Task Effects on Focus on Form in Synchronous Computer‐Mediated Communication

Abstract

Previous research on synchronous computer‐mediated communication (SCMC) has shown that SCMC interaction could draw learners’ attention to form in ways that are similar to face‐to‐face interaction. However, the role of task type in focusing learners’ attention on form has not been widely researched. In a repeated‐measures design, this study investigated if task type had any effect on the number and characteristics of focus‐on‐form instances of 54 English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language learners. Two jigsaw–dictogloss task pairs were designed and matched for content. Following a practice task session, randomly formed dyads performed each of the tasks using MSN Messenger and CoWord software. Language‐related episodes (LREs) were identified and categorized according to their focus, outcome, and type. Results showed that the dictogloss task elicited a higher number of LREs than the jigsaw task. Tasks also displayed some differences with respect to the characteristics of LREs. Whereas the dictogloss was characterized by orthographic, solved correctly, and negative feedback LREs, the jigsaw was characterized by unresolved LREs. The results are discussed in light of the arguments about the effects of limited information‐processing capacity on task performance (Skehan, 1998).