We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Pair dynamics and language-related episodes in child EFL task-based peer interaction.
- Authors
Pladevall-Ballester, Elisabet
- Abstract
Previous research shows young learners are indeed able to interact in a foreign language (FL) and negotiate for meaning while also attending to form. One of the variables that has been least studied among young learners (YLs) in FL contexts is the kind of relationships established among the members of a dyad and how the nature of pair dynamics affects the learners' ability to attend to language. The present study explores the pair dynamics and the frequency and types of language learning opportunities in the form of language-related episodes (LREs) that emerge during peer interaction in a spot-the-differences task completed by young learners in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context. We also examine the effects of age and pair dynamics on the production of these LREs. Results suggest that children interact mainly using collaborative patterns and can actually attend to language in episodes which are mainly meaning-focused and are resolved particularly in expert/novice dyads. Age has been found to significantly affect the production of LREs but pair dynamics seems to be less determinant. Findings corroborate the need for YLs to be given the chance to interact with their peers in class to foster learning opportunities.
- Subjects
FOREIGN language education; LANGUAGE &; education; DEDUCTIVE teaching; DICTATION (Educational method); FOREIGN language publications
- Publication
Language Teaching for Young Learners, 2021, Vol 3, Issue 2, p189
- ISSN
2589-2053
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1075/ltyl.20007.pla