Learning Idioms Through the Multimodal Approach: a Quasi-experimental Study at Universidad de Cuenca

Abstract

The Multimodal Approach is an efficient alternative that allows the presentation of written content through the combination of different modes the Linguistic Design, the Visual Design, the Audio Design, the Gestural Design, and the Spatial Design. All these modes can be easily connected to the Multimodal approach creating interactive atmospheres of teaching and learning content for both teachers and learners. The present study investigated the effects of using the Multimodal Approach combined with technology toward teaching English idioms to Ecuadorian EFL students at Universidad de Cuenca. The participants of the study were 24 EFL learners majoring in Math, Social Work, Law, Journalism, Physical Education, Philosophy, and Engineering. A mixed method approach including both quantitative and qualitative data methods was used in the study. The quantitative part consisted of a pretest, posttest, and survey while the qualitative part data was collected through a questionnaire, and an interview applied at the end of the study. The analysis and interpretation of the quantitative data revealed that the Multimodal Approach had a positive effect when teaching English idioms to EFL students. The data gathered qualitatively supported this finding. All the participants showed positive perceptions on learning idioms by the Multimodal Approach.