Learners’ processes during pre-task planning and Working Memory Capacity

Maria da Gloria Tavares

doi:10.5007/2175-8026.2016v69n1p79

Authors

Maria da Gloria Tavares Universidade Federal do Ceará

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-8026.2016v69n1p79

Abstract

The present study is part of a larger scale research (Guará-Tavares, 2011, 2013) that investigates the relationship among working memory capacity, pre-task planning, and L2 speech performance. The aim of the study was to analyze 1) what processes learners engage during pre-task planning, and 2) whether higher and lower working memory spans engage in different processes during pre-task planning. Learners’ processes were accessed by means of think aloud protocols and a retrospective interview. Working memory capacity was measured by the Speaking Span Test. Results show that learners engage mainly in organization of ideas, rehearsal, lexical searches, and monitoring.. Moreover, higher spans employ significantly more metacognitive strategies during planning when compared to lower spans.

Author Biography

Maria da Gloria Tavares, Universidade Federal do Ceará

Maria da Glória Guará-Tavares is an adjunct professor of the Department of Foreign Languages at the Federal University of Ceará, where she is also the coordinator of the Distance Learning Degree in English Language and Literature. Her main research interests include the cognitive aspects of L2 speech production, Task based language learning, Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), and the cognitive aspects of interpretation in Brazilian Sign Language.