Observational Learning in Instructional Second Language Writing
Summary
Studies have shown positive effects for observational learning concerning writing in a first language. This study investigates whether observational learning as teaching method can also be successfully applied to writing in a second language. An experiment was conducted in which forty students wrote experiment manuals. These manuals were executed by peers. This was videotaped. After seeing these video recordings the students revised their versions. There were two observational learning conditions. One group of students observed readers of their own manual. The other group of students observed readers of their peer’s manuals. The results show significant effects of observational learning. The students performed better on the revised version. No significant effects were found concerning the observational learning conditions. It does not matter whether students observe readers of their own manual or someone else’s manual. It does not have any effect on the improvement of the manual.