Research Methods In The Study Of L2 Writing Processes

This volume brings together the perspectives of new and established scholars who have connected with the broad fields of first language (L1) and second language (L2) writing to discuss critically key methodological developments and challenges in the study of L2 writing processes. The focus is on studies of composing and of engagement with feedback on written drafts, with particular attention to methods of process-tracing through data such as concurrent or stimulated verbal reports, interviews, diaries, digital recording, visual screen capture, eye tracking, keystroke logging, questionnaires, and/or ethnographic observation. The chapters in the book illustrate how progress has been made in developing research methods and empirical understandings of writing processes, in introducing methodological innovations, and in pointing to future methodological directions. It will be an essential methodological guide for novice and experienced researchers, senior students, and educators investigating the processes of writing in additional languages.

The volume provides an insight into writing research methods, process data analysis, conceptual considerations of writing process research, mixed methods designs, interdisciplinary research influences, the application of research methods in educational settings through peer feedback, counseling, web based learning and into competence measurement.

This book describes the current psycholinguistic research being conducted internationally on better understanding second language (L2) writing. It is based on an experimental research tradition arising from recent progress made in methodology, technology and theory in both native and second language writing. It is unique in that it is specifically geared to better understanding L2 writing and how it relates to L1 writing research in the psycholinguistic tradition.

The current volume aspires to add to previous research on the connection between writing and language learning from a dual perspective: It seeks to reflect current progress in the domain as well as to foster future developments in theory and research. The theoretical postulations contained in Part I identify and expand in novel ways the diverse lenses through which the varied, multi-faceted dimensions of the connection between writing and language learning can be explored. The methodological reflections put forward in Part III signal theoretically-grounded and pedagogically-relevant paths along which future empirical work can grow. The empirical studies reported in Part II illuminate the myriad of individual, educational, and task-related variables that (may) mediate short-term and long-term language learning outcomes. These studies examine diverse forms of writing, performed in varied environments (including pen-and-paper and digital writing), conditions (writing individually and/or collaboratively), and instructional settings (academic settings – including secondary school and college level institutions – as well as out-of-school contexts).

This unique state-of-the-art volume offers a comprehensive, systematic discussion of second language (L2) writing and L2 learning. Led by experts Rosa Manchón and Charlene Polio, top international scholars synthesize and contextualize the salient theoretical approaches, methodological issues, empirical findings, and emerging themes in the connection between L2 writing and L2 learning, and set the future research agenda to move the field forward. This will be an indispensable resource for scholars and students of second language acquisition (SLA), applied linguistics, education, and composition studies.

This book includes interviews with fourteen internationally-acclaimed leading figures in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), who speak on seminal issues in the field as well as their own contributions to SLA scholarship. As well as covering the contributors’ backgrounds and academic achievements, the interviews also delve into their areas of expertise, current theoretical and practical considerations, and contemporary questions, developments and challenges in SLA. The author probes their views on current topics including input and interaction, vocabulary acquisition, teaching pronunciation, writing development, syntactic processing, multilingualism, L1 attrition, complex dynamic systems, processing instruction, instructed second language acquisition, and technology in language teaching. An introduction by the author draws out the key themes and debates in the field today, and highlights areas for future research and further exploration, and a foreword is provided by Rod Ellis. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of Applied Linguistics, Teacher Education and Methodology, and Second and Foreign Language Education.

Written for novice and established scholars alike, Instructed Second Language Acquisition Research Methods is a stand-alone research methods guide from an Instructed Second Language Acquisition (ISLA) lens. After offering foundations of conducting ISLA research, the subsequent chapters are organized by four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and four major linguistic features (grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, pragmatics). In each chapter, authors define the target sub-domain of ISLA, outline the basics of research design, provide concrete guidance on crafting robust research questions, identifying appropriate methodology and method(s), adapting an existing instrument or creating your own, carrying out a study, analyzing and interpreting data, and determining how/where/when to share your work. The volume also dedicates chapters to addressing common inquiries of conducting ISLA research (e.g., obtaining ethics permission, recruiting your own students, working with small and heterogeneous sample sizes, accounting for individual differences), and to maximizing research impact beyond academia. Written by leading experts on each topic, this book is an essential resource for ISLA, SLA, and research methods scholars.

The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Psycholinguistics provides a comprehensive survey of the latest research at the intersection of linguistics, cognitive psychology, and applied linguistics, for those seeking to understand the mental architecture and processes that shape the acquisition of additional languages. The handbook represents the full complexity of second language acquisition across the lifespan, spanning childhood bilinguals and adult L2 learners, and is inclusive of heritage languages, early bilingualism and multilingualism, and language attrition. An authoritative selection of diverse, global, leading psycholinguists synthesize the latest research to provide a thorough overview in a single volume and set the agenda for the future. The volume is organized into five key parts for ease of use: psycholinguistics across the lifespan; methods; theoretical perspectives; the psycholinguistics of learning; and transdisciplinary perspectives. This handbook will be an indispensable resource for scholars and students of psycholinguistics, second language acquisition, applied linguistics, bilingualism, cognitive science, psychology, and research methodology.