"The role of WebQuests in learning a foreign/second language"

 

 

Webquest defined as "an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet. Webquests are designed to focus on using information and to support learners' thinking at the levels of analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Webquests have many advantages such as, integrating technology into the curriculum, interesting way of learning, and making students more autonomous. Webquest is a good way for focusing on the learners' thinking, and allowing them to explore the information in a meaningful manner.

The teacher's role is to design attractive Webquest which is suitable to the students and to their levels because most of the works depend on the students and how they are thinking. Students will work in groups to accomplish their works on the Webquest , and it is better to divide the works between each of them. It is a good time for the students to learn the important topics, and to show their creativity when they are working together. Webquests are part of project based learning and project based learning is generally done by groups of students working together, so students will keep themselves in group activities , and they accomplish their works in group. Webquests require from the students to use their creativity and critical thinking skills to solve a problem. Webquests increase and develop the critical thinking skill because they will keep thinking about the information in a good way and working on it.The classroom environment is going to be interesting to the students because this generation loves modern technology like Webquest. Webquests can be motivating and authentic tasks because students will feel that they are doing something real and useful.

As a futur English language teacher, I will use the Webquest with my students after I make sure that they are really understanding it. This is because Webquests contribute to increase students' motivation. When students are motivated, they are likely to work in more effort way, and their minds will become more alert. Also, this will help them to be collaborative learners because they will divide the works between them, and will keep working together. In my opinion, Webquest is a new useful teaching method and will attract the students to the course. So, if the students will enjoy on Webquest, I will use it.