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Computer-mediated communication as an activity system: an investigation into S.3 students' learning experiencesvia online interaction in a dynamic assessment process

This study was an attempt to search for tools which can encourage students with very low English proficiency level and low motivational force to participate in meaningful language-related activities in order to master basic grammatical rules in a dynamic assessment process so as to pave way for the implementation of Task-Based Learning and Teaching (TBLT) in classrooms. The study took place at a local Band 3 CMI secondary school. There were five S.3 participants involved and 3 S.6 students were invited to be the tutors for these S.3 students. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-mediated communication (CMC) as well as graduated and contingent instructions in helping weaker students learn English. Results of the study support that CMC together with graduated and contingent assistance in a dynamic assessment process do encourage weaker students to engage in language-related activities. At the beginning of the study, all S.3 participants demonstrated disinterest in learning English owing to their disconnection with their immediate learning context. Yet, the tools involved in the study changed their attitude towards learning English by helping these S.3 participants develop agency, which is deemed important in the learning process, during the course of the study. The study also reaffirms that the interaction between a mediator and a learner must be built upon a common ground. That said, the study reconfirms that the common ground should centre on the learner’s Zoneof Proximal Development (ZPD). In a nutshell, TBLT is beyond doubt a sound pedagogical paradigm to help learners develop their communicative competence. Notwithstanding, appropriate task-supporting approach should be adopted to help weaker students. / published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

  1. 10.5353/th_b4836584
  2. b4836584
Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:HKU/oai:hub.hku.hk:10722/177243
Date January 2011
CreatorsChoi, Wan-ni, Brenda., 蔡蘊妮.
PublisherThe University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong)
Source SetsHong Kong University Theses
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypePG_Thesis
Sourcehttp://hub.hku.hk/bib/B48365841
RightsThe author retains all proprietary rights, (such as patent rights) and the right to use in future works., Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License
RelationHKU Theses Online (HKUTO)

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