Jesús Eduardo Carrillo

Why study English?

Constructing and using questionnaires and interview schedules

(First Abstract)

Applied Behavioral Analysis strives for direct measurement: observing and recording the responses of the subjects in the treatment situations, as they occur before, during and after the treatment or training procedure. With direct measurement, an evaluation of the individual is carried out in the real situation. Indirect measurement, on the other hand, requires making inferences regarding the execution of the individual. The test scores on math performance are an example of indirect measurement because they require an inference about current performance in the classroom. When a teacher uses a direct measurement daily of a student's math responses during instruction or practice, it does not require an inference about the student's abilities in the classroom.

The questionnaires are a valid option to perform a psychometric test and measure the way it is required and the objectives to which you want to reach. Confidentiality must be respected, otherwise there will be a distortion of the information. Questionnaires in the form of an interview are a valid option for the interviewee (student) to express their points of view before the interviewer. But, there may be a problem, the sincerity and veracity of the answers may jeopardize the results that are being handled within the investigation.

The schedules of the interviews or questionnaires must be equally measured, so that the investigation can be very exact and not extend too much and the objective of the same investigation is not lost.

For a questionnaire you must have different aspects to make it a better questionnaire: 

·         Means to collect data

·         Efforts to respond

·         Forms of questions

·         The accuracy of the information

·         Analysis of the information

Response modes:

How to answer the questions

(Second Abstract)

When designing a survey, the type of questions that can be used is very varied. 

We can find from yes and no questions, multiple choice questions, scale questions and even questions with the possibility of answering several options. 

All are in the classification of close-ended questions, since the respondent can only answer in those parameters that the question indicates as predetermined. 

We understand as open-ended questions those that give the respondent the possibility of answering using their own words.

It is the difference between an unstructured and structured question, related to responses of the same type to give a response. 

If a question does not have enough information about the categories of answers, the open question gives the possibility of the respondent explaining. 

Also, if we want to gather opinions or deepen certain aspects, open answers help to better understand the experiences of the respondents.

The open answers give more depth to the analysis of the survey and its use strengthens the conclusions to which they want to reach, and allows to deepen also in the search for lines of improvement. “

When asked about the difficulty when analyzing them, he comments:

It is true that its good analysis requires a few laborious inescapable steps, but the reward for understanding the opinions of the respondents clearly and in their own words, serves so that the consequences of the acts to be taken after the survey are more concise and safe.

Constructing a Questionnaire or Interview Schedule

The first step is to know the purpose of the data that we will collect. It is important to define the specific objective of the survey or consultation that I will do. Examples: Identify the level of satisfaction of the parents with respect to their level of schooling; identify the interests of professional training among the teachers of the school or what would be the school environment in each of the classrooms.

Classify as a qualitative and rhetorical question with a more subjective rating and giving more 

information to the interviewer. We will also investigate the general academic performance of each student and what their difficulties in terms of learning would be. 

This would be one of the questions closest to a survey or interview for an environment already chosen.

It is key to define this aspect when formulating the questions, since it delimits who or who will be the people responsible for applying the survey. 

It is important to try that the interviewer always consult the questions in the same way, to ensure the validity of the results.

It is important to unify criteria of questions to avoid confusion and not generate false answers or misinterpretations, you need to be vigilant when giving some questions that agree with the topic to be investigated.

It is very important to have this clear when formulating the questions, since they must have an appropriate vocabulary relevant to the respondents. 

It is key that the respondents understand all the concepts used in the questions.

It is fundamental to estimate the time that each question demands, in order to be able to plan carefully the information needs with the availability of time that we have to find out this. 

The number of questions we will ask depends greatly on the amount of time available to answer them. If I have 10 topics and only 10 minutes for people to answer a survey, I will ask a lot less questions than if I have 1 hour.

Objectives 

·Identify different question formats and response modes, and describe their relative characteristics.

Identify what types of responses we are developing and with what type of responses

 Describe the bases for choosing between a questionnaire and an interview and for choosing a response mode for a specific set of conditions and purposes.

Specify a Problem 

How to use the questions for surveys and interviews and to what context or topic do you think you will deepen?

How can we not realize that the interview and the survey is a highly valued tool in the educational field, but on what subject does it intend to study? School environments in the classroom? Academic level? Psychological problems of children and youth that will give an account of what is to be investigated and why it will be treated.

