Effectiveness of authentic learning on Japanese honorific speaking skills of Japanese major students in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: (1) to study Japanese honorific speaking skills of students who learn with authentic learning activities; (2) to compare the pre-test and post-test of Japanese honorific speaking skills; and (3) to study the level of confidence of speaking Japanese honorifics for students after using authentic learning activities. Authentic learning (AL) is an accepted strategy which involves the constructed learning situation based on the real world for learners to gain robust knowledge to enable to transfer to real-life and enhance speaking skills. This study integrated teaching the modalities of Japanese honorific speaking with AL activities to 20 fourth year Japanese major students at Naresuan University in Thailand. Research instruments were lesson plans designed following AL strategy, Japanese honorific speaking tests and a questionnaire about confidence of speaking Japanese honorifics. Data were analyzed by using rubric of honorific speaking skills test, descriptive statistics, t-test (dependent) and contents analysis. The research results showed: (1) AL was effective in enhancing Japanese honorific speaking skills; (2) AL could significantly increase Japanese honorific speaking skills; and (3) Students gained high level of confidence of speaking honorifics through AL. Therefore, AL may well be an effective teaching strategy to increase Japanese honorific speaking skills.