Based on a database of lesson extracts, this article attempts to characterize task-based interaction in the second-language classroom as a variety, discusses its pedagogical and interactional advantages and disadvantages, and considers what kinds of learning it might be promoting. (Author/VWL)

Discusses research on classroom instructed second language learning, focusing solely on spoken language. Examines the structure of repair in form and accuracy contexts in the second language classroom and on the preference organization association within the structure of repair in such contexts. (Author/VWL)

Investigated possible links between classroom interaction and the learning of new vocabulary. Learners were asked to report the new words they could recall immediately after their lessons. Found both positive and negative links between mentioning new words, repeating new words, focusing on new words, turn-taking around new words, and recall and…

While there is general agreement that conversational interaction can facilitate interlanguage development, much of the research on interaction has been conducted in experimental laboratory settings. Questions have been raised about the generalizability of the benefits observed in the laboratory to the classroom setting. The current research…

Recasts have figured prominently in recent SLA research, with studies documenting significant advantages for learners exposed to this type of negative feedback. Although some researchers have suggested that such findings imply a beneficial role for negative evidence (i.e., information regarding the impossibility of certain utterances in the…

Interaction research about the role of language production in second language (L2) development has focused largely on modified output, specifically learners' responses to negative feedback (Iwashita, 2001; Loewen & Philp, in press; Mackey & Philp, 1998; McDonough, 2005; McDonough & Mackey, in press; Nobuyoshi & Ellis, 1993; Pica, 1988; Shehadeh,…

The purpose of this study was to examine students' experiences and perceptions of multiple interaction activities (self-directed, peer, and teacher feedback) implemented in a large multilevel EFL writing class in one private technological university in the southern part of Taiwan. Large size writing classes, quite common in private institutions of…

The disconnection between what counts as social research (SR) and what serves society's needs and interests results in a way of theorizing which, while useful, does not integrate theory and practice; a form of social theory that is not embodied in real lives and does not help non-academic people understand their contexts and practices. This…

Proposes that communication strategies describe the learners' pattern of using what they know as they try to communicate with speakers of the largest language, and that communication strategies have an interactional function. Specific criteria are suggested for defining the notion of communication strategy as distinguished from learning and…

Argues that Firth and Wagner are justified in arguing that a broader, context-sensitive, participant-sensitive, generally sociolinguistic orientation might prove beneficial for second language acquisition research. Demonstrates a skepticism as to whether greater insights into second language learning will necessarily influence the process. (13…

Considers word search sequences and the opportunities for language learning that they may provide for nonnative speakers on the basis of naturally occurring interactions between native speakers of Danish and Dutch speakers of Danish. (Author/VWL)

Discusses how the interviewee first became interested in the application of sociocultural theory to second language acquisition, and what he sees as the appeal of such theory to studies of second language discourse. Discusses current research efforts regarding second language acquisition and describes an experimental language learning classroom.…

Explores English-as-a-Second-Language learners and Italian as a foreign language learners perceptions of feedback provided to them through task-based dyadic interaction. Learners received feedback focused on a range of morphosyntactic, lexical, and phonological forms. (Author/VWL)

Provides an overview of issues and research in three areas where gender manifests itself in the English-as-a-foreign-language classroom: the English language, materials (grammars, textbooks and teacher-guides), and processes (learning styles and strategies). Also examined are implications of gender in materials and classroom interaction for…

Examines the effects of negotiated interaction on the production and development of question forms in English as a Second Language (ESL). The study focused on one feature of interaction--recasts--which have recently been the topic of interactional work in second-language acquisition literature. (Author/VWL)