Integrating Production-Oriented Approach (POA) in Flipped Classrooms: An Action Research on Enhancing Spoken English Instruction for English Majors in China

Authors

  • Lidan Zhang

    School of Foreign Languages, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404188, China

  • Yunjun Kong

    School of Foreign Languages, Chongqing Three Gorges University, Chongqing 404188, China

       

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i2.8136
Received: 10 December 2024 | Revised: 1 January 2025 | Accepted: 3 January 2025 | Published Online: 20 January 2025

Abstract

This study addresses the limitations of traditional English-speaking instruction for English majors in China, such as limited class time, insufficient opportunities for classroom speaking, and inadequate support for autonomous learning. In response to these challenges, the study presents an integrated teaching model that combines the Production-oriented Approach (POA) and Flipped Classroom in Blended Learning environments, analyzing its practical application and effectiveness through two cycles of action research. The first cycle involved 94 second-year students, focusing on how combined online and face-to-face instruction can offer equitable speaking opportunities, promote independent learning, and enhance student satisfaction. The second cycle, with 88 second-year students, refined the “write-before-speak” strategy, improved online-offline coherence, and explored how varied feedback can support self-regulation and continuous progress. The findings indicate that the integrated model effectively alleviates the lack of speaking opportunities and enhances autonomous learning by offering a flexible and diverse learning environment, supported by collaborative assessment mechanisms. Additionally, the model improves students’ speaking motivation and classroom engagement by progressive procedures of motivating-enabling-assessing, transitioning from fundamental online learning to face-to-face classroom practice. This gradual progress fosters consistent language development, enabling students to tackle increasingly complex speaking tasks with confidence and competence. Overall, the study demonstrates the model’s effectiveness in reforming English-speaking instruction in higher education, offering valuable insights into the design of pedagogical strategies that can bridge the gap between traditional instruction and the evolving needs of language learners.

Keywords:

Production-Oriented Approach (POA); Blended Learning; Flipped Classroom; English Speaking; English Major; Action Research

References

[1] Li, M., Hu, X., 2021. English Major Education in China: A Chronological Analysis. Onomázein. 70-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7764/onomazein.ne9.05

[2] Pan, M.W., Feng, G.W., 2017. On Spoken English Teaching: A Perspective from the Teaching Requirements of National Criteria of Teaching Quality for Undergraduate English Majors. Foreign Language and Literature. 6, 143–147.

[3] Liao, G.F., Zou, X.P., 2019. Optimizing Teaching Structure Design to Induce Students’ Autonomous Learning and Deep Learning: An Action Research on Blended Teaching of College English Speaking. Educational Academic Monthly. 10, 105–111. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16477/j.cnki.issn1674-2311.2019.10.015

[4] Anthony, B., Kamaludin, A., Romli, A., et al., 2022. Blended Learning Adoption and Implementation in Higher Education: A Theoretical and Systematic Review. Technology, Knowledge and Learning. 27, 531–578. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-020-09477-z

[5] Bergmann, J., Sams, A., 2012. Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day. International Society for Technology in Education: Washington, DC, USA. pp. 120–190.

[6] Feng, X.Y., Sun, Y.W., Cao, J.T., 2019. Blended Learning in the Era of “Internet+”: The Foundation of Learning Theories and Pedagogical Methods. Distance Education in China. 2, 7–16, 92. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13541/j.cnki.chinade.20190127.002

[7] Talbert, R., Bergmann, J. 2017. Flipped Learning: A Guide for Higher Education Faculty. Routledge: New York, US. pp. 365–366.

[8] Wen, Q.F., 2015. Developing a Theoretical System of Production-Oriented Approach in Language Teaching. Foreign Language Teaching and Research. 4, 547–558, 640.

[9] Wen, Q.F., Sun, S.G., 2020. Designing Scenarios for the Motivating Phase in the Production-Oriented Approach: Key Elements and Examples. Foreign Language Education in China. 2, 4–11+90.

[10] Ministry of Education, China (ed.). 2018. National Standards for the Teaching Quality of Undergraduate English Majors in General Colleges and Universities. Higher Education Press: Beijing, China.

[11] Gao, W.H., 2013. Problems and Countermeasures in Undergraduate English Major Oral Teaching. China Higher Education. 10, 40–41.

[12] Wang, J.L., 2006. Implications of Second Language Acquisition Theories for English Major Oral Teaching. Foreign Languages and Their Teaching. 6, 30–32.

