Murphy, Linda; Shelley, Monica and Baumann, Uwe
(2010).
| DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link: | http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1080/17501220903414342 |
|---|---|
| Google Scholar: | Look up in Google Scholar |
Abstract
Although the skills and attributes, needed for classroom language teaching, have been extensively researched and generic competencies for distance teaching have been defined, the skills required for effective distance language teaching have received little attention, other than with respect to online language learning. The study reported here represents the student-focused phase of a research project into the knowledge, attributes and skills required by distance language tutors. The taxonomy derived from earlier phases of the research was used in a survey of distance language learners (N=144) of French, German and Spanish at The Open University (UK); in-depth interviews were also carried out with 12 students to provide further insights into what students value in their tutors. The study also investigated student perceptions of differences between their requirements of distance tutors compared to classroom tutors. Qualities students considered to reflect effective tutoring intersect with the views of tutors in earlier phases of the research and encompass three meta-themes: the domains of tutor expertise; the affective dimensions of tutor engagement; and organisational dimensions of tutor practice. Implications for learner support and tutor professional development are suggested, together with avenues for further research.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Copyright Holders: | 2010 Taylor & Francis |
| ISSN: | 1750-1229 |
| Keywords: | distance language teaching; distance language tutor skills and attributes; domains of expertise; affective functions; systemic and organisational functions |
| Academic Unit/Department: | Education and Language Studies > Languages Mathematics, Computing and Technology > Communication and Systems |
| Interdisciplinary Research Centre: | Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology (CREET) |
| Item ID: | 26005 |
| Depositing User: | Julie May |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Jan 2011 15:26 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Oct 2012 14:32 |
| URI: | http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/26005 |
Actions (login may be required)
| View Item | |
| Public: Report issue / request change |