However, this research needs useful tools such as surveys and interviews with different educational actors that are involved in the teaching and learning process.

Parents, students, teachers and community in general are the most important in this research study.

The data and results must be real in the view of the entire public, it must even be qualitative or quantitative that demonstrate that an exhaustive study of this research was done

Justify

In the field of research there are several ways to collect data, one of the most popular are surveys, often confused with other methods, that is why this time we will talk about the difference between surveys and interviews.

Imagine the following: You are going to do an investigation, you have already defined the problem, the objectives and the design of the project. Only one of the most important issues is missing: data collection.

The decisions made at the beginning of your investigation can lead you to discover truths or guide you the wrong way. It is not an easy task. The process of data collection can affect the results of a whole investigation, that's why it is so important to stop to think about the design of the questionnaire and the best way to collect the answers.

Many think that a survey and an interview are the same thing, but the reality is that there are differences between these two research methods that we must know if we want clients, prospects or the sample of our research to give us the correct insights that are so necessary for make our business grow.

Suggestions the need to study it

It is recommended to conduct a pilot survey to test the questionnaire before using this method. A pilot survey is nothing more than a preliminary study or trial to know the time, cost, efforts, reliability, etc., of the survey.

Another point to consider are the questions, these should be written with care so that there are no biases in the investigation. In the same way it is important that the order of your questions make sense, both for you and for the participant of the survey.

The questions can be formulated in a defined order and can be sent by mail or personally applied to the participants so that they respond. It is assumed that respondents should read, understand and give their answers in the space provided or based on the response options given.

Specifying a Problem

What strategies are required for learning English?

The requirement of the current pedagogy is framed within the English foreign language; allowing students to enter within a bilingual and computerized context; that is, when reference is made to the 

English area within the classroom, you must have in the account competent methodologies that lead the student to the acquisition of a language that will allow you to enter the computer world and modern technologies.

The bilingual areas and in this case, the area of ​​English require learning environments suitable for the acquisition, development and development of the student for and with the English language; that allow you to optimize the handling of information and the development of communication, generating greater knowledge and intelligence.

 At times, it is difficult to ensure that the student learns and is interested in a language that is foreign to their context; but it is the teacher's duty to ensure the reach of well-structured teaching and valuable learning.

Justify 

A learning environment in the English area must be optimal and allow the student a good process; These environments should be spaces that allow the student to interact, interpret, observe and develop specific and general skills, in addition to allowing them to capture attention on the class.
The structure and organization of a virtual environment, does not only date from space; It also requires pedagogical strategies that motivate the student to work both individually and as a group. As a teacher, I have to take into account aspects that help me to select the teaching methodologies for my students, since as 

I mentioned previously, not only the space allows a pleasant learning environment, but also, analyzing and structuring the what, how , and who to teach is important. In addition, knowing in my students both the needs and strengths, allows me to improve as a teacher and in my case; diagnose the strengths and needs in an exact and timely manner.
My pedagogical proposal is to create a virtual learning environment within a bilingual context; besides trying to provide my students with more than knowledge; spaces of virtual development through computer science since this method allows the student to improve his attention and progress of his abilities in the English area.

This pedagogical proposal, is carried out through the use of the Internet in this case a wiki, which allows to know what possibilities exist to address the teaching of a foreign language through technology and the use of ICTs; thus leading the student to a better performance in their educational process.

Suggestions the need to study it

It is recommended to conduct a pilot survey to test the questionnaire before using this method. A pilot survey is nothing more than a preliminary study or trial to know the time, cost, efforts, reliability, etc., of the survey.

Another point to consider are the questions, these should be written with care so that there are no biases in the investigation. In the same way it is important that the order of your questions make sense, both for you and for the participant of the survey.

The questions can be formulated in a defined order and can be sent by mail or personally applied to the participants so that they respond. It is assumed that respondents should read, understand and give their answers in the space provided or based on the response options given.

Collecting Data

            The survey was made to ten students divided between grades 6 and 7, to get the results of this survey, we used the statistical mathematical method of the three simple rule composed for acquisition of percentages. And a total of 20 were surveyed. Henry Daniels High School students

1.      How many hours a week do students practice English?

A. Less than 2 hrs
B. 1 to 3 hrs
C. 4 to 6 hr
D. More than 6 hrs

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
A	3	15%
B	11	55%
C	2	10%
D	4	20%
Total	20
		100%

The respondents gave their point of view about how many hours they should learn and most of the respondents considered that they should be seen from 1 to 3 hours a day, others considered that they should be dedicated from 4 to 6 hours, however in this type of surveys the opinions are still divided on the basis of learning styles.

