Vita activa

The introspective data on impact was first coded by labeling each idea unit as either positive or negative impact by both coders. The intercoder reliability of the two coders’ ratings on the 12 responses was 96.4% agreement. Then, the introspective data was coded through qualitative content analysis. In the first phase of the qualitative content analysis, the principle investigator developed the initial codes by borrowing words from the transcripts. In the second phase, the principle investigator grouped similar codes together to form different themes. The other coder coded transcripts of the semi-structured interviews of three participants randomly selected using the initial codes. Based on the second coder’s suggestion, the principle

investigator added two codes, “improved language accuracy” and “increased variety of

expressions.” The themes and codes finalized were: awareness raising (awareness of patterns and

awareness of importance of patterns), autonomy facilitating (comparison to other methods and anticipation of future use), confidence building (confidence in language accuracy and confidence in communication in English), and motivation stimulating (improved language accuracy and increased variety of expressions). The following are example comments of each code:

Awareness of patterns. For most participants, this study provided them the first

experience of learning patterns through the pattern approach to grammar. According their utterances, PAT GRAM use raised their awareness of grammar patterns.

I never used them [patterns], and also I did not know what are patterns. I learned them from PAT GRAM. I got a lot of things about patterns from PAT GRAM.” (Student 2, semi-structured interview)

I learned that many verbs have the same meaning from using PAT GRAM, so I don’t have to use the same verb [pattern] again and again for the same meaning. I can use different verb [patterns] with the similar meaning.” (Student 5, semi-structured interview)

Awareness of importance of patterns. Besides an awareness of basic knowledge of

patterns, participants also pointed out that they became aware of the importance of patterns in language production.

I think patterns are important to me.” (Student 3, semi-structured interview)

A single word can be used in different ways it is important to know how to use them. If you don’t use the correct patterns, people misunderstand you. (Student 10, semi-

structured interview)

Comparison with other methods. Participants judged the explicit instruction offered by

PAT GRAM as effective in facilitating their learning autonomy by comparing PAT GRAM use with other methods they used to learn patterns.

It is more time efficient and allows me to figure out the patterns in a more efficient way. Before I have to memorize. If I forgot, it was big problem (Student 3, semi-structured interview).

In the previous learning, if I do not know the patterns I will try to surf the internet to check. However, when I use PAT GRAM, I think it is easier for me to check, because patterns is presented more clear than in PAT GRAM than other online resources. (Student 4, semi-structured interview)

Anticipation of future use. The capacity of facilitating autonomy by interaction with

PAT GRAM was also reflected in participants’ comments anticipating their future use of PAT GRAM.

I will use PAT GRAM for writing. When reading, you don’t have to remember the

patterns to understand, but for writing, I always feel I don’t know the patterns. (Student 8, semi-structured interview)

Sometimes I was not sure whether I use correct patterns in my speech, so by using PAT GRAM I can check patterns. It (PAT GRAM) is also useful for writing an essay or a paper, so I would like to use it as a reference. (Student 9, semi-structured interview)

Confidence in language accuracy. In terms of confidence building, some participants

stated that using PAT GRAM helped them become more confident with the accuracy of their language production.

In our writing sometimes we do not know how to use some verbs or use the patterns, so when we want to revise our work, we can check PAT GRAM. That will make me more confident about my pattern use. (Student 1, semi-structured interview)

When I need to produce sentences, speaking and writing, I would like to double check patterns using PAT GRAM, so that I am confident that I am using patterns correctly. (Student 5, semi-structured interview)

Confidence in communication in English. According to participants, PAT GRAM use

not only built their confidence in accuracy of their language production, but also promoted their confidence in English communication.

Using PAT GRAM to learn patterns will make me more confident to speak and write. (Student 12, semi-structured interview)

I think I will be more confident to communicate, if I learn more patterns using PAT GRAM. My language will be more understandable. (Student 7, semi-structured interview)

Improved language accuracy. The code “improved language accuracy” under the theme

“motivation stimulating” refers to situations where participants were motivated to use PAT

GRAM, since they could achieve improved language accuracy.

I am concerned about verb patterns. I think those patterns helped me to write professionally. (Student 2, semi-structured interview)

It (PAT GRAM) will help me to write in a more professional way. (Student 3, semi- structured interview)

Increased variety of expressions. With referring to motivation stimulating, participants

realized through PAT GRAM provided them with alternatives of expressing the same concept. Participants judged a variety of expressions as an important aspect of professional writing.

Using PAT GRAM will help me to write more professionally, since it allows me to use different patterns of verbs in my writing rather than sticking to certain verbs and patterns. (Student 3, semi-structured interview)

Sometimes I want to use words that share the same meaning, PAT GRAM will also be helpful to provide me a variety of verbs that serve the same meaning. (Student 5, semi- structured interview)