According to Gaskell and Cobb (2004), using online concordance can help a group of low-intermediate level students improve their writing skills. Besides, it provides feedback to students on word-level and sentence-level errors through the authentic data base.
Indeed, I found the use of concordance practical in my teaching in adult ESL classrooms since the data provided is authentic and practical, and it enhances the autonomous learning nature in adult continuing education. However, it is the lack of knowledge and awareness of the students, at first, about the utilization of this power resource, and training of using it provided to them could be a great help in their language studies. In fact, it won't take too long time to introduce how to use the online concordance to the students and I think, more important, it really worths the time!
Long Live the Rubber Duck!
11 years ago
Connie, thanks for your sharing. I am so glad to hear that you find the use of concordance practical in your teaching. I think the idea of concordance feedback is pedigogically-sound, however, the effectiveness of using it with low achievers is in doubt as I don't think they would bother. One of the prominant factors which discourages them of using it is the use of authentic data base. With their low English level in mind, it is so difficult for them to digest the information provided on the internet and choose the appropriate one for their self-assessment. Therefore, for a batch of motivated learners with good English proficiency, the use of concordance would be successful. But for a group of low achievers, I think we need to look for other ways out.
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