The effects of written synchronous computer-mediated communication on grammatical accuracy in Spanish
| Author(s) | Tellez Perez, Elisa | |
| Date Accessioned | 2015-03-12T13:50:29Z | |
| Date Available | 2015-03-12T13:50:29Z | |
| Publication Date | 2014 | |
| Abstract | This study seeks to investigate how synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) compares to face-to-face (F2F) interaction as a tool to develop oral grammatical accuracy in L2. Twenty four American college students studying third semester Spanish participated in a comparative experiment during one class period. The objective was to express doubt and certainty using either the present indicative or the subjunctive according to context. In the output part of the lesson, students were paired to complete interactive tasks: the control group communicated face-to-face, whereas the experimental group used Google Talk. The experiment culminated in both groups participating in an oral debate with their partners. Students also completed multiple-choice pre- and post- tests evaluating their learning of the subjunctive, as well as a final self-assessment survey. Statistical analysis of the tests and transcripts revealed that both groups showed increase in grammatical accuracy in discrete and open-ended tasks. While no significant differences were found between groups in the discrete tasks, the experimental group produced a third more statements using the subjunctive, used the targeted structure more accurately, and used a greater variety of expressions to communicate doubt and certainty in the open-ended tasks. The final self-assessment survey revealed that students in the experimental group felt slightly better-prepared for the final oral debate. In addition, the majority of students in both groups showed positive attitudes towards the experiment, giving reasons related to the development of grammatical accuracy, more effective use of class time, and a better fit to different learning styles. Pedagogical implications are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. | en_US |
| Advisor | Cubillos, Jorge H. | |
| Degree | M.A. | |
| Department | University of Delaware, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.58088/kazr-mr94 | |
| Unique Identifier | 904756558 | |
| URL | http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/16687 | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en_US |
| URI | http://search.proquest.com/docview/1565570898?accountid=10457 | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | College students. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | University of Delaware -- Students. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Spanish language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- English speakers. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Spanish language -- Subjunctive. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | Spanish language -- Computer-assisted instruction for English speakers. | |
| dc.subject.lcsh | ||
| Title | The effects of written synchronous computer-mediated communication on grammatical accuracy in Spanish | en_US |
| Type | Thesis | en_US |