Interplay Between a Task-Based Program and Group Work to Enhance Motivation for Learning: Authorized English Version of the 2010 Award-Winning Japanese Research Paper

This research reports on the results of implementing a learning cycle that couples a task-based program with group work to enhance the motivation of students who are not confident with computer usage. We created and implemented a four-step learning cycle that combines individual learning and group work both in and out of class. As a result, students who were poor at computing acquired basic and applied skills of Excel through their group work. In order to facilitate the writing of a collaborative report, students utilized the group work tools online, which allowed them to view each other’s tasks in a visual manner. In this process, groups and the participants received inspiration from one another through peer assessment, students became more self-reflective, and thus they were able to improve their learning quality. The students’ average weekly study time outside of class was 106 minutes, which was greater than before improvement. In the end, they were able to accomplish their group tasks while also improving their individual ICT skills.