ERIC Number: EJ1031221
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Oct
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1094-3501
EISSN: N/A
Mobile-Assisted Grammar Exercises: Effects on Self-Editing in L2 Writing
Li, Zhi; Hegelheimer, Volker
Language Learning & Technology, v17 n3 p135-156 Oct 2013
In this paper, we report on the development and implementation of a web-based mobile application, "Grammar Clinic," for an ESL writing class. Drawing on insights from the interactionist approach to Second Language Acquisition (SLA), the Noticing Hypothesis, and mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), "Grammar Clinic" was designed as a series of outside-class grammar exercises in the format of sentence-level error identification and correction. 19 intermediate level ESL students at a large Midwestern American university used this mobile application in an English academic writing class during a 16-week semester. A mixed methods approach was chosen to investigate (a) the effect of "Grammar Clinic" on the efficacy of ESL students' self-editing as well as (b) their perceptions of this mobile application as a tool to improve their English writing. Our analyses show that students' performance on "Grammar Clinic" assignments reflects their progress in self-editing. This progress is seen in the positive correlation of the students' "Grammar Clinic" performance with their gains on a grammar post-test, an increase of self-editing corrections, and a reduction in errors in the final drafts of two major paper assignments. The impact of this web-based mobile application was documented using qualitative data that considered the students' use of and perception of "Grammar Clinic."
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Grammar, Editing, English (Second Language), Second Language Instruction, Correlation, Writing Instruction, Internet, Handheld Devices, Error Correction, Academic Discourse, Student Attitudes, Teaching Methods, Writing Assignments, Mixed Methods Research, Questionnaires
University of Hawaii National Foreign Language Resource Center. 1859 East-West Road #106, Honolulu, HI 96822. Tel: 808-956-9424; Fax: 808-956-5983; e-mail: llt@hawaii.edu; Web site: http://llt.msu.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: International English Language Testing System; Test of English as a Foreign Language
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A