The Implementation of Grammar Application for Computer Students: Integrating Digital Learning Kit in English for Specific Purposes

Abstract

Grammatical competence is a skill that is generally taught integrally into the teaching of active English competence in the scope of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in the Informatics Management Study Program. Thus, students do not get maximum exposure to grammatical teaching even though grammar is a basic competency that plays an important role in determining the quality of speech and writing produced. Students need to be equipped with digital learning tool, i.e., grammar learning application to support their autonomous learning process. This research focuses on the implementation of a mobile-based grammar application for computer students that is used as a self-directed learning tool. The implementation phase was carried out using an experimental research method which was applied to English courses at Informatics Management with 84 participants. Quantitative data were obtained from the results of the pre-test and post-test in grammar before and after the integration of the grammar application. The results of the pretest and post-test assessments were analyzed using the One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to test the normality and paired sample t-test to analyze the effect of using the application on improving student achievement. In addition, qualitative data was gathered using google form. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed to determine students' perceptions of the autonomous grammar learning process. The analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data reveals that students gained a deep grammar learning experiences and could enhance their grammar competence.