title: A randomized controlled trial comparing computer-aided learning with versus without tuition/lecture in promoting English proficiency.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare test scores in English-error detection between Thai high school students undergoing self-learning by an online tool (computer-assisted learning: CAL) with versus without tuition/lecture.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective, randomized, controlled study enrolled a sample of grade-12 high school students from a Thai secondary school. The predictor variable was the use of error-detection exercises in 9 separate 50-min tuition sessions during a 3-week period. Each subject was randomly assigned to receive a CAL program with or without tuition/lecture during the study interval: June-September 2009. The main outcome variable was the test scores of English-error identification. To measure the outcomes, the students were evaluated twice using the 25-question test within a 1-month interval (pre-test/post-test). Appropriate sample size estimates, descriptive, uni-, and bivariate statistics were calculated, and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample included 69 students, 36 of whom (52.2%) were in the intervention group (CAL plus teaching). Within-group comparisons showed statistically significant improvements in post-test scores, regardless of learning methods (P < 0.05). Tuition/lecture was significantly associated with the improved post-test scores (P = 0.0012) and with a higher number of students showing improved post-test scores (P = 0.0007).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that tuition/lecture facilitates self-learning with CAL. In this sample, tuition/lecture still seems to be necessary for nonnative-English-speaking high school students to improve their English proficiency. CAL alone should not be used to replace conventional teaching.
authors.affiliation: Department of English Language, Triam Udom Suksa School, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Kritsana
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pitak-Arnnop
authors.forename: Pimpa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moungsirithum
authors.forename: Sonti
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pitak-Arnnop
authors.forename: Kittipong
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dhanuthai
authors.forename: Niels Christian
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Pausch
authors.forename: Poramate
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pitak-Arnnop
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D007807:Language Tests; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013334:Students; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*