Dialogue-based computer-assisted language learning (CALL) allows a learner to practice an L2 by discussing with a computer. By offering a fully controllable meaning-focused learning environment, it also allows to conduct research on the effectiveness of different modalities of interaction. In this study, we compare the effects of the interactivity of the writing activity on the incidental vocabulary acquisition. Interactive learning activities are often assumed to generate more learning outcomes than non-interactive ones (Chi, 2009). We know that negotiation of meaning and interactionally modified output are beneficial for incidental vocabulary learning (Newton, 1995; Ellis & He, 1999). Is it possible however that, at identical input and output opportunities, the level of interactivity offered by a dialogue activity affects incidental vocabulary learning?
In a randomized controlled experiment, 160 learners used two versions of a dialogue-based CALL game. Their receptive (form-meaning mapping) and productive (collocational use) knowledge of specific French lexical items was tested before and after these sessions. In the treatment, participants had to maintain several task-based conversations with in-game characters. Both conditions presented the same input and had the same output opportunities, but the difference lied in the interactivity of the conversational practice: in the “dialogue system” group, the system-controlled interlocutor answered dynamically to each participant, while in the “dialogue completion” group, all answers from the interlocutor were visible at the start of the activity.
Preliminary results show that the “dialogue system” group ($M_{\mathrm{gain}}$ = +10.9%, $d$ = .55) significantly outperforms the “dialogue completion” group ($M_{\mathrm{gain}}$ = +8.8%, $d$ = .35). These findings are consistent with previous studies (e.g., Newton, 1995; Ellis & He, 1999) and with the Task Involvement Hypothesis (Laufer & Hulstijn, 2001). They put in evidence the importance of spontaneous interactive production activities and the inherent limitations of dialogue completion exercises. For tutorial CALL, they also show the necessity of developing interactive dialogue systems to allow for autonomous conversational practice of the L2.
Bibauw, S., François, T., & Desmet, P. (2019). Discussing with a computer to practice a foreign language: Research synthesis and conceptual framework of dialogue-based CALL. Computer Assisted Language Learning, FirstView. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2018.1535508
Chi, M. T. H. (2009). Active-Constructive-Interactive: A Conceptual Framework for Differentiating Learning Activities. Topics in Cognitive Science, 1(1), 73–105. doi:10.1111/j.1756-8765.2008.01005.x
de Vos, J. F., Schriefers, H., Nivard, M. G., & Lemhöfer, K. (2018). A meta-analysis and meta-regression of incidental second language word learning from spoken input. Language Learning, 68(4), 906–941. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12296
De Wilde, V., Brysbaert, M., & Eyckmans, J. (2019). Learning English through out-of-school exposure. Which levels of language proficiency are attained and which types of input are important? Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, FirstView. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1366728918001062
Elgort, I., Brysbaert, M., Stevens, M., & Assche, E. V. (2018). Contextual word learning during reading in a second language: An eye-movement study. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 40(2), 341–366. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0272263117000109
Ellis, R., & He, X. (1999). The roles of modified input and output in the incidental acquisition of word meanings. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 21(2), 285–301.
Laufer, B., & Hulstijn, J. H. (2001). Incidental vocabulary acquisition in a second language: The construct of task-induced involvement. Applied Linguistics, 22(1), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/22.1.1
Newton, J. (1995). Task-based interaction and incidental vocabulary learning: A case study. Second Language Research, 11(2), 159–176. https://doi.org/10.1177/026765839501100207
Peters, E., Noreillie, A.-S., Heylen, K., Bulté, B., & Desmet, P. (2019). The impact of instruction and out-of-school exposure to FL input on learners’ vocabulary knowledge in two languages. Language Learning, 69(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12351
Peters, E., Velghe, T., & Van Rompaey, T. (2019). The VocabLab tests: The development of an English and French vocabulary test. ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 170(1), 53–78. https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.17029.pet
Schmitt, N. (2008). Review article: Instructed second language vocabulary learning. Language Teaching Research, 12(3), 329–363. doi:10.1177/1362168808089921