Language-rich discussions for English language learners

Jie Zhang, Richard C. Anderson, Kim Nguyen-Jahiel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A study involving 75 Spanish-speaking fifth graders from a school in the Chicago area investigated whether a peer-led, open-format discussion approach, known as Collaborative Reasoning, would accelerate the students' English language development. Results showed that, after participating in eight discussions over a four-week period, the CR group performed significantly better than the control group on measures of listening and reading comprehension. The CR group produced more coherent narratives in a storytelling task. The reflective essays written by the CR group were longer; contained more diverse vocabulary; and contained a significantly greater number of satisfactory reasons, counterarguments, and uses of text evidence. CR discussions also enhanced students' interest and engagement in discussions, perceived benefits from discussions, and attitudes toward learning English.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)44-60
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research
Volume58
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Classroom discussion
  • Collaborative Reasoning
  • English language learners
  • Language development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

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