A Design-Based Research Approach for the Development of a Framework for English Language Education

For this paper we developed an integrated framework for English language education based on the four phases of design-based research (DBR). A qualitative investigation conducted during the first phase was able to identify a number of relevant problems at the Japanese university where this research was undertaken. To ameliorate these problems in the second phase of DBR, we (a) developed an original placement test, (b) created a classification technique by employing a Bayesian algorithm, and (c) established an e-learning system and comprehensive educational policy. In the third phase, the developed placement test was tested, and all the test items were analyzed using the Rash model. In the last phase, the framework for English language education was put into practice. Our findings confirmed that the new framework not only resulted in a substantial reduction of budgetary and manpower costs, but also successfully integrated the whole process of English language education.