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Article Reports (article + report)
Terms modified by Article Reports Selected AbstractsEnvironmental conflict resolution: Evaluating performance outcomes and contributing factorsCONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 1 2009Kirk Emerson This empirical study of fifty-two environmental conflict resolution (ECR) processes is based on an evaluation framework that specifies key conditions and factors that contribute to ECR outcomes. Data were collected on a range of ECR processes and applications. This article reports on findings from a multilevel modeling analysis that focuses on three primary outcomes: reaching agreement, the quality of agreement, and improved working relationships among parties. Effective engagement of parties is identified as a major contributor to all three outcomes. Other key factors that operate directly and indirectly through effective engagement are involvement of appropriate parties, the skills and practices of ECR mediators and facilitators, and incorporation of relevant and high-quality information. Findings generally support the ECR evaluation framework. [source] Mediation by any other name would smell as sweet,or would it?CONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2009The struggle to define mediation, its various approaches This article reports on two studies. The analysis of the first study, a survey of 250 mediators, finds four distinct groups of mediator "clusters," based on self-reported strategies. These four clusters are described in detail and mediators' self-defined labels are then correlated with the four clusters. There is little consistency between the labels mediators give their approach and the cluster into which they actually fall in this survey. The analysis of the second study, which involved observation and coding of actual mediations, finds that those mediators who were observed to use any directive strategies tended to use mostly directive strategies and those mediators who were observed to use any elicitive strategies tended to use mostly elicitive strategies throughout the observed mediation case. This challenges the notion that mediators may use both directive and elicitive strategies together in the same mediation. [source] The impact of victim-offender mediation: A cross-national perspectiveCONFLICT RESOLUTION QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2000Mark S. Umbreit The field of victim-offender mediation, now in its third decade, has grown extensively throughout North America and Europe, with programs in more than twelve hundred communities. This article reports on results from three related studies on the consequences of participating in victim-offender mediation, including programs in four of the United States (Umbreit, 1996, 1994a, 1994b; Umbreit and Coates, 1993), four provinces of Canada (Umbreit, 1999, 1995c), and two cities in England (Umbreit and Roberts, 1996). VOM is implemented differently in various places, reflecting cultural norms and mores. Given innumerable ways of doing victim-offender mediation, are there common experiences shared among participants that can inform program delivery and justice policy? The VOM model was found to be a highly transportable and flexible program in diverse settings. High levels of client satisfaction with both the process and outcome were found, and a high level of fairness was expressed. VOM continues to be a promising model, reflecting the principles of the restorative justice movement and offering a firm foundation of practice wisdom and research from which other newer forms of victim-offender dialogue, such as family group conferences, circles, and boards, can benefit (Bazemore and Umbreit, 1999). [source] Effect of Cathode and Anode Voltage on an Ion Sheath Thickness in a Magnetically Confined Diffusion PlasmaCONTRIBUTIONS TO PLASMA PHYSICS, Issue 10 2007M. Kr. Abstract This article reports about the ion sheath thickness variation occurring in front of a negatively biased plate immersed in the target plasma region of a double plasma device. The target plasma is produced due to the local ionization of neutral gas by the high energetic electrons coming from the source region (main discharge region). It is observed that for an increase in cathode voltage (filament bias voltage) in the source region, the ion flux into the plate increases. As a result, the sheath at the plate contracts. Again, for an increase in source anode voltage (magnetic cage bias), the ion flux to the plate decreases. As a result, the sheath expands at the plate. The ion sheath formed at the separation grid of the device is found to expand for an increase in cathode voltage and it contracts for an increase in the anode voltage of the main discharge region. One important observation is that the applied anode bias can control the Bohm speed of the ions towards the separation grid. Furthermore, it is observed that the ion current collected by the separation grid is independent of changes in plasma density in the diffusion region but is highly dependent on the source plasma parameters. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] "IT'S GETTING CRAZY OUT THERE": CAN A CIVIL GANG INJUNCTION CHANGE A COMMUNITY?*CRIMINOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY, Issue 3 2005CHERYL L. MAXSON Research Summary: Civil gang injunctions are an increasingly popular gang suppression tactic. This article reports on the first scientific evaluation of the community impact of this strategy. San Bernardino residents in five neighborhoods were surveyed about their perceptions and experience of crime, gang activity, and neighborhood quality 18 months before and 6 months after the issuance of an injunction. Analyses indicated positive evidence of short-term effects in the disordered, primary injunction area, including less gang presence, fewer reports of gang intimidation, and less fear of confrontation with gang members, but no significant changes in intermediate or long-term outcomes except lower fear of crime. Comparison of this injunction area with a previous one suggested that improvements in neighborhood dynamics might accrue over the long term. Negative effects were observed in the secondary, less disordered injunction area. Policy Implications: This study suggests that the strategic suppression of gang member activities may translate into modest immediate improvements in community safety and well-being. Furthermore, the findings suggest that law enforcement use caution regarding the size of an injunction area and the type of gang targeted by the tactic. Coupling an injunction with efforts to improve neighborhood social organization and provide positive alternatives for gang members might substantially improve its effectiveness. [source] Participatory Communication with Social MediaCURATOR THE MUSEUM JOURNAL, Issue 1 2008Angelina Russo This marks a shift in how museums publicly communicate their role as custodians of cultural content and so presents debate around an institution's attitude towards cultural authority. It also signifies a new possible direction for museum learning. This article reports on a range of initiatives that demonstrate how participatory communication via social media can be integrated into museum practices. It argues that the social media space presents an ideal opportunity for museums to build online communities of interest around authentic cultural information, and concludes with some recent findings on and recommendations for social media implementation. [source] The Impacts of Supermarket Procurement on Farming Communities in India: Evidence from Rural KarnatakaDEVELOPMENT POLICY REVIEW, Issue 4 2010Bill Pritchard The rapid expansion of supermarket retailing, with its impact on farmer communities, represents a contentious part of India's recent economic development. This article reports on three districts of Karnataka, where a survey of 78 farmers supplying fruits and vegetables to Reliance Fresh, a leading supermarket chain, reveals low levels of vertical co-ordination, a lack of written contracts, and highly competitive environments, with the quality parameters used by supermarkets specifying only a limited set of conditions. These findings suggest that supermarket-led restructuring in India has not yet reached a stable institutional situation. [source] Participation and Impact of Poverty-oriented Public Works Projects in Rural MalawiDEVELOPMENT POLICY REVIEW, Issue 2 2002Ephraim W. Chirwa This article reports on factors influencing participation in the poverty-oriented public works programme in rural Malawi and analyses the determinants of the revealed positive socio-economic impact among the participants. The programme targets poor households through self-selection by offering a wage below the official minimum for rural areas. The empirical results show that most participants are poor and with little education. Probability of particpation is higher for members of female-headed households and households with longer periods of food insecurity, excess supply of labour, few assets and reservation wages below the wage offered in the programme. Taking account of selectivity bias, the impact of the programme increases with the gender (female) of participants and the numbers per household participating. [source] Identification, assessment and intervention,implications of an audit on dyslexia policy and practice in ScotlandDYSLEXIA, Issue 3 2005Gavin Reid Abstract This article reports on research commissioned by the Scottish Executive Education Department (SEED). It aimed to establish the range and extent of policy and provision in the area of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and dyslexia throughout Scotland. The research was conducted between January and June 2004 by a team from the University of Edinburgh. The information was gathered from a questionnaire sent to all education authorities (100% response rate was achieved). Additional information was also obtained from supplementary interviews and additional materials provided by education authorities. The results indicated that nine education authorities in Scotland (out of 32) have explicit policies on dyslexia and eight authorities have policies on SpLD. It was noted however that most authorities catered for dyslexia and SpLD within a more generic policy framework covering aspects of Special Educational Needs or within documentation on ,effective learning'. In relation to identification thirty-six specific tests, or procedures, were mentioned. Classroom observation, as a procedure was rated high by most authorities. Eleven authorities operated a formal staged process combining identification and intervention. Generally, authorities supported a broader understanding of the role of identification and assessment and the use of standardized tests was only part of a wider assessment process. It was however noted that good practice in identification and intervention was not necessarily dependent on the existence of a dedicated policy on SpLD/dyslexia. Over fifty different intervention strategies/programmes were noted in the responses. Twenty-four authorities indicated that they had developed examples of good practice. The results have implications for teachers and parents as well as those involved in staff development. Pointers are provided for effective practice and the results reflect some of the issues on the current debate on dyslexia particularly relating to early identification. