Saturday, January 31, 2026

From Conversation to Interaction: A Pedagogical Exploration of Applying Conversation Analysis in EFL Classrooms

By: Wai Wai Lwin

Researcher: Wang, H. 

1) A Research Title of Interest: The Impact of Conversation Analysis-Informed Pedagogy on Interactional Competence in EFL Classrooms

2) Brief Research Background: Conversation Analysis (CA) is a methodological approach originating from sociology that investigates the structured patterns of naturally occurring social interactions. In language education, particularly in EFL settings, CA offers insights into authentic conversational practices, such as turn-taking, repair strategies, and sequence organization. Although CA has been widely used as an analytical tool for classroom discourse, its application as a pedagogical approach to enhance learners’ interactional competence is less explored. Previous studies have shown that integrating CA principles into language instruction can improve learners’ understanding of communication norms, foster more authentic speaking practices, and positively influence learners’ attitudes toward language learning.

3) Research Objectives:

    • To explore how CA-informed teaching strategies influence the development of interactional competence among EFL learners.
    • To assess the effectiveness of CA-based instruction in improving specific conversational skills such as turn-taking, repair sequences, and conversational coherence.
    • To investigate learners’ attitudes toward English language learning before and after CA-informed pedagogical interventions.
    • To identify the pedagogical challenges and potential benefits of implementing CA principles in EFL classrooms.

4) Research Keywords: Conversation analysis, EFL, interactional competence, pedagogical approach, classroom discourse, authentic talk, language learning attitudes, conversational strategies.

5) Research Scope: This research encompasses EFL classrooms, primarily within adult learner populations in Asia, focusing on the implementation of CA-informed instructional methods over a short-term intervention (e.g., four weeks). It emphasizes spoken interactional skills, learners’ attitudes, and classroom discourse patterns, with data derived from authentic conversational transcripts, pre- and post-assessment scores, and learner reflections.

6) Related Literature Topics:

    • Fundamentals and development of Conversation Analysis (CA).
    • CA’s methodological principles and its application in analyzing classroom discourse.
    • CA’s role in understanding and teaching second language interactional practices.
    • Studies on interactional features such as turn-taking, repair, sequence organization, and their pedagogical implications.
    • Previous research on CA-informed materials and their influence on learners’ interactional competence.
    • Challenges and limitations of applying CA in diverse pedagogical contexts.
    • The relationship between authentic interaction analysis and language acquisition.

    • The effect of CA-based teaching on learners’ motivation and attitudes.

7) Overall Research Framework: The research adopts a mixed-methods design comprising quantitative and qualitative components:

    • Preparation Phase: Review of literature; development of CA-informed instructional materials based on authentic conversational data.
    • Implementation Phase: Delivery of CA-based lessons incorporating explicit instruction on interactional features over a fixed period.
    • Data Collection: Pre- and post-tests of speaking performance; transcription and analysis of authentic classroom interactions; learner journal reflections.
    • Analysis: Quantitative comparison of performance scores using statistical tests; qualitative discourse analysis to observe changes in interactional behavior and attitudes.
    • Outcome Evaluation: Assessment of the development of interactional competence; learners’ attitude shifts; pedagogical feasibility and challenges.

Reference: Wang, H. (2024). Conversation to Interaction: Analysis in EFL Classrooms. TESL-EJ, 28(3). https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v24i4.4467


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