GETTING STUDENTS ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN CLASSROOM DISCUSSION THROUGH TEXT-BASED CMC

Abstract

Language lab with computers has existed to help language learning since about 40 years ago. It has been used for second or foreign language learning. However, it does not automatically help students take part actively in classroom discussion. It needs a strategy that helps students actively involved in classroom discussion. This paper presents an action research project at Language Program at a college of Economics in Indonesia. This researchdeveloped text-based CMC (Computer-mediated Communication) strategy to make reluctant students participate actively in classroom discussion. This strategy consists of providing written materials and exercises on computersas well as written-feedback via computers. The activitiesdesignedinthisstrategyincludereading on screen, workinginsmallgroups, doinghomework, andworking on feedback. Thisstudyrevelaedthat text-based CMC instructional strategy wassuccesssfulinmaking students who were reluctant to involve themselves in classroom discussion become eager to participate actively in classroom discussion.Text-based CMC designedwithitsactivitieshelpedstudentsundertsandmaterialsmoreeasilyandincreasetheirmotivationtolearnEnglis h. TheircomprehensionandmotivationtolearnEnglishthenmadethemtotakepartactivelyinclassroomdiscussion.