Group dynamics and foreign language teaching

Abstract This paper highlights the importance of the dynamics of the learner group in shaping the L2 learning process. We argue that group characteristics and group processes significantly contribute to any success or failure in the L2 classroom, and therefore language teachers could potentially benefit from an awareness of the principles of group dynamics. First, we provide an overview of the aspects of classroom dynamics that we consider most relevant to L2 teaching. Then, based on the theoretical insights and our own teaching experience, we make practical suggestions for teachers on how to exploit the principles of group dynamics in their classrooms to good effect.

[1]  B. Tuckman.  DEVELOPMENTAL SEQUENCE IN SMALL GROUPS. , 1965, Psychological bulletin.

[2]  P. Shambaugh.  The Development of the Small Group , 1978 .

[3]  N. S. Prabhu.  The Dynamics of the Language Lesson , 1992 .

[4]  J. Brophy.  Classroom Organization and Management , 1983, The Elementary School Journal.

[5]  Carl R. Rogers,et al.  Freedom to learn for the 80's , 1982 .

[6]  D. Larsen-Freeman.  Techniques and principles in language teach-ing , 1986 .

[7]  Russell A. Eisenstat.  Groups in Context: A New Perspective on Group Dynamics , 1990 .

[8]  Tom Douglas.  Groups: Understanding People Gathered Together , 1983 .

[9]  Z. Dörnyei.  Psychological Processes in Cooperative Language Learning: Group Dynamics and Motivation. , 1997 .

[10]  B. Tuckman,et al.  Stages of Small-Group Development Revisited , 1977 .

[11]  Zoltán Dörnyei,et al.  Motivation, self-confidence, and group cohesion in the foreign language classroom , 1994 .

[12]  M. E. Shaw.  Group dynamics : the psychology of small group behavior , 1971 .

[13]  John C. Turner,et al.  The social dimension: Social identification and psychological group formation , 1984 .

[14]  Joseph Luft,et al.  Group Processes: An Introduction to Group Dynamics , 1963 .

[15]  Michael H. Long,et al.  Group Work, Interlanguage Talk,and Second Language Acquisition. , 1985 .

[16]  Richard G. Tiberius.  Small Group Teaching: A Trouble-shooting Guide , 1999 .

[17]  H. Kellerman.  Group cohesion : theoretical and clinical perspectives , 1981 .

[18]  R. Feldman.  The social psychology of education : current research and theory , 1986 .

[19]  S. Wheelan,et al.  Developmental Patterns in Small and Large Groups , 1993 .

[20]  C. R. Evans,et al.  Group Cohesion and Performance , 1991 .

[21]  Steven H. McDonough.  Psychology in foreign language teaching , 1981 .

[22]  Z. Dörnyei.  Motivation and Motivating in the Foreign Language Classroom , 1994 .

[23]  M. Wittrock.  Handbook of research on teaching , 1986 .

[24]  J. Levine,et al.  Progress in Small Group Research , 1990 .

[25]  M. Patterson,et al.  Effects of Seating Arrangement on Small-Group Behavior , 1979 .

[26]  H. Mitzel,et al.  Encyclopedia of educational research , 1982 .

[27]  E. Stevick.  Teaching Languages: A Way and Ways , 1980 .