Interactional dynamics in on-line and face-to-face peer-tutoring sessions for second language writers

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2006

Keywords

Peer teaching, Tutoring, College students, Foreign countries, Second language learning, Distance education, Interaction, Comparative analysis, Academic discourse, Computer mediated communication

DOI

10.1016/j.jslw.2005.12.001

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a study comparing the interactional dynamics of face-to-face and on-line peer-tutoring in writing by university students in Hong Kong. Transcripts of face-to-face tutoring sessions, as well as logs of on-line sessions conducted by the same peer-tutors, were coded for speech functions using a system based on Halliday's functional-semantic view of dialogue. Results show considerable differences between the interactional dynamics in on-line and face-to-face tutoring sessions. In particular, face-to-face interactions involved more hierarchal encounters in which tutors took control of the discourse, whereas on-line interactions were more egalitarian, with clients controlling the discourse more. Differences were also found in the topics participants chose to focus on in the two modes, with issues of grammar, vocabulary, and style taking precedence in face-to-face sessions and more "global" writing concerns like content and process being discussed more in on-line sessions.

Source Publication

Journal of Second Language Writing

Volume Number

15

Issue Number

1

ISSN

1060-3743

First Page

1

Last Page

23

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