Interest Oriented Learning to Enhance Second Language Acquisition using Sports Sources in Higher Education

The study reports the results of an action research conducted in an English as a second Language classroom to examine the effects of Interest Oriented Learning (IOL). IOL can be considered as an effective means to ensure communicative language practice for it gives learners chances to use the language for specific purpose. It develops interaction between the context and learner as well as among learners, negotiation of meaning and reporting for an audience. The study argues for the position that IOL has the potential to generate involvement among the learners and thus enhances participation in classroom activities considerably. It also activates learners’ cognitive ability and as a result produce desired learning outcome. The study was conducted on learners of English in a classroom at a higher education institution in the outskirts of Madurai, Tamilnadu, India. The collected data through pre-and post-tests were examined to see whether IOL had any positive impact on learners second language acquisition. The results reveal that IOL considerably improved the amount and quality of language skills. Based on the results, IOL is recommended to language practitioners around the world who experience low levels of participation in the target language.