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Lineage-specific transcription factors in unexpected placesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010David H. Munn Abstract Foxp3 is a transcription factor closely associated with the Treg lineage in humans and mice. In the immune system, Foxp3 appears highly specific for Treg, and is not known to be expressed by other immune cell types. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, an article reports that human DC transfected with ectopic Foxp3 unexpectedly acquire an immunosuppressive phenotype. Foxp3-transfected DC suppressed proliferation of naive T cells, and biased the differentiation of CD4+ cells into Treg-like cells that themselves expressed Foxp3. The molecular mechanism of these effects required functional activity of the immunoregulatory enzyme IDO. Thus, a transcription factor not native to DC nevertheless conferred elements of a regulatory phenotype following ectopic expression. [source] Advanced Heritage Learners of Spanish: A Sociolinguistic Profile for Pedagogical PurposesFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 2 2010Irma Alarcón Abstract: This article reports on an extensive survey administered to advanced heritage language (HL) learners to examine their language behaviors, attitudes, and backgrounds. To date, there have been no detailed categorizations of advanced HL learners to guide classroom instruction and curriculum design. Thus the present study is a first attempt to fill this gap by providing a sociolinguistic profile of these speakers, including their identifying characteristics, linguistic needs, and similarities and differences with lower-proficiency speakers. Survey responses indicate that advanced HL learners possess both productive and receptive skills in the HL, always use Spanish at home, are fluent speakers of a standard variety, already have basic academic skills in Spanish, and are therefore primarily interested in perfecting their academic writing skills. [source] Using e-Journals to Assess Students' Language Awareness and Social Identity During Study AbroadFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 1 2010Julia Aguilar Stewart Abstract: This article reports on a study that explored the use of e-journals to understand through students' personal narratives what factors (gender, living situation, classroom dynamic, social network) may have influenced their learning during the study abroad semester. Pretests on language measures were compared with posttest results, and information was gleaned from students' journal entries to assess possible relationships between a student's language gains and the development of his or her social identity during study abroad. In view of the call for more targeted assessment of program goals and learning outcomes by accrediting bodies in higher education, e-journals are proposed as a means of closely following students' progress and the factors that may be affecting their learning in the study abroad context. [source] The Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA): Connecting Assessment to Instruction and LearningFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 3 2006Bonnie Adair-Hauck ABSTRACT: This article reports on Beyond the OPI: Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) Design Project, a three-year (1997,2000) research initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education International Research and Studies Program. The primary goal of the project was to develop an integrated skills assessment prototype that would measure students' progress towards the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (National Standards, 1999, 2006). A second goal of the project was to use the assessment prototype as a catalyst for curricular and pedagogical reform. This paper presents the Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) prototype, illustrates a sample IPA, and discusses how classroom-based research on the IPA demonstrated the washback effect of integrated performance-based assessment on teachers' perceptions regarding their instructional practices. [source] An Algorithmic Approach to Error Correction: An Empirical StudyFOREIGN LANGUAGE ANNALS, Issue 1 2006Alice Y. W. Chan This article reports on the results of a research study that investigated the effectiveness of using an algorithmic approach to error correction to help Hong Kong English-as-a-second-language (ESL) learners overcome persistent lexico-grammatical problems. Ten error types were selected for the experiment, and one set of remedial instructional materials was designed for each error type. The materials were implemented with more than 450 students at both secondary and tertiary levels. Pretests, posttests, and delayed posttests were administered to test the effectiveness of the approach, and a plenary review meeting was organized to gather feedback. The results showed that the approach was versatile and effective and that the students showed significant improvements for the items taught. It is argued that form-focused remedial instruction is effective in enhancing learners' language accuracy in their second language (L2) output. [source] Social Movement, Action and Change: The Influence of Women's Movements on City Government in Mumbai and LondonGENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 2 2004Jim Barry This article reports on a research investigation into gender and local government in Mumbai in India and London in England. In both these cities female representation at the political level stands at around one third, achieved in London slowly in recent years and in Mumbai more rapidly through the adoption of a