Title: Technology-Supported Collaborative Learning in Language Teaching
Abstract: Teaching English at the university level often focuses on the professional areas, i.e. English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The focal point of ESP is the language that is specific to a particular domain and is full of context-bound lexical units used in the classroom environment to operate certain curricular concepts. Nevertheless, based on numerous evidence scholars have come to a conclusion that receptive skills (listening and reading) and productive skills (writing and speaking) are mastered unevenly in ESP courses. Occasionally students cannot be provided with enough opportunities to start a conversation in the classroom environment. Collaborative learning supported by technology may seem like a solution that improves communication and interaction among students. Classroom interaction has impact on the social, academic and cognitive development of students. Engagement in group activities allows students to practice content-specific language in a meaningful context. Through deliberations and discussions, students have the opportunity to express the key concepts in different words that they all understand thus making their study process easier. Learners also link the newly received linguistic knowledge with the knowledge they have already acquired. Group work that involves discussions improve cognitive processes through challenging and thought-provoking exchange of thoughts and ideas. Learners need to respond immediately, formulate their thoughts and ideas. Moreover, group discussions contribute to greater motivation due to similarity to real life situations in which opinions are formed and shared. In terms of group dynamics, learners concentrate on interaction with their peers, develop social skills (such as expressing opinions, active listening, encouraging, etc.) that also has positive effect on their interaction with the teacher. In summary, teachers can greatly enhance learners’ competencies in the ESP classroom by applying Technology-Supported Collaborative Learning (TSCL).
Publication Year: 2021
Publication Date: 2021-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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