Journal Article

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

Tolosa, Constanza, Guevara, Diana Carolina, Ordóñez, Claudia Lucía

2017

Overview

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.

• Publisher: Universidad Nacional de Colombia,Departamento de Lenguas Extranjeras, Universidad Nacional de Colombia
• Subject: Accuracy / Achievement Gains / aprendizaje de lenguas en tándem / Attitude Change / Attitudes / Beginning writing / cambios lingüísticos / Computer assisted language learning / Computer Mediated Communication / comunicación mediada por computador / Cross Cultural Studies / Data analysis / EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH / English (Second Language) / English as a second language instruction / English language / escritura en lengua extranjera / Foreign Countries / Foreign language learning / foreign language writing / Foreign Languages / Intervention / Introductory Courses / Language / Language acquisition / Language attitudes / Language Fluency / language learning shifts / Language shift / Learning / Mixed Methods Research / Native Language / Online instruction / Positive Attitudes / Pretests Posttests / Scholarship / Second Language Instruction / Second Language Learning / Second language writing / Second language writing instruction / Secondary School Students / Semi Structured Interviews / Spanish / Spanish as a second language instruction / Student Attitudes / tandem language learning / Writing / Writing Skills