An action research: EFL students' perceptions and motivations towards flipped classroom and web 2.0 technology

Learning English as a foreign language is a challenging process. Most language learners have difficulty in changing theory to practice. The main aim of this study is to identify the effect of combining Web 2.0 technology with a Flipped Classroom on students' perceptions and motivations in learning English as a foreign language. In the 21st century due to the enhancements in technology, education has gained new aspects and innovative approaches. It is essential to find out innovative approaches and techniques for effective English language education. At this point, integrating Web 2.0 technology in the Flipped Classroom Model in the EFL classes is an innovative instructional approach that promotes learner-centered teaching thus, the students construct the knowledge themselves. Besides, students utilize the Flipped Classroom Model and Web 2.0 technology to enhance their 4C skills (i.e. communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking). Through flipped classroom, they get the knowledge out of the classroom and spare more time for implementations in-class time. Thus, class time is inverted with the outclass and both the teacher and students have more time for constructing the knowledge in-class time. To the above purpose, I, as both researcher-teacher planned action research for six weeks in combining Web 2.0 technology with Flipped Classroom model and employed it with language class at the grade of 12th in a public school in Turkey (n=9). The study was held in 2019-2020 academic years. The mixed method was held and the data were collected through pre and post-treatment surveys, semi-structured interviews, observations, lesson evaluation form for students and teacher journals. Both quantitative and qualitative findings indicated that students had positive perceptions and a high level of motivation over-improving their language skills. Results also revealed that the Flipped Classroom Model and Web 2.0 technology improved students' 4Cs skills. All in all, this action research illustrated that combining Web 2.0 technology with a Flipped Classroom had positive effects on students' perceptions and motivations over English language learning process. Keywords: Flipped classroom model, Web 2.0 technology, English as foreign language learning, 4C skills