CRAM TEACHING: MORE MOTIVATION - MORE AUTONOMY

Abstract

To seek for innovation in order to bring motivating and useful lectures as well as to tap learners' potential, we have introduced a teaching method known as CRAM in an action research. Two factors of CRAM are Consciousness-raising approaches and Authentic materials. From CR, learners learn how to work autonomously, and they are also powered up by  motivating AM which brings factual life and excitement into lessons. Participants were second-year non-English major students who had achieved B2 level. Despite their considerable experience in English learning and good logical thinking, these students felt bored and  unmotivated due to their long learning process and intense curriculum. The findings show that the newly applied method made a positive change in the learners’ working habit and emotion: from being passive, receptive and unwilling into being active, productive and willing. The learners turned themselves from consumers who just buy and enjoy fruit into farmers who grow and harvest it.