Peer corrective feedback as an opportunity for metalinguistic reflection in tandem telecollaboration

EN This paper focuses on peer written corrective feedback (PWCF), a pedagogic device whose potential appears still underexploited in second language teaching in Italian schools and universities. Specifically, we aim to contribute to the body of research on the benefits of PWCF as a learning activity for the development of metalinguistic reflection in peer-to-peer native/non-native online communication. Using a sample of tandem interactions between US learners of Italian and Italian learners of English, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the explanations of linguistic phenomena provided by native speakers when commenting on errors after giving corrective feedback on their non-native partners’ pieces of L2 writing. The data analysis confirmed that the feedback-discussing tasks pushed native/non-native peers to actively reflect on both source and target language, engaging in metalinguistic discussions and utilizing cross-linguistic knowledge. Key words: WRITTEN CORRECTIVE FEEDBACK, NATIVE/NONNATIVE PEER INTERACTION, METALINGUISTIC REFLECTION, CROSS-LINGUISTIC AWARENESS, ONLINE TANDEM ES El feedback correctivo escrito entre pares es una técnica de enseñanza cuyo potencial parece aún poco explotado en la enseñanza de lenguas extranjeras en las escuelas y universidades italianas. Este artículo se centra en los beneficios del feedback entre pares para el desarrollo de la reflexión metalingüística. En concreto, se analiza una pequeña muestra de interacciones entre estudiantes estadounidenses de italiano y estudiantes italianos e italianas de inglés que participan en un intercambio a distancia en tándem. Se realiza un análisis cualitativo de las explicaciones de los fenómenos lingüísticos que da el alumnado nativo cuando comenta los errores después de proporcionar feedback correctivo sobre las producciones escritas del alumnado no nativo. El análisis de los datos ha confirmado que las actividades de discusión sobre el feedback han llevado a los participantes a reflexionar activamente tanto sobre la lengua meta como sobre la lengua materna, ayudando a entrenar su conciencia metalingüística. Palabras clave: FEEDBACK CORRECTIVO ESCRITO, INTERACCIÓN ENTRE PARES NATIVOS/NO NATIVOS, REFLEXIÓN METALINGÜÍSTICA, CONCIENCIA INTERLINGÜÍSTICA, TÁNDEM EN LÍNEA IT Il feedback correttivo scritto tra pari è una tecnica didattica il cui potenziale sembra ancora poco sfruttato nell'insegnamento delle lingue straniere nelle scuole e nelle università italiane. Questo contributo si focalizza sui benefici del feedback tra pari per lo sviluppo della riflessione metalinguistica. In particolare, viene analizzato un piccolo campione di interazioni tra studenti statunitensi di italiano e studenti italiani di inglese impegnati in uno scambio di tandem a distanza. Viene condotta un'analisi qualitativa delle spiegazioni dei fenomeni linguistici date dai parlanti nativi quando commentano gli errori dopo aver fornito feedback correttivo sulle produzioni scritte dei loro partner non nativi. L'analisi dei dati ha confermato che le attività di discussione del feedback hanno spinto i partecipanti a riflettere attivamente sia sulla lingua obiettivo sia su quella nativa, esercitando la propria consapevolezza metalinguistica. Parole chiave: FEEDBACK CORRETTIVO SCRITTO, INTERAZIONE TRA PARI NATIVI/NON NATIVI, RIFLESSIONE METALINGUISTICA, CONSAPEVOLEZZA CROSS-LINGUISTICA, TANDEM ONLINE

The Conceptual and Methodological Construction of a ‘Global’ Teacher Identity through TALIS

The present article investigates the construction of a ‘global’ teacher identity by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) since the introduction of the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) in 2008. We critically examine TALIS-related conceptual frameworks, survey questionnaires and statistically driven scales of teachers’ professional attitudes internationally. A theoretical, education-based framing of didaktik and curriculum pedagogical traditions is used to discuss conceptual bias in TALIS conceptual frameworks as well as the sociologically based idea of TALIS as a pedagogic device used as a technology to gain symbolic power for making the teachers of tomorrow. Methodologically relying on document analysis, we examine TALIS 2008, 2013 and 2018 background documents to highlight the ideologically driven construction of a certain model of effective teachers, and refer to associated TALIS technical reports to examine validity issues in scales that are methodologically and statistically driven in order to increase the robustness of the results. The article identifies biases in the OECD’s construction of a ‘global’ teacher identity that are reflected in TALIS conceptual frameworks and survey questions and statistically justified through associated scales.

The game as strategy for approach to sexuality with adolescents: theoretical-methodological reflections

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the Papo Reto [Straight Talk] game and reflect on its theoretical-methodological basis. Method: Analytical study on the process of elaboration of the Papo Reto online game, destined to adolescents aged 15-18 years, with access to the Game between 2014 and 2015. Results: the interactions of 60 adolescents from Belo Horizonte and São Paulo constituted examples of the potentialities of the Game to favor the approach to sexuality with adolescents through simulation of reality, invention and interaction. Based on those potentialities, four thinking categories were discussed: the game as pedagogic device; the game as simulation of realities; the game as device for inventive learning; and the game empowering the interaction. Conclusion: By permitting that the adolescents take risks on new ways, the Game allows them to become creative and active in the production of senses, in the creation of their discourses and in the ways of thinking, feeling and acting in the sexuality field.

Workplaces and policy spaces: insights from third sector internships Scotland

Purpose – Understanding the relationship between learning and work is a key concern for educational researchers and policy makers at the local, national and international level. The way that learning and the economic environment are framed impacts upon policy and funding decisions and has significant implications for the HE sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore how internships have become a key site in which policy and funding mechanisms seek to address concerns about graduate employability and graduate skills in relation to Scottish national economic plans and perceived business needs. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from five years data generated from the Third Sector Internships Scotland programme, the authors adopt an approach to the analysis of policy and internship experiences based on a spatial perspective. The authors explore two spatial arenas in play; the conceptual space where discussion and policy making occur and the physical places of education and the workplace where learning takes place. The authors trace shifts in the policy and funding of higher education internship and work placement schemes and consider how these shifts respond to internship experiences of the workplace. Findings – The authors argue that changes within the conceptual and physical spaces intersect and that identifying contrasts and overlaps helps them to focus on particular questions about how internships develop learning for students. Originality/value – Taking the national approach within Scotland as a bounded case offers a unique opportunity to explore the ways in which internships have played an increasingly significant place as a pedagogic device operating at the borderlands between educational organisations and the physical spaces of employment.