What is it about?
This paper examines the various ways young foreign language learners make use of a new language to communicate when working together. During peer interaction the students vary in purpose and use of language. These uses include both formulaic pattern practice and novel communication. Peer interaction creates a context for co-construction of language as they add to one another’s attempts and work out how the language works. Through trying out new forms together they push their language use. This research suggests the interdependence of social and cognitive factors in the process of language learning.
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Why is it important?
This paper documents the varied ways young foreign language learners can benefit from trying out new language in pair and group work
Perspectives
Dr Rita Tognini collected a really interesting collection of pair and group work amoung young learners in primary and high school classes. It shows them struggling through together, helping each other out, as they try out new language and find out how it works. As co-author, I was so interested to read through all the data and see all the ways in which learners supported one another's language use, worked their way though difficulties, and enjoyed the process of learning. It provides us with useful insights into how pair and group work can support learning.
Dr Jenefer Philp
Lancaster University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Rehearsing, conversing, working it out, Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, January 2010, John Benjamins,
DOI: 10.1075/aral.33.3.03tog.
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