초록 열기/닫기 버튼


The purpose of the study was to examine students' beliefs about the utility of synchronous online discussion (SOD) in language learning and their participation in the SOD and how they were related by using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Thirty-four ESL students from diverse cultural backgrounds who were enrolled in an English Language Program (ELP) at a university in the U.S. participated in the study. The results showed that the students' beliefs were significantly related to their participation in the SOD, and could explain such participation considerably even after controlling their English proficiency. On the basis of the results, it is argued that teachers need to help students to understand more explicitly the purpose of participating in synchronous online discussions and how they are relevant to their language learning. Otherwise, the potential benefits of the use of SOD in language learning may not accrue to learners as expected.


키워드열기/닫기 버튼

Learner Belief, Synchronous Online Discussion, ESL