Article published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 168:2 (2017) ► pp.183–202
Procedural repetition in task-based interaction among young EFL learners
Does it make a difference?
Published online: 30 December 2017
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.16024.laz
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.16024.laz
Abstract
Interactive tasks are valuable tools for L2 learners and have long made their way into language lessons. Among the different task conditions, only few studies have dealt with procedural repetition, which consists of repeating the same task type with different contents and which is frequently used in schools. In this study we explore the effects of procedural repetition on the oral interactions of ten pairs of English learners (age 11) who had to repeat a task three times. Their negotiation strategies and general performance (accuracy, fluency and complexity) were analysed. Results show that, in the third repetition, the amount of confirmation checks and repetitions decreased significantly and accuracy timidly improved. All other aspects remained unaffected. The pedagogical implications of these results are also discussed.
Keywords: young learners, task repetition, procedural repetition, negotiation of meaning, CAF, EFL
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Literature review
- 2.1Task repetition
- 2.2Repetition effects on interaction
- 3.Research questions
- 4.Methodology
- 4.1Participants
- 4.2The task
- 4.3Procedure
- 4.4Transcriptions
- 4.5Data coding
- 4.5.1Coding of NoM strategies
- 4.5.2Coding of general competence
- 5.Results and discussion
- 6.Discussion and conclusions
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
References
References (38)
Bret Blasco, A. (2014). L2 English young learners’ oral production skills in instructed second language contexts: A longitudinal study of CLIL and EFL settings. Unpublished PhD dissertation. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
Bruton, A. (2011). Are the differences between CLIL and non-CLIL groups in Andalusia due to CLIL? A reply to Lorenzo, Casal and Moore (2010). Applied Linguistics, 32(2), 236–241.
Bygate, M. (1996). Effects of task repetition: Appraising the developing language of learners. In J. Willis & D. Willis (Eds.), Challenge and change in language teaching (pp. 136–146). Oxford: Macmillan.
(2001). Effects of task repetition on the structure and control of language. In M. Bygate, P. Skehan, & Swain, M. (Eds.), Task-based learning: Language teaching, learning, and assessment (pp. 23–48). London: Longman.
Bygate, M., & Samuda, V. (2005). Integrative planning through the use of task repetition. In R. Ellis (Ed.), Planning and task performance in a second language (pp. 37–74). Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Ellis, R. (2005). Planning and task-based performance: Theory and research. In R. Ellis (Ed.), Planning and task performance in a second language (pp. 3–36). Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
(2009). The differential effects of three types of task planning on the fluency, complexity, and accuracy in L2 oral production. Applied Linguistics, 30(4), 474–509.
Foster, P., Tonkyn, A., & Wigglesworth, G. (2000). Measuring spoken language: A unit for all reasons. Applied linguistics, 21(3), 354–375.
García Mayo, M. P. (2007). (Ed.) Investigating tasks in formal second language learning. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
García Mayo, M. P., & Imaz Agirre, A. (2016). Task repetition and its impact on EFL children’s negotiation of meaning strategies and pair dynamics: An exploratory study. The Language Learning Journal, 44(4), 451–466.
García Mayo, M. P., & Lázaro Ibarrola, A. (2015). Do children negotiate for meaning in task-based interaction? Evidence from CLIL and EFL settings. System 541, 40–54.
Gass, S. M., Mackey, A., Álvarez-Torres, M., & Fernández-García, M. (1999). The effects of task repetition on linguistic output. Language Learning, 491, 549–580.
Keck, C. M., Iberri-Shea, G., Tracy-Ventura, N., & Wa-Mbaleka, S. (2006). Investigating the empirical link between task-based interaction and acquisition: a meta-analysis. In J. Norris & L. Ortega (Eds.), Synthesizing research on language learning and teaching (pp. 91–131). Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Kim, Y. (2013a). Promoting attention to form through task repetition in a Korean EFL context. In K. McDonough & A. Mackey (Eds.), Second language interaction in diverse educational settings (pp. 3–24). Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
(2013b). Effects of pretask modelling on attention to form and question development. TESOL Quarterly, 471, 8–35.
Kim, Y., & Tracy-Ventura, N. (2013). The role of task repetition in L2 performance development: What needs to be repeated during task-based interaction? System, 411, 829–840.
Long, M. H. (1983a). Linguistic and conversational adjustments to nonnative speakers. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 51, 177–193.
(1983b). Native speaker/nonnative speaker conversation and the negotiation of comprehensible input. Applied Linguistics, 41, 126–141.
