Pair-work dynamics: Stronger learners’ languaging engagement and learning outcomes for the Japanese polysemous particles ni/de

Masuda, Kyoko; Iwasaki, Noriko

Abstract

Adopting microgenetic analysis of languaging (Swain, 2006) in pair-work, this study aims to advance our understanding of learners’ developmental processes for the complex concepts of Japanese particles ni/de. Two pairs whose learning outcomes differed were chosen, and their languaging was examined, focusing on “stronger” learners, the peers who showed more targetlike knowledge of particles on fill-in-the-blank pre-test than their partners. Both interaction patterns and quality of engagement appeared to have facilitated their conceptual internalisation for the Japanese particles ni/de. A stronger learner in one of the pairs demonstrated reciprocal elaborate engagement in a collaborative pattern, and greatly improved his understanding and retained it longer-term. In contrast, a stronger learner in the other pair, who demonstrated nonreciprocal limited engagement in dominant-passive interaction, showed no development over time. Follow-up interviews revealed these peers’ differing attitudes toward pair-work, which were likely conducive to their engagement in pair-work and L2 learning outcome.

Citation

Masuda, K., & Iwasaki, N. (in press). Pair-work dynamics: Stronger learners’ languaging engagement and learning outcomes for the Japanese polysemous particles ni/de. Language and Sociocultural Theory, 5(1), 46-71. https://doi.org/10.1558/lst.34514

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 11, 2018
• Online Publication Date: May 10, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 6, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 6, 2018
• Journal: Language and Sociocultural Theory
• Print ISSN: 2051-9699
• Electronic ISSN: 2051-9702
• Publisher: Equinox Publishing
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 46-71
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1558/lst.34514
• Keywords: languaging, microgenesis, collaborative orientation, students’ perceptions and attitudes, Japanese particles ni/de
• Related Public URLs: https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/LST