Alright Helen, we need to discuss how we are going to do this essay together.
Do you have your class notes from when the tutor explained the project?
Yes, I do, here they are. I have noted that there needs to be three parts in the essay.
Yes, so let's go through them one part at a time.
In regards to the introduction, I was thinking that we should do a review of the relevant literature here.
For example, presenting the theories that we have been discussing in class.
Yes, that's a good idea. For example, we could write a summary of Dowerton's theory of classroom-learning experience.
I found that quite an interesting paper.
It outlined strategies to improve engagement for students.
In the future, institutions will need to tailor classroom learning to individual students.
Would you like to write a summary of that?
1I could provide a similar summary of Salinger's theory. He has a sharp perspective on linguistics application.
Perhaps if we wrote around 500 words each on those two theories, that would make a good introduction.
Yes, I agree. Alright, next we need to document our actual research.
We have each been using a different approach to the research, so again we could each write half of this section.
2Sure. I have been using the scientific method, like using data from many previous studies on language education to reach my conclusions.
I have some really interesting data.
3Oh, mine originates from the artistic technique, I have spoken with many students, teachers and tutors to get their opinions on modern methods of language education. I feel this process has led me to a solid everyday understanding of how people perceive it.
I think we also need to report on the methods we used to collect data, which are interviews and inspections.
4Not really, inspections were in the plan, but in fact we opted for observations because it'd be more effective.
Oh yes, I'll correct it later.
In regards to the interviews, should we report that we expected to get 450 volunteers for interview, but that only 126 responded?
Most of them are from further education colleges.
5Yes, we need to note that in our essay, but remember it was 136.
I have to say that was very disappointing.
I wonder how we could have got more people to participate?
Perhaps next time we could offer a small prize – for example, participants could go into a draw to win one of ten cinema tickets.
That's a great idea, I think some kind of incentive would assist greatly.
6Also, I think that perhaps the research tool wasn't as good as it could have been, there was some confusion on what they should do, so they couldn't complete their assignments due to lack of time.
7Yes. I have also heard from at least ten students who have complained about unexpected issues with distance learning, such as being cut off during class due to internet connection problems, or experiencing slow progress in group work because people don't communicate much with each other online.
I've made a note of that. And Part 3 of the Essay – our findings. What would you say are the major findings?
I would say that during our research, a major problem was the bad design of the tool.
The fact that it was a bit clunky to use and not formatted well?
8No, I mean that some of the questions were useless and didn't even relate to the topic.
I am not sure who designed those, but perhaps we should have reviewed them and made some changes beforehand.
I understand your point.
So what are your thoughts on the differences in results between young students and older ones? Do you think that mature students have any advantages over younger students?
9Absolutely. Young people are less experienced and tend to be distracted, but older ones show more independence and so can focus on the course.
What do you think?
I couldn't agree more.
10For example, due to their life experience, they can often learn with multiple learning styles and effective methods.
Indeed. Well, let's get started on the essay, shall we?
Yes, let's begin.
