Procedure
The quasi experiment included several parts. The first involved note taking. The students were instructed to bring a three-ring binder to class each day to keep their notes organized. The students received daily as homework a partial outline for a section of reading that corresponded with their grammar textbook (see Appendix C). The outlines were filled out for class the next day. Example sentences written by the students were included in the finished outlines. This binder was collected weekly for the researcher to check for completion and understanding.Secondly, the class period included peer teaching. When the unit began, the researcher assigned pairs for each of the concepts to be learned. These pairs were given the partial outline for their concept on the first day of the unit, so they could prepare to be the experts of this concept. As each concept was discussed the experts began the period by writing at least two example sentences-one correct and one incorrect- on the overhead and leading the discussion. A list was placed on the wall of who the experts of the
concept were, so that if there were questions in the future the experts could be asked. Thirdly, the researcher led the class in various methods of application for the concept. The methods included writing paragraphs and essays; and reading poems, short stories, and paragraphs written by professional authors and looking for examples of the concept that was discussed. Also, modified K-W-L forms (See Appendix D) were filled out weekly by the students on Fridays to see where the students might need more help with the application process.
As a final assessment for the units, the students were asked to write a paragraph, using and labeling the concepts they learned in that unit (See Appendix E).These steps, including the final assessments, were applied through two grammar units, during an 8-10 week time period.
Results Over the course of eight weeks the researcher observed and collected data that would answer the question, How will focusing on application in class and note takingoutside of class affect learning grammar? Data for this study was collected in several ways. First, the researcher used a survey that was developed (see Appendix A) to find
out the students' attitudes towards grammar and note taking. The same survey with modifications (see Appendix B) was given after the eight weeks of classroom modifications. These surveys were used to see if there was a change in attitude towards grammar as the quasi experiment came to a completion. Second, the researcher collected
the students' finished note outlines weekly, along with a modified K-W-L chart, to make sure they understood the information they were reading. Third, the researcher used sample sentences and essays from students to analyze the students' application of the concepts to see if there was improvement. Because there is no control group, this quasiexperiment focused on collecting qualitative data only.