Journal of Education and Human Development

“Passport to Japan”: An Instructional Practice of Japanese Language for Specific Purpose via Blended Learning
Ang, Chooi Kean

Abstract
Much has been written about the practices of blended learning: a combination of technology- mediated and face-to-face instructions. Based on the reported findings that blended learning is a more effective method to promote effective e-learning, the researchers decided to utilize this method in planning and implementing a pilot course called “Passport to Japan” under an enrichment programme. This course aims at preparing the students with basic oral Japanese language for specific purpose, either in the forms of joining a homestay programme or participating in a field trip to Japan at the end of the course. This paper reports on a mid-term review findings on the practice which examined the perspectives of the 12 students who responded out of the 28 students voluntarily enrolled in the course. It focuses on the students’ perception about their learning experiences via the mode of blended learning including the challenges or hindrance which they faced. Data are collected through online questionnaire and face-to-face interview. Based on the findings, specific proposals for establishing an effective instructional course of foreign languages, namely Japanese language for specific purposes via the mode of blended learning are presented.

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