Chapter 1. Task repetition for language learning
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Robert M. DeKeyser
Abstract
This chapter looks at task repetition in second language learning from the point of view of skill acquisition theory and related areas of psychology. It explores not only what concepts like procedural and declarative knowledge, automatization, and transfer have to offer the applied linguist, but also summarizes the literature on distribution of practice, interleaving versus blocking, and similarity in repeated practice, drawing on both the psychological and the fledgling second language acquisition (SLA) literature. In general, the literature shows support for distributed practice, for interleaving, and for variety in practice. For all these points there are exceptions, however, in particular in the SLA literature. This chapter discusses some of the possible explanations for these differences, and ends with some recommendations for where to focus future research: how automatization may vary with the domain of language, how distribution of practice may depend on whether the knowledge practiced is declarative or procedural in nature, and how research can help find the ideal context for bringing about transfer from one task to the other.
Abstract
This chapter looks at task repetition in second language learning from the point of view of skill acquisition theory and related areas of psychology. It explores not only what concepts like procedural and declarative knowledge, automatization, and transfer have to offer the applied linguist, but also summarizes the literature on distribution of practice, interleaving versus blocking, and similarity in repeated practice, drawing on both the psychological and the fledgling second language acquisition (SLA) literature. In general, the literature shows support for distributed practice, for interleaving, and for variety in practice. For all these points there are exceptions, however, in particular in the SLA literature. This chapter discusses some of the possible explanations for these differences, and ends with some recommendations for where to focus future research: how automatization may vary with the domain of language, how distribution of practice may depend on whether the knowledge practiced is declarative or procedural in nature, and how research can help find the ideal context for bringing about transfer from one task to the other.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Series Editors’ Preface vii
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. Task repetition for language learning 27
- Chapter 2. Grammatical structures and oral fluency in immediate task repetition 43
- Chapter 3. The effects of task repetition and task complexity on L2 lexicon use 75
- Chapter 4. Discourse performance in L2 task repetition 97
- Chapter 5. The impact of intra-cultural and inter-cultural task repetition on interaction 117
- Chapter 6. Effects of task type, task-type repetition, and performance criteria on L2 oral production 143
- Chapter 7. The effects of awareness-raising through stimulated recall on the repeated performance of the same task and on a new task of the same type 171
- Chapter 8. Perform, reflect, recycle 193
- Chapter 9. Second language learning through repeated engagement in a poster presentation task 223
- Chapter 10. Mediating input-based tasks for beginner learners through task repetition 255
- Chapter 11. Understanding benefits of repetition from a complex dynamic systems perspective 279
- Chapter 12. Task repetition or task iteration? 311
- External reviewers 331
- Subject index 333
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Series Editors’ Preface vii
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1. Task repetition for language learning 27
- Chapter 2. Grammatical structures and oral fluency in immediate task repetition 43
- Chapter 3. The effects of task repetition and task complexity on L2 lexicon use 75
- Chapter 4. Discourse performance in L2 task repetition 97
- Chapter 5. The impact of intra-cultural and inter-cultural task repetition on interaction 117
- Chapter 6. Effects of task type, task-type repetition, and performance criteria on L2 oral production 143
- Chapter 7. The effects of awareness-raising through stimulated recall on the repeated performance of the same task and on a new task of the same type 171
- Chapter 8. Perform, reflect, recycle 193
- Chapter 9. Second language learning through repeated engagement in a poster presentation task 223
- Chapter 10. Mediating input-based tasks for beginner learners through task repetition 255
- Chapter 11. Understanding benefits of repetition from a complex dynamic systems perspective 279
- Chapter 12. Task repetition or task iteration? 311
- External reviewers 331
- Subject index 333
