Abstract

The usage of WebQuest in learning second/foreign language can be very useful to help the young learners develop the target language ability easier. Using WebQuest in learning language allows the young learners to experience learning the target language through electronic material rather than simply using the conventional paper and pencil materials. WebQuest was able to give them a new experience of learning and a positive drive to increase their motivation in learning the target language. Based on this idea, this research tried to reveal the implementation of WebQuest to support the success of teaching English for young learners. This research attempted to find the perception on the introduction of WebQuest to sixth-semester students of the English Study Program, Universitas Brawijaya Malang who enroll the elective course EYL. For this particular research, a qualitative research design was used. The researchers only chose 20 students of EYL class to picture the overall perception both for high achiever and low achiever students. Thus, it met the feasibility of the research. The data were collected using questionnaire. The researchers tried to relate the questionnaire contents to the rubric of evaluating WebQuest proposed by [23] and [24]. This study has revealed that the Students of EYL class has very positive responses toward the introduction of WebQuest for EYL class. WebQuest was regarded as an innovative teaching technique which could be integrated for all language skills. WebQuest allows multiple modals of exposure and designed for both individual and group activity for EYL class. It was also found that as a part of virtual learning, WebQuest has some weaknesses. WebQuest needs Internet connections and a set of computer system/laptop/gadget to be able to accomplish the tasks. If the WebQuest was not well designed in a systematic and sequenced arrangement, it would make the learners confused and frustrated by the many hyperlinks and access. To implement WebQuest for English language teaching, especially EYL, a good planning and design were needed in order to meet the learners’ needs in learning. Finally, the researchers suggest future researchers who are interested in investigating WebQuest implementation for language learning could cover the other features of WebQuest, such as the assessment of WebQuest.

Authors and Affiliations