Analyze the language performance of insufficient litoracy learners based on the results of litoracy diagnostic
Submitted by:
Dongseop Kim
Abstract:
In this study, we propose the term "litoracy" to encompass written and oral communication ability. litoracy is a combination of literacy and oracy, and refers to the state or ability to speak, listen, read, and write evenly and proficiently. This study aims to develop a diagnostic system that can validly measure learners' litoracy, and examine the language performance of insufficient litoracy learners based on the diagnostic results.
To quantitatively measure learners' literacy, we defined listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as "the degree of proficiency" (the first definition) and "the degree of evenness" (the second definition). To compare the four language skills equally, a within-subject design with scaling was applied. Participants were 123 second-year middle school students living in Seoul. Students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills were measured using a test that can validly measure each skill. Based on statistical assumptions, it was reasonable to summarize them into a single dimension.
we held a litoracy class for 38 second-year middle school students living in Seoul. Measures of learners' litoracy skills, a survey of affective characteristics, a conversation analysis of class discourse, and an analysis of post-class reflection journals were conducted. By doing so, we aimed to explain the language performance of learners with sufficient litoracy according to the first definition, but with insufficient litoracy according to the second definition. The performance of these was compared to learners who were not insufficient in both the first and second definitions. We found that learners with insufficient litoracy in the second definition generally (a) preferred the language activity they were better at when given a choice of multiple language modes, (b) wanted to improve their skills in their preferred language mode more than their skills in the other mode, and (c) tended to have a wider range of tasks they felt more efficacy than in the activities they felt less efficacy.
This study emphasizes all four communication skills, advocates for a balanced improvement of communication skills, and develops a systematic assessment method to diagnose learners with insufficient litoracy skills.
(Key Words) literacy, oracy, litoracy, diagnostic system of litoracy, insufficient litoracy learner
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