Evaluating the English-learning of engineering students using the Grey S-P chart: a Facebook case study in Taiwan

Abstract

The aim of this article was to evaluate the English-learning of engineering students by using the Grey Student-Problem chart (GSP chart). The research was conducted with 37 freshman engineering students in a private university in central Taiwan using Facebook wall posts to make English sentences, and the GSP chart to evaluate the engineering students' English performance. The two vocabulary tests, based on the General Service List (GSL), with ten questions were given as the pre-test and post-test. To uncover the usefulness of learning vocabulary on Facebook, the vocabulary tests' scores were compared using the GSP chart. The findings suggest Taiwanese engineering students performed better on the English vocabulary examination after practising making English sentences on Facebook. The Web-based tool provides a ubiquitous English-learning environment for engineering students, and is believed to increase students' English vocabulary acquisition, as well.