Instruction of Spanish Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns through Task-Supported Videoconferencing Instruction

Abstract

Task-supported videoconferencing instruction emphasizes learner centeredness and experientiallearning in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Still, relatively few studies have addressed the useof specific linguistic structures in online courses from a task-based perspective. The present studyexamines the effects of an online task-supported module on the acquisition of direct and indirect objectpronouns in Spanish. These pronouns are used very frequently by proficient Spanish speakers,but are less used by Spanish learners because of their morphological and syntactic complexity. Theresults of this study demonstrate the benefits of using an online task-supported module speciallydesigned to promote the use of direct and indirect object pronouns in Spanish through videoconference.Participants used the target structures on many occasions without being prompted to doso. The results suggest that the task-supported module is a promising approach to the teaching ofgrammar.