ERIC Number: ED430397
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1999
Pages: 58
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0332-3889
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluating Tandem Language Learning by E-Mail: Report on a Bilateral Project. CLCS Occasional Paper No. 55.
Little, David; Ushioda, Ema; Appel, Marie Christine; Moran, John; O'Rourke, Breffni; Schwienhorst, Klaus
The report details the Irish portion of an experiment in tandem language learning by electronic mail (e-mail). The partners were Trinity College, Dublin (Ireland) and Ruhr University, Bochum (Germany), funded by the European Union within the International E-Mail Tandem Network as part of a two-year project. Tandem language learning is a form of open learning in which two individuals with different native languages work together to learn each other's language, in this case, English and German; success depends on adherence to the principles of reciprocity and learner autonomy. The report describes the network and the principles of tandem language learning by e-mail, the organization of this part of the study, including pedagogical design and considerations, the process of affective and linguistic data collection, and data analysis. The linguistic data analysis focused on bilingual skills, language register, discourse fillers, punctuation, explicit coordination between partners, error correction and generalizations made, thematic content, control and critical detachment, use of metalanguage, and accuracy of corrections. Implications for future work in this area are discussed briefly. Contains 10 references. (MSE)
Descriptors: Case Studies, Communicative Competence (Languages), Computer Mediated Communication, Cooperative Learning, Electronic Mail, English (Second Language), Error Correction, Foreign Countries, German, Instructional Effectiveness, International Programs, Language Patterns, Language Skills, Peer Teaching, Personal Autonomy, Second Language Learning, Second Languages, Skill Development, Teaching Methods
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Trinity Coll., Dublin (Ireland). Centre for Language and Communication Studies.
Identifiers - Location: Germany; Ireland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A