ERIC Number: EJ1142256
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jun
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1094-3501
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Peer Interaction in Text Chat: Qualitative Analysis of Chat Transcripts
Golonka, Ewa M.; Tare, Medha; Bonilla, Carrie
Language Learning & Technology, v21 n2 p157-178 Jun 2017
Prior research has shown that intermediate-level adult learners of Russian who worked interactively with partners using text chat improved their vocabulary and oral production skills more than students who worked independently (Tare et al., 2014). Drawing on the dataset from Tare et al. (2014), the current study follows up to explore the nature of the students' (N = 25) interactions during the text chat activities to determine potential sources of the gains. All 18 activities developed for the study encouraged interaction to complete tasks in pairs. A detailed coding of 169 text chat transcripts examined instances of peer-peer interactions. Our quantitative and qualitative analyses explored whether and to what extent real-time interactive language tasks foster the kinds of language-related moves that may support greater language learning. Results show that students spontaneously engaged in various behaviors which may support language learning, such as providing language-related assistance (self- and peer-correction, negotiation for meaning), using their partner as a resource (for clarifying information, modeling language use, or helping with unknown vocabulary), and providing encouragement (responding positively to the task and to each other, eliciting information from a partner). The most frequent instances were of positive affect, self-correction, and partner correction. [This material is based on work supported, in whole or in part, with funding from the United States Government.]
Descriptors: Computer Mediated Communication, Peer Relationship, Instructional Design, Synchronous Communication, Qualitative Research, Transcripts (Written Records), Russian, Second Language Learning, College Students, Second Language Instruction, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A