The role of extensive recasts in error detection and correction by adult ESL students

Journal Title: Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching - Year 2016, Vol 6, Issue 1

Abstract

Most of the laboratory studies on recasts have examined the role of intensive recasts provided repeatedly on the same target structure. This is different from the original definition of recasts as the reformulation of learner errors as they occur naturally and spontaneously in the course of communicative interaction. Using a within-group research design and a new testing methodology (video-based stimulated correction posttest), this laboratory study examined whether extensive and spontaneous recasts provided during smallgroup work were beneficial to adult L2 learners. Participants were 26 ESL learners, who were divided into seven small groups (3-5 students per group), and each group participated in an oral activity with a teacher. During the activity, the students received incidental and extensive recasts to half of their errors; the other half of their errors received no feedback. Students’ ability to detect and correct their errors in the three types of episodes was assessed using two types of tests: a stimulated correction test (a video-based computer test) and a written test. Students’ reaction time on the error detection portion of the stimulated correction task was also measured. The results showed that students were able to detect more errors in error+recast (error followed by the provision of a recast) episodes than in error-recast (error and no recast provided) episodes (though this difference did not reach statistical significance). in error+recast episodes than in error-recast episodes, and this difference was statistically significant on the written test. The reaction time results also point towards a benefit from recasts, as students were able to complete the task (slightly) more quickly for error+recast episodes than for error-recast episodes.

Authors and Affiliations

Laura Hawkes, Hossein Nassaji

Keywords

Related Articles

The effectiveness of visual input enhancement on the noticing and L2 development of the Spanish past tense

Textual manipulation is a common pedagogic tool used to emphasize specific features of a second language (L2) text, thereby facilitating noticing and, ideally, second language development. Visual input enhancement has be...

Parental visions of their children’s future as a motivator for an early start in a foreign language

This paper reports on the qualitative part of a project investigating parental educational aspirations as manifested by enrolling their children (aged 3-6) into very early L2 instruction. The concept of educational aspir...

A self-regulated learning approach to extensive listening and its impact on listening achievement and metacognitive awareness

The role of self-regulation in general learning has been investigated for some time now. Its significance and contribution to second language (L2) listening, however, has yet to be discussed extensively with em...

A drama of selves: Investigating teacher identity development from dialogical and complexity perspectives

Identity is of increasing interest in teacher education. Crucial for resilience, the development of a coherent professional identity has been characterized as emerging from tensions between multiple and sometimes conflic...

Automaticity of lexical access and executive control in Croatian-German bilinguals and second language learners

The aim of this study was to explore automaticity of lexical access and executive functions of language learners and bilinguals while considering their language automaticity. Three groups of youths aged 14 to 18 were tes...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP256564
  • DOI 10.14746/ssllt.2016.6.1.2
  • Views 91
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Laura Hawkes, Hossein Nassaji (2016). The role of extensive recasts in error detection and correction by adult ESL students. Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 19-41. https://www.europub.co.uk/articles/-A-256564