quota, or seat reservation system, implemented in 1992. In considering the experience of the women concerned it is argued that their presence and aspirations have been influenced through the networks of their respective women's movements, operating through civil society and the local state. In considering the ways in which they organize and manage the duties of office and their gendered identities, as well as in their focus on the most disadvantaged in their communities and in their dealings with others, the part played by social movements in influencing change is examined. [source] Notes from the Field: Gender Issues in the Management Curriculum: A Survey of Student ExperiencesGENDER, WORK & ORGANISATION, Issue 3 2000Catherine R. Smith A major Australian report recently criticized the relationship between the gendered culture of management education and business management practices, in an effort to reduce impediments to equal representation of women in management. It recommended a major overhaul of university management education, whereby institutions would review their own role in shaping corporate management cultures and practices, and raise awareness of gender issues in the classroom. This article reports on a subsequent survey that explored postgraduate business students' perceptions of gender issues in the management curriculum, and their effects on learning experiences. It suggests that a masculine ethos is perceptible in management education, which can disadvantage female and male students in different ways. The study suggests that greater awareness of gender issues should be a major consideration for management educators, to enable future managers to recognize and harness gender diversity in the workplace. [source] Implementing Spatial Data Analysis Software Tools in RGEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS, Issue 1 2006Roger Bivand This article reports on work in progress on the implementation of functions for spatial statistical analysis, in particular of lattice/area data in the R language environment. The underlying spatial weights matrix classes, as well as methods for deriving them from data from commonly used geographical information systems are presented, handled using other contributed R packages. Since the initial release of some functions in 2001, and the release of the spdep package in 2002, experience has been gained in the use of various functions. The topics covered are the ingestion of positional data, exploratory data analysis of positional, attribute, and neighborhood data, and hypothesis testing of autocorrelation for univariate data. It also provides information about community building in using R for analyzing spatial data. [source] Rhabdomyoma of the head and neck: Clinicopathologic features of two casesHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2003Gianfranco Favia MD Abstract Background. Extracardiac rhabdomyomas are rare benign tumors of the head and neck. They are frequently misdiagnosed and possibly overtreated when confused with other aggressive tumors. Methods. This article reports on the clinicopathologic features of two such tumors affecting adult patients and initially seen as slowly-growing, indolent neoplasms. Results. The tumors were of fibrous consistency, mobile, with well-demarcated borders and evident lines of cleavage. Both patients were treated by conservative surgery and remained disease-free after prolonged clinical observation. Histologically, both tumors were composed of large eosinophilic cells intermingled with polyhedral clear cells. Both cell types contained abundant glycogen accumulations. Conclusions. The differential diagnosis is with granular cell tumor and with sarcomas, the former being easily distinguishable morphologically, and the latter be seen with more rapid growth and adherence to the adjacent tissues. On the basis of the preceding features, rhabdomyomas can be suspected at a preoperative stage and adequately managed with enucleation or simple excision. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 700,704, 2003 [source] Using human rights-based approaches to conceptualise lesbian and bisexual women's health inequalitiesHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 4 2010Julie Fish PhD, Social Sciences Abstract This article makes a contribution to current debates in human rights-based approaches to lesbian and bisexual (LB) women's health. With reference to concepts embodied in the Yogyakarta Principles, it is proposed that the right to health includes access to health information, participation, equity, equality and non-discrimination. Specifically, the article examines how LB women's health can be considered as a health inequality and discusses international developments to reduce disparities. Drawing on qualitative data collected in an online survey, the article reports on sexual minority women's experiences of health-care. Participants were recruited via a purposive sampling strategy; questionnaires were completed by 6490 respondents of whom 5909 met the study criteria of residence in the UK, sexual orientation and completing the survey once. Analysis revealed four broad themes: heteronormativity in health-care; improving attitudes among healthcare professionals; equality in access; raising awareness and informed communities. The accounts highlight the centrality of human rights principles: fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy. The implications for healthcare policy and practice are discussed including ways to empower staff and service users with knowledge and skills and ensuring non-discrimination in health service delivery. [source] Report on accreditation learning sets in the West Midlands Region of the NHSHEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 4 2000Gwen Giles This article reports on the evaluation of the first year of a project, which utilized learning sets to support librarians undergoing the accreditation process, in the health libraries in the West Midlands region of the NHS. The West Midlands Health region is divided up into education consortia patches. Each group of patch librarians was allocated a local accreditation facilitator. The groups met regularly to discuss problems and progress relating to their library's accreditation. The results of the evaluation suggest that this is a valuable approach to use. The recommendations state that regular, frequent meetings are needed. Extra training and guidance would help the facilitators to be more effective in their role. [source] Knowledge transfer barriers between research and development and marketing groups within Taiwanese small- and medium-sized enterprise high-technology new product development teamsHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 6 2008Chung-Ming Huang This article reports on efforts to explore barriers to the transfer of knowledge from provider to seeker and the role of knowledge management strategies during the new product development (NPD) period. The study used the cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) framework from Hasan and Gould (2001) to examine the cross-functional knowledge creation process and details surrounding the concept of stickiness (Szulanski, 1996). Strategies we observed can be categorized as being classical or processual oriented (Whittington, 1993). We describe how NPD teams can reduce barriers by aligning strategies in the four knowledge-creation steps: socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization. This CHAT framework was verified on the basis of samples from 107 Taiwanese NPD teams. Results show that the barriers differed among stages within the NPD period. During the transfer process, the processual strategy reduced barriers to knowledge transfer during the planning, developing, and commercialization stages of the NPD period. In contrast, the classical strategy was shown only to have a positive effect during the marketing stage. Survey results also showed that the highly formalized communication model and periodic meetings advocated by Song and colleagues (Song, Sabrina, & Zhao, 1996; Song, van der Bji, & Weggeman, 2005) and Ingelgard, Roth, Shani, and Styhre (2002) were gradually replaced by bounded transfer and a less formalized approach. These preliminary results suggest that if team leaders can use classical and processual strategies in real time, the barriers to the transfer of knowledge from provider to seeker in the four steps of the NPD period can be effectively reduced. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Development and initial validation of an instrument for human capital planningHUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY, Issue 1 2008Kenneth J. Zula This article reports on development and validation of an instrument for use in human capital approaches for organizational planning. The article describes use of a team of subject matter experts in developing a measure of human capital planning, and use of exploratory factor analysis techniques to validate the resulting instrument. These data were obtained from a national survey of 494 human resource management and human resource development respondents. The article presents an instrument for assistance with human capital planning as a strategic human resource management tool and further reports on the initial validity and reliability measures resulting from the analysis. In addition, the usefulness of this instrument for human resource management and human resource development professionals is explored. [source] Development and initial validation of an instrument measuring managerial coaching skillHUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY, Issue 2 2005Gary N. McLean This article reports on two studies that used three different samples (N = 644) to construct and validate a multidimensional measure of managerial coaching skill. The four dimensions of coaching skill measured were Open Communication, Team Approach, Value People, and Accept Ambiguity. The two studies assessed the context adequacy, dimensionality, reliability, factor structure, and construct validity of the scale. Preliminary reliability and validity evidence of the scale was determined. Consequently, the coaching scale provides future researchers with a valuable tool to measure coaching skill in organizational studies, and it offers human resource development professionals a valid instrument to develop effective managers. [source] What makes a good project manager?HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, Issue 1 2005Mei-I Cheng There is a growing awareness within project-based sectors of the relationship between performance and managers' competencies. This article reports on research that investigated the competency profile of ,superior' project managers working within the construction industry, one of the most complex and dynamic project-based industrial sectors. The study combined an assessment of both their behavioural competencies and job-task competencies. The results reveal that while their job-task competencies are highly specific to the industry in which they work, the behavioural competencies of superior project managers are mostly generic in nature and apply to a range of other management positions. This research shows how it is practically possible to identify the competency profile of superior managers and utilise this framework for managing the performance of this key management group. [source] Employee wellbeing in call centresHUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, Issue 4 2002David Holman Call centres are often perceived to have a negative impact on employee wellbeing, mainly attributed to four factors: job design, performance monitoring, HR practices and team leader support. This article reports on a survey of 557 customer service representatives that examined the relationship of these factors to four measures of wellbeing: anxiety, depression and intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. One distinctive feature of this article is its focus on anxiety and depression, two major dimensions of wellbeing not addressed in call centre research to date. Results demonstrated that the factors most highly associated with wellbeing were high control over work methods and procedures, a low level of monitoring and a supportive team leader. Evidence also indicates that the level of wellbeing in some call centres is similar to that in other comparable forms of work. [source] The impact of Investors in People: a case study of a hospital trustHUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT JOURNAL, Issue 3 2002Irena Grugulis This article reports on case study research conducted in a hospital trust and explores the impact that the Investors in People award had on employees. Investors in People is widely seen as the principal mechanism for increasing workforce skills within a voluntarist system as well as supporting ,good' employment policies. Yet in this case study, as elsewhere, most of the ,soft' HR initiatives had existed prior to accreditation and the internal marketing of corporate value statements was met with both amnesia and cynicism. More worrying, training activity was focused on ,business need', which was defined in the narrowest sense, with the result that some employees had fewer opportunities for individual development. Motivation and commitment levels were high, staff were enthusiastic about their work and many actively engaged in training and development. But this owed little to Investors in People, and its impact here raises questions about its influence on skill levels more broadly. [source] The union recognition dispute at McDonald's Moscow food-processing factoryINDUSTRIAL RELATIONS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2005Tony Royle ABSTRACT This article reports on the union recognition dispute that took place at the McDonald's food-processing plant in Moscow. It examines this dispute in the context of McDonald's employment practices worldwide, the interventions made by international and local unions, and Russian government bodies. Despite these interventions it became impossible to either organise the workforce or establish a collective agreement. The case illustrates the difficulties facing both local unions and global union federations when confronted by intransigent multinational companies, especially in low-skilled sectors in transitional economies. [source] What's in View for Toddlers?INFANCY, Issue 3 2008Using a Head Camera to Study Visual Experience This article reports 2 experiments using a new method to study 18-to 24-month-olds' visual experiences as they interact with objects. Experiment 1 presents evidence on the coupling of head and eye movements and thus the validity of the head camera view of the infant's visual field in the geometry of the task context. Experiment 2 demonstrates the use of this method in the naturalistic context of toy play with a parent. The results point to the embodied nature of toddlers' attentional strategies and to importance of hands and hand actions in their visual experience of objects. The head camera thus appears to be a promising method that, despite some limitations, will yield new insights about the ecology and content of young children's experiences. [source] Intrinsically Worthless Objects as Media of Exchange: Experimental Evidence*INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC REVIEW, Issue 3 2002John Duffy This article reports results from an experiment that examines whether an intrinsically worthless, ,,token'' object serves as a medium of exchange in a laboratory implementation of Kiyotaki and Wright's search model of money. The theory admits Nash equilibria in which the token object is or is not used as a medium of exchange. We find that subjects nearly always offer to trade for the token object when such a trade lowers their storage costs. However, subjects frequently refuse to offer to trade the token object for more costly-to-store goods when the theory predicts they should make such trades. [source] The effectiveness of two form-focused tasks in advanced EFL pedagogyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS, Issue 2 2002María Del Pilar García Mayo Recent research on second language pedagogy advocates the use of form-focused tasks which require learners to produce output collaboratively. This article reports on the results of a study carried out with high-intermediate/advanced EFL learners who completed two form-focused tasks (a dictogloss and a text reconstruction) collaboratively. The learners' interaction in both tasks was codified and language-related episodes (LREs) identified. Results indicate that (i) learners' attention to form was task-dependent; (ii) the linguistic features of concern were those targeted by the tasks in the case of text-reconstruction, and (iii) high-intermediate/advanced learners provide no justification for most of the decisions concerning LREs. The results are considered in the light of current claims about the need for classroom teachers and researchers to carefully consider the choice of task and how learners interpret and complete it. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||