Research/Awards

Communicative Competence

So what does it mean to be competent at communicating in a second language? It is not a simple case of measuring the grammatical competence that someone may have (how often they can use new, complex language which they have learned for example). We need to consider a student's ability to negotiate with others in 'real' situations such as discussions and debates. If a student is unable to respond in unrehearsed verbal exchanges with others, can we really acknowledge them as true language user based on test scores? Helping learners build their skill set to use alternative non-grammar focused communicative strategies such as turn taking, non-verbal mechanisms (body language), and a deeper level of understanding of exchanges (such as sociolinguistic and pragmatic competences) are key. Achieving this is no easy matter and requires the combination of some important approaches to teaching and learning...

Approach (1): Task-Based Learning (TBL)

As an approach to encouraging autonomy and cooperation between groups of students, task-based learning (TBL) is an ideal approach. It involves leaving students to focus on communicating meaning as the focus of tasks, rather than initially becoming concerned with the structure of the target language. Students can be assisted in their preparation to undertake demanding communication tasks (with a pre-task phase) and have their learning reinforced further through review (with a post-task stage). With careful planning and design such tasks can enhance student engagement during task time and result in improvements in student retention of material and communicative competences.

Approach (2): Student Engagement

 One way to support TBL to improve the communicative competence of students in class is by focusing on their engagement during task time. By designing tasks to connect with the interests and needs of the students at hand, a teacher can improve the emotional investment learners will decide to put into their work. Stroud has done extensive research (Click here for examples of his recent publications) into connecting with students in such a way, so as to create a classroom environment in which hard-working, focused and highly motivated students can be observed.

Approach (3): Computer-Assisted Language Learning

Another way in which learning can be aided is with the use of modern technology, such as AI. Teachers and students alike have a whole range of technology available to them to learn how to communicate more effectively in a second language. By utilizing modern technology, a teacher can find ways to bring classrooms closer together and keep them on task as autonomous learners (a cornerstone for success in TBL).

Awards

2015 TOEFL Award for Student Research on TBLT

2017 International Conference on Education and Learning DISTINGUISHED PAPER AWARD