LINGUIST List 14.1532

Wed May 28 2003

Diss: Lang Acquisition: Braaksma: 'Observational...'

Editor for this issue: Naomi Fox <foxlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. braaksma, Observational learning in argumentative writing

Institution: University of Amsterdam
Program: Graduate School of Teaching and Learning
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2002

Author: Martine A.H. Braaksma 

Dissertation Title: Observational learning in argumentative writing

Linguistic Field: Language Acquisition

Dissertation Director 1: Gert Rijlaarsdam 
Dissertation Director 2: Bernadette Van Hout-Wolters
Dissertation Director 3: Huub Van den Bergh

Dissertation Abstract: 

The subject of the dissertation is argumentative writing. Students
(8th and 9th grade) learnt the sub- and hyperordening of arguments
(semantic relations) and the use of connectives to indicate these
relations in written texts. A specific instructional method,
observational learning, was used to teach the students the principles
of argumentation. Students did not apply the argumentation theory by
performing exercises, but by performing observation tasks: they
observed models (peer students) who performed argumentation tasks
while thinking aloud.20

Results showed that observational learning is an effective
instructional method, effects were found on writing products and
writing processes. Students who learned by observation were better in
ordering and connecting (sub)arguments and showed processes with more
planning and analyzing.