[13] Tang, W.L., 2005. An Investigation and Analysis of Motivational Factors Affecting English Oral Learning. Foreign Language Teaching. 2, 65–68.

[14] Fu, B., 2019. On the Development of the Spoken English Self-Concept from the Perspective of Directed Motivational Currents. Foreign Language World. 4, 50–57.

[15] Cheng, Y.P., He, Q.G., Han, X.L., 2007. The Impact of English Classroom Anxiety on College Students’ Oral Expression. Language Teaching and Linguistic Studies. 1, 89–95.

[16] Guo, Y., Xu, J.F., 2014. A Multi-Dimensional Study on Foreign Language Anxiety of Non-English Major College Students in China. Foreign Language World. 4, 2–11.

[17] Han, M.Z., 2009. Metadiscourse, Corpus and College Spoken English Teaching. Foreign Language World. 3, 32–36.

[18] Si, B.Y., 2014. An Empirical Study of College English Oral Teaching based on Metadiscourse Theory. Foreign Language Journal. 1, 121–124. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16263/j.cnki.23-1071/h.2014.01.026

[19] Wei, N.X., 2007. Phraseological Characteristics of Chinese Learners’ Spoken English: Evidence of Lexical Chunks from COLSEC. Modern Foreign Languages. 3, 280–291+329-330.

[20] Qi, Y., 2010. A Longitudinal Study on Chunk Use in Chinese English Majors’ Monologues. Foreign Language World. 5, 34–41.

[21] Wen, Q.F., 2001. From the National English Major Level 4 Oral Test to teaching spoken English. Foreign Language World. 4, 24-28.

[22] Xu, H.M., Xie, Z.M., 2006. A Theoretical Analysis of the National Oral Test for English Majors. Journal of Nanjing Normal University (Social Science Edition). 2, 92–98.

[23] Zhou, D.D., 2023. Research on Chinese TEM-4 and TEM-8 Oral Tests: Review and Future Directions. Foreign Language Research. 40(4), 37–43, 50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13978/j.cnki.wyyj.2023.04.005

[24] Tan, X.C., Dong, R.Y., 2007. The Influence of Task Type and Language Proficiency on Oral Accuracy and Complexity. Journal of PLA University of Foreign Languages. 5, 54–58.

[25] Jiang, C.G., Dai, J. 2018. An Analysis of the Correlation Between Oral Accuracy Measurement and Oral Performance. Foreign Language Teaching Theory and Practice. 2, 37–43.

[26] Yu, H., Dai, W., 2019. A Study on the Dynamic Development of Oral Complexity and Accuracy in English Learners. Foreign Languages and Their Teaching. 2, 100–110+150. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13458/j.cnki.flatt.004579

[27] Jin, Y., Jie, W., 2017. Principles and Methods of Developing the Speaking Scale of the China’s Standards of English (CSE-SS). Foreign Language World. 2, 10–19. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13458/j.cnki.flatt.004579

[28] Yan, Q.Z., Gu, X.D., 2020. Investigating English Majors’ English Language Proficiency at the Foundation Stage: Based on the CEFR. Foreign Languages in China. 4, 69–76. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13564/j.cnki.issn.1672-9382.2020.04.009

[29] Peng, C., Liu, J.D., 2024. Level alignment of the CSE with the CEFR in speaking ability. Foreign Language Education. 1, 76–82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16362/j.cnki.cn61-1023/h.2024.01.013

[30] Chang, J., Zhao, Y., 2010. A Curriculum System Integrating Content and Language in the Foundational Stage of English Majors from the Students’ Perspective. Foreign Languages and Their Teaching. 1, 13–17, 73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13458/j.cnki.flatt.00029

[31] Wang, L.H., Zhao, M., Yang, W.W., 2018. An Empirical Study of the Instructional Model of College Oral English Flipped Classroom Based on Principles of CDIO Engineering Education. Technology Enhanced Foreign Language Education. 2, 72–77.

[32] Lu, Y., 2019. Analysis on College English’s Oral Teaching Mode Based on Flipped Classroom. Heilongjiang Education (Higher Education Research & Evaluation). 1, 19–21.

[33] Zhang, Q., Wu, F., 2016. Study on Teacher–Student Interaction in Flipped Classroom based on Video Annotation Learning Platform. In: Li., Y.Y., Chang,M, Kravcik, M., Popescu, E. Huang, Kinshuk, Chen, N-S. (eds.). State-of-the-Art and Future Directions of Smart Learning. Springer: Singapore. pp. 257–261. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-868-7_29

[34] Li, Y., Min, S., 2010. Reflections on EFL Speaking Research in China During the Past decade. Foreign Languages in China. 6, 85-91.

