Prepare
a critical response to findings from current empirical research on an
SLE topic which is: “Does participation in mobile assisted language learning (MALL) yield
comparable outcomes to traditional in-class instruction among post-secondary English
language learners?”
A. An introduction covering the following points: ( A & B sections= 1 page)
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Topic: What SLE topic are you analyzing in this critical response?
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Motivation: Why this topic? What does this topic mean to you?
B. A synopsis of current research (minimum of 4 sources -provided) covering the following
points:
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Empirical* research findings: What does a sample of current research
reveal about your Second Language Education topic?
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*What is meant by empirical? Articles you choose to review for this
section need to present research data – whether that design is quantitative,
qualitative, mixed methods, etc. there should be a ‘methodology’ in the
publication. For this assignment, literature reviews
/ meta syntheses are not considered to be empirical.
C. A critical response (≈ 2 pages) to your
synopsis of current research, including an analysis of the following areas:
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Convergence / Divergence: Do the findings from your synopsis “speak” to
each other? Do they converge/diverge in any significant way(s) relative to your
SLE topic generally, or emergent controversies specifically (see next point);
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Controversy: What controversy (if any) is evident in the current
research on your SLE topic? How is it (not) addressed in the current research
you reviewed?
D. A concluding reflection (≈ 1 pages) on the
findings of your critical response covering the following points:
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Questions / Wonderings: What questions/wonderings persist regarding L2
research and/or effective second language teaching after engaging with current
research on your SLE topic? What is still missing?
® Implications: What
should researchers and/or teachers take away from the findings of your critical
response? What does this critical response reveal about productive directions
for future research on this Second language education topic? What do you see this critical response
prompting you, or other SLE educators, to (not) do?
Themes from the articles may include Motivation for the students, easy access, less anxiety, etc