Learner uptake and acquisition in three grammar-oriented production activities

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Authors
Reinders, Hayo
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Grantor
Date
2009
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Type
Journal Article
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
output
complexity
cognitive demand
uptake
reconstruction
dictation
second language acquisition (SLA)
Citation
Reinders, H. (2009). Learner uptake and acquisition in three grammar-oriented production activities. Language Teaching Research 13 (2), 201–222 NOTE: This is research undertaken prior to the author being affiliated with the Unitec Institute of Technology.
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of three types of production activities on uptake (operationalized as correct suppliance of the target structure during the treatment) and acquisition of negative adverbs in English. It also investigates the relationship between uptake and acquisition. The three production activities included a dictation, an individual reconstruction and a collaborative reconstruction activity. Each of these asked participants to produce the target structure but differed in (1) whether the activity was completed individually or collaboratively; (2) the amount of text participants had to produce; and (3) their degree of complexity and cognitive demand. It was found that all three activities resulted in uptake with the collaborative reconstruction, the dictation activities resulting in greater uptake than the individual reconstruction activity. There was also an effect for the activities on acquisition (of grammatical items only), but no differential effect for any of the three types of activities. It was concluded that a production activity can lead to increased uptake, but not to increased acquisition, and vice versa. The results may help language teachers look beyond immediate performance on an activity as a measure of success, and make better-informed decisions about when to use what type of activities.
Publisher
Sage Publications
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Sage Publications Ltd.
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