Flipgrid-based technology-enhanced DCT (TE-DCT) for eliciting nonverbal pragmatic data¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · 4 claims (4 for) · 1 study (1 design), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study

Description¶

A data-elicitation instrument in which each discourse completion scenario pairs a written description (in the participant's L1) with a 3–5 second video clip showing spatial elements such as "distance to interlocutor, bodily stance, and direction of gaze". Participants download the Flipgrid application, watch each prompt, and video-record their oral responses on their own phones, capturing nonverbal devices. Responses are coded in V-Note software using a feature-based gesture scheme. The article reports it was successful in capturing nonverbal attention-getters in the majority of responses.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Participants need a smartphone with the Flipgrid application and video capability; instructions tell them to prop up the phone for hands-free recording and include a tip to use words, sounds, motions, or actions

Constraints¶

• Course placement was used as the proficiency indicator, acknowledged as a limitation; gaze was not coded because participants faced the camera and no eye tracking was used; recording could be restarted, unlike real summons

Target Learners¶

• L1 Spanish speakers
• intermediate and advanced L2 Spanish learners at university level

Target Learning Goals¶

• pragmatic ability in the speech act of attention-getting
• nonverbal communication devices in L2 Spanish

Claims¶

• Facial expression was the most common nonverbal attention-getting device, and the open hand the most common hand gesture [+W]
• Mobile-application TE-DCTs capture nonverbal attention-getters in the large majority of both L1 and L2 responses across all scenarios [+W]
• Scenario type (social distance and power differential) did not appear to affect the overall number of nonverbal devices used [+W]
• L1 and L2 speakers differed in types of nonverbal devices used, with no significant overall difference in use between groups [+W]

Related Elements¶

• Reflective written journal plus semi-structured interview data collection instruments

Examples¶

• Integrate mobile-application TE-DCTs into L2 pragmatics instruction to build metapragmatic awareness of nonverbals

Key Sources¶

• Catherine Rockey, Jessica Tiegs, and Julieta Fernández. (2020). Mobile Application Use in Technology-Enhanced DCTs. CALICO Journal. https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.38773