However, the interest in learning this language is still valid, in addition the requirement that is required in terms of learning a language is essential to improve and expand our horizons.

2.      How often do you use English?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
High	1	5%
Average	2	10%
Low	17	85%
Total	20	100%

The reasons are valid, in a country like Colombia the foreign language is not a priority, in this case the English language since, as is known, it is not a native language, the results are evident with this survey, only the language is used English for academic and labor issues and is scarcely applied in a way in everyday life.

Although the language is a requirement in some of the scenarios of society, not many have preferences for this language, but schools are the basis to encourage students to prefer this language. that's why it's important to not stop learning and speak English because in a globalized world, you interact comfortably and you learn other cultures widely and we can learn from that

3.      Do you think the good use of English is important?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
Yes	3	15%
No	17	85%
Total	20	100%

The opinions are obvious as to whether it is important in terms of the use of English, many people use it to expand their horizons and others as an academic means to teach others. But, in this case, it is advisable from an early age to encourage the use of the English language as an essential part, but even then, regardless of age, you should be encouraged to learn this language.

The reasons for studying English are many and varied. Here we want to offer you the most important, apart from a bit of information about the language, the reasons may be: for labor issues, others for going abroad, others for pedagogical reasons related to teaching and other related either to the Anglo-Saxon culture or aspects of personal improvement or skills.

4.      Do you agree with the use of technologies to learn English?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
Yes	15	75%
No	3	15%
Indifferent	2	10%
Total	20	100%

Many people use technological means to learn from many things and why not, from another language, many use the internet to learn to use this language in different situations, be it work, study, travel, etc. And they agree with the use of different technologies that make their learning easier.

the advisable thing is that these technologies are very watched by responsible adults and that they can accede of easy way to subjects that in other epochs almost were not possible, obviously to recommend them sites of Internet, so that they can learn better this language.

5.      How important is the use of technologies for learning in education?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
High	16	80%
Average	3	15%
Low	1	5%
Total	20	100%

At present, education systems throughout the world face the challenge of using information and communication technologies to provide their students with the necessary tools and knowledge required in the 21st century. ICTs are the educational innovation of the moment and allow teachers and students decisive changes in the daily work of the classroom and in the teaching-learning process of them. The (ICTs), are transforming education significantly, has changed both the way of teaching and the way of learning and of course the role of the teacher and the student.

It will be fundamental for the achievement of quality educational plans that can be adapted to the specific needs of each student, taking advantage of the potential offered by the New Technologies in relation to education today. Obviously it is reflected in these opinion polls that in most cases, it is stated that technology is necessary in the learning of a student, but, there are only a few who distrust the use of technologies for learning in a child or adolescent, because they simply are exposed to danger or do not take advantage of it.

  

6.      Do you have English language proficiency ?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
Yes	1	5%
No	19	95%
Total	20	100%

It was very likely the result of these answers, many of these people do not have a high level of English, very few have accessed language teaching institutes and very few have a high level of English.

In these cases, it is advisable to encourage new generations to move towards learning English. the important thing is that it can reach levels of basic learning, or knowledge gradually.

7.      How much do you think would be the recommended time in the week for learning the language?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
1 to 5 Hours	9	45%
5 to 10 Hours	6	33%
10 to 15 Hours	5	24%
Total	20	100%

The answers were varied, although there are preferences regarding the intensity of time for learning English, many agree that they must have a varied time to learn English, and in terms of different contents for teaching.

Intensity is the least, the important thing is that you can learn English, no matter the strategies or methodology, as long as there is a result to all this, we cannot discuss how long it would take to speak English, since many times Schools are autonomous when deciding how much time they should see during the week.

8.      Do you agree to develop a software related to English with didactic games and different virtual activities so children can go deeper into the subject?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
Yes	18	90%
No	2	10%
Total	20	100%

Many agree to develop specialized software, to learn precisely this language, is a new way to better acquire the language, no matter the age or level of English enough, the important thing is to keep practicing more and more.

