Result of a Nationwide Survey on the Use of English Language Educational Media in Japanese Junior High Schools

Abstract

This survey was conducted in order to investigate the use of instructional equipment in junior high school English programs. It was administrated by the Special Project Section of the LLA (Language Laboratory Association ) Kanto Chapter in 1998, and is the fifth nationwide survey, following Ouchi (1968), LLA Kanto Chapter (1976), Arai, Sato and Usami (1985), and Yamauchi(1994). 960 schools with language laboratories were selected. A survey form with 26 questions was mailed to each JHS in September 1998 and 28.2% replied. Substantive findings are: 1) About two-thirds of the respondents with language laboratories use them on a regular basis, while only 20.6% of schools with computer classrooms use them regularly to teach English. 2) Teacher-made audio and video tape materials are the most effective in LL education. 3) Console switches promoting teacher-student and student-student interaction bring higher positive effects in LL education. 4) Pattern Practice Drills, which were once the primary exercise type in LLs are now most commonly used in Computer Instruction of English. 5) As computers become more sophisticated and are able to listen and respond to student input, they will eventually assume more of the functions of the language laboratory.