Language Learning Shifts and Attitudes Towards Language Learning in an Online Tandem Program for Beginner Writers

Published

2017-01-01

Cambios lingüísticos y actitudes hacia el aprendizaje de lenguas en un programa virtual tándem para escritores principiantes

Keywords:

Computer mediated communication, foreign language writing, language learning shifts, tandem language learning (en)
aprendizaje de lenguas en tándem, cambios lingüísticos, comunicación mediada por computador, escritura en lengua extranjera (es)

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Authors

Constanza Tolosa University of Auckland
Claudia Lucía Ordóñez Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Diana Carolina Guevara Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Abstract (en)
Abstract (es)

We present findings of a project that investigated the potential of an online tandem program to enhance the foreign language learning of two groups of school-aged beginner learners, one learning English in Colombia and the other learning Spanish in New Zealand. We assessed the impact of the project on students’ learning with a free writing activity done as pretest and posttest and used a semi-structured interview to explore their attitudes towards language learning and their perceived development of their native language. Data analysis indicated statistically significant gains in foreign language writing and positive attitudinal changes toward foreign and native language learning.

Presentamos los resultados de un proyecto que investigó el potencial de un programa de comunicación virtual tándem para mejorar el aprendizaje de lengua extranjera de dos grupos de adolescentes jóvenes principiantes, uno en Colombia en el aprendizaje de inglés y otro en Nueva Zelanda en el aprendizaje de español. Evaluamos escritura libre como pretest y postest para determinar el impacto del proyecto en el aprendizaje de cada lengua, y con una entrevista semiestructurada exploramos las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia sus clases de lenguas y su percepción del desarrollo de su lengua madre. El análisis de los datos arrojó ganancias estadísticamente significativas en la escritura en cada lengua extranjera y cambios positivos en actitudes hacia el aprendizaje de la lengua extranjera y la materna.

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