The ability to interact with others has gained recognition as part of the L2 speaking construct in the assessment literature and in high- and low-stakes speaking assessments. This paper first presents a review of the literature on interactional competence (IC) in L2 learning and assessment. It then discusses a particular feature--"producing…

This article explores the dynamics of power-sharing between teacher and students in learning and teaching situations, and describes the theoretical bases, implementation, and results of an empirical study in three elementary schools in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Findings from 58 class observations…

International activities in higher education are increasing as faculty prepare students to interact with others from different cultural backgrounds. Although exposure to different cultures is often accomplished through study abroad, there is a need to offer alternative and/or additional experiences that develop increased cultural awareness. This…

A synchronous blend of online learning and "face-to-face" teaching is becoming a feasible instructional approach in higher education with the advent of technology. Although this learning mode is not new in higher education, little research has been done to contextualise social presence experiences in which effects of interactions were…

Helping students to develop their ability to think is a commonly stated goal in educational statements worldwide. This has also become a significant objective in the curriculum reforms in Hong Kong, which aims at better preparation of our students to meet the challenges of the new era. The paper discusses findings from a study which evaluates how…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of different dimensions of instructional leadership on student learning in Hong Kong secondary schools, whose broader institutional contexts are critically characterized by high accountability policy environments. Design/methodology/approach: This study utilizes standardized test scores…

This dissertation explores the perceptions and experiences of international students from China and Hong Kong with diversity courses. Using theoretical frameworks that examine the diversity classroom, informal interactional diversity, a diversity typology used to categorize diversity courses, intergroup peer relationships and student…

Explores perceptions of student teachers of English as a Second Language regarding usefulness of school experience in learning to teach. Describes a training program in Hong Kong involving an additional period of exposure to secondary school before the practice teaching period. This program focuses on acquainting student teachers with school…

Describes and contrasts the communication behavior of Hong Kong Cantonese bilingual speakers as they interact in comparable first- and second-language strategic formulations and decision-making meetings. Finds similarities in terms of volume, context level, and ideas; and differences in areas of turn-taking frequency, length of spoken time per…

Analyzes the interaction during peer response occurring in a writing class. The article identifies four categories of reader stances--authoritative, interpretive, probing, and collaborative--and examines language functions and topics discussed during the response sessions. It is concluded that interactive peer response is beneficial to students.…