However, it must be clarified that the way of learning this language is classified by age and level, since learning a language whatever it is should be a step-by-step process.

9.      Consider that this project is also of vital importance to you as teachers because:

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
A. Some teachers do not know English, this would serve as learning classes	7	35%
B. Help build and continue to train their students through the English language.	3	15%
C. Creates awareness in all teachers and makes them see the new society that children are forming, based on this project develop activities that will serve both students and teachers	4	20%
D. Deepen to plan the topics that have not been completed	6	30%
Total	20	100%

Opinions are divided, however the options are valid, because in the surveys people choose the answer they want and what else they think, however it should be noted that learning English should not only be for students, but also for teachers, especially in primary school since they are responsible for the general academic training of students.

what can be done in these cases is to train teachers in the English area, since many of them do not handle this language quite fluently, so that they are also the ones who take the teaching process.

10.  Finally, do you consider that this project is important in the integral education of children?

Ítem	Answer Number	% Percentage
Yes	19	98%
No	1	2%
Total	20	100%

It is very important because it is a project that takes place in educational institutions and many of them have to be mandatory, in addition, it is a project in which something new is learned, as in this case a foreign language.

The results of this question were very telling since many agree that this kind of projects are carried out in schools.

Results

During the survey process, the personal opinion of 10 students who had an account of the educational methods of English language teaching was taken, many consider that it should be dedicated for at least 1 to 3 hours a day, besides that results is evident the little use of the language for professional and daily matters, the majority of these students do not take seriously their duties within their studies as such.

However, it should be noted that the use of English is important, especially if it is about learning with technologies applied to the language (ICTs), using virtual platforms that help full learning.

There is no agreement between hours per day and hour per week, they are similar in terms of number, but it would be equivalent to see English on an average of one to two days per week.

Finally, it is important to apply special projects for learning English in schools, that is, using different methods such as virtual platforms, videos, audios, English festivals, etc.

Discussion

I think that this work, should give a good focus on the full learning of English, as a way to optimize efforts in teaching-learning this language, as it tries to recover within the curriculum of schools and forms a long-term process to optimize the language's own abilities.

the educational tools are indispensable, since they are part of the educational strategy that make it a form of learning and an advance in the processes of language acquisition in all its forms.

Appendix

                                                                 English Survey

Age: _____     Date: ___ / ___ / ___    Gender: H___ M___

Read each question carefully and answer the option that you consider:

1. How many hours a week do students practice English?

A. Less than 2 hrs
B. 1 to 3 hrs
C. 4 to 6 hr
D. More than 6 hrs
 
2. How often do you use English?

A. High
B. Average
C. Low
 
3. Do you think the good use of English is important?

A) Yes
B. No
 
4. Do you agree with the use of technologies to learn English?

A) Yes
B. No
C. Indifferent
 
5. How important is the use of technologies for learning in education?

A. High
B. Average
C. Low
 

6. Do you have English language proficiency ?:
 
A) Yes
B. No
 

7. How much do you think would be the recommended time in the week for learning the language?

A. 2 to 5 hours
B. 5 to 10 hours
C. 10 to 15 hours
 
 
8. Do you agree to develop a software related to English with didactic games and different virtual activities so children can go deeper into the subject?
 
A Yes
B. No
 
9. Consider that this project is also of vital importance to you as teachers because:

A. Some teachers do not know English, this would serve as learning classes

B. Help build and continue to train their students through the English language.

C. Creates awareness in all teachers and makes them see the new society that children are forming, based on this project develop activities that will serve both students and teachers.

D. Deepen to plan the topics that have not been completed



10. Finally, do you consider that this project is important in the integral education of children?

 A) Yes
 B. No

References

Tuckman, B. y Harper, B. (2012). Conducting Educational Research. Ed.: 6th ed. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Retrieved from http://ww2.odu.edu/~jritz/attachments/coedre.pdf

Innovation Network (s.d.) Data Collection Tips: Developing a survey. Recuperado de: http://www.pointk.org/client_docs/File/Survey_Dev_Tips.pdf

Lai, M. K. y Schildkamp, K. (2013). Data-based decision making: An overview. En K. Schildkamp, M. K. Lai, & L. Earl (Eds.), Data-based decision making in education: Challenges and opportunities. Studies in educational leadership 17, (pp. 9-21). Dordrecht: Springer.