of Education & Kinesiology, visited Taiwan this summer to present the fascinating results of a pilot study for pre-service teachers studying the acquisition of a second language. For two months in the spring 2013 semester, students in EDBL 3115 studying how people acquire a second language and literacy development implemented teaching techniques through the use of technology by working with students who are learning English in Taiwan.

Once a week, the Taiwanese students would submit a writing sample in English to the Texas A&M-San Antonio education students, who would then adapt their teaching techniques to provide feedback over email. The class was composed of students Amanda Borrego, Sandra Segovia, Kyla Dunsford, Deidra Hagdorn, Joanna Olivares, Gabriela Lemus, and John Hays.

After compiling the data from these interactions, Dr. Wu travelled to Taiwan to meet the students at Longung Elementary School, who impressed her with their high motivation to learn English and with their positive engagement with technology. Dr. Wu also presented her research as part of a workshop on techniques for teaching a second language, and reported that the principal of the elementary school is looking forward to growing his school’s investment in learning English. Through the project, several education students at Texas A&M-San Antonio honed their teaching techniques and cultural sensitivity while providing valuable feedback on English language learning in Taiwan. Dr. Wu hopes to continue the data collection for future publications on this truly global educational endeavor.