9. EFL task-based interaction
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María del Pilar García Mayo
and Agurtzane Azkarai
Abstract
Research on L2 interaction has shown that task modality (written vs. oral) influences language learning opportunities. However, most research has been carried out in ESL settings and few studies have investigated task modality differences in EFL contexts, where both quantity and quality of exposure to the target language differ considerably. In addition, most research has only focused on how task modality impacts on the incidence, nature and outcome of language-related episodes (LREs), but has not considered the relationship between task modality and learners’ level of engagement. This chapter examines the impact of task modality on the LREs and level of engagement in the oral interaction of 44 Spanish-Basque EFL learners while completing four communicative tasks. The findings point to a significant impact of task modality on the incidence, nature and outcome of LREs but a minor impact on learners’ level of engagement.
Abstract
Research on L2 interaction has shown that task modality (written vs. oral) influences language learning opportunities. However, most research has been carried out in ESL settings and few studies have investigated task modality differences in EFL contexts, where both quantity and quality of exposure to the target language differ considerably. In addition, most research has only focused on how task modality impacts on the incidence, nature and outcome of language-related episodes (LREs), but has not considered the relationship between task modality and learners’ level of engagement. This chapter examines the impact of task modality on the LREs and level of engagement in the oral interaction of 44 Spanish-Basque EFL learners while completing four communicative tasks. The findings point to a significant impact of task modality on the incidence, nature and outcome of LREs but a minor impact on learners’ level of engagement.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgement of reviewers vii
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Introduction
- Understanding peer interaction 1
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Section I: Interactional patterns and learner characteristics
- 1. Peer interaction and learning 33
- 2. Peer interaction and metacognitive instruction in the EFL classroom 63
- 3. Interaction or collaboration? Group dynamics in the foreign language classroom 91
- 4. Interactional behaviours of low-proficiency learners in small group work 113
- 5. Collaborative dialogue in a two-way Spanish/English immersion classroom 135
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Section II: Tasks and interactional modalities
- 6. Peer interaction in F2F and CMC contexts 163
- 7. Thai EFL learners’ interaction during collaborative writing tasks and its relationship to text quality 185
- 8. Engagement with the language 209
- 9. EFL task-based interaction 241
- 10. A focus on mode 267
- 11. Small-group meta-analytic talk and Spanish L2 development 291
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Section III: Learning settings
- 12. How adolescents use social discourse to open space for language learning during peer interactions 319
- 13. Peer interaction while learning to read in a new language 349
-
Epilogue
- New pathways in researching interaction 377
- Index 397
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgement of reviewers vii
-
Introduction
- Understanding peer interaction 1
-
Section I: Interactional patterns and learner characteristics
- 1. Peer interaction and learning 33
- 2. Peer interaction and metacognitive instruction in the EFL classroom 63
- 3. Interaction or collaboration? Group dynamics in the foreign language classroom 91
- 4. Interactional behaviours of low-proficiency learners in small group work 113
- 5. Collaborative dialogue in a two-way Spanish/English immersion classroom 135
-
Section II: Tasks and interactional modalities
- 6. Peer interaction in F2F and CMC contexts 163
- 7. Thai EFL learners’ interaction during collaborative writing tasks and its relationship to text quality 185
- 8. Engagement with the language 209
- 9. EFL task-based interaction 241
- 10. A focus on mode 267
- 11. Small-group meta-analytic talk and Spanish L2 development 291
-
Section III: Learning settings
- 12. How adolescents use social discourse to open space for language learning during peer interactions 319
- 13. Peer interaction while learning to read in a new language 349
-
Epilogue
- New pathways in researching interaction 377
- Index 397