ERIC Number: EJ1302580
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-May
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1072-4303
EISSN: N/A
The Effect of Learning Environment on the Selection of Conventional Expressions on an Aural Multiple-Choice DCT
Bardovi-Harlig, Kathleen; Su, Yunwen
TESL-EJ, v25 n1 May 2021
This exploratory study examines the role of foreign and second language contexts in the acquisition of conventional expressions. A group of 21 ESL learners was compared to 25 EFL learners randomly selected from a larger pool. Both groups completed an aural multiple-choice discourse completion task (MC-DCT), which was developed from a previously validated oral DCT. The aural MC-DCT consisted of 21 items with learner-generated options delivered aurally. A total of 91 native speakers also completed the task as a control group. The results showed an effect of learning environment on learners' selection of conventional expressions. The ESL group selected the conventional expressions in more items than the EFL group on the aural MC-DCT; the differences in the selections by the two groups were item-specific. The observed effect of learning context is discussed as related to individual items and type and modality of the task. The paper also discusses the special make-up of the ESL group due to the pandemic and expansion of the group for future research.
Descriptors: Multiple Choice Tests, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, English (Second Language), Comparative Analysis, Language Tests, Test Validity, Test Items, Native Speakers, Language Usage, Context Effect, Educational Environment, Pragmatics, Classroom Communication, Undergraduate Students, Phrase Structure, Foreign Countries, Cross Cultural Studies
TESL-EJ. e-mail: editor@tesl-ej.org; Web site: http://tesl-ej.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: China; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A