A Study of Curriculum Development of English Expression Abilities of Japanese EFL Students Utilizing Portfolios

本研究以文部科学省《日语英语能力培养行动计划》为指导，旨在以档案袋为教学工具，提高护校学生的实用英语交际能力，培养学生自主学习的态度。去年，为了提高学生的英语表达能力，如作文、演讲等，本研究开发了档案袋和展示讲述法相结合的学习方案，但该方案并未得到积极评价。因此，通过为同龄人之间的协作学习和教师的帮助准备更多的时间，该计划得到了改进。新的学习项目于2006年5月至7月在N地区的39名护理学校学生中进行。数据来自前后的问卷调查。通过对比今年和去年的结果，对今年关于合作学习的学习策略进行了更积极的评价，对今年的项目进行了更积极的评价，在此基础上，利用档案袋作为教学工具，开发了提高护校学生实用英语交际能力的教材。学习计划预计将进行大约三个月。

Based on the policy of an Action Plan to Cultivate "Japanese with English Abilities" by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the purposes of this study were to improve practical English communication abilities of nursing school students utilizing portfolios as an instructional tool and to nurture the attitudes of self-regulated learning.Last year, in order to improve the students' English expression abilities, such as composition and speech, the learning program utilizing portfolios and 'show and tell' method was developed.However, the program was not evaluated positively. Thus, the program was improved by preparing more time both for collaborative learning among peers and for help from the teacher. The new learning program was conducted with 39 nursing school students in N prefecture from May to July of 2006. The data was gained from the pre-and post-questionnaires. By comparing the results of this year and those of last year, the learning strategies concerning collaborative learning this year were evaluated more positively and the program of this year was evaluated more positively.Based on the results of this study, the instructional materials were developed for improving practical English communication abilities of nursing school students utilizing portfolios as an instructional tool. The learning program was expected to be conducted for about three months.