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Project 10 - Tackling Talk in Small Groups

What particular language functions are required to communicate successfully within groups?

Do you need some extra information on functions of language, language for learning or social interaction? It would also be useful to understand the pragmatics of oral language.

Research Questions:

  1. What language functions are needed when participating in group discussions?
  2. Do your students currently have control of these functions?
  3. What additional functions do your students still need to be able to communicate successfully in this type of speech environment?

Method:

  • Review the range of language functions used in the groups that you have studied (e.g., negotiating, explaining, etc)
  • Note in your DWP your students' current abilities with these language functions.
  • Note how you would normally record your assessment of these functions, e.g., would you:
    • note them as anecdotes,
    • record them in a portfolio,
    • conduct a formal test,
    • note them in your DWP, or
    • not normally assess or record them.