A Case Study of KSL Learner-Learner Dialogue as a Cognitive Activity in Speaking Tasks

말하기 과제 수행에서 인지적 활동으로서의 학습자 대화 사례 연구

The purpose of this study is to investigate learner-learner dialogue during speaking tasks. In the Korean language classroom, conversation between learners is an important activity as speaking practice. However, learner dialogue is also a tool to enable learners to collaboratively conduct various cognitive activities in the classroom. In previous research, it was unfolded that through learner-learner dialogue, learners can solve second-language related problems and set a goal to carry out tasks. Therefore, this study analyzed learner-learner dialogue to investigate what kinds of cognitive activities are activated during the role-play task. As a result, the learners collaboratively generated and monitored language and content for role play. Also, in order to accomplish tasks more successfully, learners shared the same understanding about the goal of the task, and tried to manage the task procedure. Through learner-learner dialogue, learners can participate in cognitive activities such as content, language construction, and task management voluntarily without the help from teachers. This means that learner-learner dialogue can be an activity to support language learning tasks. Also, it can make learners actively involved in learning and by sharing resources with each other. It is also important that learners can experience language use that participates in real-world communication activities, such as learning in the classroom and collaborating with peer learners. This study is an exploratory study for a basic understanding of learner's conversation as a cognitive activity, and the scope of the study is limited to clarifying contents of learner-learner dialogue as a cognitive activity in speaking tasks. Based on the findings of this study, future research should be conducted on the function of learner-learner dialogue as a cognitive activity in Korean language learning and its role in the classroom of Korean language education.