Promoting Learners' Willingness to Communicate and Communicative Performance With Online Video Discussion

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Online Platforms as Spaces for Language Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Speaking in a foreign/second language is a challenge for many learners, even when they have the linguistic knowledge. Digital tools make it possible to transform language learning, and in particular oral communication skills. This mixed-methods study examined the impact of technology-mediated tasks to promote willingness to communicate and communicative performance in a college intermediate Spanish class. Data were collected on students’ willingness to communicative and use of Spanish through a pre-post survey, communicative performance in class and in the tasks, as well as participants’ perceptions of the experience. Results showed students’ increased willingness to speak and frequency of communication when compared to the comparison group. Participants also reported considering the technology-mediated tasks as a flexible, practical and free-from-judgment learning approach.

Author

• Nadia Jaramillo, Oregon State University