Cmap
Linking Phrase Constraint for the Structural Narrowing of
Constructivist Second Language Tasks
CMC 2008 (Tallinn/Helsinki, August 2008)
Lawrie
Hunter, Kochi University of Technology
http://www.core.kochi-tech.ac.jp/hunter/
In constructivist
second language (L2) learning environments[1], particularly in
relatively teacher-remote situations such as those involving Learning
Management Systems (LMS), task performance freedom can be an obstacle
to the achievement of specific educational objectives. This paper
presents an example of task narrowing achieved by Cmap[2] interface
related task design.
The relations represented by Cmap links are defined by linking phrases,
so in L2 task involving mapping, by constraining the content of the
linking phrases it is possible to constrain learner behavior towards
more articulate expression, while still retaining a beneficial degree
of task performance freedom. Such constraint can push the learner to
very specific language structure behaviors, e.g. forced articulation at
the argument level of discourse.
This purposeful constraining of task is illustrated by the author's
work with the informal technical academic English register (used for
example in science magazines and presentation scripts. This paper
presents the process of the author's adaptation of Cmaps and CmapTools
for L2 learner analysis of technical text and for the subsequent
writing of technical text, using Cmaps for the framing of argument
analysis. The approach described here provides the technical academic
writing (TAW) learner with a graphical, text-reduced mapping that
constitutes a view of how the technical academic genres are
constructed, and how they function as carriers of meaning. In
conclusion, questions are framed for the development and consolidation
of this approach.
[1] Constructivist theory prescribes learning environments that
afford learners the freedom to make inferences, discoveries and
conclusions, and assume that this will lead to optimal learning
outcomes (Jonassen et al., 2006).
[2] Cmaps are node-link maps whose link relations are indicated by
linking phrases (text labels). Cañas, A. J., & Novak, J.D.
(2006)
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