[35] Yang, R., 2013. Review and Reflection on EFL Speaking Research in China (1949–2012): A Statistical Research based on Data from 14 CSSCI Journals. Journal of Hubei University of Education. 11, 21–24.

[36] Wen, Q.F., 2018a. Production-Oriented Approach in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Chinese Teaching in the World. 3, 387–400. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13724/j.cnki.ctiw.2018.03.008

[37] Wen, Q., 2018b. The Production-Oriented Approach to Teaching University Students English in China. Language Teaching. 51(4), 526–540. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S026144481600001X

[38] Wang, Y.Q., 2022. Practical Research on Blended College English Teaching Model based on POA Theory. China Educational Technology. 11, 117–122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16083/j.cnki.1671-1580.2022.11.016

[39] Li, Y., Jia, J., Jiang, X., 2022. A Literature Review of Domestic Research on College English Blended Teaching in the Past Two Decades (2001–2021). Technology Enhanced Foreign Language Education. 3, 58–63+111.

[40] Wang, L., Zhang, X., 2021. Construction of First-Class Blended College English Teaching with the Production-Oriented Approach. Heilongjiang Researches on Higher Education. 3, 146–151.

[41] Zhang, D., 2021. Construction and Application of a Blended Golden Course Framework of College English. Technology Enhanced Foreign Language Education. 1, 71–77, 91, 12.

[42] Liu, X., Liu, F., Shi, M., 2021. Design and Practice of Blended "Golden Course" of College English Under the Guidance of OBE and POA. Journal of Jilin Provincial Institute of Education. 11, 78-82.

[43] Liu, X., Song, M., 2017. The Teaching Design and Practice of College English Reading and Writing from the Perspective of POA. Journal of Ningbo Institute of Education. 2, 50–53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13970/j.cnki.nbjyxyxb.2017.02.014

[44] Guan, C., Guo, W., 2021. A Dialectical Research of Multiple Assessment of POA-based Practical English Writing in a Blended Teaching Environment. Technology Enhanced Foreign Language Education, 02, 30–36+5.

[45] Gao, P., 2018. Empirical Study on Flipped Classroom Teaching Model in College English based on POA: Taking Listening and Speaking Course as an Example. E-Education Research, 12, 102–107.

[46] Zhu, Z., Zhu, X., 2020. A Study of Aural-Oral College English Lesson Teaching Model based on Production-Oriented Approach. Testing and Evaluation (College English Teaching & Research). 4, 98–104.

[47] Lü, L.S., 2018. A Study on the Application of the “Production-Oriented Approach” in the Blended Teaching of College English in the UCampus Environment. Journal of Mudanjiang College of Education. 11, 61–64.

[48] Li, P., 2021. The Effectiveness of the “Production-Oriented Approach + Rain Classroom” Blended Teaching Model in Graduate English Education. Overseas English. 10, 145–146.

[49] Qi, L., Qi, W.H., Ling, Z., et al., 2023. An Exploration of the Feasibility of the Production-Oriented Approach in Oral English Courses for English Majors. Jiangsu Foreign Language Teaching and Research. 1, 29–31.

[50] Zhang, Y., 2023. Enhancing Oral Production in Integrated English Blended Teaching through a Production-Oriented Approach: An Action Research Study. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET). 18(19), 61–71.

[51] Garrison, D.R., Kanuka, H., 2004. Blended Learning: Uncovering Its Transformative Potential in Higher Education. The Internet and Higher Education. 7(2), 95–105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2004.02.001

[52] Bonk, C.J., Graham, C.R., 2012. The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs. John Wiley & Sons: New Jersey, US.

[53] Feng, X.Y., Wang, R.X., Wu, Y.J., 2018. A Review of Blended Teaching Research at Home and Abroad: Based on an Analytical Framework of Blended Teaching. Journal of Distance Education. 3, 13–24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15881/j.cnki.cn33-1304/g4.2018.03.002

[54] Müller, C., Mildenberger, T., 2021. Facilitating Flexible Learning by Replacing Classroom Time with an Online Learning Environment: A Systematic Review of Blended Learning in Higher Education. Educational Research Review. 34, 100394. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2021.100394

[55] Castro, R., 2019. Blended Learning in Higher Education: Trends and Capabilities. Education and Information Technologies. 24(4), 2523–2546. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09886-3

[56] Tucker, B., 2012. The Flipped Classroom. Education Next. 12(1), 82–83.

