ZPD and ZAD Enhancement of L2 Learners in Reading Comprehension via Video Chat Synchronous Computer-mediated Communication

The amalgamation of nascent cognitive assessment, which rests on Vygotsky‟s sociocultural theory (SCT), with technology through synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) brought forth new context of teaching and learning [1] [2] [3] [4]. The present study aims at testing the applicability of SCMC video chat in identifying the mediational strategies offered by a mediator during his online video chat interactions with five L2 learners in the context of reading. Moreover, it seeks to unravel the effects of SCMC-based instruction on learners‟ ZPD (zone of proximal development). Sternberg and Grigorenko‟s cake format [5] employed to present both visual and textual SCMC-based mediations, with the consideration of hierarchical presentation of mediations based on Aljaafreh and Lantolf regulatory scale [6], via online video chat. Five learners, among 20, were selected based on nonprobability sample design from Ponaki‟s English Language Institute in Gorgan, Golestan. As materials, Skype online software was employed for online video chat interaction, and 16 different reading comprehension passages were selected from [7] to cover during eight online mediation sessions. The qualitative analysis of SCMC-based video chat protocols resulted in an inventory of SCMC-based mediational strategies consisting of different forms of implicit (e.g. confirming/rejecting response) and explicit (e.g. pictures from Google Image online service) feedback. The quantitative comparison of the learners‟ performance on two conventional static reading test, pretest and posttest, attested the learners‟ cognitive modification at the level of ZAD (zone of actual development). On the implication side, based on the findings, L2 teachers are suggested to employ SCMC-based mediational strategies developed in this study to both track the learners‟ ZPD and assist them beyond their current level of ability during dialogic SCMC-based interaction.

کلیدواژه ها:

Zone of proximal development ، zone of actual development ، synchronous-mediated communication