Being polite while fulfilling different discourse functions in online classroom discussions
ARTICLE
Diane L. Schallert, Yueh-hui Vanessa Chiang, Yangjoo Park, Michelle E. Jordan, Haekyung Lee, An-Chih Janne Cheng, Hsiang-Ning Rebecca Chu, SoonAh Lee, Taehee Kim, Kwangok Song
Computers & Education Volume 53, Number 3, ISSN 0360-1315 Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Abstract
Using a discourse analytic qualitative approach, we investigated the naturally-occurring discourse that arose as part of two kinds of regular course activities, synchronous and asynchronous computer-mediated discussions. The messages contributed by members of a graduate course were analyzed for the kind of discourse functions and the kind of politeness strategies they displayed. Results indicated that synchronous CMD afforded more information seeking, information providing, and social comments than asynchronous CMD. Asynchronous discussions were slightly more likely to allow for such functions as discussion generating, experience sharing, idea explanation, and self-evaluation functions than synchronous discussions. Proportionately the two modes were similar in how politeness was expressed. Finally, in relating politeness and function, we found more politeness indicators when students were posting messages with such functions as positive evaluation and group conversation management, functions that carried the potential for face threat, and the least politeness associated with messages serving the function of experience sharing.
Citation
Schallert, D.L., Chiang, Y.h.V., Park, Y., Jordan, M.E., Lee, H., Janne Cheng, A.C., Rebecca Chu, H.N., Lee, S., Kim, T. & Song, K. (2009). Being polite while fulfilling different discourse functions in online classroom discussions. Computers & Education, 53(3), 713-725. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved March 19, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/67287/.
This record was imported from Computers & Education on January 29, 2019. Computers & Education is a publication of Elsevier.
Full text is availabe on Science Direct: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.04.009Keywords
- asynchronous communication
- computer mediated communication
- Computer Uses in Education
- computer-mediated discussion
- Discourse Analysis
- Discourse Functions
- Discourse Modes
- Discussion Groups
- Discussion modes
- educational technology
- Foreign Countries
- Graduate students
- internet
- Interpersonal Competence
- Politeness
- Prosocial Behavior
- Synchronous Communication
- Web Sites