[57] Graham, C.R., 2006. Blended Learning Systems. In: Bonk, C.J., Graham, C.R. (eds.). The Handbook of Blended Learning: Global Perspectives, Local Designs. Pfeiffer Publishing: San Francisco, CA. pp. 3–21.

[58] Gilboy, M.B., Heinerichs, S., Pazzaglia, G., 2015. Enhancing Student Engagement Using the Flipped Classroom. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 47(1), 109–114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2014.08.008

[59] Chen, K.S., Monrouxe, L., Lu, Y.H., et al., 2018. Academic Outcomes of Flipped Classroom Learning: A Meta-Analysis. Medical Education, 52(9), 910–924.

[60] Nja, C.O., Orim, R.E., Neji, H.A., et al., 2022. Students’ Attitude and Academic Achievement in a Flipped Classroom. Heliyon. 8(1), e08792. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08792

[61] Andrade, M., Coutinho, C., 2017. Implementing Flipped Classroom in Blended Learning Environments: A Proposal Based on the Cognitive Flexibility Theory. Journal of Interactive Learning Research., 28(2), 109–126.

[62] Nugraheni, B.I., Surjono, H.D., Aji, G.P., 2022. How Can Flipped Classroom Develop Critical Thinking Skills? A Literature Review. International Journal of Information and Education Technology. 12(1), 82–90.

[63] Mehring, J., 2016. Present Research on the Flipped Classroom and Potential Tools for the EFL Classroom. Computers in the Schools. 33(1), 1–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/07380569.2016.1139912

[64] Turan, Z., Akdag-Cimen, B., 2020. Flipped Classroom in English Language Teaching: A Systematic Review. Computer Assisted Language Learning. 33(5–6), 590–606. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2019.1584117

[65] Fisher, R., Tran, Q., Verezub, E., 2024. Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Higher Education Using Flipped Learning/Flipped Classrooms: A Literature Review. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching. 1–20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2024.2302984

[66] Hung, H.T., 2015. Flipping the Classroom for English Language Learners to Foster Active Learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning. 28(1), 81–96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2014.967701

[67] Chen Hsieh, J.S., Wu, W.C.V., Marek, M.W., 2017. Using the Flipped Classroom to Enhance EFL Learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning. 30(1–2), 1–21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2015.1111910

[68] Abdullah, M.Y., Hussin, S., Ismail, K., 2019. Implementation of Flipped Classroom Model and Its Effectiveness on English Speaking Performance. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (Online). 14(9), 130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v14i09.10348

[69] Lin, C.J., Hwang, G.J., 2018. A Learning Analytics Approach to Investigating Factors Affecting EFL Students’ Oral Performance in a Flipped Classroom. Journal of Educational Technology & Society. 21(2), 205–219.

[70] Keshavarz, M.H., 2020. A Proposed Model for Post-Pandemic Higher Education. Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. 3(3), 1384–1391. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v3i3.1193

[71] Gordes, K., Kayingo, G., Kulo, V., et al., 2022. Broadening the Discussion Beyond the Impact of Hybrid Learning. The Journal of Physician Assistant Education. 33(1), 1–2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/JPA.0000000000000403

[72] Sun, J.C.Y., Wu, Y.T., Lee, W.I., 2017. The Effect of the Flipped Classroom Approach to OpenCourseWare Instruction on Students’ Self-Regulation. British Journal of Educational Technology. 48(3), 713–729. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12444

[73] Korkmaz, S., Mirici, İ.H., 2021. Converting a Conventional Flipped Class into a Synchronous Online Flipped Class During COVID-19: University Students’ Self-Regulation Skills and Anxiety. Interactive Learning Environments. 1–13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.2018615

[74] Yazdanmehr, E., Elahi Shirvan, M., Saghafi, K., 2021. A Process-Tracing Study of the Dynamic Patterns of Boredom in an Online L3 Course of German During COVID‐19 Pandemic. Foreign Language Annals. 54(3), 714–739. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/flan.12548

[75] Ironsi, C.S., Solomon Ironsi, S., 2024. A Switch from Flipped Classroom to Hybrid Educational Model: Perceived Effectiveness of Mode of Instructional Delivery. Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning. 1–17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2024.2385346

