认知负荷理论在非英语专业写作教学中的应用分析-analysis of the application of cognitive load theory in writing teaching for non - english majors.docxVIP

ii ii Abstract Based on the achievements of cognitive psychology, Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) was firstly proposed by Sweller (1998), who made a systematic study from the aspect of the allocation of resources. CLT suggests that complex learning could be optimized if it is in accordance with human cognitive resource architecture. Therefore, this thesis tries to explore how to improve EFL writing instruction with the guidance of CLT and its influence on non-English majors? writing proficiency. In China, the writing proficiency of non-English majors is relatively low, so it is urgent to find better teaching methods for English writing. Although some linguists have obtained productive findings, few studies are devoted to EFL writing instruction in a cognitive load perspective. When allocating studying resources, CLT makes great contribution to optimizing and solving learning problems. Hence, an empirical study is conducted to figure out whether it can provide new views for English writing instruction. Based on the purpose of this study, the research questions are presented as follow: Can writing instruction with the application of cognitive load theory improve students? writing proficiency? In terms of organization, content and vocabulary, in which linguistic aspect does students make the most obvious improvement based on CLT-oriented writing instruction? What are students? perceptions on CLT-oriented writing instruction? 42 international logistics major students are selected as the subjects who have just finished the first year of English study in Shenyang Normal University. Then test, questionnaire and interview are selected as instruments. The experiment lasted for 13 iii iii weeks. Quantitative analysis of two tests and the questionnaire, together with qualitative analysis of the interview are employed. Collected data is analyzed through SPSS 18.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Science). Through data analysis and interview results, the major findings are presen