(1996). The role of the linguistic environment in second language acquisition. In W. Ritchie & T. Bathia (Eds.), Handbook of second language acquisition (pp. 413–468). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Lynch, T., & Maclean, J. (2000). Exploring the benefits of task repetition and recycling for classroom language learning. Language Teaching Research, 41, 221–250.
(2001). A case of exercising: effects of immediate task repetition on learners’ performance. In M. Bygate, P. Skehan & M. Swain (Eds.), Researching pedagogic tasks: Second language learning, teaching and testing (pp. 141–162). Harlow, UK: Longman.
Mackey, A. (Ed.). (2007). Conversational interaction in second language acquisition: A collection of empirical studies. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Mackey, A., Abbuhl, R., & Gass, S. (2011). Interactionist approaches. In S. Gass & A. Mackey (Eds.), Handbook of second language acquisition (pp. 7–23). New York, NY: Routledge.
Mackey, A., Kanganas, A. P., & Oliver, R. (2007). Task familiarity and interactional feedback in child ESL classrooms. TESOL Quarterly, 411, 285–312.
Oliver, R. (1998). Negotiation of meaning in child interactions. The relationship between conversational interaction and second language acquisition. Modern language journal, 821, 372–386.
Patanasorn, C. (2010). Effects of procedural content and task repetition on accuracy and fluency in an EFL context. Unpublished PHD dissertation. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff.
Philp, J., Oliver, R., & Mackey, A. (2006). The impact of planning time on children’s task-based interactions. System, 341, 547–565.
(2013). From input, output and comprehension to negotiation, evidence and attention: An overview of theory and research on learner interaction in SLA. In M. P. García Mayo, J. Gutierrez, & M. Martínez Adrián (Eds.), Contemporary approaches to second language acquisition (pp. 49–70). Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Pica, T., & Doughty, C. (1985). Input and interaction in the communicative language classroom: A comparison of teacher-fronted and group activities. In S. M. Gass & C. G. Madden (Eds.), Input in second language acquisition (115–132). Rowley, MA: Newbury House.
Pinter, A. (2007). Some benefits of peer-peer interaction: 10-year-old children practicing with a communication task. Language Teaching Research, 111, 189–207.
Plough, I., & Gass, S. (1993). Interlocutor and task familiarity: Effects on interactional structure. In G. Crookes & S. Gass (Eds.), Tasks and language learning: integrating theory and practice (pp. 35–56). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Sample, E., & Michel, M. (2014). An exploratory study into trade-off effects of complexity, accuracy and fluency in young learners’ oral task repetition. TESL Canada Journal, 3(Special Issue 8), 23–46.
Shehadeh, A., & Coombe, C. A. (Eds.) (2012). Task-based language teaching in foreign language contexts: Research and implementation. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Van den Branden, K., Bygate, M., & Norris, J. (Eds.). (2009). Task-based language teaching: A reader. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
Cited by (21)
Cited by 21 other publications
Hanzawa, Keiko, Yuichi Suzuki, Akifumi Yanagisawa & Junya Fukuta
Abdi Tabari, Mahmoud, Seyyed Ehsan Golparvar & Sima Khezrlou
Abdi Tabari, Mahmoud & Hansol Lee
Aramaki, Takashi
Calzada, Asier & Agurtzane Azkarai
García Mayo, María del Pilar
2025. Task-based language learning among children in an EFL context. In Broadening the Horizon of TBLT [Task-Based Language Teaching, 17], ► pp. 82 ff.
Guerrero-Gomez, Janire, María Orcasitas-Vicandi & Marta Kopinska
Aaj, Ali, Parviz Maftoon & Masood Siyyari
Dao, Phung, Suong Thi Thu Hoang & Mai Xuan Nhat Chi Nguyen
Vraciu, Alexandra & Agnès Leroux
2024. The development of CAF in the oral production of French L1 young learners of EFL. Language, Interaction and Acquisition 15:2 ► pp. 215 ff.
Bui, Trang Le Diem & Phung Dao
Khezrlou, Sima
Lázaro-Ibarrola, Amparo & Raúl Azpilicueta-Martinez
Regagliolo, Alberto
Calzada, Asier & María del Pilar García Mayo
2021. Effects of proficiency and collaborative work on child EFL individual dictogloss writing. Language Teaching for Young Learners 3:2 ► pp. 246 ff.
Hidalgo, Maria Angeles
Hidalgo, María Ángeles & María del Pilar García Mayo
Lázaro-Ibarrola, Amparo & María Ángeles Hidalgo
Celaya, M. Luz
Oliver, Rhonda & Agurtzane Azkarai
2019. Patterns of interaction and young ESL learners. Language Teaching for Young Learners 1:1 ► pp. 82 ff.
[no author supplied]
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 30 march 2026. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.