[76] Akçayır, G., Akçayır, M., 2018. The Flipped Classroom: A Review of Its Advantages and Challenges. Computers & Education. 126, 334–345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2018.07.021

[77] Zou, D., Luo, S., Xie, H., et al., 2022. A Systematic Review of Research on Flipped Language Classrooms: Theoretical Foundations, Learning Activities, Tools, Research Topics and Findings. Computer Assisted Language Learning. 35(8), 1811–1837. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2020.1839502

[78] Lo, C.K., 2024. Strategies for Enhancing Online Flipped Learning: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Interactive Learning Environments. 32(7), 3517–3545. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2023.2184392

[79] Zhang, Y., 2024. A Study on the Impact of Flipped Classroom Teaching Model on English Majors’ Oral Learning Effectiveness. English on Campus. 3, 25–27.

[80] Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R., Nixon, R., 2014. The Action Research Planner: Doing Critical Participatory Action Research. Springer Science & Business Media: Singapore.

[81] Wen, Q.F., 2017a. A Theoretical Framework for Using and Evaluating POA-based Teaching Materials. Foreign Language Education in China. 2, 17–23, 95–96.

[82] Eggers, J.H., Oostdam, R., Voogt, J., 2021. Self-regulation strategies in blended learning environments in higher education: A systematic review. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology. 37(6), 175–192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.6453

[83] Rasheed, R.A., Kamsin, A., Abdullah, N.A., 2020. Challenges in the online component of blended learning: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 144, 103701. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103701

[84] Kenney, J., Newcombe, E., 2011. Adopting a Blended Learning Approach: Challenges Encountered and Lessons Learned in an Action Research Study. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks. 15(1), 45–57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v15i1.182

[85] Ginaya, G., Rejeki, I.N.M., Astuti, N.N.S., 2018. The Effects of Blended Learning to Students Speaking Ability: A Study of Utilizing Technology to Strengthen the Conventional Instruction. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Culture. 4(3), 1–14. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21744/ijllc.v0i0.000

[86] Van Laer, S., Elen, J., 2017. In search of attributes that support self-regulation in blended learning environments. Education and Information Technologies. 22, 1395–1454. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-016-9505-x

[87] Qi, Y. J., Tang, L.J., 2008. Developing EFL Learners’ Discourse Proficiency: From Writing to Speaking. Foreign Language World. 4, 57–63.

[88] Ahmadian, M.J. 2012. The Effects of Guided Careful Online Planning on Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency in Intermediate EFL Learners’ Oral Production: The Case of English Articles. Language Teaching Research. 16(1), 129–149. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168811425433

[89] Cao, X.Y., 2021. Progressive design in the enabling phase: Practice of teaching Chinese as a foreign language oral class based on the Production-Oriented Approach. Frontiers in Foreign Language Education Research. 4(3), 49–56, 94.

[90] Wen, Q.F., 2016. Teacher-Student Collaborative Assessment: An innovative assessment method for the Production-oriented Approach. Foreign Language World. 5, 37–43.

[91] Sun, S.G., 2020. Teacher-Student Collaborative Assessment in the Production-oriented Approach: Elaborating Principles with Examples. Foreign Language Education in China. 2, 20–27+90–91.

[92] Broeckelman-Post, M.A., Hyatt Hawkins, K.E., Arciero, A.R., et al., 2019. Online Versus Face-to-Face Public Speaking Outcomes: A Comprehensive Assessment. Basic Communication Course Annual. 31(1), 10.

[93] Westwick, J.N., Hunter, K.M., Haleta, L.L., 2016. A Digital Divide? Assessing Self-Perceived Communication Competency in an Online and Face-to-Face Basic Public Speaking Course. Basic Communication Course Annual, 28(1), 11.

[94] Thomas, G., Thorpe, S., 2019. Enhancing the Facilitation of Online Groups in Higher Education: A Review of the Literature on Face-to-Face and Online Group-Facilitation. Interactive Learning Environments. 27(1), 62–71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2018.1451897

[95] Yuan, F., Ellis, R., 2003. The Effects of Pre-Task Planning and On-Line Planning on Fluency, Complexity and Accuracy in L2 Monologic Oral Production. Applied Linguistics. 24(1), 1–27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/24.1.1

Downloads

How to Cite

Zhang, L., & Kong, Y. (2025). Integrating Production-Oriented Approach (POA) in Flipped Classrooms: An Action Research on Enhancing Spoken English Instruction for English Majors in China. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(2), 117–136. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i2.8136