Peer interaction and second language learning

Philp, Jenefer and Adams, Rebecca and Iwashita, Noriko (2013) Peer interaction and second language learning. Second Language Acquisition Research Series: Theoretical and Methodological Issues . Taylor & Francis, New York. ISBN 9780415895729

Abstract

In spite of the many hours that language learners spend interacting with peers in the classroom, there is a tendency to evaluate the usefulness of this time by comparison to whole class interaction with the teacher. Yet, teachers are teachers and peers are peers – as partners in interaction, they are likely to offer very different kinds of learning opportunities. This book encourages researchers and teachers alike to take a new look at the potential of peer interaction to foster second language development. Acknowledging the context of peer interaction as highly dynamic and complex, we consider the strengths and limitations of peer work from a range of theoretical perspectives. In doing so, we clarify features of effective peer interaction for second language learning across a range of educational contexts, age spans, proficiency levels, and classroom tasks and settings.