Chances and Challenges of Using WebQuest in Academic Reading

Abstract

WebQuest, embedded with task-based learning is a scaffold learning structure in which the instructors provide various online resources to help learners complete designed tasks and study the focus language at the same time. However, there are few empirical researches exploring the students’ perceptions toward WebQuest, especially in higher education. Therefore, to fill in the gap, this qualitative research attempted to examine how English major college students feel about learning academic reading through a researcher-designed WebQuest. A total 86 sophomore English major students were involved in this study. The findings indicated that through the process of step- by- step guidance provided in the WebQuest, critical thinking could be elicited while some of the challenges were also found in the study. The major contribution of this study is to provide some insights on the application of integrating WebQuest into academic reading, and to understand students’ voice toward the use of WebQuest.